Everyone please read and give feedback

[mhoward92]

Hello everyone! I'm Mitch Howard, I'm new to the forum and am looking forward to all the help. Here is my deal: I can't really say I'm new to the business, well...I'm 17...the thing is I have been doing this since i was 11. But the other day for some reason (after 6 years of doing this) I decided that I should consider starting up a Business. I used to live in Florida were this kind of business is very popular. Now I'm living in Northern Michigan. It's a bit of a bummer since our cold season overtakes the warm season. I'm thinking of combining a little bit of everything into the business snow removal mowing leaf removal spring cleanup (dead grass raking) you know anything that people don't want to do. The plus of living here is There are many Elderly people with loot to spend on this. I have pretty much everything since i have been doing this for a while. My concern is that business will slow so much in the winter season. I already have 3 people that prepaid me very well to upkeep their properties while they leave for florida for the season. My goal Is to get that in more of a mass quantity since many of the customers i get are "snowbirds" and go south for the winter. So i know I'm not asking a "general Question" but basically I like reading from the experts and I don't mind what you have to say. Just reply and I gurentee I'll read it and reply back thanking you. Thanks -Mitch

[musician/lawnman]

Lawn care business tips

Mitch, I'm down here in Florida, but I can tell you alot of the guys on here are in the same boat up there & provide the same services you are talking about. The landscapers up north often tend to be the same guys with snow plows, shovels & snow blowers in their hands all winter. Good luck man!

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[mhoward92]

yeah thats what I figured, I'm just wondering if anyone up here has any good ideas to keep busy other then snow removal.

[Steve]

Hi Mitch,

Welcome to our forum.

I would say offer handyman services. Cleaning out gutters. Fixing up things around the house. Maybe outdoor holiday lighting & decorations.


What kinds of things have you been doing to market your business?

[mhoward92]

As I stated, there are many people that live around me that are elder. So I have been going around their neighborhoods and would just start talking with them. Ive picked up quite a bit of year round business from just doing that. Yesterday I went over to an elder ladies house to help her husband move a dock. It took 5 minutes and she gave me 20 bux.

But to fully answer your question, I get business by just going around knockin' on someones door and start talking with them like i know them. I also am printing business cards this week and am handing them out when i meet people.

[Steve]

Mitch,

Check out the free flyer section. There might be some good ideas there for you.

Especially maybe this flyer.

Yesterday I went over to an elder ladies house to help her husband move a dock.

Is this a service a lot of others could use? Do you live near a lake where the home owners want to remove their dock before the water freezes in the winter? Could this be an additional service you could offer now?

[mhoward92]

Yes It is a service I can offer. I pretty much will be offering any kind of service during the winter seasons. I have to really since Lawn care is not an option during the winters up here. (ugh...I wish i lived in florida still....)

[Steve]

Keep us posted on how all the marketing goes. Also don't forget to experiment with advertising on craigslist.com

Originally Posted by mhoward92

yeah thats what I figured, I'm just wondering if anyone up here has any good ideas to keep busy other then snow removal.

Here are a few thought. i started as a handyman and transitioned into lawn care.
learn how to caulk windows, gutter cleaning and repair, re grout tile (after a couple of years grout will wear out)replace broken tile, repair/replace blinds, repair holes in drywall. paint, remove wall paper. these are easy items to do and does not require expensive equipment. also if you are still in school is if they offer a wood shop course, it does not hurt to learn all you can. another good source is the Internet, http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh has good how to information. watch the DIY channel they give you the basic idea on how things are done.

Good luck

Rob

[Steve]

Rob,

Do you still offer those services or market them? Or is it not worth your time anymore?