8 ROOKIE Mistakes To AVOID As A NEW Lawn Care Business!
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- Опубликовано: 4 фев 2020
- Today I wanted to do a fun video and share with you guys 8 rookie mistakes that I see NEW lawn care business owners making as they just get started in their business! I know I've personally made every one of these mistakes, so I'm definitely victim of these too!
This topic came up as I was laughing and sharing stories with other folks we were interviewing on recent episodes of our new podcast that will be coming out end of Feb. As we have these conversations I was seeing a lot of similar rookie mistakes that we all made when we were first just starting out, and so I wanted to make this fun video list for everyone!
Have you guys ever made any of the 8 mistakes that we shared about in this video? What were some of your guys biggest mistakes? I know we didn't even scratch the surface with talking about equipment, which I'm sure we've all made mistakes there too! Hey if you guy enjoyed this one let me know, and maybe we could do a part 2, ha!
Thanks for watching!
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Have you guys ever made these similar mistakes like I have? Tell ya what, this video would’ve been great 10 years ago, ha!
Lmk if you guys have ever been guilty of these mistakes too!
PS, get your free residential form on last weeks video!
ruclips.net/video/Tcei-R79trI/видео.html
Brian's Lawn Maintenance when I was just starting out I quoted a job for $300 and did it for $300, but looking back on it with the experience I have now it was worth around $1200. I removed 5 medium box woods and cut up and disposed of a 35 foot white pine tree that fell in the front yard.
Weekly blade sharpening! I got lazy was doing it only monthly
I used to wait for my clients up to 3 months for them pay me and they always did, until one day they didn’t. Lost money and moral. Years later every time the sign up with me, payment every end of the month, otherwise 10% late fee. No late payments anymore and same clients for years, i was afraid to lose them when I got more serious about getting my money on time, glad they understand it.
Hi Brian, thanks for the great videos, what do you use for credit on file for clients and how do you set it up? You said something about sending them a link. Thanks.
By the way I like the stage set up you had for your video! Total MAN CAVE!! I I would say it was the Snizit!!
THIS IS A LONG COMMENT BUT WORTH THE READ:
Before starting my lawn care business, I was a salesman for 5 years. I land about 90% of my jobs that I quote or bid on. Definitely pick up some sales books if you are starting.
One thing that I always do is talk as if I am already doing the work. You can get to the sale faster and usually get the client to choose your service on spot.
Today I had two quotes. Sold both jobs in less than 10 minutes. One was just a weekly lawn maintenance service, and spring/fall clean up while the other was a total reno of a front yard- sod and all. Key is to look around, ask questions, make friends with your customers and make them feel comfortable, let them know that YOU are the one who will take care of them.
For example I noticed the client had a dog in his window looking out at us, and he also had one of those garden fences that you stake into the ground surrounding his beds. I said to the client "When I am taking care of your spring clean up would you mind if we moved this fencing and placed it back when we are finished? Also would you prefer we keep the gate closed while we're working in the back yard in case the dog gets out?". This does two things- 1: It shows the customer that I am aware of my surroundings and pay attention to detail which builds trust right away. 2: Subliminally the client is now thinking of you as their landscaper!! By talking as if you are on site working they are visualizing you working at their house. Now all you have to do is agree on the price.
BY THE WAY YES THIS WORKS. My sales trainer was a stage hypnotist. It's all a mind game but it really works. You can nail almost every quote just by talking to the client as if you are already their landscaper. ASSUME THE SALE. They called you there for a reason.
Great tips!! Thanks for sharing
I’m a fellow salesman. I sold gym memberships and now we just hit the covid-19 recession so all gyms are locked down which brings me to lawn care. I’m in my third week now and we are just about to start ads for lead generation. I’m constantly researching on how to better my skills on selling my product, thanks for sharing your tips!
If the customers says “ok honey” they are a good customer! 😂😂 did I hear u right?
I remember when I used to “let the tail wag the dog” - those were some dark days - lol.
I’m there right now just starting… started out as a brush removal job today, now I’m cleaning flower beds and mowing and edging tomorrow lmao
I needed to hear this!! I'm entering my second week of officially beginning my business and I'm all ears to learn from other's mistakes and experiences. Which is the definition of wisdom. Thanks for sharing Brian
Great video, I’ve been in business for 13 years now and this is great advice, it helps me remember the important stuff, like keeping certain things simple. We all need to stick together in the Lawncare nation and keep our pricing up, If your a one man show or a huge company. Thanks again for the great videos. They help more than you know.
