LANDSCAPING BUSINESS
The Basics of Starting a Lawn and
Landscape Company
by Kevin Whiteside
Copyright 2024 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
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A Dozen Tips for Producing
Low Allergy Gardens
by Thomas Leo Ogren
What we plant often has a direct effect on our own health
and the health of those near us. A pollen-producing male
tree in our own yard will easily expose us to ten times
more pollen than would a similar tree growing just down
the block. This can be compared to second-hand smoke.
It is possible to inhale some smoke from a person smoking
a block or two away from you, but it is hardly the same
as someone smoking right next to you. It is the same with
plants. If your own yard is full of allergenic plants,
then you will be exposed most.
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