By David Crary
We are in the heart of the green industry’s winter vacation. Unless you are pushing snow in the winter, you are probably in the planning stages for the startup season of your customers. As a previous landscape management owner, I understand that we get in to a routine of what our winter vacations entail. Try something new this winter to help your business have a kick start to the year. Below I have provided three more things you should add to your “to-dos” over your winter vacation:
- Employee Manual.
It’s a new year, meaning you can finally write up that employee manual you have been meaning to make for years. Making the manual as detailed as possible will make the document more worthwhile. State what you expect from your employees as well as how you expect them to do their jobs or treat equipment.
Already have a manual? Great job! Now update it. I can bet with each new year, new updates will need to be added to the manual. Keep it up to date so it is easier to manage next year. - Learn.
Attempt to learn one new thing each day, every other day, or each week. It can be as simple as looking up discussions online for a common problem you had this past year, or as complex as attending one of the many field service trade shows available to the landscape management industry over the winter months.
Whether you research a new piece of equipment, or look in to using more options within your field service software, it never hurts to learn more. Staying up to date on the newest and most efficient ways to run and manage your business will keep you ahead of the game. Learn new ways to help grow and improve your business so you can start off your next season on the right foot! - Research those going out of business.
Whether it’sbecause of the economy, retirement, change of professions, etc. there is always someone hanging up their hat in this industry. While it may not be the ideal situation for those closing their business, it is beneficial for you. If you are in need of some new employees, you can reach out to those who were just laid off. Everyone needs work and you could use workers you know have already done good work within the industry. A bonus of taking on a new employee is that you can bring in new customers with them. They have made connections with the people they have provided services for and are a great recommendation source for you.
These businesses will also probably be selling their equipment and parts for a decent price. If you can reach them quick enough, you will most likely be able to bargain for a good deal. Check out Craigslist or try talking to local dealers to find out who is closing up shop. There are some great opportunities available to you when someone else goes out of business.
I always suggest taking time for yourself once your season slows down. You need the time to regroup and rebuild otherwise you will continue to burn yourself out. Once you are refreshed however, it’s time to get back in the game and work on your business. Your spring start ups are still a few months away, but that’s no excuse to not get a head start on helping your landscape management business have a great year!
Get your technology ready for the next season as well with our Quick and Dirty Technology Checklist. Want more offseason tips? Download our 10 Ways to Improve Your Business During the Offseason eBook today!
How do you spend your winter vacation? Share below in the comments section!