💯💯💯
I started my lawn business about 6-7 years ago. I'm almost 18 now. This video was REALLY inspirational and hit close to home with me. I'm working on getting my business more official and I'm gonna get an L.LC. I love when you come out with new videos or post on Instagram. Thanks for the great advice and keep up the hard work!!!
Some great advice ! I love the 6 to 8 day option . I had one client and it was a struggle if I was a day late. I managed to get him out of that thinking ! But will market 6 To 8 days . Thanks !!
One last note you mentioned firing clients ! I kept onto a client a year longer . Finally I let her go and couldn't be happier and haven't. Missed her money even with being a small business .
Thanks for these vids !
Thanks Brian.
This was an excellent recap from what I've been learning from you and others since last summer.
I appreciate you putting the time in for this 👍
Brian, Just wanted to thank you for all the information you sow into the community. I am new to listening to the Podcast and RUclips channel, so I'm still working on the changes that need to be made in my business. However the future is looking very promising the more I learn and implement in my business. Thanks for the positive approach to the challenges that we face. It is super inspiring. We are in the process of getting to know our numbers and turn the corner of making progress toward the black.
This was fantastic, Brian! Lots of key information in here, nice job!
My man! Can’t wait for the podcast! Thanks for making this video.
Excellent advice!! Loved the focal points thanks for sharing
Excellent video. Been in business for 20 years, definitely made all these mistakes myself.
Great info as always! Thanks for tips! Really helping.
I used to work for trugreen too! Fell in love with lawn care there
Great video learn a lot and I have lot to practice from here.. thank you for sharing
Brian, your studio is amazing. Love what you’ve done and your content is steadily teaching me things 💯🔥
Craig’s Cuts thanks Craig!
Thanks for the great information Brian!
Commenting before watching the video... I've been doing this for 13 years and now I am going on my own taking customers that my old company is giving me. I REALLY appreciate all your videos. I've watched so much from you and others (Florida Turf Pros and Stet's Lawn Care mostly) and all of your info is invaluable! Keep the content coming, we love it!
Love it buddy! Thanks for the support
I know you get this daily..
But last year I just bought a plow and decided to start my own business, and it went awesome! Now I’m buying my first ZTR and transitioning into lawn care.
And I’ve watched so many of your videos, and so many of them have helped me believe in myself and take the needed leaps to grow myself.
Thanks Brian! You’re amazing!
That's so awesome!
Great video! Very cool! NICE SET UP, AND MIC SOUNDS GREAT!
That’s been my biggest problem last year is people paying late
Switch to a card on file with your CRM!
Hey bud, I really enjoy your videos. Been doing landscaping for 6 years now hoping to start my own business by next year. Slowly saving up for the equipment and already have a loyal customer base so things are falling into place. You're an inspiration bro keep up the hard work and Vids.
Best of luck!
Edging biweekly, I like it.
Same here I switched to only by weekly
With dirt work especially, getting to the point is ESSENTIAL, i always get straight to the point, ask what they need and while I'm measuring to see what I need for materials, the customer just follows me around and we do small talk to try and get to know each other so I'm not just the excavation guy coming to work at their house.
Don't worry about coming at us fast. We can pause to comment as we wish! LOL Keep up the good work!
Great info! Thanks for sharing, and for keeping it short!!
👊
Just now trying to start a business, great video brother really do appreciate the awesome notes I got out of it thank you!
Fantastic!
"Put a cork in the cake hole" never heard that one before. That ranks up there with "This is screwed up from hell to breakfast" which to date I still don't get.
Thank you, very informative.
This is outstanding content brother!
I’m in my second year of business and have pretty much made all these mistakes, but have learned quickly what to change. Thanks for all the awesome tips!
A lady?!?! Jk
I mean, I don't think it's too unrealistic to say that you don't see that many female owner/operators in this business. I've been in business for seven years and I have never even seen a female on a mowing crew anywhere, ever, let alone one running the show. I think women would do just as well if not better than most men honestly.
Alexandria Otimex-Cortez so I actually own a poop scoooing company, but use the lawn industry as a model because they have many behind similarities behind the scenes.
As The Crow Flies our landscaping company is a husband and wife duo, they rock it!
I actually on a Dog waste removal company, I like to watch the Landscaper video because I can relate to some of the content. Like all the marketing and daily struggle of working outside.
@@ericakrupin1346 Shred the poop like old tires for use on playgrounds. Bonus income stream.
