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About Jody Shilan

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Jody Shilan is a landscape design/build sales consultant, editor of FromDesign2Build.com and former executive director of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Reach him at 201-783-2844 or jshilan@gmail.com

Posts by Jody Shilan

Design to a budget Posted on 16 Jan 2018 in the 1217 & Design/Build+Installation & Featured categories.

Let’s imagine for a moment that at your initial design consultation, your prospect actually gave you a budget number. Some of you may be thinking, “That would be awesome. Now... Read more»

To fee or not to fee? Posted on 01 May 2017 in the 0417 & Design/Build+Installation & Featured categories.

Design fee proposals aren’t created equally. Here’s one design expert’s approach. I’m still amazed when I get pushback from landscape designers and contractors about design fees. They either won’t charge... Read more»

Profiting from Design: Using a phone script Posted on 29 Mar 2017 in the Design/Build+Installation categories.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the lifeblood of any successful company and should be developed for every process in your business. Let’s look at what’s typically the first business interaction... Read more»

A picture’s worth a thousand dollars (or more!) Posted on 24 Jun 2016 in the 0616 & Featured categories.

Q: Do you have any ideas to help me increase my referral business? A: Most landscape contractors give their clients holiday gifts in December to thank them for their business. It’s... Read more»

How to explain design fees Posted on 04 Jan 2016 in the 1215 & Featured categories.

Landscape design expert Jody Shilan gives his perspective on this tough question.  Q: How do you explain to clients why you charge for your plans while other companies don’t? A:... Read more»

Prepare, present and close Posted on 01 Apr 2015 in the 0415 & Design/Build+Installation & Featured categories.

Master the tricks of a perfect kitchen-table presentation. Public speaking or giving presentations is a nerve-wracking experience for most people. It requires confidence, concentration and knowledge of your subject matter.... Read more»