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  Dan Frazer Gardening February 21, 2010 at 9:33pm

  I think the obvious reason is that a customer would probably be put off by a salesman. If I want a builder to do some work, I damn well want to talk to the builder, not a salesman!
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  Claire Brown February 21, 2010 at 9:57pm

  I wasn't a very good saleswomen when I started this business, I was almost apologetic about wanting money for something I enjoyed doing. - I've learnt tho' i've gone to networking events, listened to speakers (business link do great free courses) and read blogs, and now I love doing the selling as much as being passionate about plants. - If you love what you are doing, it will show, you are selling a service and you, - not a product. Know who your customer is, then no additional salesman needed.
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  Gary RK February 21, 2010 at 10:27pm

  It's interesting to observe the cultural difference between the UK and USA on this subject.
  
  A majority of mid-size and above full-serve landscaping companies do employ 'Salesmans' to generate leads, they have typically worked their way up the ranks and have some proven form of customer sales skills. They are typically commision paid.
  
  The typical USA client does respond to these people, along with door hangers, Discount coupons, 'slick (or should it be 'sick'!?!) sales letters.
  
  However, lawn care and garden maintenance is much more a 'commodity' item and is sold differently over there.
  
  I think the nearest we have in the UK is the role of the 'Contracts Manager' in large landscape companies. I have come up against a number of these guys and they sit between a landscape manager and a sales manager.
  
  I just wonder if we will see this role increase in the UK as landscape companies look for any edge to gain work ??
  
  Time will tell .....
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  Kirsty Blair February 24, 2010 at 11:35pm

  Its an interesting thought - the way I see it, someone else wouldn't give the same enthusiastic sales pitch.
  
  I think its something you can learn - to keep the wolves from the door you'd be amazed at what you can do.
  
  How would they do it anyway - cold calling?? not a route I'd go down - I'll stick with my website and advertising.
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 25, 2010 at 8:15am

  I couldn't warrant employing salesperson and nor would I. Not really the way to go. You've got to look at your business model and plan - pushing sales in that sort of manner would certainly change the dynamics of how your business operates.
  
  If you are passionate, honest and therefore confident and professional in your business and ability you will be able to sell yourself - potential customers can see this and want some of it to be operative on their gardens/grounds. Most wouldn't respond well to a sales person in the case of my business.
  
  When someone wants something they will approach you, or hopefully your form of advertising and marketing will entice them to towards you and convince them that they need your services. I wouldn't want to have to convince people to employ me.
  
  I do however knock on doors when doing card/leaflet drops to introduce (NOTE: introduce, NOT sell)and leave card because one of our selling points is our personal, friendly, yet professional service. That way its not just another marketing drop, people know who they are calling - thereby reducing the need for them to call several other businesses when they need a quote... that is, if they liked what they saw!! Doesnt work for all!!
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  Lisa Valentine February 25, 2010 at 4:23pm

  I generally sell without realising I'm selling because I love gardening so much and it is my passion. So I do sell quite a few plants to my customers. I have new ideas that pop into my head when I see my customers gardens and say what about this, or maybe you could do that instead. The problem is that I forget the ideas when I leave because I'm at the next customers garden and I leave myself in a whole heap of doo doo.
  
  However, it's taken me a long time to get the confidence up. I now sell plants, tools, landscaping projects and maintenance plans because I have to and it's my business and I employ people. So i guess it is part passion for gardening but to be honest to stay in work and keep the business going and to keep us looking enthusiastic to our customers.
  
  I don't think in all honesty, my customers would go a bundle on a salesman, they'd see right through them. I think personally it's when you're talking to your customers over a cup of tea when they are more receptive to your ideas. I think your customers would appreciate it more that way and they want to see your enthusiasm and passion because they wouldn't have you there in the first place.