Lawn Care Business Tip: Why Defeat Can Be Good

Defeat in your lawn care business can be good, once in a while. 

Think about it.

There is no where to go but up!

Oftentimes we can be so down in the dumps that because we are sick and tired of being at the bottom of the barrel we pull out from within us such intensity and desire for change we astound everyone - including ourselves.

It seems to me that as we face difficulty, that is where change begins. That is where we make the decision that enough is enough!

This is where the miracle begins.

Here's an interesting point to consider. Most people don’t change themselves. They actually wait for change. 

This group of people wallow in their victim rants. They never seem to suck it up and resolve to change. To take control of their life. They refuse to take responsibility and as a result never seem to get to that place of "having enough".

If you are facing a problem right now, don't fear. This terrible state you find yourself in is only temporary. You can and will rebound from this failure.

This too shall pass, if you dig deep and resolve to see things through. You need to pull yourself up by the boot straps and start to put together a "come back" plan.

It's funny now but in a difficult moment a while back, I didn't think my mentor's advice was correct. He said that I should be thankful for my current limitations or failures. He said they were the building blocks from which to create greatness. 

Here's an example I absolutely rave about when talking to people who are facing what seems impossible in your lawn business.

Think of yourself as a frog in a jar of milk. If you keep kicking and kicking and kicking, pretty soon the milk will turn into a lump of butter and you'll be able to jump out. 

That's exactly why defeat can be good. We all have to keep trying and trying and trying. We've got to dig deep and make a decision that we are going through this and will come out on the other side alive and well.

Defeat can be good. At the same time, make sure that it’s working for your future not against you. The world makes room for those who know where they are going. Once you decide that your present situation is only temporary, doors will open to help you get back on your feet and move ahead in life.

I used to say, "I don't care." This is wrong when in a difficult place. We have to care. Keep your eyes focused on the successful outcome. Dig down deep within yourself and resolve to commit to winning.

Until next time...

Successful Lawn Business Strategies

http://www.HowToStartYourLawnCareBusiness.com

http://www.HowToGrowYourLawnCareBusiness.com

Lawn Care Maintenance Business Tip: If You ______ You Will ______

We've all heard this saying but it is true and so very relevant to business. "If you sow you will reap." Leaders, employers, parents, teachers and volunteers are rewarded for sowing into the lives of others.

No deposit, no return. If you sow you will you will receive the amazing rewards of sowing, even in your lawn care maintenance business.

Here's what I mean.

If you sow into a child's life and take them time and again to hockey practice after hockey practice, you will see those rewards start to blossum in your life. Perhaps its the pride of seeing your child develop their skills. Maybe they develop them so much they can pay you back with more than just love and gratitude -- although that is all most want.

This is the way life works. All life wishes to respond to those who have taken the time and energy to sow. The ones who give their energy, their time, their money, their patience, their ideas, etc. The seed has been sown and is beginning to grow.

I was taught a wonderful principle that I pass onto you in this regard. Whatever you move towards tends to move towards you. When you move toward working out, stronger muscles, confidence, and all of that starts to move towards you and seeks you out.

You will always find this. Its predictable.

Put it to use in your life even more today and the days to follow.

Until next time...

Successful Lawn Business Strategies

http://www.HowToStartYourLawnCareBusiness.com

http://www.HowToGrowYourLawnCareBusiness.com

Lawn Care Business Tip: We Have To Love The Chance

My mentor taught me that it isn't so much passion that needs to be behind running a business but simply loving the chance. The chance to change your life, gain success, build a future, and improve your health etc. Making a phone call or showing up to someone's front door may not be something you look forward to, but we have to love the chance of what might be behind that door of opportunity.

For example, someone says, "I'm mowing lawns. Should I love mowing lawns?" The answer is, "No you don't have to love mowing lawns, but if it is your first step onto the ladder of success, you say, 'I'm happy someone gave me the chance to mow lawns and I'm going give it my all and do it so well, I won't be here for very long.'"

