UPDATE: This giveaway is now over. Congratulations to Tammy Stanford and Caryn Cicchitti!
Last week, I posted about the different types of heating stoves the Amish use to keep their homes warm through the winter. In The Winnowing Season, Rhoda is excited to rebuild her canning business in the new Amish settlement in Maine.
After researching how the Amish start and run a business compared to how we as non-Amish start and run a small business, I’ve seen a pattern that at times gives them the upper hand in becoming a success and hanging on to it. At other times those Amish ways work against them—at least for a season. I’ll cover some of the Amish small-business ways in the following months. But as Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob continue to learn, the road to a successful business is never easy.
Since the 1990s, the Amish population has increased greatly. The larger population combined with the struggling economy has made farmland more and more difficult to acquire, so that is one of the main reasons why the Amish had no choice but to begin moving away from farming and toward business ventures. Another main reason is that the church leaders would allow certain diesel engines and large air compressors to run machinery in small-business shops, but wouldn’t allow any modern equipment to be used in farming. So many Amish chose to take up running small shops to build things like furniture, prefabricated houses, cabinetry, outdoor storage buildings, timber framing, and much more.
The Amish have a high success rate in building small businesses. Only about 50% of new American small businesses will last five years, compared to over 90% of new Amish small businesses.
So, what makes Amish small businesses so successful?
- The Amish stick to what they know and already excel at. Most Amish small businesses revolve around skills that they have perfected over the years because of their lifestyle. Some examples are:
- Restaurant owners and cooks
- Furniture makers
- Builders/Carpentry
- Market stand owners
- Quilt makers
- Buggy makers and harness shops
- Dry goods store
- Horticulture/nursery
- The Amish focus on creating relationships with their customers, employees, and the community.
- The Amish do not compromise their values and beliefs just to improve business, but they are skilled at problem solving “inside the box.”
- The Amish are willing to work in less than ideal circumstances for years at a time to avoid debt.
- The Amish are willing to share a home with other family members or live above a carriage house if it means less financial stress while stabilizing a business.
Despite all these things, the Amish have to sacrifice to make their businesses a success. They lose family time as members of the family split up to go to different jobs instead of working together on a farm.
Their paced approach to life is interrupted by the hustle and bustle of the business world and deadlines.
The Amish face issues that only Amish deal with. One is the inability to have electricity in their business. There are ways around this if they partner with someone whose religious beliefs allow electricity, which will often be a Plain Mennonite. But many times an Amish business owner can’t find the right fit for taking on a partner.
Another challenge happens when the business requires traveling more than a few miles away from home, which is pretty typical. Then the Amish have to hire a driver for each trip to and from work. This is extremely costly. When I go to Pennsylvania, I often hire a driver of the Amish to get me from place to place, and it’s usually hundreds of dollars more expensive than my plane ticket. I’ll only use them for five or six hours in a week. (But for me, the perks outweigh renting my own vehicle for less. Amish drivers have their own insight and understanding of the Amish, so it can be another form of research.)
Probably the biggest struggle of all for the Amish, however, is dealing with the confusion that inevitably comes from having more exposure to the outside world. They have to make many difficult decisions about what technologies are or are not necessary for their business, and then they must struggle to keep those technologies for business only and separate from their private lives.
Book Giveaway
If you would like to enter for one of TWO chances to win an autographed copy of The Winnowing Season (book two in the Amish Vines and Orchards series), simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post on my website.
If you are reading this anywhere other than my website, such as on Facebook, in an email, or on Goodreads, please hop on over to my website (http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/2013/02/26/amish-home-fires/) and leave a comment at the bottom of my post to enter the giveaway.
Only comments left on this post on my website will be entered into the giveaway.
The deadline for this contest is Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at noon. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be contacted privately, as well as announced on next week’s post.
The book will be shipped to the winners once I receive my author copies of The Winnowing Season.
Book Giveaway Results
Last week, I gave away autographed copies of A Season for Tending and The Winnowing Season. The winner was chosen using Random.org, and that winner is Beth Russo. Congrats! Beth, please send your name and mailing address to cindy@cindywoodsmall.com to claim your books, which will be shipped as soon as I receive my author copies of The Winnowing Season.
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I enjoy reading your books.Living in New England as I read I feel like I am one of the English people living next door. Plus I love how you share some good recipes. I would love to win a book from you.GOD BLESS. Debbie Voelker
i loved the first book in this series, cant wait for the next. would love to win one
I’m looking forward to reading The Winnowing Season. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I can’t wait for The Winnowing Season to come out! Maybe I’ll even get to read it on my upcoming vacation!
