6 Ways to Spot a Wannabe Landscaping Business
The green industry, or as some prefer, the outdoor living industry, has exponentially grown over the last few years. Homeowners in the U.S. are seeing their outdoor living spaces as part of their homes. They're investing in their outdoor homes. As a result, and as everyone in this industry knows, this means that landscape design and build companies are popping up left and right. Regardless of where you are, your competition is endlessly growing. And rightfully so. After all, if you're going to start a business, you want to do it in an industry that's booming.
This is good and bad news for landscape professionals. Increased competition means increased standards. This industry is on the uphill in quality and margins. The downside: losing to bids to the wannabes.
Here are the tell tale signs of a faker. If this is you, it's time to stop pretending and grow into a real landscaping business. And if you're the professional who is losing to these companies, read this related blog post to pivot and grow again: Stand Apart from the Competition.
No website. Not having a website is like not having a business telephone number. If it's not online, it doesn't exist. If a homeowner can't find a business's website, then they're not real, in their eyes. It's kind of like the equivalent to not having the white pages listing (when people actually looked at it).
Magnetic company logos on company vehicles. If the logo is temporary, so is the company! Your dedication shows in your commitment to your business.
Low paying salaries. "You get what you pay for" - isn't that what you tell your prospects? Time to listen to your own suggestion! Talent is expensive. And so is dedication, loyalty, hard work, and so forth. If you can't attract the right employees to your business, time to look inward! Related: 7 Bad Habits You Need To Break with Your Employees.
Lack of goals. How do you know your business is going to be in a good spot if you have no idea how to define your "good spot?" A real business, landscaping or not, has a vision, goals, something that they are striving for.
Not standing by the quality of work. You know how the best quality of cars come with pretty decent warranties? Well, its the same here. How do you prove to your prospects and customers that you take pride in the quality of your work? How do you make them feel and know that they are getting the best?
Afraid of pricing for what its worth. Your time is money. Materials have a cost, and yes there are others who charge less. But being the cheapest around is actually pretty bad. And competing with the cheapest is even worse. The real landscaping business owners aren't afraid of asking for what they need to make a reasonable, happy living for themselves and employees. And if you can't seem to close projects with reasonable prices, then you should revisit the previous 5 above items.
Image Flickr via zizzie fizz