Is Running Your Own Business Lawn over Dew? How to Start a Landscaping Business

Whether you love being outdoors or you love the joy of constructing a project with your hands, you’ll find that there is something about landscaping that you can’t resist. Maybe you dream of creating breathtaking transformations from outdoor environments.  Perhaps there is a landscaping business in your future.  If this is your case, it will help to do a little pre-planning and research. The following items may give you a head start:  

• Reflect on your goals and develop a mission statement.  What would you like to accomplish with your new lawn maintenance business? Will you be targeting residences or commercial landscaping?   
• Identify Your Target Market.  Identify your customers.  Residences or commercial grounds?  Many marketers choose to develop something called a buyer persona – a short paragraph or two – that provides a snapshot of what your ideal buyer looks like.
• Build a Team/Staffing.  At some point you’ll have to put together a staff to run your business. This might mean a part-time office worker to manage, schedule, and bill.  You’ll also need landscapers/laborers. You will have to not only decide on the person's ability but will also have to run a background check on each employee.  

• Identify what equipment you’ll need.  Think through the most important equipment you will need.  Target equipment that is going to help you get things done faster, professionally and that requires minimal maintenance. Talk to your peers and dealers. Consider the type of guarantee/warranty that is included in the equipment.  

Develop the following skills:  

• Estimating.   Whether moving a lawn or building an elaborate gazebo, people will need to know the cost of the job upfront. Develop good estimating skills from the beginning. There are software packages to take out some of the guesswork but remember your goal is to determine your costs then add in a profit.  

• 
  Set prices.  Most landscaping professionals recommend coming up with an hourly rate, both for yourself and your employees.  To determine your rate, compare your prices to those of your competition. Have friends contact companies in your target market area that offer similar services.  

• Schedule jobs.  When your business just starts out, it will be easy to determine where you need to be on any given day.  Eventually, though, the phone starts ringing and you will be trying to find a way to coordinate jobs. Consider software packages designed for landscapers to help you track your business.

Located in South Elgin, Illinois, LaFarge Fox River Decorative Stone is your one-stop-shop for masonry, landscaping, concrete pavers, fire pits, retaining walls, ponds, and more! Visit our showroom today or call us: (847) 888-6133.

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Sources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/279066 http://success.hindsitesoftware.com/field-service-software-blog/bid/216368/7-tips-for-starting-and-growing-your-lawn-maintenance-business

The Top Four Reasons to Invest in a Fire Pit for Fall

As the leaves change and the air grows crisper, fall arrives with the plethora of activities to do outside. Friday night football, apple picking, and pumpkin farms are just a few that come to mind when thinking of fall festivities. One of our ultimate favorites at Lafarge Fox River Stone is gathering around a fire pit and enjoying our loved one’s company on a beautiful fall night. Thinking of adding a fire pit to your home? Here are four reasons why we’re all for it!

Great Focal Point of Outdoor Space

If you’re looking for a simple, yet effective way to spruce up your outdoor space, a fire pit is a great place to start with the renovations. Even when they’re not in use, they add to your space aesthetically to help create a beautiful gathering space and become a design anchor. Fire pits can tie everything in with several design schemes.

Increases the Home Value

Not only do fire pits add to your outdoor space, but they increase a home’s value as a whole and can add some zest and flare to a more traditional landscape. Because fire pits are now a more popular way to entertain guests, it’ll be a great selling point and draws attention to the architecture of your home as well.

Helps to Make Your Outdoor Space More Enjoyable

Fire pits help create another space for entertainment at your home, which can make your outdoor space enjoyable for many months past the summer. Many believe that outdoor entertainment has to end when the weather grows colder, but we like to disagree! Bonfires, roasting s’mores, or celebrating on game days are now all possible with your very own fire pit.

Creates an Ambiance

We know we’re not in the early 1900’s anymore, but we all still like to keep up with the Joneses every once in awhile. You get a beauty and ambiance to your outdoor decor unlike any other when you incorporate a fire pit into the mix. They create the perfect atmosphere for spending time with family and friends; there’s just something about a crackling fire contrasting the crisp, fall air.

At Lafarge Fox River Stone, we have the supplies you need to help create the perfect fire pit for your outdoor space. For more information on the products we carry, you can visit our website or give us a call at (847)-888-6133 today!