LJN Blog Posts

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  Peter Gear September 2, 2023 at 10:34am

  

  1)  The online software we use for scheduling-and-billing etc, "Groundleader", is indispensable (incidentally I have a stake in that software - ! - but if we weren't using Groundleader we would need an equivalent for logging work & capturing evidence of that work, streamlining processes such as quotes, invoices, managing our assets, and so on).  Keeps everything running smoothly all year round, whether it be gritting, spraying, cutting grass etc.  We could not function efficiently without it, especially given that many of our operatives are quite spread out geographically and working remotely (the app even helps us reduce the risks of lone-working).

  2)  The slideshows we use to structure our staff induction and refresher training sessions.  Whilst we have excellent staff retention, and the best people onboard (who are of course the most important part of any business - that much is a given!), it is still vital to have careful staff recruitment, and quality training, both initially, and ongoing.

  3)  Our asset maintenance workshop.  Without the awesome work our talented and knowlegeable mechanic does to keep our kit and vehicles running smoothly, we would be reliant on 3rd-party providers, and the lengthy delays and eye-watering costs of same.
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    My Garden Design > Peter Gear September 4, 2023 at 11:55am

    

    Hi Peter,

    Thank you for your detailed reply.

    The Groundleader software sounds very comprihensive. Do you have more info on this?

    I also like the slideshow idea for inductions and traning. Simple yet very effective.

     
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  Peter Gear September 4, 2023 at 4:00pm

  Hi, thanks, you're very welcome!  Looking forward to seeing more peoples' responses to your question.  :)

  Re. Groundleader, here's a link to the website: https://groundleader.com/

  Re. Training slideshow, it took us a while to make initially, and needs updating every now and then, but has been so useful over the years.  As you said, simple but effective!  People ultimately learn by doing, rather than being "told", so you need to be careful that it's not just "death by powerpoint", but that it's a structure for conversations and practical actions and exercises, where trainees get to "have a go" themselves and put their new knowledge into action at every turn.  Makes the training process consistent and enjoyable, and gives everyone involved confidence that the trainees have become "competent" by the end of the process.  We also use written and practical competency checks at the very end, to ensure they've taken all the main points onboard.  Again, if they get any of those checks "wrong" then it's not a fail, merely a useful indication of which bits to go over again.  Works well.  :)

  

  Groundleader – Grounds-maintenance software. Less admin, mower profit.

  Less admin, mower profit. Scheduling-and-billing software. Designed by contractors, for contractors.
  • PRO

    My Garden Design > Peter Gear September 5, 2023 at 11:16am

    Thank you, I will take a look. One bit of kit I would be lost without is my CRM. It helps me manage pretty much every aspect of my business and keeps me very well organised.