With out a doubt this is the Most important thing to do when you are starting out.

[elrascal]

Originally Posted by Petey I actually dedicate one whole day a week to marketing and planning. Because of this my business have grown to a great size in only a year and a half. Wow, thats great Petey. One day a week is a lot. But I'm sure it is worth while for you. How many staff do you have working for you now?... If you don't mind me asking that is.

[jasonw]

Lawn care business tips

I personally think anyone who has not set up some sort of plan is on the road to failure. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon enough.

__________________
White Company

[elrascal]

Originally Posted by Petey

Yep I agree with you Simpkins. Planning is the key.... But it's not like you sit down once and work every thing out in one go.

Planning should be a continual process. I actually dedicate one whole day a week to marketing and planning. Because of this my business have grown to a great size in only a year and a half.

Well done mate. Good to hear an encouraging story. One day a week seems a lot but it obviously seems to have worked for you!

I guess we all could probably learn a thing or two from this.

If you don't mind me asking, how may staff have you got?

I find that the bigger your business grows the harder it is to manage everybody. I know spend most of my time managing people. Takes a lot of hard work and patience

[Petey]

Originally Posted by jasonw

I personally think anyone who has not set up some sort of plan is on the road to failure. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon enough.

And that definitely is not a road any of us want to drive down!!

The road to success is the road I want to be drive my truck down! Sunshine every where with good music in the background and plenty of cash in the pocket.

[Petey]

Originally Posted by elrascal

Wow, thats great Petey. One day a week is a lot. But I'm sure it is worth while for you. How many staff do you have working for you now?... If you don't mind me asking that is.

NAh that's fine. I have 5 full time staff and a office lady. So it's enough to keep me busy and out of trouble.

one day a week may seem like a lot but trust me, I would never do less.

"It is better to work On your business and not In your business"

I'm not to sure where I first heard this saying but it is totally golden. Most people who think they have a "business" are actually just self employed.

To own a real "business" it needs to be able to run without you!.

[elrascal]

Originally Posted by Petey

one day a week may seem like a lot but trust me, I would never do less.

"It is better to work On your business and not In your business"

I'm not to sure where I first heard this saying but it is totally golden. Most people who think they have a "business" are actually just self employed.

To own a real "business" it needs to be able to run without you!.

Very wise words of wisdom. Some times this is a lot easier said than done thats for sure. I know a lot of people who work very hard all day every day an don't seem to get very far ahead.

[Johnyb]

Originally Posted by Steve

It's a real great question.

The tough part about creating a business plan early on, especially if this business is your first one, is that you have no idea about nothing. You don't even know where to begin.

You have no idea on how to project what you will make.

You have no idea what your expenses will be, what you will be require to purchase or anything.

Yeah this is true and it can br rather daunting but It's still worth having an estimated guess. I time goes on you can adjust your goals if they are not attainable.

[ProGreen]

I agree somewhat, I started out 4 years ago with no plan and I get a new call or two everyday. This was also before I graduated from college with a degree in Business haha. Nowadays I will agree, a plan would be better, but...it doesn't take a rocket science degree to mow grass.

[wellbiz]

Originally Posted by elrascal

Hey guy's,

What do you think is the most important thing to do when you are starting out your lawn care business?

I think the most important thing is to know your costs.

[elrascal]

Originally Posted by wellbiz

I think the most important thing is to know your costs.

Yes I agree it is very important to know your costs. Especially when you are frst starting of and money is tight. I think a lot of people get ahead of themselves some times and go a million miles an hour... only to find that what they are doing isn't balanced.

You have got to know your costs so that you know what kind of cashflow you need in order to stay afloat. The good news is that the longer you've been in business the easier this becomes.