An entrepreneur is an individual who is able to identify any business opportunity. While a lawn care company might not sound like the most lucrative business venture, it is actually in high demand. For instance, in the USA, lawn companies generate about $69 billion each year, according to Lawn & Landscape.
Lawn care and landscape architecture are not all about growing flowers and planting grass. They involve careful planning, designing, rehabilitation, management and extensive preservation.
Lawn care is bound to be a booming business, and so with that it is also very competitive. Thus, any entrepreneur willing to go into business will need the required skill set. Moreover, they will need the relevant equipment, and, to a degree, they’ll need some physical fitness. With proper instruction and support, anyone looking into this line of work should have a good chance at success. You can also find more lawn care articles on the Green Pinky.
Top Tips to Help You Get Started
Lawn care is a diverse branch of business. Before you start, you might want to be specialized in a particular area, or several. Here are a few tips on how to start a lawn care business within your community.
Create a mission statement
Identifying why you should start a lawn care business will be a priority. Naturally, as an entrepreneur, the main goal is to get some profit.
After defining your goals, the next step is to create a mission statement. This will help you have a clear purpose of why you are starting your company in the first place.
Sure, it may sound difficult, for your mission statement will decide whether you will succeed or not. Having clear goals is the first thing to focus on.
Research the market
You will need a lot of detailed research before venturing into the business. The following are some of the factors you should research before getting started.
Demographics and psychographics
These involve those who need your services. If you are starting in a neighborhood, it means you will be dealing with homeowners, real estate agents, and the elderly.
A list of skills within the lawn care industry
The lawn care industry offers uniformed services. Some even go a step further to add extra services.
As an entrepreneur, it would be a much wiser decision to specialize in a specific area. This is because the business will be easier to operate. Here are a few areas of specialization. Such as, though, not limited to…
- Landscape architecture
- Landscape construction
- Lawn maintenance
- Irrigation
- Tree trimming
- Chemical lawn care and pest control
- Line-clearing, or branch removal from power lines
Level of competition
The level of competition in the lawn business is quite extensive. This is because there are a lot of small companies which operate in neighborhoods. And some have already established a relationship with the residents in their own neighbourhoods.
However, large companies face much greater competition. This is because they always try to fight for government contracts. There are times when monopoly is the only means to take on the market.
Research good equipment brands
There are already well-established brands that have made a name for themselves. This might be because they have been in the industry longer than others.
As an entrepreneur, you should analyze what they do differently that has allowed them to stand the test of time.
Get fully licensed and certified
The legal necessities for starting a lawn care business are not many. But if you do not understand the legalities, then hiring a lawyer will come in handy.
Choose your equipment wisely
Buying quality tools should be a priority if you are looking to attract customers. However, purchasing the equipment should be guided by a few factors.
First, consider the type of skill sets you have. Choose tools that will help you complete jobs faster.
Moreover, it would help if you looked for equipment which requires little maintenance and is within your budget.
Look for different vendors and dealers. It will allow you to feel out which equipment is the absolute best for your business.
Hire staff
Eventually, the business will grow, thus, managing it on your own will be a hassle. Building a startup team you can be confident in is a good idea.
This could include a part-time office manager to manage the paperwork, or a technician who can maintain equipment.
Observe all your legal obligations as you recruit staff. This includes labour standards, taxation, and healthcare.
Court clients
The best way to leverage clients in your own neighborhood is through word of mouth. Most of your clients should be residents which you have already established a relationship with.
If you provide quality services, then your clients will definitely recommend your company. Social media is also a good platform to advertise on.
Focus on the basics, and you will do just fine!
A lawn care business does have the potential to pay out reasonable sums of money. I’ve found this to be a passion of mine as well, so it’s not even like I’m working in the first place. All in all, though, I guess I’ve found my dream job.