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Business Ideas: Attention! Time for war
1 Jan, 2005 By: Ed Laflamme Landscape ManagementWe need passion for our business, but passion isn’t enough. We also need applied knowledge.
I see many landscape business owners doing things the same old way, putting up with the same old frustrations, working hard and not thinking about tomorrow. Their only concern is to get through another day. Is this you? If you don't love what you do, maybe it's time for a change. But, if you love what you do, whether you've been in business for two years or 20, it's time to declare war. Make your declaration and begin putting together your battle plan.
 Ed LaFlamme |
Choosing your weapons
The "war" idea came from a friend, Mark Stevens, who's writing a book with the title, "Declare War on Your Business," soon to be released. He founded MSCO, a prominent marketing company in New York that helps both national and international companies to more effectively market, sell and deliver their products and services.
He wants his clients' marketing dollars to count, their revenues to grow and their margins to increase. What a concept! I can hardly wait for this book to be released. (If you're interested, visit
www.msco.com for further information.)
What comes to your mind when you read the words, "declare war on your company"? For me, it stirs passion for improving. The words are a call to action. But, as we all discover, passion isn't enough to build and sustain a successful company. We also need applied knowledge. Like soldiers, landscape company owners must couple their passion with their experience and knowledge and use this mixture in a logical, directed strategy.
But there's a catch. Most landscape company owners are their businesses. What that means is that they have to get out of the proverbial "box" and become aware of what other successful companies are doing in their market area and also around the country.
Here is a 10-point battle plan that will lead to victory in the war to building a successful company.
1. Join and participate in associations. Start at your local or regional level but also join The Associated Landscape Contractors of America (www.alca.org).
2. Subscribe and read the trade and business magazines. They offer a wealth of business-building information and news.
3. Pay an annual visit to at least one successful operation that's similar to or larger than yours.
4. Partner with a respected consultant. He or she will assist you in reaching your goals, and shorten the time that it takes to achieve them.
5. Become certified. It's a great learning experience, and it demonstrates your proficiencies to others.
6. Network with other non-competing companies. Share what you've learned with others.
7. Hire a personal business coach.
8. Find a mentor who's older and wiser to share their wisdom with you.
9. Mentor others. By teaching you'll be taught.
10. And, for heaven's sake, learn and understand your financials.
These steps will take time to accomplish, so tackle them one at a time. And remember to check out the book, "Declare War on Your Business," by Mark Stevens.
— The author is a consultant, speaker, author and president of Grass Roots Consulting. He can be reached at ed@grassrootsconsulting.com or 203/225-0807.
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