You can be excited by having found something even though you are making mistakes in the beginning and even though it isn't your favorite thing to do.

You don't have to like it, you just have to learn to appreciate the chance and appreciate the person who gave you the chance to start on the road to success.

If we will take on the disciplines that come with this chance to change our lives we will soon find that our self-confidence starts to grow. And soon when we go out person to person, talking to people, we will find it to be the most amazing opportunity in the world.

Think about it.

Every person we meet could change our lives. They could help lead you to a means of retiring. They may become a friend for life. The next person could be a business contact for many years to come. Wow. What a change in mindset.

Sometimes in the beginning when we are just getting the ball rolling we don't always see the big picture.

Hang on and push through. Remember this age old principle: All success is based on long term persistence, hard work, faith, the right attitude and a few obstacles to go through and hurdles to jump over along the way. You might not like where you're at right now, but the chance to change it all could be right around the corner.

Until next time...


Successful Lawn Business Strategies
http://www.howtostartyourlawncarebusiness.com
http://www.howtogrowyourlawncarebusiness.com

Start a Lawn Care Maintenance Business Not a Franchise: Find Out Why

So you're thinking of starting a business huh? I am sure starting a franchise has crossed your path. According to “Entrepreneur Magazine” here are the top 10 franchise opportunities along with the “price of admission”: 

Franchise Rank Startup Cost

1. Subway  $74,00 to $222,800

2. Papa Johns      $205,000

3. Sonic DriveIn  $861,000 to $2,300,000

4. McDonald's  $506,000 to $1,600,000

5. Jiffy Lube  $214,000 to $273,000

6. Domino’s Pizza  $141,400 to $415,100

7. UPS Store / Mail Boxes Etc.  $153,800 to $266,960

8. 7 Eleven Varies

9. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service  $48,600 to $91,800

10. Dunkin’ Donuts  $179,000 to $1,600,000

* Source: Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 - 2007 

Some of these prices are outside what people feel comfortable paying. If you've considered starting a lawn care business then you've come to the right place.

Everything you need to know about starting, running, and profiting from starting a lawn business from the comfort of your home without it costing an arm and a leg can be found here:

http://www.HowToStartYourLawnCareBusiness.com

Successful Lawn Business Strategies

Lawn Care Business Tip: You Hold The Key To Your Future

You are the key to your future. What I mean is, your personal growth determines most of it. We can talk about more customers, lots of sales, more equipment and employees, but all of this probably will not happen without you personally growing. It’s really the stepping stone to a profitable future. In fact I’d like to have you memorize a most important phrase. Here it is, “For things to change, you must change.”

Let me repeat that. “For things to change, you must change.” I recommend you place this somewhere that you will see it daily. Anywhere where you can see it every day. You hold the key to a better future. Try to remember that every day you live and think about it. Its all up to you.

There are several things that will help you carve out a better future. If you own or are employed at a strong, dynamic, progressive lawn care business, that would definitely help. If the company has great service or great products, that you are proud of, that would certainly help as well. You get the point.

All of these things will help, and of course, if it doesn’t go horribly bad for you and your life, that will help. If your business keeps going strong, that will help. If the your spouse doesn't get sick, that will help. If your neighbors stay "sane", that will help. If it doesn't get too cold or doesn't get too hot, all those things will help your better future. And if the economy gets and stays on track, that will help.

I could go on and on with a very big list but as you already guessed, all the reasons in the world added together play a small role in your profitable future.

The biggest factor to your profitable future is you. Grab ahold of that. This is a major point to remember.

You are the major key.

Don't be or act like the 90+% who aren't going anywhere. Develop the habit of doing more than you're paid for. Do and be above average.

Develop above average enthusiasm. Develop an above average smile. Develop an above average interest into your customers, friends, and family. Work harder on you than you do on anything else.

Think about this.

Two different people with the same type of business earn different amounts each month.

One earns $1000 and the other $10,000.

