LJN - OF the industry, BY the industry, FOR the industry..... - Forum

Yes I have just reworked a famous quote from Abraham Lincoln, however it was the first words that make to mind, so I thought I'd go with it!Whats the relevance you may ask?Simple - is that not the whole 'ethos' of LJN?(I know not everyone may agree - but that, at the end of the day, is only human nature)In my mind, LJN presents a unique opportunity for those within, starting out in, or formerly of any section of the industry to ask or provide advice, gain inspiration and generally learn something everyday...I run a small garden and grounds maintenance business out in the Fenlands of Lincolnshire, I don't claim to know it all, never have, never will in fact.I, as i would IMAGINE most people do, need to refer to my reference books occasionally to find out the best way to prune, most suitable location to plant something etc.I share what useful information I know, in the hope that it may be useful to others and hope that they will do the same so that I can learn from them, be it something that has been learnt from experience, mistake or 'happy accident'.As for LJN, where else in one evening could you have a conversation with a Marshall's award winner, the manager of a large commercial grounds maintenance company, a creator of rammed earth constructions, the owner of a Scotland based garden and ground maintenance business and the creator of LJN himself (who actually lives in France).??These are just the first few that jumped into my head....Yes, I may not be the most 'prolific' poster (although I am working slowly on a series of discussions, blogs etc that I will up load piece meal on here over winter), I simply don't have the time at present in between doing paying work, the non paying but never the less important paperwork side of the business, renovating a property, building a new workshop and actually attempting to have a social life as well.I think we all have something to share, often a quick use of the LJN search box may throw up the fact that the topic has been discussed previously, however sometimes it can be useful to go back to a post in light of new legislation, changes to working practises etc.So, here's looking forward to the posting of more useful information and plenty more intelligent, reasoned discussions and debates in the future.That's my piece said for now - I better go get on - these hedges won't cut themselves (good job really!)

Well done Adam, an eloquent post which should serve as food for thought for everyone involved with this wonderful network.

I am in to my third year of business now, and were it not for the wealth of information, encouragement and openness right here on LJN I am not sure that my business would still be here. I joined LJN on new years eve 2010 whilst trying to carry out some research for a tender... I consequently won that project which was the largest single job I have carried out to date, I still feel to this day that I owe a great deal of the success in winning that tender to the information I found... for free, on LJN.

I too am not the most prolific poster, more of a browser really, mostly spending my time reading and digesting the advice and information passed on to others from those with a great deal more experience than myself, hoping that one day I will be the one to be able to pass on a little nugget of my experience. In essence that is the point of LJN is it not, where else can someone come to an industry specific forum with a failing business model and receive a huge response from people willing and eager to help them fix the problems with their business..... FOR FREE!? That sort of assistance and business advice would normally cost thousands of pounds!

"LJN helps its members navigate through business using a combination of peer review, help and advice as well as pointing its members to important information and resources."

I truly hope that LJN continues to be the wonderfully diverse, opinionated, resourceful network I have come to view as a vital business tool and an open forum for intelligent, thought provoking, balanced and relevant discussion.

There are three ways of dealing with difference: domination, compromise, and integration. By domination only one side gets what it wants; by compromise neither side gets what it wants; by integration we find a way by which both sides may get what they wish.

Replies

PRO

Phil Voice October 29, 2012 at 9:26am

* LJNs Aims and Objectives

* Why use the Landscape Juice Network

* Tips on using LJN
Steve London Stone October 29, 2012 at 9:28am

How about this one:

"ask not what LJN can do for you, but what you can do for LJN"

I can see a game starting here hehe
PRO

Phil Voice October 29, 2012 at 9:37am

That's a good suggestion Steven.

Members can use their experience and expertise to write advisory documents to pass on to other members, for example.

London Stone said:

How about this one:

"ask not what LJN can do for you, but what you can do for LJN"

I can see a game starting here hehe
John Baker October 29, 2012 at 9:40am

"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say
unto you, a good dose of Glyphosate will sort the lazy b*****s" Luke 12 ish
Graeme @ BGS October 29, 2012 at 9:44am

Based upon a few discussions of late ...... "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855).

Nice post Adam.
PRO

Brian www.mibservices.co.uk October 29, 2012 at 9:46am

Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Great post Adam and nice little reminder.
Matt - Allscape SW October 29, 2012 at 12:57pm

Well done Adam, an eloquent post which should serve as food for thought for everyone involved with this wonderful network.

I am in to my third year of business now, and were it not for the wealth of information, encouragement and openness right here on LJN I am not sure that my business would still be here. I joined LJN on new years eve 2010 whilst trying to carry out some research for a tender... I consequently won that project which was the largest single job I have carried out to date, I still feel to this day that I owe a great deal of the success in winning that tender to the information I found... for free, on LJN.

I too am not the most prolific poster, more of a browser really, mostly spending my time reading and digesting the advice and information passed on to others from those with a great deal more experience than myself, hoping that one day I will be the one to be able to pass on a little nugget of my experience. In essence that is the point of LJN is it not, where else can someone come to an industry specific forum with a failing business model and receive a huge response from people willing and eager to help them fix the problems with their business..... FOR FREE!? That sort of assistance and business advice would normally cost thousands of pounds!

"LJN helps its members navigate through business using a combination of peer review, help and advice as well as pointing its members to important information and resources."

I truly hope that LJN continues to be the wonderfully diverse, opinionated, resourceful network I have come to view as a vital business tool and an open forum for intelligent, thought provoking, balanced and relevant discussion.

There are three ways of dealing with difference: domination, compromise, and integration. By domination only one side gets what it wants; by compromise neither side gets what it wants; by integration we find a way by which both sides may get what they wish.
David Cox October 29, 2012 at 2:07pm

Well said adam & all of the above :-

I for one Owe my success and the growth In my business to LJN - and specifically to 4 members who have helped me an awful lot with Advice, tips and words of support - Often its the support which is most valuble, giving you that umpff to p-ush through and get to the success.
Ian Olpin October 29, 2012 at 2:59pm

Great thread!

Lincoln and JFK? I'll add Roosevelt..and one of my favourite quotes..

"....It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat..."
phil@gardenchief.co.uk October 29, 2012 at 3:35pm

Agreed Adam, I think this place is superb and a great resource. I have learnt lots on here and will help anyone if I can :)