Brian, Good video! I have been in sales and customer service for many years and sometimes we are our worst enemy. It's important to know when to listen and respond with short direct answers. I do like the Bi weekly edging and think I'm going to implement that. My company is very new and we offer a standard weekly lawn service. Mow, weed whack, blow and edge. We will now move edge thanks to you to bi weekly. We also started an additional service this season (only our second season) Pet waste removal. This is a service we would perform weekly for the homeowner or charge homeowners if we run into pet waste. Do you feel with your experience this is a worthwhile service or are we going down a bad road?
Yard book emailed me after signing up, they asked where i herd about them.
Cool app!
Thanks for the tips brian.
Great tips to help people out in that field
Thanks for the info your a positive mentor
I'm PUMPED for my first year doing this! Challenges don't seem like challenges when you're determined. BUT, my biggest problem is figuring out what to charge for what....ugh!
"When you're driven, whatever's in front of you will get DESTROYED. "
-- David Goggins --
I still worry about that going into my second year. But I time every job the first few times. And then later you have a better idea what to charge next time.
may I ask how you are doing this season John?
John M how did it go your first year?
Thanks Mate that helps a lot
Love this Vid,
thanks bud for lightning us small business owners
You bet
Great video Brian, love the studio set up! The number one mistake I see is people just getting into business is they need the greatest equipment like mowers, truck , and trailer and they go into debt and they have a hard time paying it back and then it doesn’t work out so they quit the business! That is just what I have witnessed over the many years of doing lawn and landscape!
Great tips!
100% agree Dale....they dont realize they have all those monthly payments throughout winter when there is no lawn $ coming in!
@@RayboyFirst Exactly!
hey Brian... don't let the tail wag the dog hahaha. love ur vids man thanks keepem coming
Your going so far with this side of the business your gonna push yourself out of the mowing part. Of course that could be what your after 👍🏻
The various plans people design cover different degrees of service. The way I think about it is a little different. If I look at a yard, I know how much it will take to maintain it to the highest degree possible (the most expensive plan), and charge accordingly. Then, I ring the bell, and meet the customer. No matter what they want done, the price is quoted. If they don't want it all done, they pay a lot. But, when they do ask for things they did not want to commit to paying for before, I do not have to charge extra. I do not have to up sell. I can simply say, "Oh, that's included in your service. We love our customers! And we take good care of them."
I use Venmo it works greaT FOR US. I think it’s rather professional. It doesn’t cost anything either except .25 per transaction. I only offer 3 options cash, check or Venmo. That’s it. All my Venmo clients pay me within a day of receiving invoices. So I would give this a shot or at least not discount its usefulness
Definitely guilty of #2. No more getting pulled around!
What’s up Brien congratulations for your new office. But be honest bro I think it was more fun or more interesting seeing you talk into your truck . Thx for the videos 👍🏼
We’ll still be talking in there too haha
most of my customers dont care about the details, they just want the lawn to get cut and look good....thats it.....you are so right , dont talk to much....i have two payment plans, cash /check or pay online when I email you an invoice......works so far......9 times out of 10, when i show up to do an estimate, they are ready to hire, good video, great info...thanks
That’s a bingo!
I love the part about the fees. I follow your method to a key. Some people can definitely be nasty with the dog mess. I think I just need to work on how to word that to the customer a bit better to make sure I don't get someone upset but still keep them as customers.
Learning new stuff to opening my own business, i have 1 client who pays cash but its my manager from work
Yeah I used to think everyone had to have a Friday cut
Audio sounds good boi!! 🎤🔥
Wait til the podcast 💯💯💯🎙
Brian great information thank you very much!
“Always be closing” from Glengarry Glen Ross.
Hi guys loved the vid
Thanks Brian !
This is gold ❤️❤️❤️
Hey brother I’m down in Flat Rock and just getting started this season! My dream is coming true to have my own lawn maintenance company, just need to start getting customers! I already made a Facebook business page and posted in a couple groups, gotta make that Google page asap now! Love your vids so far man, keep up the great work! Thanks !
That’s awesome Justin, wish you the best!
Have been doing this 20 years. We dont mow thur or fri...use those for maintenance and rain mow make up day. I know some will think its crazy as I have passed on probably 80 lawns that wanted end of week mows. We have never done a sat or sun and do half day fridays, to each their own!!
If you don’t mind me asking, do you make good money these days?
Do you think decent money can be made as a solo business owner?