Hi Cindy, I love your books and look forward to reading each one and I am very disappointed when they are over. Thanks Debbie
Cindy, I would love to be in this contest for your book. I clicked here where it says website and it took me to where it said march 5th. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Hi Cindy, Please enter me in the drawing for your new book. I love reading Christian novels, and I also enjoy your emails. Thanks so much for hours of good reading. Barb H
I cannot wait to read The Winnowing Season. Your books are wonderful!
I love your books, and I love the opportunity to learn more about the Amish way of life! I find the Amish to be very fascinating!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful words with us!
I want to enter to win your book. I have been reading your book’s since your 1st one came out.
I like to read books about the amish and how they find their way to God!
I just read one of your books and really enjoyed it. It’s always nice to read a good book. Thanks
I would love to win a copy of your new book.
Thanks.
Lucy
I’d love to win a copy of your book. Your books all have great insight to the Plain lifestyle.
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN. THANK YOU!!! DARPELK@COMCAST.NET
I always snap up your books as soon as they hit my local library’s shelf! Would love to win the two copies of this to share one with my parents who read every Amish book there is. (Dad grew up Amish Mennonite, speaks Pennsylvania Dutch as well as any native and still has Amish cousins so he particularly enjoys the Amish-themed books.) Loved “A Season for Tending” and am looking forward to “The Winnowing Season.” Thanks for the chance to win!
Would love to win this book if I can get past the error message. Fingers and toes crossed. Unfortunately, error message came up! Thanks for letting me send this email instead.
Waiting patiently for this one to hit the stores.
I can not wait for this book! I am like a kid waiting to go to the carnival. Then I sit and read the book cover to cover and then I am disappointed that I have already read the whole book. Your books are like no other.
I like the books you write.
I just love all your books…which seem more exact then a lot of other authors. Thanks
I can not wait to read A season for tending and loved it. You are a awsome author keep up the good work. May God Bless You
Can’t wait to read your new book, Cindy! Have a fantastic day.
Pick me! Pick me!
This is an awesome opportunity!
Would really like to win THE WINNOWING SEASON, or any of your books, for that matter. Love Amish fiction. sharon, san diego
I am a book-a-holic and have thoroughly enjoyed your books. I would LOVE to win! Thank you for the opportunity. God bless!
I love your books. and would love to win
joyofchrist777@gmail.com
Ooh! Please pick me! I would love to win an autographed book by you! May God bless you and you bless others through your books.
Oh, I can’t wait for this book to come out!! And would absolutely love to win an autographed copy!!
I would love to win this book!! I enjoy reading and your books are some of my favorite!
Can’t wait to be able to read this new book! Great read about the Amish businesses.
It would be fun to win!
I can’t wait to get a copy of this book!
I may be too late but I would love to win this new book
I have really been enjoying your book series, have read some of the books of each of your series. Thanks for the great post. This next book I would love to win! I enjoy your writing style.
Great post,I would love to win your books.Thanks
Sign me up!
I would love to win!
Thank you for such wonderful reading! I love your books. A new book would be great!
odayz98@aol:disqus .com
I would love to be entered into your drawing God Bless
I live near a amish furniture store. Beautiful! And they have bake sales end Christmas candy. Once we bought a raspberry pie and my little daughter described it as ‘pastry from heaven’! So cute!
Looking forward to reading it. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Really liked the first one!!
Love reading your books!
I like all the info on Amish small businesses. There are a lot of Mennonites here & each family seems to have a distinct small business. Thank you.
I love to win! but I love to read even more!!
Pick me ! Pick me ! I want this book sooooooooooo bad !!!!!!!! I can hardly wait to get my hands on the winnowing season !!!!!!!!!!
I love your books. look forward to reading this one too.
Thanks for the chance to win!
“Angel” Linda M.
Enter me please…THANKS!!!
Love your books!
I hope that I win this time. I love your books. Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com
Love your books Cindy….thanks for the opportunity to win this one
I can’t wait to get my hands on The Winnowing Season. Pick me! Pick me! =)
I WOULD LIKE TO WIN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THE WINNOWING SEASON.
tonja Schlosser
103 Estevan Dr.
Bismarck, ND 58503
I hope to win A book from you. I enjoy you very much You. God Bless. Debbie Voelker.
What an interesting article, Cindy! Thanks for posting…and I would love to be the winner of one of those books!
ncmom@carolina.rr.com
Can not wait to read this new series!
I definitely want to leave a comment…I have read the 1st book ‘A Season for Tending’ of the Amish Vines and Orchard series…….and I would love to win the 2nd book ‘The Winnowing Season’……..love Cindy Woodsmall’s wonderful books…..I am hooked on em…and I share this information about the wonderful books that Cindy Woodsmall writes with all my friends and co-workers too…such a warm relaxing feeling to sit down and enjoy Cindy Woodsmall books too.
