It may just be over

[Organic Ken]

That job is a bad example because it is a postage stamp yard. Not the type of job you want to base your business plan on, but would still be profitable. That yard only takes 15 min. thats $50 per hour - whats the problem? and yes you will need to do 10- 15 jobs per day, 5 days a week to make $$$ in this business.

When I was doing residential, I did 70+ lawns. Some were postage stamps and some were 3 or 4 hours a week and I did them by myself - no employees!

the problem is that if you need to make 3,000 in order to quit your job, that will never happen. you might be able to build it up to 1,000 per month or so but then when you quit, youll have to live on that 1,000 until you build it up to 3,000 which may take a year or two. the other alternative would be to buy an existing route, if you can find one.

[jasonw]

Originally Posted by Organic Ken

the problem is that if you need to make 3,000 in order to quit your job, that will never happen.

Which is exactly why I am leaving this business. Shoot I make more money on YouTube now than anything ells and I actually enjoy that, Never have to deal with customers as well lol

[jasonw]

I guess on a bright note, I have some super sweet equipment to work on my own yard with.

[jasonw]

Anyone ells want to chime in? It's been a while.

[avetslawncare]

Give it up, with that attitude, you will not make it

[LawnBoy0311]

I tried to help him, but he stopped emailing me.

My advice- hang up the boots, bro. Move on.

[jasonw]

With what attitude? The one that wants to actually make money?

Lawnboy, I never heard back from you after our last exchange via email.

[ringahding1]

Originally Posted by CHEESE2009

After three years, you will learn enough to make the fourth year count.

The first year is just a total mind-fck, so much information is being processed.

The second year, you begin putting things into practice, avoiding the mistakes of year one.

The third year, you know how things should be, and how to run the ideal company... but there is not enough time to prepare for the season.

The fourth year is where you make money, and put final touches on how your company should operate.

-

In my time, I've learned many things that helped me improve:

Year 1
I learned that people generally suck, everyone is cheap and willing to take advantage of me to receive a lower cost. My ads sucked, and I didn't put in enough effort (I just didn't know where to start).

Year 2 (worst year)
I realized my mistakes from year one. I avoided all crap work, and put my foot down and denied service for those who refused to pay on time. It was a bad year, I became 'Hitler' of lawn maintenance. If you missed a payment, you were dead to us. People panicked, and we got rid of a LOT of business. I was generally happier without the headaches, but I had no money.

Year 3.
I realized my mistakes from year 2... I didn't want to lose business by firing ignorant clients like last year, so I had them all pre-pay with post-dated cheques. I no longer had to chase them around for money, or worry!

Because they were all forced to pay properly, I had less stress. I didn't cut lawns thinking, "I'm wasting my time, I'm probably not going to get paid for this"... Instead, the passion for my work came back!!! I felt great cutting grass again, and this made me feel better as a businessman. I was now willing to go after more work.

Year 4 is all about perfecting year 3. Knowing something is working, at taking advantage of it!

Completely Agree Cheese! You must know your prices before stepping foot on any property. Your mindset should be second nature when estimating any job! Soon you will be at a point where you can actually pick and choose clients, you will know who are going to be the good payers.

[jasonw]

Originally Posted by ringahding1

Completely Agree Cheese! You must know your prices before stepping foot on any property. Your mindset should be second nature when estimating any job! Soon you will be at a point where you can actually pick and choose clients, you will know who are going to be the good payers.

He did hit on some good points, my 2nd year was full of non paying clients who were great payers the first year. I am a little confused as to where to go now though, I have virtually no business and next year will be my 4th. Do I start fresh like it is the first year or try to make it my 4th and first profitable year?

[ringahding1]

Originally Posted by jasonw

Do I start fresh like it is the first year or try to make it my 4th and first profitable year?

Well, I hate to sound like your 3rd grade school teacher, but yes! ! If this is something you have a real love & passion for, Start over!
Take the past 3 seasons and learn from them. I cannot guarantee your success, but Hansens Lawn Care (Now a True Friend through this endeavor)has provided for his family after this season ~ Truly his first real season in business!

Do not get me wrong, your market may be different than ours, but clearly you see other companies making it in your area, right? So WTF can't u?

The offer still stands man regarding your website...you just pay for hosting and your domain and I will help you SEO the iiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssshhhhhh out of it! !! This winter will be perfect for this!

Do not take this the wrong way either, but stop playing thumb war with yourself and accept that you are at a cross roads and most people will NOT offer you anything FREE!

If you are not willing to work as hard or harder than me, then forget it!