@@mikebasketball11 2 men in a mowing truck easily gross $1200 a day..
Thank you for helping I am currently deciding pricing and making my website for my company go Gatewood Snow And Lawn!
Thank you sir 👌👌👌
I’m 15 and only got about 20 lawns when signing up and new customer I ask them if they want it Mondays or Thursdays(for the weekend)
Great video, I don't mind the short Jibber-Jabbers
It was excellent!
Good video!
Just started dr landscaping and lawncare llc in ohio, thx for the advice
Hey Brian. How do you approach last years customers for the new season? Btw love the channel.
We send out our lawn agreement forms and just continually renew with folks!
@@BriansLawnMaintenance Good to know. I've edited the free agreement you provided. Thank you!
So much truth in all this Bud. Easiest way for me to book customers is rollin up in Cash Kostas' Rarri!! JK,JK,JK where do I come up wit dem?? All joking aside I mentioned before I raised my prices to bigger outfits around me. Wanna keep pay scale in area up & not make any enemies either. Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!
Love it man! Top down screaming out money ain’t a thang 😂💯💯
Too many times has this happened. Sticking to your own business plan and being willing to let go of clients is the hardest. The right clients will come.
How do you let go of clients? What would you tell them?
@@jessedavila5993 Raise your price until it is worth it or they don't want you to come anymore
Rodecaster?! Fancy!
Nice video thank u
How do you schedule your landscaping vs weekly lawn service? Do you only do landscape work on the weekend or do you have certain days during the week that you set aside for landscaping jobs?
We mow 4 days a week
Brian can you give me a Recomendation for brackets to hold equipment in an enclosed trailer? Just starting out this year and putting my equipment together now. Thanks for all the free educational material. Hope it makes my learning curve shorter.
I really like the equipment defender series. I have a trimmer rack, blower rack, and 3 fuel can racks. Although I prefer a utility trailer, they make the same racks for enclosed/cargo trailers. I opted for the combination locks to come installed. Really a nice feature.
Down side, can be a bit pricey. I think for all my racks I have about $1,000 US.
3rd year. Done with cash it's a headache. Thank you
@brian I know your big on route density, how do you feel if I have 2-3 clients spread out that are 12 month a year customers that pay the same monthly price all year, which is guarantee money coming in all year, but takes extra time to drive to do them
Spent 14 years in the pest control. "Don't be needy".....charge what you are worth, regardless of what the overhead of others may be.
I appreciate the effort you put into your videos and youtube channel. I'm subscribed. I hope you don't take offense with this but sometimes, more often than not, you talk so fast I can't keep up. It's kind of like taking a drink of water from a fire hose. I save your vids to a file and watch them later so I can take it all in. This video speaks directly to me since I just started my one man lawn care business in September 2019. I look forward to using this valuable information!
Ha you bet buddy! And yessir we talk fast, we try to talk slow, but I’m just an excited giddy school girl when it comes to lawn care, ha!! Thanks for watching!
How’s your business ?
Is the background a green screen? Your truck looks different 😉. Thanks have a great week!
Haha
I know this is a sore spot but you might want to make a segment about what you pay your employees and how you determine that
Good topic
One more question I have, my trucks use two 30 inch mulch toro mowers , or is the zero turn faster to use and how smooth do they cut the grass???
hey brian luv ur channel man ...quick question..ima start my own self employed lawn mowing business soon is just gonna be me ...should i get pay just in cash?? and wich one would you recommend ?? yardbook or quickbooks???
Yardbook+Quickbooks, and credit card on file with Yardbook. We did a more recent video on that exact topic!
Good info. This will be my second season in business. Most of my customers pay me same day or within the same week. I also added the ability to accept credit or debit cards and going with invoice email or text. Last year was miserable trying to keep track of papers lol. As far as pricing, I started with a simple 30$ an hr but I didn't like that so much. This season I'm trying something different. I have a minimum 30$. If I can do your yard within a hour it's 30$ 1-1.5 hrs is 50$ 1.5-2 hrs it's 70$. I an also strictly mowing right now. I do plan on doing dethatching, hedge trimming later, I just don't have the stuff right now. Anyone have any thoughts?
Seems like a great idea Paul, I am actually attempting to add something like this myself. Even though I am 16 and this is my first year with only 2 clients this is agreat idea I could start with next season, thanks and good luck
Flat fee would sell a lot better
You watch/read Alex Hormozi, huh? Me too. 😆 good vid!
