1. Make hay while the sun shines.

Timing is critical. If you pick your fruit too soon, you get a stomach ache. If you pick it too late, you have compost. Identify the part of a buying cycle you are in and act accordingly.

2. You never know where the seed will fall.

Demonstrate your values and qualities at all times. Those who can be cultivated will notice and emulate. Those who can't will reveal their true nature to you sooner this way.

3. Snails in May, gophers in June, drought in July ... if it's not one thing, it's another.

There will always be challenges. It is what you do about them that matters.

4. Some plants make it, some don't.

If a customer fails to flourish under your relationship, take it personally. Make sure it was not your blame. Then be like the sun and shine equally on all. In nature, it’s a sad but simple fact:
Some make it. Some don't.

5. "Amended soil" still smells like steer manure.

Don't get bogged down in euphemisms or politically correct thinking. Talk to customers clearly. Stick to the point. Know when to shut up.

6. It's not called a nursery for nothing.

Everything is delicate at the beginning. With a new customer, a new prospect, new projects and new acquisitions, take extra care!  Pamper seedlings.

7. Every garden has a snake or two in it.

Every business has a snake or two in it. Surprisingly, many turn out to be beneficial.

8. A vine is really a glorified weed.

Some of the most surprising things take off! Be open to everything and everybody.

9. Tall plants in the back; short plants in the front.

Use your resources wisely. Segment your customers and other key constituencies. Don't ask from someone something they can't give.

10. Plants need sunshine, nourishment, patience and rain.

Don't sweat the small cycles. Keep your eye on the harvest!