I just started the class 3 weeks ago.

Chanda

I dont think that in a 6 month program that one could expect to be able to run a business afterwards. Also, as with anyone taking a MGC, I dont know what tools(learnings in hort) you had prior to going into the program, so where as to your ability to be able to allow more (geometric probabilities) of learning may be more limited. Knowing more trade secrets or manipulation techinques in the trade is all I can see of its purpose.

For example, if you knew absolutely nothing about gardening, was sheltered from the dirts and bugs all your life, you never even thought that composting was something that you might want to do, well...you get the point- ones learning is only as strong as the weakest link in the class. Lick playing tennis, your game improves with who you play with, and nobody wants to be slowed down when they are learning well and having fun.

When someone with a background and experience of milage in moving soil and plants around, being responsible from seed to shinning seed (sow to harvest and collects the seeds they grow), then if that person understands economics and business, understand what is required in energy and time as a commitment and responsibility. Its a dance that would have had to almost be in stepping towards that direction way before any masters program. HOwever, There are those magical moments when the support and knowhow just unfold at your feet and it happens. But. it would not be a norm is my guess.

Sometimes titles mean nothing. I believe in word of mouth.
Aint no title gonna keep clients, but an honorable service with knowledge and experience is highly more valuable inMHO.

I wouldnt respect anyone with less than 7 years in the business and I would want them to be doing the business out of passion and joy more than as a way to capitalize on a market. My gardens are like personal statements, living and breathing enities that give and recieve the respect that they are. I plant each plant with the hope that this may help bring a little more peace to the world and I plant it as if I believe that one plant with help to promote us all a little closer to world peace.

What most people don't understand about starting a new business, even if they have taken business courses AND they have taken courses in the type of business they want to start is how the two relate. I worked for a company for about 7 years before starting my own company (not in the gardening field) and I never would have thought how hard it could be. I have now been in business for about 3 years and things are going well. This is also not my first business.

I guess what I am trying to get at is just because you learn about....say fishing...and you learn about running a business....dosen't mean you will be able to run a sucessful fishing business. You will have a far better chance of being sucessful if you go work for someone doing what you want to do and learn the ropes, from the ground up. THEN go try and do it for yourself.