Connect with Other Landscapers

As I have attended more and more events where I get to meet and greet with landscapers from all across the country, I have heard over and over again how landscapers are desperately trying to find ways to connect with one another.

I have discussed in previous blogs the idea that communication is key within a company, but communication is also key when an owner of a business is trying to learn how to grow.

We have put on a program called Landscaper of the Year for the past several years, and we have heard from many of our winners and finalists that the best part of the all-expense-paid Bahamas cruise is the two-hour roundtable discussion that occurs on the second day.

We, like many other organizations in the landscaping industry, are trying to help landscapers connect, communicate and learn from one another.

After the cruise was over back in November, we decided to focus on using social media as an important tool in helping all of our finalists connect. We created a secure group on LinkedIn specifically for landscapers in our Landscaper of the Year program.

We went and found all of our landscapers and invited them to be a part of this group. Now, not only is our 2013 group connecting, but that group is now connecting with landscapers who participated in the program three, four and five years ago.

Other organizations like PLANET have also created ways for landscapers to connect, including PLANET Peer Groups.

The group focuses on leadership training, strategic alliance buildings for CEOs, as well as an opportunity for landscapers to come together to share skills and ideas.

By creating a safe forum for landscapers to discuss concerns, PLANET has created a way for landscapers to grow his or her business and learn from others who may have more experience.