Newbie here from GR Michigan

[brad_vanderband]

Just joined here and looking to start my own lawnservice and snowplowing bus. Look for to some good info and discussions!

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Hi Brad, Welcome to our forum! What got you interested in starting your own business?

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welcome to the forums Brad

[brad_vanderband]

thanks guys. well ive always had the thought in the back off my head, but always told myslelf it was something that i wasnt cut out to do. I have cut grass and snowplowed for another lawnservice for about 7 years in the lawn service and plowing for about 9 years and have always had a passion for it. Lately i have been working of an excavating outfit and recently got laid of permantely in october for lack of work and nothing comeing down the road. So i figuired if i was every going to do this, now is the time. And i really like this sight, lots of good info, and ive been busy reading since i found it!!

[Steve]

ive always had the thought in the back off my head, but always told myslelf it was something that i wasnt cut out to do.

Hi Brad,

Now this is very fascinating and I think a lot of people find themselves dealing with this.

Can you tell us a little why you always told yourself it wasn't something you were cut out to do?

[brad_vanderband]

well i always considered myself a 9 to 5er. Paycheck on fridays!! I never thought i could be the business man as well as the grunt worker. I still dont think that i have all the requirements to do the best at it, and my people skills/sales arent were they need to be. but i am a firm believer that if you want something you have to fight for it and make it happen. So i am ready everything i can get my hands on, talking to everyone i can talk to and trying to get as much info i can get before i make a huge investment. And am strongly considering taking a night class here shortley in business management. Believe me there is still lingering thoughts about not being able to do this, but we will get past those!!

[Steve]

Believe me there is still lingering thoughts about not being able to do this, but we will get past those!!

I think many people find themselves thinking these exact same thoughts.

When you say there still are lingering thoughts about not being able to do this, what do you think is the sticking points? What about all of this do you feel at times you won't be able to do?

[brad_vanderband]

Well for starters, trying to keep my head on straight with all of this,lol. I've got a good freind of mine who is a business owner and about to graduate with his associates degree in business management. He is trying to teach me valueable information when he gets a free moment, i think its doing more harm then good,lol. There is some many things to consider when doing this it makes my head spin. All the licenseing, insurance, overhead cost, weekly cost, how much it cost to run your equipment a day, week a year, how much to figuire for equipment depreciation, replacement cost. etc etc. Im going nuts,lol

[Steve]

Brad,

Have you played around with my estimator calculators yet? They can help you understand your costs. I also have a new one I am testing that you need a username and password to access because it is a lot more powerful and uses a database. If you want access to that let me know and I will set you up with an account to try it out.

I've got a good freind of mine who is a business owner and about to graduate with his associates degree in business management. He is trying to teach me valueable information when he gets a free moment, i think its doing more harm then good,lol.

You should have him come on here and teach us as well. I'd love to learn from him!

[brad_vanderband]

Originally Posted by Steve

Brad,

Have you played around with my estimator calculators yet? They can help you understand your costs. I also have a new one I am testing that you need a username and password to access because it is a lot more powerful and uses a database. If you want access to that let me know and I will set you up with an account to try it out.



You should have him come on here and teach us as well. I'd love to learn from him!

No I havent tried the estimator calculators or anything yet. Been busing working on all the legal stuff and such that im gonna need. I should definetly take a look at them though.

Well I have a hard enough time getting together with my freind to teach me,lol. Most of my learning from him has been over the phone, I havent even gotten to sit down with him yet and plug in stuff. I did mention this site to him at one time so maybe sometime he will stop in.