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[WeedTerminatorTom]

Originally Posted by Steve Hi Tom! Welcome to our forum! What kinds of lessons do you feel stood out from the previous times you ran your lawn care business and how might you do things similarly or differently this time? Hi Steve! The first two times were about ten and fifteen years ago, during transitional times in my life. Once, when I had come home from overseas, and the second when I graduated from college, and my police and fire department applications weren't working out. I had a great time! Now, I'd like to remain my own boss, and do this every year. Back then, I didn't know what I was doing, and admit I didn't care too much, as I just viewed it as a way to make some cash until I found a regular job. Now, I would like to be my own boss, and do this every year for a long time. My attitude is the first improvement. Today, there are so many more resources available so much more freely than just ten years ago. This forum is a real treasure trove, and I hope I can re*****cate the help you've already provided. Back then, a friend of mine just gave me the idea to go knock on doors and cut weeds for residents, and I ran with it. I kept my receipts in a goldfish bowl, and never kept track of whether I was making money or not. Now, I'm a much better student, and have much more interest in learning the right ways of running a business. I've downloaded and listened to "Stop Lowballing," and have subscribed to the GopherHaul podcast. I really enjoy listening while I'm getting things done, much more than sitting down to read. I've set up a business bank account, gotten business licenses in the cities where I intend to work, and will soon change from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, and get some good insurance. I've joined the Chamber of Commerce in one city, and will attend city hall meetings on weed abatement issues. With all this to do, I'm actually glad I have begun earlier in the year. If I was busy working, I might neglect it all. I think I should clarify, I haven't begun a full Lawn care service, but am specializing in a niche of clearing brush and overgrown weeds to prevent fire hazards, as well as to help property owners come into compliance with county and city weed abatement programs. If you don't already know about this, I hope it's something valuable I can contribute. I've looked up city council meeting notes about weed abatement programs in the area, and learned that the city will inspect certain properties, and require the owner to clear out vegetation that could present a fire hazard. Ideally, the owner will get it done on their own initiative, but if not, the county will hire out somebody to do it. The figure local to me was $113.83 per hour per worker for hand work, just doing line trimming. The figure multiplies to several hundred dollars per hour when discing and tractor work are involved. Per hour. The costs are added onto the property tax, and the property is listed in the weed abatement program for three years, so these property owners are motivated to get this work done! I'll do it for less than the county charges. I found the information by googling "weed abatement + (city name)." If they have a weed abatement program, it may be something like this. They publish a list of properties in the program, and there's my list of prospects. And the most important improvement of all I'm making now? Cleaning up my own neglected yard! xD Thanks again!

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

And the most important improvement of all I'm making now? Cleaning up my own neglected yard! xD Thanks again! I think that is something most often overlooked! Everything starts with a core and works it's way outward. If your lawn looks great, then it will create a buzz that will spread down your street and from neighbor to their family and friends. Make your yard look fantastic and it will become a calling card for more work to come your way. That is great thinking!

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