A young mechanical engineer in the citrus growing area of the Eastern Cape has come up with a citrus crate transport or fruit burn hauler that will help to optimise farming. Where before a tractor would take a load of one crate of citrus (weighing approximately 450 kg) the fruit bin hauler can take four crates which is close to 2t.
You can just imagine the benefits that this fruit bin hauler provides for farmers. It gives a 400% increase in payload, speeds up the process of harvesting citrus fruit and has other associated benefits in providing an opportunity for the citrus to dry which prevents damage.
The interesting thing for other entrepreneurs who wish to find problems and develop solutions for them is how a fresh perspective can work in your favour. The young mechanical engineer came from the sawmilling industry and was able to see the problem of citrus harvesting from a new perspective. It’s important to look at developments in other unrelated industries because this may hold the potential for coming up with new solutions.
New solutions to new problems are always required. They provide an opportunity for the sharp entrepreneur. In whatever state the general economy is in, new problems are source of opportunity. I recently spoke to a business person who mentioned that while many markets were being hit by the economy, one service station owner has increased his turnover significantly. The service station owner found that he could provide customers with the opportunity of repairing they existing motor vehicles because many car owners are cash strapped and are forgoing the purchase of new motor vehicles. This service station has catered for this market and is doing exceptionally well.
If you want to come up with more viable business ideas, it might pay to find out what is happening in other markets and industries through business and trade journals, visit specialised trade exhibitions and speak to people in other industries. A problem solved in one industry could provide a great opportunity in another. Make sure you discover that solution before others do.