I love your books Cindy, thank you for giving me a chance to win ” Winnowing Season” it sounds like a great book as all of your books are. Thank you for the information on the Amish Business it was interesting. Thanks again for the chance to win your book. God bless you and keep writing great books.
Norma S. n38stanforth@yahoo.com
I really enjoy reading your books.
Love your books, the inspirational messages, and the education you provide on the Amish & Mennonites.
I read A Season for Tending and LOVED it, and would enjoy reading The Winnowing Season as well. Thanks for the opportunity.
Looking forward to reading this series! So interesting and heart warming!!
I would love to win. I read every night. I love your books for one to learn more about the Amish and Father God always has some thing to show about myself….little nudges in areas to change.
I just love the colors on this book, it is sooooooo pretty. Hoping to win. God Bless You for being such a talented writer and letting me share with your books and stories
Love to win and love your books!!!!
Looking forward to some more of Rhoda’s story and would love to get an early copy.
I love your books Cindy!They show what doing things amish is really like!
i just cant wait to get this book.
Would love to read this book!
It is always good to read about anything you write. Would love to win this book.
Thanks for sharing your insight and experience and the interesting article on Amish small businesses. Thanks, too, for the opportunity to win one of your books.
i love these stories
Love your books.
Would so love to win one of these, it looks so interesting.
Donna Young
Really enjoyed A Season for Tending ! Thanks for offering a chance to win the 2nd book!
Love your books! Can’t wait for the next story about Samuel and Rhoda and the gang!
I love visiting Amish small businesses. At the present time I am looking at a corner TV cabinet that I haven’t been able to find any place else. I love their pastries and cheeses. So, I will really enjoy reading this story.
I love your books and the information you’ve shared about Amish businesses. I’d love to win a copy. Keep up the good work, Cindy.
Love your blogs and contests.
Not sure…did I already leave a comment? Since I don’t know, I want to be SURE to be entered for a chance to get your newest book!!!
That was very interesting! I’m so glad you share this! I look forward to reading your latest book!
I loved this article on Amish small businesses – -very informative. I’d also love to win a copy of your book.
Love your books anxious to read this one…
That was very interesting about the Amish businesses. I never would have thought about their unique challenges! Thanks for the chance to win! mickinakm@gmail.com
I love your blog about Amish small businesses! Also I would love to win one of your books.
I am so looking forward to your latest. All have been so good. Thanks, wendy_bailey@embarqmail.com
I so need a new book to read. Love yours!!!!
I would love a copy of your book!
Thank you for a chance to win. I love your books!
Its interesting to read about what makes them successful and some of the pitfalls. Thanks for putting me in the drawing!
Love reading all your books. Please enter me in the drawing for The Winnowing Season. Thank you!
I’d love to win a copy of your book!!!!!!!
angelicamac77@msn.com
I would love to win one of your books, I have them all except the last two.Been sick a lot and not able to get out but Hoping to soon
All your books are awesome
I would love to be considered for the drawing! Thank you!
I would love to enter! Enjoy all your books,Cindy! Thank you.
My wife loved your last book she won and autographed thought I would try for her another
Your books are a blessing! I welcome a chance at winning one! Thanks!
I have the 1st book and would love to win an autographed book of the 2nd in the series. Thank you for writing about the Amish
Would love to win. Midbe@aol.com
I love your books. I would love to add another to my collection.
I read your books all the time. I love them. It would be wonderful if i coulld win one. My husband thanks I spend to much money on books I only read christen one.
I love your books. I would love to add another one to my collection.
The book sounds like another good one, and of course I would like to win it.
Thanks for the contest . Would love to win this book . Love your books
Love the blog, books and chance to win!
I have read the first book and would love to win this one, too:):)
I would love to Win!!! <3
I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
i would love to win
Thanks again for the opportunity Cindy. Would love to win. Be blessed
Can’t wait to read it!
I am looking forward to this book. I would love to win this book!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
Jdb8420@aol.com
I would love to win a copy of the winnowing season book 2 i have read all your books so far and loved them all .i hope you never quit writing.judy
Love your books
michelle
4conti@oh.rr.com
Hope I win! Thanks for the opportunity.
Would love to win a copy! I love your books!
Great books, I love the Amish way of life.
Love your books!
Interesting information. We live near Amish, and they are even more different as they don’t have shops to sell from. They make their item and then take them in town on Saturdays to the Farmers’ Market. I would love to win the book!
