Got the job but...

[jklawncare]

So ive been in contact with a potential customer and i finally sold him on using our company.

Im 16 as alot of you know but im very mature and have a very large grasp on how to handle and run this business..let alone cut a lawn.

We decided to meet at his house on thursday between 4 and 5 to get the paper work signed and to start our first mow.

However..he dosnt know im young..i have a very deep voice and i seem as professional as possible on the phone.

Im worried when i get there he will think twice about using us..and the bad news is..my car is in the shop..so ill be showing up with equipment in hand..hes only a couple roads down though..

any suggestions? anyone faced this situation?

[mark123]

At least borrow a truck to show up in.

[brian'slawncare]

I know how you feel, I'm only 12 and I face that choice alot. I would probably borrow a friends pick up truck or rent one. you can prob get one from enterprise

[SuperiorPower]

All I can say is be honest and upfront with potential customers. Customers like businesses that are honest. Even if you are honest but they perceive you as being dishonest, they will get a sour taste.

It may even be an angle to play: "I am a student and am trying to make some money this summer to buy blah, blah and to gain valuable life and business experience....."

[CHEESE2009]

What are the chances your customer will be home during the first few days of service anyway?

Excuse,

"You are so close to my place, I mind as well save a few bucks on gas & just walk on over! ... And I'm trying to lose a few extra pounds!"

[jklawncare]

well the first date hes scheduled to be home to get our agreement signed..i told him my car was in the shop and i wont get it until the weekend..and the losing pounds thing..i need to do the oposite..im skinny and muscular..i want more fat on there lol..158 pounds of 6'4 skin bones and abs..lol

[picframer]

I agree with Eli, tell it like it is and if the quality of the work is there, age should not matter, I have been an entrepreneur since I was 11, my son started at 12, age was never an issue for me other than when I worked at the bank, as I received promotions it didn't sit well with older longer term employees, it was tough for a few years but they finally came around.

[Steve]

This is a great topic. No matter what your age is, you are always concerned how you will be taken. Am I too young, am I too old.

Ultimately you have to remember this is all in your head. We are talking about lawn care, not brain surgery. If a 15 year old said he wanted to cut open your head, you would think twice, but we have ALL been 15 or are going to be 15 coming up and we know the deal. A home owner is not going to be concerned about this. More likely than not, they will feel good about seeing a teenager who is a go getter and be happy to hire you.

So don't sweat any of it. If your car is in the shop, no big deal, it's in the shop. Walk over. If you don't have a car, that's ok too, who cares? The customer just wants you to be dependable and do a good job.

I think Eli nailed it when he said you should play it up. It's a great marketing angle.

Keep us posted on how it all goes. But remember don't sweat it. What ever makes your situation unique, that's what you should market to stand out from others. Use it to your advantage!

[brian'slawncare]

I agree with steve and Eli
I am young as I said earlier and I am limited to people in my neighborhood or anyone I can walk to. Do I have a truck? No! Im only 12 i cant drive! besides the homeowner may like oyu beter than big commercial people because they may feel that you will do it with care. I have lost multiple jobs because of my age (actually i lost one last week to kid a year older than me) but you can make up for the "-" of the age and put a "+" in by acting responsible and proffesional.
keep us posted on how it goes!

GOOD LUCK!!

[SuperiorPower]

Something else, just be yourself. If you have ever heard the song "act naturally" that is what you need to do. Don't try to act bigger, better, more mature, less mature, etc. Just simply be yourself. I guess this is kinda what I was trying to say yesterday.

[Steve]

You know what would be great, if you put together an article about this topic and sent it into the local newspaper. Talk about how it is tough being a teenager when you are trying to run your own business.

I bet they would do an article on you and that would bring you a lot of attention.

[brian'slawncare]

thats a brilliant idea!!
it would also advertise

[kdexpd]

JK,
What Steve suggested is a huge opportunity for a major growth in your business. If I were you, I would do this immediately!! You are looking at some serious publicity here with the chance of even getting interviewed by your local TV stations. This is the kind of publicity us bigger outfits would foam at the mouth for!! Have you ever priced radio or TV advertising? Don't be shy! Shy doesn't get you the things you want in life. Take a chance here and you won't be sorry! Get with your parents or family or even a writing teacher at school even, and get something written up. Be sure and mention the name of your company several times in it and then take it up to the newspaper and TV station.

[Steve]

Yea that is a great idea. Go to your english teacher in school and ask them for help in putting something together to send into the paper would be fantastic!