If the services were the same, if the training was the same, if they both had the same tools. If they both had the same trainer, the same pricing, if they both attended the same business meetings, how could one person earn the $1000 per month and the other person earn the $10000?

The key is whats going on in the inside. The key is you.

Decide today to start working on you. There is power in making this kind of decision. There is power in daring to dream. There is power in above average service. There is power in compassion and caring and sharing. There is unusual power in strong feeling and you see, all that comes from inside you, not outside. So, you hold the key to your future. The real difference is you. You are the major key to your better, more profitable future.

Until next time!

Lawn Care Business Video

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

How To Accomplish More In The Next 12 Months Than The Last 12 Years...

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Ultimately, it's a program that can take ANY lawn and landscaping business and turn it into an automated money-making machine.

Here's how we do it:

The Most Effective Marketing Strategies: No fluff or theory, but truly "underground" guerilla marketing strategies unknown to 99% of the business community. You take these these strategies and apply them to your business for extraordinary results.



Forced Focus: You only spend time on the activities that really make a difference in your lawn maintenance business, instead of the thousand and one other things that do nothing but suck away the hours of your day.



Friendly Accountability & Encouragement: We gently push you into doing the important business tasks you know you should be doing.



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IMPORTANT NOTE :

We are almost full and accepting few new applicants at the moment. Additional spots to be opened soon. To be put onto the list to receive more info about the program along with a priority invitation to join, please send an e-mail to Jason R. at info@howtostartyourlawncarebusiness.com with your name and e-mail address enclosed.

How To Get New Lawn Care Business Customers From Scratch

We received the following lawn care business question this week and it's one we've been getting a lot of lately so we want to post our thoughts and share them with others.

1. Would you share with me a few of the most effective ways to get some lawn care customers and contracts? I'm just starting out, got my truck and equipment ready to work, just picked up my business license last week and it seems like getting that first customer is the hardest thing to do. I made some flyers and distributed it out at some public places, school teachers lounge, employee lounge and a few other places. No bites and I'm going on two weeks. Is this normal? What's the average wait time before a lawn business lands its first customer? I'm trying different marketing approaches one at a time, and allowing time in between each one to measure and see which ones actually work. So far nothing is working.

ANSWER:

First of all congratulations on taking the step towards starting and running a lawn care business. Believe it or not, most people won't even take this first step because they are too afraid.

Right off the bat make a quality decision that you are going to do this no matter what. The reason is because starting out and getting momentum in your business can be challenging and you need to have persistence. The main reason is because you have to get those first few customers and you don't have any experience under your belt in doing that so unless you make a quality decision, it's too easy to get discouraged. Sometimes customers can come quick, sometimes it can take some time but only the persistent lawn care business owner wins.

Put the law of averages to work for you. This means that it could take 1 out of 100 or 1 out of 250 flyers or more before you get a quote. Just keep taking action. Just keep handing out your flyers and any other advertisements you have on a consistent basis. Doing it once or twice won't cut it.

You see imagine a pizza coupon. Most people get them once a week and how many times do you throw them out or just skim over them? But when they come on a regular basis, week after week, eventually there does come a day when the flyer comes and you want pizza so you call.

Your customers are the same way. It may take several exposures to your ad before they realize they need to call you . That's what a lot of lawn care business owners don't know. Your advertising needs to be consistently going out.

The 3 areas important for your marketing are: MESSAGE, MARKET, MEDIA. This means your ad has to be arranged and setup properly. You have to be advertising to the right market. And the last one means you have to be using the right form of media.

The good news is that it sounds like you have several marketing weapons working. What you need to do is have them all working at once. That is where you want to be. You want to be taking action on several fronts at the same time because sooner or later (as long as your ads are compelling, you shooting at the right market and using the right media to market), you will get phone calls.

We constantly recommend that you educate yourself about marketing. It doesn't mean you have to spend money. You can pick these books up from your local library for free, but just start to read about how marketing works. It's quite fascinating and in this game, the more you know, the better you become at making winning ads and beating your competitors.

