Biggest business problem you are dealing with?

[jymie]

What I do to combat the mowing rutting you see is my first cut is one width around the exterior, then the next cut is a half cut then all full cuts from there to the end, then the next week I would eliminate the half width cut and use full width cuts. That alternates where you drive the tractor or mower. You can also accomplish this by diagonal cutting as well every other week. Aerating puts holes into the ground which provide a place for seed to go. The deeper they go the deeper the roots. That translates to a stronger lawn. When seeding just on top of the soil I find its best to rough up the soil lay the seed down then rough it up a bit more.

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. http://www.lunchesruslawncare.com

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Im right there with you, I recently started building a groundup,and totally maxed myself with good long term contract clients and clients that pay on time and I hate turning away work, I thought about buying more trucks, but then you run the risk of them never calling again, it's a catch 22 and even worse that not many people are dependable,honest and hard working! What have you found is the best way to deal with this? Do you feel your ability to handle this will change in the future or do you prefer to keep your operation the size it is now?

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[jgontarek]

Originally Posted by Steve

What have you found is the best way to deal with this? Do you feel your ability to handle this will change in the future or do you prefer to keep your operation the size it is now?

Steve,

Dealing with it is hard, who in there right mind can justify turning business away in this economy.

What i have been doing is taking the name address and phone number of the new potential client so i have it for the future. I then let them know the situation, I'm a start up, blah blah blah.... I feel that honesty is the best way to do business.

As far as growing the business I plan on doubling in size by next winter and within 5-7 years I want to grow to servicing all of New England by using business partnered sub contractors in various areas.

I also plan on using my "potential client list" next year when doing my marketing, I want to call them all and explain that I have doubled in size and would love the opportunity to earn their business for the season.

It all seems good on paper but as we all know it never goes as planned, right now I'm 100% on track for doubling business next year, as far as my 5-7 year plan, a lot can happen in that time, so only time can tell.

[Steve]

As far as growing the business I plan on doubling in size by next winter and within 5-7 years I want to grow to servicing all of New England by using business partnered sub contractors in various areas.

What is your view on the benefit of this path vs. hiring employees?