Make Preparations For The Opening Of Your Landscaping Business
If you want to put your gardening and lawn maintenance skills to good use and open an independent landscaping business so that you can earn some cash this summer, acquiring clients, tools, and materials should be your top priority. Make preparations for your landscaping gig with the following business tactics.
Advertise Your Services
Advertising is one of the most crucial steps in your business plan. Without informing citizens about your areas of expertise, you could be sitting around for days on end without any phone calls pertaining to landscaping projects. Stop by a print shop to get the ball rolling. While at the shop, you will be greeted with samples of some of the advertising materials that you can have designed and printed.
Some colorful fliers, business cards, or signs can help you reel customers in if each printed item has a unique appearance and contains words and numbers that are bold. Stop by some local businesses to ask if it would be alright if you leave some of your business cards and fliers.
If there is a courtesy counter in each place, the advertising materials can be set on top of it and people can help themselves to a card and flier if they would like to.
Stock Supplies
If you have a small shed or garage on your property that has extra space inside of it, designate the space for landscaping tools and supplies that you will need to complete a wide range of jobs. Look through the materials that you already own to help you determine what you will need to purchase prior to starting jobs. Make sure that tools and materials are damage-free.
When you are ready to replenish tools and supplies, opt to purchase materials that you are sure you will be able to use for the majority of the landscaping jobs that you may be hired for. Of course, it may be tempting to purchase the latest decorations or high powered equipment, but you will only be wasting money if you buy these items and then aren't hired for a job that will require the use of any of the items.
Post Signs In Yards And Seek Referrals
After you begin acquiring customers, you will likely want to keep them satisfied with the work you complete and may even be anxious to gain additional customers. If you are completing any large landscaping projects that will take several days to complete, posting a sign in each yard that displays your business name and phone number will allow other people in the community to learn about your business.
Of course, you should ask each of your clients if it would be alright to post a sign before doing so. Another way to keep your current customers happy and possibly gain additional customers is by asking your customers to spread the word about your business. If you gain business from any referrals, offer a discount to each client who helped you seal a deal with a new person. The discounts offered can be used for upcoming landscaping projects.