The Best Landscaping Business Advice I Ever Got!
Hey! Hear me out if you're just starting out or you're in the 1, 2, 3, 4, maybe five-year mark and not making the money you want.
Growing a lawn care business is tough. You might start with lots of energy and hard work, but that alone might not get you the success you're hoping for. Here's how you can make your business better and make more money.
Starting Out: Hard Work Isn't Everything
When you're just getting your lawn care business off the ground, it's natural to throw yourself into the work with all your energy. You might find yourself working from dawn till dusk, tackling every job you can get your hands on, and pushing yourself to the limits.
This dedication is admirable and necessary, but it's crucial to understand that hard work alone might not lead to the success you're hoping for.
The Importance of Working Smart
Working smart is just as important as working hard. This means being strategic about the jobs you take, how you manage your time, and where you invest your resources.
It involves setting clear goals for your business and creating a plan to achieve them. For instance, rather than accepting every job that comes your way, evaluate which ones are most profitable and align with your business goals.
Building a Solid Foundation
In the early days, focus on building a solid foundation for your business. This includes:
- Understanding Your Market: Research your local market to identify the services in high demand and the needs of your potential customers.
- Creating a Business Plan: Outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. A well-thought-out plan will guide your decisions and help you stay focused.
- Investing in Quality Equipment: While it's tempting to save money by buying cheaper equipment, investing in high-quality tools can improve your efficiency and the quality of your work.
- Developing a Marketing Strategy: Establish your brand and start marketing your services. Use a mix of traditional and digital marketing techniques to reach a broader audience.
Learning Continuously
The lawn care business is always changing because new customers, tools, and trends come out all the time.
Stay informed about the latest developments in your field. Attend workshops, seminars, and trade shows. Connect with other lawn care professionals to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Continuous learning will help you adapt to changes and find innovative ways to grow your business.
Embracing Technology
Technology can significantly enhance your efficiency and professionalism.
Use software for scheduling, invoicing, and customer management.
A professional website and active social media presence can also attract new customers and keep you connected with existing ones.
Balancing Quality and Quantity
While it's important to take on enough work to sustain your business, never compromise on the quality of your services.
Satisfied customers are likely to become repeat clients and refer others to your business. Focus on delivering exceptional service with every job, no matter how small.
In conclusion, while hard work is essential, it's not the only ingredient for success in starting a lawn care business.
By working smart, focusing on quality, continuously learning, and leveraging technology, you can build a sustainable and profitable business that stands the test of time.
Making Changes: It's Time to Try Something New
When your lawn care business isn't growing like you want it to, it might be time to try something new.
Doing the same things and expecting better results won't help. It's smart to look for bigger jobs that pay more money.
Look for Bigger Work
Bigger jobs can make you more money. Here’s how you can start getting those jobs:
- Find Out What People Want: See what lawn services people really need and which ones make the most money.
- Learn New Things: Sometimes, bigger jobs need you to know more or have better tools. It might be a good idea to learn new skills or get new equipment.
- Tell People What You Do: Change your ads to show you can do big jobs. This can help you get customers who want bigger projects done.
- Make Friends in the Business: Knowing people who can recommend your business for big projects is helpful.
- Ask for the Right Price: If you’re doing bigger jobs, make sure you’re asking for enough money. Your work is worth it!
Be Ready to Change
The lawn care world keeps changing. To keep up, you need to be ready to change how you do things. Listen to what your customers say and watch for new trends.
Don’t Be Scared of Trying New Things
Change can be scary, but it’s often needed to grow your business. You don’t have to change everything at once. Try new things one step at a time and see how they work.
In short, if you want your lawn care business to do better, you might need to start doing things differently. Look for bigger jobs, be ready to learn new things, and don’t be afraid to change. This can help your business grow and make more money.
Focusing on High-Value Jobs
One significant change could involve shifting your focus to larger, more profitable jobs. While smaller tasks might have helped you get started, larger projects often offer better profit margins and the opportunity to showcase the full range of your expertise. This doesn't mean you should immediately turn away smaller jobs, but rather start strategically targeting and bidding for projects that promise higher returns.
How to Shift Focus:
- Market Research: Understand which services in your area are in high demand and less saturated by competitors. This could be specialized landscaping designs, installation services, or maintenance contracts for commercial properties.
- Upgrade Your Skills: Larger projects may require skills or equipment you don't currently possess. Consider investing in training for yourself and your team, and gradually acquiring the necessary tools.
- Revise Your Marketing: Tailor your marketing efforts to attract the type of clients you're now targeting. Showcase your capabilities for handling bigger projects through your website, social media, and advertising.
- Networking: Build relationships with contractors, real estate developers, and property managers who can recommend your services for large projects.
