We are currently accepting applications for TLC’s 2013 Landscaper of the Year contest, sponsored by Case Construction Equipment.
Here are a few business tips from 2012 finalists Nikos Phelps, owner of Utopian Landscapes.
Don’t stop learning. Don’t ever stop asking questions to other contractors and industry members. It’s amazing the amount and quality of information you can get from those who have already been in your shoes.
Give back. Your business wouldn’t be possible without the support of your clients and the community. Let them know they are appreciated and give back accordingly. You’ll feel good about and your clients will appreciate the fact that their landscaper is civic minded.
Don’t forget where you came from. It’s tough to lose sight of where it all began when things are going well. Sometimes you need you rely on those original skills to get your through the tough times. With that, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who was in your shoes a few years back.
Along the lines of that one – Keep your eyes on the prize. Develop some goals and work toward them. Don’t let some speed bumps get in the way. Why are you doing what you do? Where do you want to go with this?
Believe in your product. How can you sell someone something you don’t believe in? If you believe you have (and do have) a quality product, let people know it. Your clients will feel your energy and excitement, and look forward to working with you on it.
Employees are key. When you find a good employee, do what you can to keep them. Let them know they are a valuable part of the team. Refer to your company as a “WE” (you and the employees), not an “I” (just you). It shows your employees you are a team and shows your clients that you value your employees. Without them, it’s just you.
Underpromise, overdeliver. Or deliver as promised. It’s easy to promise the world tomorrow, but you better deliver. Remember when you told that client you would have their quote to them tomorrow and tomorrow is now yesterday? They do. Best thing to do is get it to them today when tomorrow is still tomorrow! Whatever you do –do whatever you said you would. People don’t forget that and it can go a long way towards client loyalty.
Find some ME time. When you are getting things off the ground, it can be 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. But this isn’t sustainable. MAKE time for yourself and family and stick to it. If it means working 5 long days, or leaving evenings free – do it. No exceptions. It will go miles for your business and your family.
Lead by example. Want your employees to respect you even more? Be the first one in, last one to leave. Be out there in the trenches with them. Take the jobs no one else wants. And before long, they will see this be the ones taking the jobs that no one wanted before. Nothing is beneath you – it is YOUR business.
Don’t stop learning. Don’t ever stop asking questions to other contractors and industry members. It’s amazing the amount and quality of information you can get from those who have already been in your shoes.
Give back. Your business wouldn’t be possible without the support of your clients and the community. Let them know they are appreciated and give back accordingly. You’ll feel good about and your clients will appreciate the fact that their landscaper is civic minded.
Don’t forget where you came from. It’s tough to lose sight of where it all began when things are going well. Sometimes you need you rely on those original skills to get your through the tough times. With that, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who was in your shoes a few years back.
Along the lines of that one – Keep your eyes on the prize. Develop some goals and work toward them. Don’t let some speedbumps get in the way. Why are you doing what you do? Where do you want to go with this?
Believe in your product. How can you sell someone something you don’t believe in? If you believe you have (and do have) a quality product, let people know it. Your clients will feel your energy and excitement, and look forward to working with you on it.
Employees are key. When you find a good employee, do what you can to keep them. Let them know they are a valuable part of the team. Refer to your company as a “WE” (you and the employees), not an “I” (just you). It shows your employees you are a team and shows your clients that you value your employees. Without them, it’s just you.
Underpromise, overdeliver. Or deliver as promised. It’s easy to promise the world tomorrow, but you better deliver. Remember when you told that client you would have their quote to them tomorrow and tomorrow is now yesterday? They do. Best thing to do is get it to them today when tomorrow is still stomorrow! Whatever you do –do whatever you said you would. People don’t forget that and it can go a long way towards client loyalty.
To learn how to become a finalist in Total Landscape Care’s Landscaper of the Year program, click here.
