This is the last lesson in the free online course dedicated to teaching you how to start and run a successful apiary and make money from keeping bees and harvesting honey.

These are the five things I did right and the ten things I did wrong when starting my beekeeping business.

Let's start with what I did right.

#1 - I worked for a commercial apiary.

You might think that you don't have the time to work for an apiary because you're running your hives and working a full-time or part-time job. Of course! But, once you're ready to quit your job and work for yourself full-time, first, work for another, larger apiary to get a feel for what works and what does not. Not only will you learn a lot, but you'll make some great contacts and it safe save you money! Yes, you work for someone else, you let them make the mistakes and then you see what not to do the easy way, without it costing you anything.

#2 - I got to know other beekeepers

When I went to a farmer's market, I talked to the beekeeper there. I tried their honey. I gave them a compliment on something they did that I liked. I started a local beekeeping association. I followed other local beekeepers on instagram and facebook and I worked for two apiaries in the area before starting my own and kept in touch with them. 

The reason why getting to know other beekeepers is helpful is because people think that if you're a beekeeper you do everything - harvest honey, do comb honey, harvest pollen and propolis, sell bees, give classes - but you don't! When someone contacts a beekeeper asking about a service they don't provide, theyn might say, "No, I don't do that, but I know a beekeper who might. Why don't you try..." Referrals are \a great way to build a business.

#3 - I Had a Focus

You can try a variety of products to see what you enjoy and what there is a demand for, but it really helps to have a niche product you're known for and that you're the bests at. It is a lot easier to get referrals when you're known for something.

#4 - Tell a Story

Have a story to tell so that people remember you. Figure out what makes your business/product/you unique and turn it into your story. Tell people your story. Incorporate your story into your company name and brand and labeling. Use every opportunity to share your story with others. People love buying a product, especially if it is a gift, if it comes with a story.

#5 - Find Passive Sources of Income

this one took me a long time to figure out, but I eventually learned that my business wasn't going to make much money, and I was going to burn out fast if I didn't find a passive source of income. A passive source of income is what we call a way you are making money that isn't dependent on you and your time. Teaching an in-person class where you are there in front of a group of students is not a passive source of income. You are limited to how much money you can make because there are only so many hours in the day that you can physically work and teach. However, when you start to incorporate ways to sell something that isn't dependent on your time, then you can start to increase your income without also increasing your stress and anxiety levels. For me, it was creating an online course that I could create once and then sell an unlimited number of enrollments to without costing me additional time or money. For other beekeepers, it might be selling beekeeping equipment, selling advertising on your popular podcast or blog.

The 10 Things I Did Wrong When Starting My Bee Farm

#1 - Sell Wholesale

Although you make less per item when selling a product wholesale over retail, you make up for it in the fact that you sell more of each item. Wholesale clients are the number one source of income for every commercial apiary I know.

#2 - Sell at the Farmers' Market

I'm not a fan of doing markets. It takes a lot of time and honey tables don't usually sell as much as other market tables. Not everyone eats honey and even if they do, it is not something they consume quickly and need more of a week or two later. However, a farmers' market is a great way to network with other farmers, share resources and meet chefs and buyers for restaurants and stores.

#4 - Include Your Friends and Family in Your Business and Ask for Help

I kept my business a secret for awhile from my friends and family. They knew I had bees and sold honey, but I didn't share with them my website or ask if they could share my honey website with their friends. I regret doing this because when a family member did email their friends about my business, it was the highest selling month in years! 

#5 - Make sure your honey tastes good

It's hard to get a customer back once they've tried your product and it wasn't that good. If your bees are in an area where the honey they're bringing in doesn't taste that good, move them. 

#6 - Spent too Long Trying to Make It Perfect

All The Tools You Need To Build A Successful Online Business

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