If you are an expert landscaper with a dream of being your own boss, don’t be afraid to take the leap and achieve your goals. Starting a new business can be intimidating, but if you carefully plan out your goals and next steps, the process becomes easier than you might think.
Below are 4 measurable steps for starting a hugely successful landscaping business:
Determine Your Goals
According to articles.bplans.com, your business goals should be measurable, achievable, and timely. So before launching your new landscaping business, take time to determine your goals. Clearly defining the long-term plan for your new business will assist you in making decisions in the early stages that will benefit you in the long run.
How many hours do you want to work per week?
What types of jobs would you like to focus on?
Are you more interested in lawn care and mowing or designing and planting flower beds?
How can you actively prepare to be an expert in your niche?
To what extent do you want your company to expand in the future?
Answer these questions and create measurable goals that will help you achieve your dreams. The more defined your business plan is before you begin purchasing equipment and gaining clients, the easier it will be to open a successful landscaping business that will keep on track.
Identify Your Startup Expenses
Startup expenses are an essential component of any new business. To make money, you must be willing to spend money. Research and identify the tools and purchases necessary for opening a landscaping business.
Expenses for a new landscaping business include:
- Licensing
- Insurance
- Trucks
- Lawn Mowers
- Trimmers, edgers, and blowers
- Gardening tools
- Gas
- Fertilizers and pesticides
Consider methods for saving money during this step to ensure you will have enough funds to get your company off the ground. For example, you may require larger trucks for certain jobs, but won’t need the truck regularly… A cost-effective alternative would be something like renting a 4×4 truck as needed rather than purchasing to save you and your business money.
Startup costs can pile up if you do not take your time to research and plan for them in advance. Be careful to examine all possible equipment for your landscaping niche to guarantee you are fully prepared for your first job.
Organize and Finance Your Dream
Once you understand your company’s goals and potential expenses, you can begin to organize your operation and finance your plans. Examine different aspects of owning a landscaping business to make sure you have thoroughly thought through every angle of possibility.
Prices and Hiring
Research other landscaping businesses in your area to learn about the average price others are charging. Use this knowledge to determine how much you will charge for the different services you offer.
You’ll need to determine how many employees you will need to run your business and consider the different departments and talents that will help your business succeed.
Figure Out Your Finances
Refer to your list of startup costs and use that information to decide how much money you will need to get started. Don’t forget to factor in the price of labor.
Typically, small businesses are a combination of personal savings and business loans. Calculate what money you will need to acquire, so you can ensure you don’t run out of funds before you open.
Consider the Off-Season
Generally, landscaping is not a popular service during the coldest winter months. Determine how your business will account for this unprofitable time of the year. You can save money ahead of time, hang Christmas lights, or remove snow. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you have prepared a game plan before it is too late.
Earn Clients
The most essential aspect of any small business is earning clients. Without customers, you have no business. Focus your efforts on getting your company noticed.
Network with other landscaping businesses, suppliers, and potential clients. Once people know who you are, you will be able to grow your business and build numerous beneficial relationships.
Consider different methods of advertising. This doesn’t have to be a scary or pricey step. Research and discover simple ideas for you to promote your landscaping businesses.
Starting a landscaping business is exciting, but it is important to take time to make practical decisions and create a concrete plan. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to get your successful landscaping business started.
