Help rookie with upset wife.

[mark123]

Originally Posted by picframer I am with Steve 100% on this, your marriage should come first ... While I agree with this completely I do believe it is leaving out an important fact. A marriage isn't doing what the wife says only. Marriage that caters to either party at the expense of the other is no marriage at all. He did say 2-3 years until employees is in the business plan so unless that decision was made without the wife's input then she may be a bit out of line to be angry. Having a responsible husband should be celebrated in this day and age. I just know too many guys that would take that vacation without worrying about if the business fails. I don't think PC is that type of guy or he wouldn't be concerned enough to ask about it here. I just don't know that a first year business has earned time off yet; it's just not fair to the customers unless you have someone trustful to handle it while you're away. I do understand that priorities can change over time but when you start a business it weighs heavily on the priority scale unless of course you don't need the money and if that's the case you'd have to be nuts to start a lawn care business. Also, life has to be balanced. A workaholic is as bad as an irresponsible person. I know both types. I'll never be either. It hurts too many people.

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Boughter's Lawn Care Services Mowing and Fertilizing in New Castle, PA

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Last edited by mark123; 12-04-2010 at 04:12 PM.

[Paineless Creations]

Lawn care business tips

I really enjoy reading both post from Picframer and mark123 and also Steve. You guys really give a person alot to think about. Your right mark I truly am thinking about my customers big time, in this first year I have learned communcation is key. All of my business has been from word of mouth what a amazing ripple effect. I should do a short write of my year of how i got my customers this first year. Wow the monster (business) just side tracked me again..LOL. But the more I read this thread I think I might cut out snow removal for the upcoming years. I dont know??

[Paineless Creations]

Originally Posted by mark123

Also, life has to be balanced. A workaholic is as bad as an irresponsible person. I know both types. I'll never be either. It hurts too many people.

Thank you for writing that truly. I have never thought of myself as a workaholic but I think if you ask my wife she would say yes I am.

[Paineless Creations]

Originally Posted by picframer

So to answer your question, IMHO your wife has priorities in check, just hire someone to look after the accounts while you are gone or sub it out but explain to the property owners what you are doing.

So I think you are right on this answer, It might not even snow while I am gone but if it does my customers need to be covered. Also I am a little behind on the short hand LOL. What does IMHO mean?

[The Cleaning Doctor]

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

Take it from someone that recently lost a marriage. Even if they say they support what you are doing, they secretly resent it.

[mark123]

Originally Posted by Paineless Creations

Thank you for writing that truly. I have never thought of myself as a workaholic but I think if you ask my wife she would say yes I am.

Well, you very well could be wrong. It may be worth looking into. Ask for an objective view from someone that knows both of you.

[CHEESE2009]

Back in the day when we all worked for other people, we would have to ask our boss when and if we can take a vacation, lol.


Weigh in what you have to gain, and what you have to lose.


I honestly don't think you'll lose your wife over this, that's way too dramatic.
I say stick with the business, you just started and it requires the attention now.

You could get these properties for lawn maintenance too, no? If you don't do the snow, your chances of doing the grass are out the window.

You can then be the guy who says, "Hey, I do these properties" as you hand stunning photographs of your work to other property owners.........

The next person who hires you (commercial) could possibly give you more money then you thought possible in order to have work done - but only if you take this chance now. <** sounds like an Ad... "CALL NOW AND RECEIVE...


Also;

Never sub out at early stages of your business, that's literally giving your business away. Subbing out is good for when your at the greedy stage of your business, I can't wait to get there. When you have enough work for yourself, take on more and let other companies have at it' - beautiful! lollll

[jymie]

These two new commercial accounts could be gold. If you don't cover the work while you want to be away, that will kill any chance you have to do the maintenance work during the summer months which could be pretty good money.

[MrLank]

Originally Posted by Paineless Creations

One more question: if I did “hire” someone to do the snow removal (if it even snows) while I’m gone, what is the best way to go about that? Look for a small company that would be willing to “sub” out the jobs? My main concern is trusting someone with my trailer and/or snow removal equipment while I’m gone.

You don't have to let them use your equipment. Just find a sub that has all his own. The "monster" in me, has made for a few good fights with the wife. Not that I spend all my time into the business, but that all my extra time I spend with my kids and she doesn't get "her time." I just tell her that business will slow down and we'll get our time. That doesn't work because any free time I'm always doing work to pick up more customers. Maybe some day....

[picframer]

Originally Posted by The Cleaning Doctor

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

Take it from someone that recently lost a marriage. Even if they say they support what you are doing, they secretly resent it.

A lot of truth in your comment, regardless of how close we are, how long we may have been together and how much we share, few are 100% honest 100% of the time.

I base this on financial counselling I have done with couples, for free, for 20 years.

Marriage and life is all about balance, give and take. To me it doesn't matter if I have been in business 1 or 10 years, there are needs that have to be met, spouse, children, pets, our own property and it is critical to take time to breathe.

There are people out there that we could hire or sub to, in this case how many storms would we get in 10 days, this time of the year. To me it's a simple answer, he has pounded the hours in during peak season, a sweet commercial account comes along for snow removal, I personally have a relationship with my clients I would simply tell them "It's been a very good year for my company and I have made a commitment to my spouse to visit family from .......... to ........, I appreciate your business and have hired/subbed the snow removal of your property while I am gone to ........." I will resume looking after your lot/driveway when I return, while gone, if there are any issues, please call my cell at......"

Anyhow that is my opinion based on my experience.