Another idea for autumn jobs.

[justmike]

i styled this one in a single day from ordinary nursery stock (juniperus chinensis -variety unknown)...it looks a bit bare in this picture since it was just styled...the next spring it really sarted to fill out...and then it was stolen...too bad, because finding nursery stock junipers w/ such an appealing trunk curvature and girth is very rare, this would have been a nice tree...i assume who ever took it has no clue on how to care for it properly and most likely it has already met its demise...

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Oh I am very sorry about that! I am amazed at all the work that goes into this! Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] ]as for incorporating into a business...i really wanted to do this, to have a small bonsai nursery and all that, but the time involved vs. the potential market willing to pay you for your time is not at all economical...for me it is better to keep as a hobby, sell a couple here and there, and do comission work (which i have done and is actually quite fun)... i am considering however incorporating it into an about us section...that would be unique, perhaps set me aside from others and demonstrate my dedication towards perfection and horticultural practices (god i love that word horticultural, gots a ring to it) thank you for the idea, i never thought of it, but now is sounding more and more appealing... I am thinking a logo with a Bansai in the center. Then maybe you could have videos where you talk about it and then sponsor a group that you teach about the process. You could open it to the public. You could then create displays and show them off at your local library or at other places to generate interest. You could also talk about it on local tv and radio stations. With all of this attention, it would certainly bring more attention to your lawn care service. Depending on your area, maybe you could find a profitable service in attending to a person's Bonsai. But the main profit center would have to come from Bonsai or Bonsai services, although it could later. You might want to use it to show your interest and love in such a hobby and that would ultimately bring you more attention for all the other services you offer. I think it is a great spring board. You could also maybe run classes on it too!

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[justmike]

thanks for the support...however, i think you are overestimating my skill in the area...i also think it could be a usefull springboard, but instead of trying to establish myself as something i am not (an experienced bonsai artist) i was thinking about highlighting general horticultural practices gained through bonsai...this way, i could explain to people via several different types of media, that transplanting in the fall is not ideal beacause, blah, blah, blah...i think it would be wonderfull at setting myself apart and adding credibility...of course to obtain a goal not of bonsai (hobby) but of grounds maint. (job)...the idea is two fold...it is marketing i suppose, but not really marketing per se...i would call it educating...everybody wins...if they choose to listen and complete a project themselves, and it works from my advice, not only have i done my job, but i have just created a ton of credibilty and a potential for that person to spread the word about my knowlegde (not every one will want to take on the project theselves)...and if they choose not to listen, i have (according to the post) a 25% chance of the project failing...this adds more credibility and almost ensures a client...kinda like 'told u so' w/o speaking...i gotta lot to think about as far as my next steps are...but you have got me thinking...

on a side note...when i have enough room, i may start raising some on a condensed scale...in about 3 yrs, i could easily create (not masterpiece) but marketable bonsai (mall-sai, as they are called in the bonsai community)...market these in and around holidays for gift ideas (what do you get grandma for christmas...then you see a small display with 25-50 dollar price tags...and your thinking "what grandma dosnt like cute plants?") that kinda thing...the cost for me to purchase, style, and care for a 'bonsai for 3 years would be less than 15 bucks bucks, so im looking at at anverage of 50% profit...then you get into the services of caring, transplanting, etc...i think it could work...best thing is, while they are purchasing, they are seeing my truck, trailer, logos, etc, for other services...now they are coming to me instead of me looking for them...sounds good to me!

[Steve]

I think you got a lot of great ideas.

I would say think of Bonsai as the vehicle to attract attention. You don't have to be an expert at all. Just that you have a love for it is all you need to make it work. This vehicle could open many doors for you. Maybe you could be invited to speak at local organizations to talk about this as a hobby. You could become the ambassador of your area for this hobby. You don't need to be an expert.

What do you see as the next steps for your business?