"Life must be understood backwards; but... it must be lived forward."Soren Kierkegaard
|
| |
Assembly Work At Home Scams Many people who need extra money would like to work from home. Unfortunately, some companies cheat people out of their money by preying on this desire to make money from home. Most work at home "opportunities" look like legitimate ways to make extra ...
"Square One: Personality Impacts Job Fit" Recently, one of my friends (let's call her Martha), the president of a very successful distribution business, lamented the firing of one of her key associates (Phyllis). Phyllis had been hired as a customer service rep in a new, telephone-based customer ...
The Eye of the Storm I've been publishing a newsletter for over 3 years and I've been actively marketing and running an online business for almost 5... needless to say, I've seen a lot of trends come and go and definitely know all about lulls and surges.I know all of us would ...
|
|
|
| |
"The Basics of Starting a Lawn and Landscape Company"
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print,free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A copy of your publication would be appreciated.
The Basics of Starting a Lawn and Landscape Company Article by Kevin Whiteside Copyright 2005 by LawnForum.com
My goal is to bring lawn and landscape professionals great information, advice, tips,and strategies. I love this business and want to see others learn, grow, and be successful.
You have picked a great field to be in. The SERVICE Industry. The service industry can survive in tough times alot easier while other business such as retail have rent, employees, or big expenses.
You can start a lawn & landscape company with little capital, but you must become an expert in your business as your customer will turn to you for advice.
Read as many books on this industry as you can get your hands on. Just 1 idea from a book could make or save or you thousands of dollars.
I recommend starting with good landscaping books that describe *all the plants, shrubs, and trees *tells the environment they can live in *how to care for them
Plus, you should read basic business books. I majored in sales and marketing in college and still learn something valuable in every sales and marketing book I read.
I have seen many owners of companies have great service and great employee management, but neglect the marketing side. After your business gets going marketing should consume about 90% of the business.
If you are just starting, don't go after commercial accounts until later. One reason is commercial accounts pay 30 -60 days out. You can't afford to keep your money tied up that long. Residential accounts pay immediately. Plus, if you go after commercial accounts early you may greatly underbid or realize you don't have the equipment to handle it.
I recommend not being the lowest price in the neighborhood. You want to sell yourself and service. Professionalism is ALWAYS key. Look neat and wear a uniform. Don't get caught off guard without business cards, fliers, and a clipboard.
If a potential customer needs an estimate always try and meet with him face to face. This is better because of 2 reasons: 1) You have a much better chance of getting the account 2) If you get the account, try and up sell additional services.
This is much better than looking at a potential clients lawn when he is not home and calling him with a quote. You have failed to make a connection with him and all he knows is a voice.
I can guarantee that if you do a great job, maintain professionalism, and market your services you will eventually have all the work you can handle.
Best of Luck!
About the Author:
Kevin Whiteside is the owner and editor of LawnForum.com Monthly, an online newsletter for lawn and landscape professionals. Get a FREE subscription here mailto:LawnForum@aweber.com He is also the author of "Turn High Grass Into Cold Cash- How to Start the Ultimate Lawn Service" http://www.GrassToCash.com
About the Author About the Author:
Kevin Whiteside is the owner and editor of LawnForum.com Monthly, an online newsletter for lawn and landscape professionals. Get a FREE subscription here mailto:LawnForum@aweber.com He is also the author of "Turn High Grass Into Cold Cash- How to Start the Ultimate Lawn Service" http://www.GrassToCash.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Dungy book due out in February - Indianapolis Star Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy is writing another book, set for release in February. Titled “Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance,” the book is being co-written by Nathan Whitaker, who also assisted Dungy with “Quiet Strength: The ...
Jerome Corsi, anti-Obama author, detained in Kenya - Times Online A leading American neo-conservative author has been detained by immigration authorities in Kenya as he tried to launch a book smearing Barack Obama. Jerome Corsi, of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth fame, was this morning being held after failing to ...
Fight over ‘light cigarettes’ begins in US - Economic Times WASHINGTON: Lawyers for the biggest US tobacco maker went before the Supreme Court on Monday to argue that Washington is to blame if anyone felt tricked into thinking that light cigarettes are less dangerous than regular smokes. If the highest court ...
Neiman Marcus selling a piece of Dallas Cowboys history - Dallas Morning News This Christmas, Neiman Marcus offers holiday shoppers a chance to bring the Dallas Cowboys’ end zone to their own back yard. On Tuesday morning, the Dallas-based luxury retailer unveiled featured items in its annual Christmas Book to news media at ...
Entertainment Industry Veterans Headline Platinum Studios Advisory ... - Forbes LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Platinum Studios, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PDOS), an entertainment company that controls an international library of more than 5,600 comic book characters which it adapts, produces and licenses for all ...
|