Hi...
I'm really hoping Phil Nillson might log on and respond to this! I love your advice, Phil, and would love to get your thoughts on my particular situation. My husband and I own a landscape business south of Boston. We were previously in a community west of Boston, where business was no problem and we made money quite easily. Obviously, with the move, we had to start from scratch - been here 2 1/2 years now - but we seem "stuck" at the 80-90k range, each year. We can't take on more employees, or buy more equipment...we just make all household and business payments as it is currently. I would love some advice on how to "get past" this position and take our business to the next level.
My husband likes to be a "niche" businessman. He prides himself on being on almost every job, is a STICKLER for quality and is also upfront about the fact that "he's not the most expensive guy around, but definitely not the cheapest". We currently have three guys working for us, two trucks and quite a bit of equipment. I do ALL admin. work including all of the marketing and advertising. I feel a sense of responsibilty in helping to get us to the next level but am unsure how to get there. What comes first...more employees...more work...more equipment?? My husband is firm about the fact that he never wants to have 15 employees (feels that he'll lose control and no longer be able to offer the top notch quality he does today) but we both want to see the business grow. Any suggestions? I would LOVE any thoughts on steps that worked for others.
Oh...we currently advertise in the yellow pages, a small local phone book and have done some coupon stuff too. I've also sent some direct mail letters, with little response. We are mostly residential, although my husband would love some small commercial accounts. We have two trucks, two 52" mowers, back pack blowers, 8 horse blowers, an aerator, dethatcher, trimmers, a Dingo and various other small things. What can we do differently????
Thank you so much for any thoughts!
I'm really hoping Phil Nillson might log on and respond to this! I love your advice, Phil, and would love to get your thoughts on my particular situation. My husband and I own a landscape business south of Boston. We were previously in a community west of Boston, where business was no problem and we made money quite easily. Obviously, with the move, we had to start from scratch - been here 2 1/2 years now - but we seem "stuck" at the 80-90k range, each year. We can't take on more employees, or buy more equipment...we just make all household and business payments as it is currently. I would love some advice on how to "get past" this position and take our business to the next level.
My husband likes to be a "niche" businessman. He prides himself on being on almost every job, is a STICKLER for quality and is also upfront about the fact that "he's not the most expensive guy around, but definitely not the cheapest". We currently have three guys working for us, two trucks and quite a bit of equipment. I do ALL admin. work including all of the marketing and advertising. I feel a sense of responsibilty in helping to get us to the next level but am unsure how to get there. What comes first...more employees...more work...more equipment?? My husband is firm about the fact that he never wants to have 15 employees (feels that he'll lose control and no longer be able to offer the top notch quality he does today) but we both want to see the business grow. Any suggestions? I would LOVE any thoughts on steps that worked for others.
Oh...we currently advertise in the yellow pages, a small local phone book and have done some coupon stuff too. I've also sent some direct mail letters, with little response. We are mostly residential, although my husband would love some small commercial accounts. We have two trucks, two 52" mowers, back pack blowers, 8 horse blowers, an aerator, dethatcher, trimmers, a Dingo and various other small things. What can we do differently????
Thank you so much for any thoughts!
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