About the Author:Kevin Whiteside is the owner and editor of LawnForum.com Monthly,an online newsletter for lawn and landscape professionals.Get a FREE subscription here mailto:LawnForum@aweber.comHe is also the author of "Turn High Grass Into Cold Cash- H
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The Basics of Starting a Lawn and Landscape Company

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The Basics of Starting a Lawn and Landscape Company
Article by Kevin Whiteside
Copyright 2005 by LawnForum.com

My goal is to bring lawn and landscape professionals great
information, advice, tips,and strategies. I love this business
and want to see others learn, grow, and be successful.

You have picked a great field to be in. The SERVICE Industry. The
service industry can survive in tough times alot easier while
other business such as retail have rent, employees, or big
expenses.

You can start a lawn & landscape company with little capital, but
you must become an expert in your business as your customer will
turn to you for advice.

Read as many books on this industry as you can get your hands on.
Just 1 idea from a book could make or save or you thousands of
dollars.

I recommend starting with good landscaping books that describe
*all the plants, shrubs, and trees
*tells the environment they can live in
*how to care for them

Plus, you should read basic business books. I majored in sales
and marketing in college and still learn something valuable in
every sales and marketing book I read.

I have seen many owners of companies have great service and great
employee management, but neglect the marketing side. After your
business gets going marketing should consume about 90% of the
business.

If you are just starting, don't go after commercial accounts
until later. One reason is commercial accounts pay 30 -60 days
out. You can't afford to keep your money tied up that long.
Residential accounts pay immediately. Plus, if you go after
commercial accounts early you may greatly underbid or realize you
don't have the equipment to handle it.

I recommend not being the lowest price in the neighborhood. You
want to sell yourself and service. Professionalism is ALWAYS key.
Look neat and wear a uniform. Don't get caught off guard without
business cards, fliers, and a clipboard.

If a potential customer needs an estimate always try and meet
with him face to face. This is better because of 2 reasons:
1) You have a much better chance of getting the account
2) If you get the account, try and up sell additional services.

This is much better than looking at a potential clients lawn when
he is not home and calling him with a quote. You have failed to
make a connection with him and all he knows is a voice.

I can guarantee that if you do a great job, maintain
professionalism, and market your services you will eventually
have all the work you can handle.

Best of Luck!

About the Author:

Kevin Whiteside is the owner and editor of LawnForum.com Monthly,
an online newsletter for lawn and landscape professionals.
Get a FREE subscription here mailto:LawnForum@aweber.com
He is also the author of Turn High Grass Into Cold Cash- How to
Start the Ultimate Lawn Service http://www.GrassToCash.com

About the Author

About the Author:

Kevin Whiteside is the owner and editor of LawnForum.com Monthly,
an online newsletter for lawn and landscape professionals.
Get a FREE subscription here mailto:LawnForum@aweber.com
He is also the author of Turn High Grass Into Cold Cash- How to
Start the Ultimate Lawn Service http://www.GrassToCash.com