Hello Everyone - I'm new and ignorant!

[JohnMowerTime]

Hello my fellow business folks! My name is John and I've JUST started in this business and I'm very, very green (pardon the pun) to this stuff. My business name is Mower Time Lawn Services. People kept saying they needed more time and more became mower. I started for two reasons. One, I love mowing, trimming and general yard work, so I decided to work my passion. Two, I've always wanted to have my own business and I've been fortunate enough to have a good job. The good job part has parted ways with me. I've got a job, but as say, "Having a J.O.B. stands for Just Over Broke. I'm also recently divorced after 22 years of marriage. It has been very hard to deal with and mowing and working keeps me busy and my mind off the bad stuff. I have two kids. My son is almost 17 and my daughter is 14. I need you folks for a variety of reasons, most of which have to do with learning this business, but for friendship and mentoring as well. Thanks in advance for reaching out to help.

[CheapNEasy]

Lawn care business tips

Welcome to the forum, word of warning, the first couple years of business can either be a blessing or the biggest head ache ever haha. If it feels too tough, stick with it, good things come from the hard work and head ache. What are you doing to get your name out there, to promote yourself? What if any questions do you have?

[MAKLawnCutter]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

I am good at... mentoring and business in general... youre a seasoned parent, coming to you for guidance in January lol.

Matt

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum.

I agree with you on the point of keeping busy has many merits.

What is that old saying, 'idle hands are the devil's work shop?'

If we can find something we like to do and get immersed in it, I think the happier we become.

What are some of your next big steps you are planning to get your business to the next level?

[JohnMowerTime]

Hey everyone! I just got some business cards and 5 X 8 mailers printed by a company called Vista Print. I had done this the day before I found this website, forum and podcast. I didn't get very many because I wanted to see the quality and also wanted to "beta test" their product.

In your opinion, what is the best way to get out there? I live in a town of just under 7,000 with a nearby town with 65,000. In my town there is only one other player so I see good opportunity there. My process so far is to go door to door asking, meeting and handing my flyer (it simply says "Need a Break" and my business info) to those people who are interested.

Am I wasing my time and money? So far I've gotten 6 jobs from 36 doors knocked or 17% success (83% failure). Currently I'm just doing residential and not trying to get commercial accounts.

Thoughts? Brutal and truthful works best for me. THANK YOU!!

[Steve]

A 17% success rate is fantastic! So often we see marketing success rates of less than 1%.

The more people you talk to, the better your chances are of making a sale. I think you are on the right track.

As you get these new customers, you should market to their neighbors and get them to sign up with you too.