- Pricing Strategy: Ensure your pricing reflects the value you provide, especially as you take on more complex jobs. Don't underprice your services out of fear of losing bids; focus on the quality and value you bring.
The Importance of Adaptability
Embracing change requires adaptability. The lawn care industry, like any other, is subject to fluctuations in customer preferences, technological advancements, and economic conditions.
Being adaptable means staying informed about industry trends, listening to customer feedback, and being willing to adjust your business model as necessary.
Overcoming Fear of Change
Change can be daunting, especially when it involves stepping out of your comfort zone or making significant investments in your business.
However, growth often lies on the other side of fear. Start with small steps, measure the outcomes, and adjust your approach based on what works. Remember, every successful business has had to navigate change at some point.
In conclusion, the realization that you need to do things differently is a turning point for your lawn care business.
By focusing on high-value jobs, embracing adaptability, and overcoming the fear of change, you can set your business on a path to greater success and sustainability.
Change isn't just necessary; it's an opportunity to redefine your business and achieve your goals.
Growing Bigger: Facing New Challenges
As your business gets bigger, you'll face new problems. Growing a business isn't just about doing more jobs; it's about doing better jobs that make more money and keeping your customers happy. This might mean taking on bigger projects that can be scary but also bring in more money.
Tips for Growing Your Business:
Pick the Right Jobs
Not all jobs are created equal. Some will bring in more profit than others. It's crucial to identify which services are in high demand and yield higher profits.
For example, specialized landscaping projects or regular maintenance contracts might be more lucrative than one-time jobs.
Do some market research to find out what your customers are looking for and which services your competitors are charging more for. Focus on these high-value services to maximize your earnings.
Get Better at Marketing
Marketing is all about getting your business noticed and convincing customers to choose you over the competition.
Start by improving your online presence.
This means having a professional website, being active on social media, and making sure your business is listed on local directories.
Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews online. Word of mouth is powerful, but in today's digital age, online reviews can make or break your business.
Consider investing in online advertising, like Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to reach potential customers in your area.
Take Care of Your Team
Your employees are the backbone of your business. A skilled and motivated team can significantly improve the quality of your services.
Offer competitive wages and invest in training to keep your team's skills sharp. Recognize and reward their hard work and dedication.
When your employees feel valued and part of a supportive work environment, they are more likely to go the extra mile for your customers, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.
Use Technology
Technology can streamline many aspects of your business, from scheduling jobs to communicating with customers.
Use software to manage appointments, track job progress, and invoice clients. Apps can also help you route your teams efficiently, saving time and fuel. Embrace social media and messaging apps for quick communication with clients.
Investing in the right technology not only makes your operations more efficient but also enhances the customer experience.
Raise Your Prices
As you invest in your business and improve the quality of your services, don't hesitate to adjust your pricing accordingly.
Many business owners fear losing customers if they raise prices, but as long as the price increase is justified by better service, most customers will understand.
Regularly review your costs and the market to ensure your pricing reflects the value you provide. Communicate any price changes to your customers transparently, explaining the reasons behind the increase.
By focusing on these areas, you can set your lawn care business on a path to growth and success.
Remember, growth is a gradual process. Stay committed, be patient, and keep striving to improve every aspect of your business.
The End Goal: A Business That Lasts and Makes Money
By being open to change, making hard choices, and focusing on growing smarter, you can turn your lawn care business into something that makes good money and lasts a long time.
Remember, success isn't just about working hard. It's about working smart, valuing what you do, and always trying to get better.
Lastly - Here are the links I mention in my video here!
About Jobber CRM:
- I recommend using Jobber to help run your business smoothly. It's a tool that helps with scheduling, invoicing, and managing clients. If you go to getjobber.com/kalfas, you can try it for free for two weeks and get a big discount with my special link.
My Podcast:
- I'm excited to talk about growing a business and the challenges that come with it. I'm turning these talks into a podcast called "The Untrapped Podcast." You'll be able to listen to it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, whether you're working or just hanging out.
Training Employees Guide:
- Training employees was a big challenge for me. So, I made a free guide called "The Four Steps to Training Employees." You can download it at keithkalfas.com/4steps. It's a step-by-step guide to help you train your team effectively.
Help for New Landscapers:
- If you're new to landscaping or want to get better this spring, I've got a free three-video series for you. It teaches you how to start a landscaping business, the right mindset, and how to handle a busy schedule. Check it out at keithkalfas.com/landscapingseries.
Workshops and Social Media:
- I hosted a live two-day workshop called "Level Up Your Landscaping Workshop." I plan to do more, so make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated. Also, follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @KeithKalfas for more tips and updates.
Let me know in the comments what you think!
