OK. Heres the deal

I only have $1000 to get started with. I currently have a 21" mower to use. I'm not concerned with the size as much as I wish it were a self propelled. Ideally I want to get a stihl trimmer and blower. I have no problem with getting a cheaper trimmer and blower such as troy built or something to finish this year with as long as they will last that long. I will need to use some of this money for advertisement as well. I plan on getting a couple shirts made also. SO. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Thanks

[pj7714]

Lawn care business tips

Hi Stew, I just started my lawn care business this spring I dumped 6k into a trailer lawn tractor wide walkbehind, blower and trimmer I had $800 allocated for advertising when an unexpected car repair bill drained my advertising budget I`ve just started picking up a few clients from the small amount of advertising I have been able to do. At this point I feel like I`m all dressed up with no place to go so the best advise I can give is get just what you need to start and ADVERTISE!! no one can hire you if they dont know you exist.

[jasonw]

Go look at this http://lawnchat.com/?p=443 Thats my set up I started with. You dont need a lot of money. I started for under1K

[townneckmowing]

Advertising-
-Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/townneckmowing
-Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Town-...ing/1384458299
-Yola.com: Make a website,It does not cost a lot(I pay $20.00 a year and I maintain it myself).
-Blogspot.com: Make a blog (It's Free).
-Google Local Business Center: Gets your website on Google.(Free)
-Yahoo Search Marketing: Get your website on Yahoo.(Free)
-Hotfrog.com: Free Listing
-Stumblehere.com: Free Listing
-Kijiji.com: Free Listing
-Find a local web site...On Cape Cod we have capecod.com and you can list your business for free.

Printing-
-Vistaprint.com: Business Cards
-123print.com: Business Cards
-Buildasign.com: Truck Signs

Post flyers and business cards at Post Offices,Grocery Stores,Banks,Hardware Stores.Most of them have bulletin boards.

I do have a listing in the local phone book but that does cost $$.

Hope this helps

Pj7714, very good advice. Thanks.




Nice Jason. So you started with the little green machine. I have read a lot of bad reviews about it and just didnt want it to crap out before the season is over. It may be my best choice though, so I can still do some advertising.

Originally Posted by townneckmowing

Advertising-
-Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/townneckmowing
-Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Town-...ing/1384458299
-Yola.com: Make a website,It does not cost a lot(I pay $20.00 a year and I maintain it myself).
-Blogspot.com: Make a blog (It's Free).
-Google Local Business Center: Gets your website on Google.(Free)
-Yahoo Search Marketing: Get your website on Yahoo.(Free)
-Hotfrog.com: Free Listing
-Stumblehere.com: Free Listing
-Kijiji.com: Free Listing
-Find a local web site...On Cape Cod we have capecod.com and you can list your business for free.

Printing-
-Vistaprint.com: Business Cards
-123print.com: Business Cards
-Buildasign.com: Truck Signs

Post flyers and business cards at Post Offices,Grocery Stores,Banks,Hardware Stores.Most of them have bulletin boards.

I do have a listing in the local phone book but that does cost $$.

Hope this helps

Dont know how I missed your post. Thanks

[jasonw]

Originally Posted by stew6371

Pj7714, very good advice. Thanks.




Nice Jason. So you started with the little green machine. I have read a lot of bad reviews about it and just didnt want it to crap out before the season is over. It may be my best choice though, so I can still do some advertising.

I beat that thing for 6 years before finally replacing it. I still have it and it still runs but overheats and leaks gas everywhere.

[Steve]

Stew,

How are you letting the people you know and are friends with that you are now in business? Are you able to harness them to get the word out further? What about your family? Do they know and are they able to help you?

Well I have a couple of friends that live in nice sub divisions. They do their own lawn work, but i was thinking of asking if I could either take it over or atleast spray the yards. I would offer a huge discount to let me do it. This way it gets me into the neighborhood and shows my work.

[Steve]

Oh that sounds like a good idea. Why not try it out and see if they help you get the word out further.