Just Getting Started

[Fisherlawnservice]

Hello everyone. I lived in Florida for many years and did a lot of landscaping and lawn service for other companies. A couple were large scale and a couple were privately owned. The last person I worked with actually offered for me to take over his business because he wanted to try other things but I moved to VA. I have decided to get my own business here started. It is a different ballgame here. I am thankful I found this Forum. It is good to have a place to seek advice. I have already learned a few valuable things.

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Welcome to our forum! What kind of lessons do you feel you learned from your previous employers that will give you a competitive edge over other start ups?

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[Fisherlawnservice]

Originally Posted by Steve

Welcome to our forum!

What kind of lessons do you feel you learned from your previous employers that will give you a competitive edge over other start ups?

I have learned quite a few lessons of what to do and what not to do. As far as having a competitive edge I'm not so sure. Of course I was taught all the basics like running many different types of equipment. I learned that quality of work is very important. Many of the yards that i got used to maintaining were fairly small and could be completed relatively quick with the right equipment. But I was taught to not do them to quickly because some clients get the impression that you do not care and you were just trying to make a buck as quickly as possible. You pay attention to the details of the yard and give the client the feeling you care about there yard as much as they do. This helps with return business. Customers can tell when you take pride in your work. I also learned not to get in over my head with properties that were to large for my resources and how to be competitive in price without sacrificing to much. The employers that I worked for already had goods lists of customers so as far as the getting the jobs , I'm am still learning.

[Steve]

Did these other companies do any marketing or have any marketing methods you want to try and duplicate now?

[Fisherlawnservice]

I'm not to positive on their marketing techniques other than having the name on the truck and possible a ad in the phone book. They were pretty well established by the time I began my employment with them, so has far as how the got the clients to start with I'm not sure other than the previously mentioned I am really good at the work and take pride in it, but I definitely need help with the marketing side. Any advice would be great.

[Steve]

The best thing you can do is talk with everyone you know and ask them if they need help caring for their lawn. Friends, family, neighbors, etc etc. Get business cards made and get on craigslist to post ads on there as well.