Hi, I've been a gardener for a few years, now trying to focus on landscaping..

Hi,

I'm Tom, I'm 24 and I'm struggling. I've been a gardener (basic maintenance with very little knowledge of plants) for a few years now, and I've recently started to focus more on the landscaping side of things. Don't get me wrong, its been very up and down these last few years so overall not really made much more than my outgoings, hardily touching my debt, especially as I have a 3 year old boy who I have every weekend, and my outgoings are a little steep.

I'm capable of doing fencing, small patios, decking, raised beds, hedge cutting etc. but struggling to find work.. I'm not gonna lie, it's getting pretty hard recently, for myself, my partner, and everyone that's helped me in the way of money, tools etc. I really don't want to give up, but I'm getting really close to taking the easy way out and getting a 'full-time job'.. But I know that I wont be able to achieve the successful business that iv been building for the last 3 years, if I just jack it all in now.

I'm not really sure what exactly I'm asking here, so please forgive me. But can anyone shed any light on the best ways to get me booked up with work? I'm constantly hearing of people with similar business' and 90% of people have got work coming out of their ears! Needless to say, I want some of that! As for advertising, iv been posting on Gumtree, putting flyers through peoples doors, and I have my business Facebook page which has 270 odd 'likes'. I've also been sharing the page/page posts into various local community pages on Facebook. As for a website, I really cant afford one right now, but I'm fully aware that would be a massive advantage.

Anyway, I recently came across this website and I'm keen to hear from people that are/have been in this position before.

Thanks for reading.

Tom

Tom, firstly where are you based? Secondly have you drawn up a business plan. This doesnt have to be a massive document but it shows you your costs, potential profit, plan for growth and outlines the whats, wheres and hows of your own business. Next advertising. Although social media is a huge growing market, in terms of percentage as an average I suspect its still low figures for the number of jobs people in our industry get from it.

There are many threads on here about how to and where to advertise I still recommend using local Parish Magazines, Parish Council documents and Village/community newsletters. They're generally cheaper, they reach a specfic audience and usually dont have much in the line of competition also advertising.

Cash flow is king in this business. If you dont really need that lovely shiney tool don't buy it. Always look for the additional profit on everything you do but dont be greedy.

I'm sure you've heard it before but jobs don't find you you have to find them. Put yourself out there. Get in touch with letting companies, Parish Clerks, property managers, tell everyone what you do. Dont be picky at this stage, that comes with age!

I am one of the lucky ones, I have plenty of work but it took some effort to find it. Where I struggle is finding people who can do the stuff I dont .... Laying slabs, fencing, etc etc. I have some contacts but they're busy too. Why? Because they're good and they've hunted down people like me and offered to be subbies or pick up the slack if I'm struggling. Moral.... Network.

Also be organised, use a diary I use the one on my phone. Be reliable, be consistant, be friendly, be good, be quick but not rushed, be smart both in apperance and in attitude, be better than the bloke round the corner. Don't be picky, don't be gruff, don't bad mouth anyone (at least not to your customers!), don't be late and don't feed bullshit to your punters.... They can smell it!

Anyway a few ideas for you but remember it takes time and effort but the rewards are there. Stay in touch and ask us any question you like. We dont mind! Good luck and chin up!

Replies

PRO

Andrew Watts February 15, 2016 at 6:13pm

Hi Tom,

some basic questions - what area are you in? How do you charge & how much and how many customers at the moment - any regulars vs 1 offs.

Plus do you have any cash to invest in marketing or a website?
- Tom Styles > Andrew Watts February 15, 2016 at 6:30pm
  
  Hi Andrew, thanks for the response.
  
  I'm in Norwich, Norfolk. If I had to put an hourly rate, it's £15p/h. Day rate £100-£150 depending on length of day and type of work. Lately I seem to have lost more customers than I've gained, not from anything I've done luckily. As we speak, I have about 5 regulars. But those are mainly lawns. The summer before last, was my busiest for some reason, remember having reasonably full days Monday to Friday.. Money wise, I've literally hit rock bottom, dare I say the worst its been.. So unfortunately zero funds for a website.
Andy Kenney February 15, 2016 at 6:14pm

Hi Tom,

From my own experiences, I started part time around my old job in the RAF, I was also 40 when I started out full time. Don''t always believe those who say they have loads of work, it may be true but but it also may not be.

