OPE Business March 2023 | Page 29

Fiscal Success Landscape Business
You may need to pay more , of course , but it ’ s not just about money . It ’ s also about culture and work environment . You can offer newer equipment , late-model clean trucks , nice uniforms and a positive company culture .
scapers are human . It may be tempting to shrink your business in an attempt to withstand inflation and recession , but it ’ s usually the more courageous business owners who shine during challenging times .
The best thing a landscaping company can do is find what it ’ s best at and promote that service .
And one of those services should be improving the customer experience . Find ways to make it flawless and deliver without exception .
Price is important to many clients , but building a devoted client base is not limited to offering the cheapest service . You must ensure that your website is easy to navigate , have a human answer the phone and make sure you get your proposals out quickly .
Once you ’ ve earned the business , you need to ensure that your employees are well groomed and their trucks are neat . Make sure they communicate with the customers about what ’ s expected of them and give them enough time between jobs to make sure they are always prompt .
You should also encourage your team to make recommendations . They are out on the property several times a month – they will know if the edging needs to be repaired or bushes need to be replaced or flower beds need to be refreshed .
If they see something , they shouldn ’ t be afraid to say something .
And , finally , don ’ t be afraid to let go of deadbeat customers . While this may seem like an anathema in business , customers who never pay on time or are never satisfied are costly . If you can ’ t make them happy , let them go and focus on the customers who are happy and potential advocates for your business .
Afterall , the best recommendation of your company – and your future successes – is to have happy customers who recommend you to their friends , neighbors and family .
As vice president of sales and marketing for RC Mowers , Tim Kubista specializes in revenue growth , acquisition , sales training and building dealer networks for the company . He has had two companies on the Inc . 5000 list and came to RC Mowers with a vast knowledge of the commercial mowing industry . For more information about RC Mowers , visit www . rcmowersusa . com .
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