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I have the use of my son when he's back from his Uni in the holidays but that’s it.
In my first year of trading I said yes to everything and tried and failed to fit everything in with the result that I upset a few customers with my unreliability.
Never again, in subsequent years I only take on work I know I can fit in
It seems to be the general consensus that you really need at least three of four employees to make it worth your while. I would hate to employ someone, find work for them and for them to then leave and leave myself and more importantly my customers in the lurch.
Gary Hedges said:
You get to the point where you are struggling and cant make your mind up if you are doing the right thing, but you just have to take the plunge...
You can not let your regular work be neglected and you cant turn work away..
If work slackens off you will have no option but to lay the person off.. However once you take them on you tend to make every effort to keep them on and before long you will be taking on another.. I have always said that I could only manage 3-4 full weeks with no work at all and they would all have to go but it doesnt happen.
what you will have to do though is alter your pricing a little
Regards Mark
ROWLY HILL said:
Why am I telling you this?
Well for all of those men and women that are leaving the armed forces, they have access to a ressetlement package. This is basically designed to get them back into work in their chosen field. Courses, CV writting interview practise etc...
The people that run these are called "Career Transition Partnership". www.ctp.org.uk
They are constantally looking for employers etc to take people on, even if it is only for a week or two (this can be paid or unpaid) for the person leaving the forces to gain a bit of experiance within that field.
It might be somewhere that you could find someone that is interested in a career in horticulture.
I know I am and I meet a colleague the other day who as just qualified as an arbourculturalist, he spent 3 weeks working with a local firm to gain some more knowledge, (he didnt get paid as he was happy to learn plus he was still getting paid by the RAF).
There are a lot of reliable service men and women out there that are trustworthy, reliable and dedicated.
Have a look it could help you out.
Dan Pearce
im sure if when quoting id said £300 instead of £200 for a days work they would still say : when can u fit us in? !!
bizarre - but i have my rates and stick with them for size/type of jobs.
i have few regulars (commercial day jobs) , and private lawns that are crucial - it doesnt stop growing if your a week late , so i get these done out of the way.
people that are keen/phone you up or have been waiting once a job is started must be attended too first.
(ive had this dilema today and have to go tomorrow) still cant start/finish fence part till next week unless i get my brother / and other help to do it !! headaches .
but it all works out eventually , just the weather to deal with then lol....
keep going and the most important will get done by the end of the day :)