We haven't seen your flyers or other advertisements but it's important that your ads have the following arrangement (our book recommendations at the end of this post will give you similar advice).

• ATTENTION ---> HEADLINE
• INTEREST
• DESIRE
• ACTION

There are a few schools of thought on this but the above layout in the ad is important. So a quick example of this would be...

--------------------------------

Do You Want The Best

Lawn On The Block?

Finally, come home to a fresh,

green lawn, cut and trimmed for you

ALL SUMMER LONG!

__________________________

$20 LAWN BUCKS

Valid on your next order over $100.

__________________________

Call or email us today for a

FREE ESTIMATE

555-1234

NoNameMowing.com

Hurry Offer Ends March 20xx!

--------------------------------

Your ads need to give people a reason for calling. They have to persuade and stir a reader to take action. Always have a great offer with a deadline and impel them to contact you. Yes, keep track of your responses. Ask people who called, why they called. Even ask those who didn't call why they ignored the call to action. Get your trusted family and friends to look over your ads and see if they find them compelling.


2. What are your thoughts on buying an existing lawn care business? My problem with this is not having the upfront cash to purchase the business. Is this an idea worth looking at?

Buying a lawn care business is another way to get customers. Most businesses don't sell so anyone selling a lawn care business may be persuaded to be flexible.

This means that what we have seen is that a seller may be willing to allow you the purchaser to make monthly payments over a period of time for the business. Not having to have the cash upfront may be the winning ticket. They might also be willing to help you with the transistion of ownership, working alongside you for a period of time.

The HUGE red flag with buying a lawn care business is that you need to be very cautious. Why are they selling? Are the customers on contract? Does the sale include equipment? What shape is the equipment in?

Doing your due diligence is VITAL. It's an absolute. Visit NOLO.com for information on buying a business.


MARKETING BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back

How To Make Your Advertising Make Money

Advertising Secrets Of The Written Word

No BS Sales Success



Well we hope this helps!

The Staff
www.howtostartyourlawncarebusiness.com

How To Not Short-Circuit Your Lawn Mowing Business

There are obstacles to generating wealth with a lawn mowing business that can short-circuit your success.

One big obstacle you may face are incompetent people. You know what I mean? They can't seem to carry out ordinary tasks or responsibilities. Some of them are lazy or uncreative. While others are just plain "dumb" or so they come across as such.

Dealing with these sorts of people is terribly draining to the lawn business owner and all to common in the industry. These people can be your friends, employees, vendors, or someone else.

Another obstacle quite similar to the first one are "time wasters". These are people who waste or abuse your time. Often you leave spending time with them drained and having accomplished next to nothing.

Another obstacle are people who drain or divert your mental energy. You know those people who having nothing good to say. The "you're never going to make it" type of person. They can also be whiners or complainers. Again, these people can be your friends, employees, vendors or someone else.

All of them must go. As soon as you identify them do what you must to rid them from your lawn mowing business, your life, and distance yourself from them. Start a "zero-tolerance" policy right now and enforce it. Not going through with this will always cost you more than whatever temporary trouble and disruption occurs from you making changes in your friends, your employees, vendors, or others around you and your lawn business.

Think of your success as electric current. One disruptive person laying a finger on it anywhere along the line shuts down the entire flow of success.

Yes, I practice what I preach. I do my best to operate in such a way with my lawn business and my life. I will not tolerate interference with the electric current of success.

The majority of lawn care business owners tolerate others which causes them undue stress. And yet most continue on carrying out the same mistake without realizing how costly such tolerance is. It is very, very costly.

Do what you must to keep your electrical current of success flowing in your lawn mowing business and your life.

Copyright SL Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Lawn Care Business Video Tip: You Need a Reason Why

If you want to be truly successful, and I know most do, then you have to stop blaming others and situations and start taking responsibility for your life and lawn business. Hurdles and pitfalls are sure to meet you face-to-face but this short video reveals an often overlooked "little" secret that can help you conquer anything that comes your way.