5 Questions: Jennifer Chaplin
LM's Seth Jones talks with Jennifer Chaplin, CEO of Botanica Landscapes, about her favorite tool in the shop, her most memorable day at wok and more. read more
Systemization Series: 5 steps to building a systemization plan
This post is part one of Dan Pestretto’s seven-part systemization series. Read on to part two, “Systemization Series: Core functions of business—sales,” here. The accompanying chart, taken from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s March 2014 Frequently Asked Questions report, tells a tale of heartache and concern. The data include entrepreneurs and existing, large firms. But mixing large and small companies together... read more
Guest Post: Creating effective enhancement systems
Selling installations and additional services is a critical part of the landscape maintenance business strategy. The benefits are both external and internal. Externally, enhancements represent good customer service. Landscapes are living and dynamic and require some investment from time to time. These additional projects put you in a position to solve problems and add value for your clients. If you... read more
High Performance: The Post-it note organizational system
As a junior in college I applied for an internship in IBM’s marketing department. Unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for the internship, but I was a finalist and had the opportunity to interview in person with its local marketing manager. The interview was held in the manager’s office. Walking into his office, the first thing that caught my attention was a... read more
Are you 80% efficient?
The ultimate definition of productivity is your ability to keep your laborers on your clients’ properties and, more importantly, to keep them working while on those properties. You don’t make money when they are traveling to and fro, even if your clients pay for the travel. And you make no money with them loading and unloading, even if your clients... read more
LandOpt
LandOpt works with successful, independently owned landscape contractors on whole business improvement. LandOpt’s goal for your business in providing systems and processes for sales/marketing, operations, human resources and business systems, along with role specific training and on-site coaching, is that of helping to create profitable growth, improved productivity and defined career paths for your team members. Based in exclusive territories,... read more
