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Whether you’re seriously thinking about starting a new landscaping business, or maybe you’re on the fence about taking the next step in your current company…what’s the biggest thing standing between you and your success? It’s not money, or equipment, or personnel – it’s fear. In this episode, Dale and Stan tackle this subject head-on. At the age of 20, Dale Spencer was a strong, fit young man filled with energy, when a sudden injury left Dale paralyzed. Just like that, simple everyday tasks we all take for granted had to be re-learned. With incredible resilience, an undeniable drive, and a strong support system around him, Dale conquered a situation that most of us couldn’t even imagine. Not only has Dale has been able to realize his goals and achieve great success, he’s dedicated his life to helping others do the same. He is a truly inspiring individual, and he and Stan have a great conversation about life, attitude, and what all of us can do to see past our fear, and focus on our success.
How to Overcome Your FEARS
- F – Focus
- E – Energy
- A – Attitude
- R – Resilience
- S – Support Systems
Links from this episode
www.dalespencer.com
On Facebook
On Twitter @dspencerfearnot
Michael Port is a marketing guru that tells us NOT to focus on marketing – seriously. So what should we focus on? As business owners and managers, what ultimately makes a potential customer choose you and your company? Michael and Stan teach us just that in this episode of LBP. Learn how to go into a meeting and go into a bid with a confidence and demeanor that will absolutely land you more jobs. If you’re genuinely excited and enthusiastic about your business and the service you provide, the customer will pick up on it. Moreover, the customer will respond to it. Demonstrate credibility and earn the trust of your customers…and suddenly your pricing becomes less of a focus for your customers. They hire based on feeling, not price. But better yet, your bid process becomes a natural, simple sales conversation that you’ve been capable of having all along. The types of jobs you want, the jobs you love doing, the jobs you seek out – will start finding you.
Turning weeders into leaders. That’s Jeff McManus’ philosophy when it comes to shaping the culture of your company. But what does that mean? And what the hell does “company culture” have to do with my 10-man landscaping business? The answer is simple. By educating your employees, engaging them, empowering them, and trusting them, you can create great leaders out of “average” employees. Give them the know-how and drive that allows them to focus on bettering themselves, and being proud of their work. Not only will this “weed out” the weak employees, but suddenly your other guys are showing up early, asking good questions, taking pride in their job, but best of all – making each other accountable for their work – without you needing to say a word.
Travis Leicht is a young entrepreneur that approaches business from a completely different mentality. By his early twenties, Travis had already started, built, and sold multiple companies. In fact, the sole purpose he started the companies was just to sell them. Driven by his passion for bio-diesel engines, Travis has developed a proven strategy to build lean, efficient, fast-growing and profitable companies. His current venture is JIT Supply, based out of Sarasota, Florida. JIT Supply is a “just in time” landscaping supply company designed specifically for landscaping professionals. The business model focuses on low inventory supply lots in various locations throughout town – so they can promise fast, accurate delivery all over the city. Travis is a sharp, business-focused young man that has a bright and prosperous future ahead of him. Travis really know how to get a landscaping company off the ground, so I guarantee even some of you seasoned owners out there can learn a lot from this episode. For you younger listeners just starting out, you’ll hear some completely fresh ideas on how to grow your landscaping business right out of the gate.
I’ll be completely honest here. Self-help techniques and “ra ra!” type affirmations aren’t for all of us. But you’re listening to us to learn, right? To grow? To get that kick in the ass you need to start carving your own path? Give Robert Mallon a shot in this episode of LBP, and I guarantee you’ll be seeing some things in a different light. 
Shaun Caldwell is owner of Charlotte Print, an online printing company located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shaun’s background is internet marketing, but when his career wasn’t going where he wanted, he got into print media – which seems a little backwards – but it’s a move that Shaun truly believes was a game changer. Before beginning a direct mail campaign, ask yourself two questions. 1) What does your demographic look like? Age, income, location, etc. Know who you’re targeting. 2) Make sure your message to that audience is complimentary. It doesn’t matter how good your print piece looks or how many people see it, if you’re not speaking their language, then your efforts are lost and your money is wasted. Stan and Shaun also discuss the differences between a solo and “coop” campaign. Which costs more? Which is more effective? What kind of return can I expect?
Corinna Essa is a social media expert. She’s helped companies of all types and sizes approach their social media marketing in a way that makes sense for their industry, budget, and marketing goals. Take Pinterest for example…the simplicity of posting a beautifully photographed before and after picture on Pinterest can have a profound affect on your company’s exposure. Once Pinterest users start “pinning” your photos, you can essentially sit back and let the Pinterest community do your advertising for you. If Pinterest is a model that works for your business, then Instagram is another photo-based platform that may be perfect for your company’s social media efforts. 
Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, business coach, hall-of-fame consultant, is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the lawn & landscape industry. He grew his company into a successful $10 million enterprise, and he’s now devoted to helping others achieve profound success. Jeffrey believes, if you really want to run and grow the business you always wanted while still having time to enjoy your success, it is absolutely necessary to become a recruiting expert. Find a rockstar #2 employee, or what Jeffrey calls a “2nd in command”. Next, get your estimating process down to a science. Then, work on a budget and make it a priority every single month. Get ready to hit the rewind button, because Jeffrey and Stan share some invaluable information in this episode, including some great tips on how to write the perfect “Help Wanted” ad. As always, thanks for checking out the Landscape Business Pro Podcast!