Growing landscape firms builds bridges
1 Sep, 2008 By: Jamie Gooch LivescapesSmall business owners may sometimes feel they are an island unto themselves. You may be the one selling, designing and installing the landscape project. That's a lot to do, but many successful small landscape companies do it every day. However, without help, most will stay small landscape companies.
 Learn from companies that are willing to share their expertise. |
It doesn't have to be that way, of course. Growth can come in the form of hiring employees with special talents that complement your own, by partnering with other businesses or learning through networking. Partnering and networking often require no more than your time and your willingness to learn and share. These business bridges can lead to increased efficiencies, more business and valuable industry contacts.
Where to start
Look for partners locally. Growers and retailers are an indispensable source of knowledge on new varieties and consumer trends. Make the time to talk with them. Share what you're seeing in the market and find out which plants will be available and which may be in short supply.
The businesses you've been working with for years may also be interested in a more formal partnership. For example, greenhouses that sell to the public are likely to get requests for landscaper recommendations. Is your company on their short list? What would it take for your company to be their only recommendation? A retailer-landscaper partnership can be a win-win.
Beyond your market are national and international companies who are interested in working with landscapers. Plant breeders, for instance, understand the importance of reaching out to landscapers. Many are actively marketing to landscapers to make sure you know the about the latest colors, disease resistance, cold hardiness and growth habits they have bred into new varieties.
Take advantage of the opportunities to learn from breeders and other companies that are willing to share their expertise. You'll often find substance at the base of their marketing message and a real desire to better the industry via education.
Regards,
Jamie Gooch
Managing Editor
jgooch@questex.com
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