Giving free advice

Don't worry...you won't be blacklisted:-))

LJN has pretty much driven sentiment within the landscape industry since its inception in 2008. Our members have asked the questions and posted replies to many topics others would rather have seen kept quiet...unless one parted with hundreds of pounds.

Take the ongoing thread about turning work dowen on religious or moral grounds (see here: http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/have-you-turned-d...)

I can think of no other place - whether that's a trade magazine or website - that is capable or would allow this type of discussion.

However, through this thread I feel we've (collectively) done such a service to help our industry understand and deal with people's feelings on this subject.

Long may we all continue to do such an important job;)

Neil Copeland said:

Lately I've had a couple of clients and the like ask me "what is the best way to.....". Now I can't help myself to impress on them my knowledge. Later though it will dawn on me it was counter productive to do so. It's often herbicide or plant knowledge related and I note LJN has received posts on these matters aswell.

With regard to the blacklist comment, it arose from a touch of guilt for raising a negative side effect of LJN. Wasn't serious.

Replies

PRO

Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd July 16, 2014 at 10:00pm

Go and post free advice in the Hub!

Nick.
Matt Johnson July 16, 2014 at 10:01pm

good answer nick!
Neil Copeland July 16, 2014 at 10:14pm

Could be free advice to an acquaintance, existing client, friend or similar. General question but it applies to those reading LJN too.
PRO

Phil Voice July 16, 2014 at 10:17pm

LJN is all about sharing so I'm a bit confused by your question Neil.
Neil Copeland July 16, 2014 at 10:27pm

Lately I've had a couple of clients and the like ask me "what is the best way to.....". Now I can't help myself to impress on them my knowledge. Later though it will dawn on me it was counter productive to do so. It's often herbicide or plant knowledge related and I note LJN has received posts on these matters aswell.

With regard to the blacklist comment, it arose from a touch of guilt for raising a negative side effect of LJN. Wasn't serious.
PRO

Andy July 16, 2014 at 10:34pm

Sharing info helps us all Learn. I've certainly learnt new things or more efficient ways from LJN.

Sharing info in my opinion is the choice of the individual. I have no doubt that between us we could build design plant and maintain the best garden "in the world". However if the chap or lady wot builds stone obelisks chooses not to share than we don't have any stone obelisks and that bit of knowledge is lost from our garden. But that's their choice.

By the way, if you build stone obelisks for a living I apologise for using your craft as an example. It was the first thing that came to mind!
PRO

Phil Voice July 16, 2014 at 10:36pm

Don't worry...you won't be blacklisted:-))

LJN has pretty much driven sentiment within the landscape industry since its inception in 2008. Our members have asked the questions and posted replies to many topics others would rather have seen kept quiet...unless one parted with hundreds of pounds.

Take the ongoing thread about turning work dowen on religious or moral grounds (see here: http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/have-you-turned-d...)

I can think of no other place - whether that's a trade magazine or website - that is capable or would allow this type of discussion.

However, through this thread I feel we've (collectively) done such a service to help our industry understand and deal with people's feelings on this subject.

Long may we all continue to do such an important job;)

Neil Copeland said:
Lately I've had a couple of clients and the like ask me "what is the best way to.....". Now I can't help myself to impress on them my knowledge. Later though it will dawn on me it was counter productive to do so. It's often herbicide or plant knowledge related and I note LJN has received posts on these matters aswell.

With regard to the blacklist comment, it arose from a touch of guilt for raising a negative side effect of LJN. Wasn't serious.
Jordan Graham July 16, 2014 at 11:59pm

Neil, someone must of taught you some of the things you know for free. Maybe even payed YOU to learn new things if you've worked for a company or somebody. I'm so glad we have LJN for advise as it has realy helped me and my business. I would also gladly share any advise I have to others if it helps them, just like how I have had advise and help from others.
PRO

Andy July 17, 2014 at 3:20pm

I have a customer who as part of the deal I am "teaching gardening". From an absolute beginner she has had the first harvest from her vegetable patch. Very satisfying on both counts. I am all for sharing knowledge as It builds enthusiasm and keeps us in work.
Andy Kenney July 17, 2014 at 8:09pm

Definitely share knowledge as it can have a positive effect on potential customers to either do something in their own garden or get someone else to do it (hopefully you!) I find that giving people an insight into things is the first part of upselling your potential services for them. If they go to someone else, it has cost you a few minutes of your time. If you show knowledge, insight and enthusiasm, the chances are the work will come your way. As Harry says, education of how and why we do tasks can only be beneficial to our trade as a whole.