FB works for me, I've got a decent following now but it took 3 years.

My best advice is that you own a copy of Paul Power's book How to run a gardening business. we are all attracted to the shiny tools etc, but 13 quid on that book is a very valuable expense.

Stay on this page, look through some of the threads. There are big businesses here but also loads of SME's and one man operations.

Final advice is to work out your running costs - before you go and quote work. Knowing your internal costs to do your work makes things more relaxed for you. Know what you HAVE to earn and what you WANT to earn moving forward. All this help is on this site, be it from threads or the knowledge of group members. Best Wishes.
- Tom Styles > Andy Kenney February 15, 2016 at 6:38pm
  
  Hi Andy, thanks for responding.
  
  Fair point about them being 'busy' and I'll definitely have a look for that book! As for being organised, this is something I know I need to do! However quite difficult when I've not got much money to organise!
PRO

Andy February 15, 2016 at 6:39pm

Tom, firstly where are you based? Secondly have you drawn up a business plan. This doesnt have to be a massive document but it shows you your costs, potential profit, plan for growth and outlines the whats, wheres and hows of your own business. Next advertising. Although social media is a huge growing market, in terms of percentage as an average I suspect its still low figures for the number of jobs people in our industry get from it.

There are many threads on here about how to and where to advertise I still recommend using local Parish Magazines, Parish Council documents and Village/community newsletters. They're generally cheaper, they reach a specfic audience and usually dont have much in the line of competition also advertising.

Cash flow is king in this business. If you dont really need that lovely shiney tool don't buy it. Always look for the additional profit on everything you do but dont be greedy.

I'm sure you've heard it before but jobs don't find you you have to find them. Put yourself out there. Get in touch with letting companies, Parish Clerks, property managers, tell everyone what you do. Dont be picky at this stage, that comes with age!

I am one of the lucky ones, I have plenty of work but it took some effort to find it. Where I struggle is finding people who can do the stuff I dont .... Laying slabs, fencing, etc etc. I have some contacts but they're busy too. Why? Because they're good and they've hunted down people like me and offered to be subbies or pick up the slack if I'm struggling. Moral.... Network.

Also be organised, use a diary I use the one on my phone. Be reliable, be consistant, be friendly, be good, be quick but not rushed, be smart both in apperance and in attitude, be better than the bloke round the corner. Don't be picky, don't be gruff, don't bad mouth anyone (at least not to your customers!), don't be late and don't feed bullshit to your punters.... They can smell it!

Anyway a few ideas for you but remember it takes time and effort but the rewards are there. Stay in touch and ask us any question you like. We dont mind! Good luck and chin up!
- Tom Styles > Andy February 15, 2016 at 6:54pm
  
  Is everyone called Andy on here?! Hahaha!
  
  Thanks for your response Andy, appreciate it.
  
  I actually set the business up 2-3 years ago with help from the Princes Trust, and iv barely touched my loan debt. I guess its just been the case of whenever I have money, something will brake, be it tools or the van/truck. I need to be earning more than I need, in order to pay off debts, and have money behind me for when things go wrong. So many times iv been put up shits creek because somethings broken when iv got the least money. So I guess the main objective is to work work work, earn earn earn! Definitely gonna contact estate agencies, holiday letting agents, commercial premises etc.
  
  Thanks again for the warm welcome. I wish I'd found this site years ago!
  - PRO
    
    Andy > Tom Styles February 15, 2016 at 7:37pm
    
    Tom, if memory serves dont you get access to a mentor with the Princes Trust? If so talk to them.
    - Tom Styles > Andy February 15, 2016 at 8:15pm
      
      Correct, but my times up with my mentor.. they stay between 6 months and 2 years.. in my case I got 2 years. He was an awesome motivator, always left there with full positivity!
  - PRO
    
    Richard Gadsby > Tom Styles February 15, 2016 at 11:40pm
    
    Do you have 2 work vehicles? If so get rid of one!!
    - Tom Styles > Richard Gadsby February 15, 2016 at 11:51pm
      
      I do, but only because my little van broke down (currently in the garage getting fixed) and iv recently bought a new truck £1000 with the plan to sell my van when it's fixed.