I enjoy reading about the Amish, and I would really like a copy of your book. THANKS
I love your books Cindy & would love to win one of these <3 Thank you
Love your books and the info in your blog very informative. I don’t live near any amish community but have come across an amish store when I was traveling and was wondering if there is an easy way to tell if they are legit?
Wow, what a great post! I love learning more about Amish businesses, and this was a great way to. =)
thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com
So glad the new book is coming out. I have read all your Amish books, and you make the reader feel as though they are part of the story. Such great description of Amish life. Hope I am lucky enough to win!! Blessings to you!
How exciting! I haven’t read any of your books, but my daughter and her friend LOVE them. I’m entering for my daughter! Thanks for the great giveaway!
jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
Awesome post and giveaway! I’m so excited to read The Winnowing Season… I just finished A Season For Tending and can’t wait to see what happens to Rhoda, Samuel, and Jacob. =) Thanks for the chance to win!
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win one of your books!
Thanks for the info about Amish Business. I would love to win.
would love to read your new book…..great author..great books
Love your books!
Love all your books and is looking forward to this book as well
So excited that there is another book coming out- you have never disappointed me in anything youve written! You are amazing!
I would love to win one of your books! They are wonderful!
I love all of your books! Can’t wait to read this one!
Please enter me in the contest to win a copy of The Winnowing Season.
Thanks!!
Can’t wait to read your new book. They are the best.
Love your books! And would love an autographed copy of this book!
Love all the information you give us through your blog and book on the lives of the Amish. They are beautiful, simple people…..May you continue to be blessed!
Love your books! It would be wonderful to win this giveaway.
Love, love, love your books. Looking forward to the next one. If I’m not a winner, I’ll still buy a copy.
Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity!!!
I enjoy reading your books and would love to win this.
I haven’t read in awhile so depressed just can’t,but I would like a chance to win your books maybe it would help me
I love your books and would be so grateful to win one of them. God Bless !!
Would love to win your book!
Would love to win a copy of your book! Can’t wait to read it! And can’t wait for the Amish Auction near Chambersburg, PA this May!
Just finishing reading A Season for Tending and absolutly love it. I can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season.
Would love to win a book! love your stories.
Would love to have an autographed copy!!!
I would love to win your new book. I have been looking forward to it coming out.
Oh yes, most certainly……I would love to have a signed copy of your newest book!!! I love all of your books. Thank you for the opportunity to have this new book with your autograph…..God bless you richly!!!!
Patti Abresch
patriciaabresch@yahoo.com
I love your books and would love to win a copy. My Aunt Sue and I both love reading your novels. I am very jealous that she got to meet you a book signing. I wish you would come to Anchorage, Alaska for a book signing.
How interesting! I think it is important to remember that the Amish are successful in their small businesses because of all the other parts of their lives – being Christ centered is vital
I would love to win one of the books. I just read the Sisters of the Quilt series and absolutely loved them!
I want to win a free copy
I enjoyed reading the first book in the series and can’t wait until the Winnowing Season comes out!
I would love to win! I love all of your stories!
I love going to Amish businesses. We went to some while vacationing in Michigan this summer.
Just started reading your books and I am addicted
Would love to win! Love your books! Marilyn @ nelson4him@gmail.com
I would be ecstatic and honored to be the winner of your books. I love to read and have many of your books .
Yes, I would love to win one of these books.
Can’t waiy to read this new story.
Loving the sound of this book. As far as Amish businesses , I’d much rather buy anything from them home or hand made than anything processed or mass produced! You just KNOW you are getting quality stuff!!
I would love to win this and thank you for the chance!
sounds as great as your others
I would love to read this I love all your books
I love your books and would love to win one. Thank You and please keep the good books coming . Connie Rowand
I would love to win.
I am reading book 1 right now and would love to have book 2!!!!!
please enter me!!!.
Count me in on a chance to win your book. I love your books. Please and Thank you!
Hi, I would Love to win this book. My first Amish book to read was When the Heart Cries, and I just fell in love with Amish novels from then on. I could not wait for the next book to come out, I preordered it and read it in one night as soon as I got it. Now I can’t wait to read, The Winnowing Season!
thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book
Oh I would love to win a copy of this book.
I would love to win the book!
Would love to win this
!
– Tina Watson
WOW!!! very interesting information Cindy and gives me a better understanding.
I would love to win a copy.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing! I love all of your books about the Amish!!
Oh I am so excited about this book, I love your stories Cindy.
anicka2178@gmail:disqus .com
Anna Sanford
Thanks for sharing! I love all of your books about the Amish!!
I am sooo looking forward to this book!
I’d love to win !!
