I begrudgingly admit I was once of the “Wal-Mart” mindset that cheaper was always better – no matter the circumstances (or long lines). But after visiting many mom-and-pop businesses around my city, I started to build an extreme loyalty to them, and I wanted to see them thrive.
And it appears many homegrown businesses are benefiting from mindsets like mine.
This CNN article, “Made in America. Stayed in America,” tells the story of five American businesses and how they’ve resisted outsourcing. The owners’ promises to keep their companies from going overseas have helped keep and bring in new customers.
Landscapers have an even greater opportunity to “be local.” Not only are their crews in the same country as their clients, they live and work in the same cities. Marketing a personal, local business can really help set landscapers apart and help them build strong relationships with customers.
Whether it’s hanging family photos in their offices, having a dog greet customers on the jobsite or talking about community events, landscapers should take advantage of the daily face-to-face interaction they get with their clients.
It might sound simple, but in an age where outsourcing has become the norm for many companies, providing personable service can keep your clients loyal to you and your business – instead of turning to the mow-and-blow guys who might outbid you.
