It has been an unusual start to the year for many reasons, but I would like to ask is there one aspect which is holding you/your business back ?
My thoughts are along the lines;
Business - lack of it, planning, processes, skills, accountancy, advisory/support etc ?
Weather - prohibiting you getting out and working
Motivation - concerns, stress, solitude ?
Machines/tools - lack of, fit for purpose, suitability ?
Knowledge - do you feel your level (practical or theoretical) is an issue ?
Statutory Training - Pesticide etc ?
Staff - unsure about employing, finding good employees ?
Social Media - strategy, confusion, implementation?
Anything else ?
If you could identify only one major aspect, what is it and what are you plans to address it ?
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Replies
Nothing but the weather.
This winter i passed my CS30/31/38/39 got a new website and Safe contractor accreditation.
Been working flat out for nearly a month, now this load of snow looks like it'll stay a while.
I do need a member of staff also..
1. The snow
2. My girlfriend (she wont let me buy any new machinery)
Weather is, of course, the problem. Until I read "motivation", and thought about how that protracted bad weather affects my will to get up and get out every day......
This is the first time in my working life I'm genuinely down about things. With poor conditions from about October until now it's actually half a year I've been held back from proper work, and that's not good. I won't compromise and work on waterlogged gardens just to keep a client happy or make a quick bit of extra cash, so I'm constantly having to explain why I'm not out there mowing the standing water, yet I'm invoicing 12 months per year.
I've never had to do that before, but one client has questioned paying for a year-round contract when he's not getting 12 month's work. Whilst I've explained that I could charge him over 6 months, but it would be twice the price, he still feels he's been paying for me to sit at home this winter. I'm sure he's not the only one, and I hope people don't start to question contract pricing and want to go back to hourly rates, thinking they'll save money over bad winters.
The weather plain and simple - so far this year its cost me 18 days, today is day 19 - and its really getting me down - not so much lost work - the work needs to be done, but the pressure I have in catching up - of that 18 days - I have 5 days worth of work outstanding... I could just about clear the backlog in 3 weeks now, but with the busy season due to start yesterday - I can see it taking longer...
This simply impacts on every aspect of the business plan - from investment, to holding back advertising plans as I simply cant fit anything in!
This time last year I'd been mowing grass for 4 weeks flat out, daffs were up and all but a couple of gardens were in full swing. This year its more like half of gardens!
I was going to say "your client contact details" Gary :-)
Weather is the biggest issue but to be fair, it hasn't caused me any major problems. Hopefully most of us would of addressed the points you highlighted over the winter season and its just a question of worrying if and when it will all pan out.
My concern, is still the lack of support from selective banks for short term funding, this will hold a lot of businesses from growing and at worst keep a float.
I'd say health,- which is linked to the weather but....
for the first time in years, i've had a bad cold/flu which has floored me for the last 3 weeks. - I'm used to being healthy and cheerful, and instead i've been feeling unhealthy, lethargic, and unable to think striaght.
i've just today for the first time been able to get up and think clearly about what my priorities are.
luckily for me, because the weather is so bad, - my customers havn't noticed that i've slipped slightly!
Get well soon, Claire.
After a previous career team working, I do find the solitude particularly difficult to get used to.
I've a young part-time labourer who works with me on occasion, it makes such a difference having a 'wingman' along for company. Should it be a better year this year, might be able to take someone on full-time, hope so.
Thanks Ian,
i'm fine with the solitude when i'm working, but I do love to do gardening based community things so that I can talk to others who are interested in what i'm doing. - My local gardening society, community garden, and an evening networking group are where I go, - and I have my family in the evening.
and i've been so out of sorts, that I didn't actually reply to the second part of Gary's questions
What am I going to do about it?
Well 2013 is the year to finally loose that bit of weight, take exercise seriously and put it at the top of the list (not just saying i've been gardening today, I don't need to do any!)
i've also got to really look seriously at what I eat, and plan to eat more grow your own, - so that I get the most nutrients and vitamins to keep me healthy and help me ward off future colds.
i'm off to the greenhouse now to sow more seeds, and get some fresh air!
Quite simply, the weather has been a real pain. Some gardens have been under water or just too wet to put a foot on them for weeks on end. Its been too cold for cement work for probably half the winter so work on both fronts has backed up. Thinking of joining a circus - have never done so much juggling ......... with plenty more to come. Given a fair spring I reckon we will be settled down by June - another spell of rain like last year doesnt bear thinking about!
So whats holding me back - the weather, plain and simple!!
The weather as had a large impact, even when the rain/snow as stopped for a few days the ground is still very soft in areas.
I have no understanding of social media and computer jargon what so ever, I know I am meant to link this to that to the other, but that's it.
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