I want one!!
Pick me!
I cannot wait to read! I would love an autographed copy for sure
Love your books. I think you are so talented. Keep writing
Love your books enjoy reading them and passing them on
This is very good information on how the Amish start and run their businesses! I look forward to reading more of your posts and books.
Reading Sisters of the Quilt trilogy now and loving it.
I can’t wait to see how things turn out for Rhoda!!! Thanks for sharing Cindy!!!
I would love to win this book! I love all of your books but I would have to say A Season For Tending is my favorite! I can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season!
I am just so fascinated by the information you reveal in your fictional stories. Thank you for the education! Would love to have a copy!
That was interesting to see how the Amish Succeed in their Business’s…. Thanks for sharing. I am writing in hopes that I might just Win one of your books…….. Put me down for an entry or TWO! LOL….. Thanks so much, Blessings to you! Mary Brown
I would love to win one of your books. I love your writing!
I love to read these novels. They are really great
The new book is going to be GREAT!
I love your giveaways! Always want to win your books. Thanks and God Bless.
donnac.taylor@hotmail.com
Hoping to win the books, I have to say honestly you are my favorite author!!!
Enjoy reading all of your books. Would love to win the contest!
Hoping you have a wonderful weekend your are a good author.
I have always been a ‘why’ person which made this article just great! You answered so many questions that I’ve thought about. Great article. Fingers crossed on the book!
I would love to win,Enter me!!!
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond[dot]12[at]gmail[dot]com
N.C.
I thoroughly enjoy reading books pertaining to the Amish. I enjoy learning new and interesting things about the Amish from each book I read. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books!
I’m sure the Winnowing Season is a great book!
I haven’t read the first in the series, but I’m sure I can get my hands on a copy!
Thanks for the interesting article about the Amish and businesses, Small businesses are hard to get up and running and trying to do it debt free is great!
Please choose me for your a copy of your newest book! I really enjoyed reading the first book in the Orchard Series. Thank you for the opportunity.
please enter me in the contest for a chances to win an autographed copy of The Winnowing Season (book two in the Amish Vines and Orchards series.Thanks for having the giveaway.I enjoy reading your books.
I love reading about the Amish – and I love your books!
I always find your posts interesting. Thanks for the tidbits of information! And please enter me in the contest. I can’t wait to read your new series!
I would like to reply to Wlbp56 below……I don’t think the Amish work for less at all. I have purchased lawn furniture from them, a beautiful queen sized quilt, mouthwatering Dark Chocolate Coconut Bark, potholders, dolls, organic popcorn, and various and sundry items from shope in and around Lancaster County. Their work in everything is superb and not cheap and it is worth every penny you spend to buy it. Their embroidery is so perfect you would want to frame it. Prior to visiting that area, I thought people must be crazy to pay so much for their quilts…….you understand when you see the quilts…..they are exquisite and museum quality and they do not sell them for less……unless it is someone new to learning the craft and it is less than near perfect.
Congratulations, Cindy, on another great series! I am deep into reading “A Season for Tending” and would soooooo appreciate the 2nd book arriving in my mailbox. I am still praying for a fourth book to Sisters of the Quilt with good news about Hannah and Paul.
I found your post extremely interesting. I admire the Amish way of life, their faith, and their willingness to work hard. I had no idea the cost of hiring drivers such as you do and the Amish do was so expensive. I’ve read A Season for Tending, and I am anxious to see where The Winnowing Season takes Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob. I would love to win an autographed copy.
I’ve often wondered if part of the “Amish success story” is that they are simply willing to work harder, for less. It seems to me that most Amish are looking to earn an honest living, rather than to get rich quick.
(I’d love to win a copy of your book.)
I would love a copy! Really enjoyed the first book.
This sounds like a great book. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I would love to win a copy of The Winnowing I love your books!
I love the Amish shops! So special and blessed!
I really enjoyed “A Season for Tending”, and am looking forward to the sequels!
Yes, I would like to win a copy of The Winnowing! I love your books, thank you for the chance to win one.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I LOVE their baskets. I have some (plan to get more) and love the idea they sign the bottom of them and even put the age if it’s a young child… Priceless…..
This is an extremely interesting article. I’ve always admired the Amish for being so successful and wealthy, despite their humble means of earning a living. And the quality of their crafts are well-known!!! Thank you!
Can’t wait to read The Winnowing Season. I’m anxious to see how things work out with Rhoda. I look forward to meeting you when you visit PA. I loved Rachel’s Country Store. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Linda McFarland
I would love to win an authographed copy of The Winnowing Season. I’m looking forward reading it. Thanks for the opportunity to win.