This videos 2 years old before Alex blew up 😁
1. Develop radar for tyre kickers. looking for advice but dont want to pay, basically picking your brain for all your contacts. "So who would you get to do this...". 2 If it hadn't moved in a year, sell it. 3 Watch every penny, buy quality it will last longer and save you money. 4 You can never have enough insurance. 5. Don't be afraid to say no, dont bit off more than you can chew, it will be detrimental to the rest of your clients. 6. Tread carefully when someone is talking down the previous contractor, cause soon you will he next. Finally. Don't criticise your competitor, you don't know the terms of the contract they are working under.
So as a person who is considering getting into starting small lawn care business... Could you share what kind of software you use for storing those credit cards and how you charge their cards? Also how do you start out without getting taxed?
We used Yardbook for a long time. Today (5 years later) we’ve graduated to a platform called LMN.
@@BriansLawnMaintenance If you use PayPal and make over a certain amount will you get taxed? Starting out I'd like to do just cash.
Yep, I've hit most of these😄 I also failed to tax in the beginning. Wasn't accounting for it in pricing either. My State taxes in Ohio are biannual and are a decent hit. Gotta pass that on. Good stuff Brian. Podcasts are looking sharp💯
Great tips! Podcasting coming soon! Thanks for the support!
good thoughts Brian - New friend Ruthie
Thanks for watching Ruthie!
Totally Agree! No Poop! Don't take CRAP from anybody! LOL
Cut business's on Monday so they look nice all week homeowners wed Thursday Friday nice for weekends
Hey brian i noticed when you were talking about beth explaining how you would go about servicing her you said you edge bi weekly for a weekly service . is that true and if so may i ask why you edge bi weekly ? Here in texas i edge everytime i service a yard and even before i started my business, other lawn care companies i worked for edge every time they serviced a property .
I can answer, cus you can get away with edging bi weekly...don't work harder than you need to.
Hey Brian! Where do you keep your trailer or equipment? Storage or you lucky enough to have own driveway, house?
Nope at a storage place down the road from me
So you keep the whole trailer there? Or you unpack it?
Hey Brian! Say, I’ve done a lawn for three years at $30 a cut and it takes me by myself 40 or 45 minutes. How do I get at least $40, I kind of feel sorry for my clients but it’s quite a lot of trimming even at that?
Sincerely, Sam Hanson 😏🧐
Let them know. You would love to continue provoding them service. Like all businesses you have to replace equipment and pay bills to provide the best services. With that in mind i will have to increase my rates. If you would like me to continue to cut your lawn i can do it for $xx. Thank you for your continued support.
Hey Brian, what would you do in a situation like me where you’ve been mowing for a customer for 3 years and you run into a problem with them and they’re just flat out rude and don’t want to pay for the repair they caused you?
I am not entirely sure, would need more context, but if they damaged your equipment you could try to go at them for damages but it’s not likely they’re gonna pay for it. I’d drop them and move on, it stinks!
Hey mate not sure if you will see this but just a question about cancelling clients. What is the best way to go about this in your opinion?
Just be honest and let them go. Don’t beat around the bush.
Brian, do you charge sales tax or are all your prices and even number? For example, if you quote somebody at $50 to cut, do you charge them $53 with sales tax or do you just build that into your price? Thanks!
We don’t collect sales tax for mowing here thankfully
When people try to compare me with others and i just say "I'm not Sonso Sir" and go on from there
I like that shirt. I want one, where can I get it man?
We have our merch store link in the description box 👊
Hi my name is Mr Brown from H.D.P landscaping in nj I hate when people try to tell me what price to give them or how to run my business and what time and what day I should come to the house what do you think in advice
so you have a radio show also??? question do you go on the job or do you send crews out, i gotta company in Florida and Colorado those are major issues my crews and also respecting the equipment,what are your thoughts,another do you sell blocks of lawns off???
It’s a podcast, yep. Honestly we’re always with our crew, as a solo operator and a helper or two. This year we will be sending our guys out on their own as well. It just comes down to finding right people, disciplining when needed, and letting go of bad apples. I’m sure most of your issues fall somewhere in between there. Wish you the best!
@@BriansLawnMaintenance thanks, I’m from port Huron Michigan still have a cottage there
There are literally hundreds more mistakes, but I can't disagree with any of these.
I feel ya, maybe we need another part 2, 3, 4 and 5 😂
@@BriansLawnMaintenance That would be great as I'm trying to take over my dad's business and hes not so great at teaching me haha, grinding through the mud at the moment