You are now a professional, act like it.

[HighGrass]

You new guys, here are a few tips. To some they may seem obvious, to others not so much.
-No tank tops, or going shirtless
-No butts hanging out of your mouth
-No baggy jeans, no visible boxers
-No ball caps turned around backwards. If god wanted them that way, he would of said so.
-Decent Pants, without holes especially around areas of discretion
-Keep your trailer clutter free
-Shave
-Watch your mouth while working, save the bad language for the garage
-Yield to folks on the sidewalk, stop blade rotation, ease off the throttle etc.
-Keep the grass out of the flower beds
-Be mindful of toys, and anything on the lawn
Just some things I've seen in the last few weeks.

[LBLC_LCO]

:drinkup:

Good post.

[TurfTrimmer 92]

You new guys, here are a few tips. To some they may seem obvious, to others not so much.
-No tank tops, or going shirtless
-No butts hanging out of your mouth
-No baggy jeans, no visible boxers
-No ball caps turned around backwards. If god wanted them that way, he would of said so.
-Decent Pants, without holes especially around areas of discretion
-Keep your trailer clutter free
-Shave
-Watch your mouth while working, save the bad language for the garage
-Yield to folks on the sidewalk, stop blade rotation, ease off the throttle etc.
-Keep the grass out of the flower beds
-Be mindful of toys, and anything on the lawn
Just some things I've seen in the last few weeks.


Agreed. Always gotta look like you give a damm

[LouisianaLawnboy]

Pretty funny!

Agreed. Any newbies follow these guidelines.

[Turf Commando]

Great post ...

[ColliganLands]

You new guys, here are a few tips. To some they may seem obvious, to others not so much.
-No tank tops, or going shirtless
-No butts hanging out of your mouth
-No baggy jeans, no visible boxers
-No ball caps turned around backwards. If god wanted them that way, he would of said so.
-Decent Pants, without holes especially around areas of discretion
-Keep your trailer clutter free
-Shave
-Watch your mouth while working, save the bad language for the garage
-Yield to folks on the sidewalk, stop blade rotation, ease off the throttle etc.
-Keep the grass out of the flower beds
-Be mindful of toys, and anything on the lawn
Just some things I've seen in the last few weeks.


great post and advice.. where abouts in MA are you because ive been noticing the same things near me alot lately

[VirginiaLawnCare]

You new guys, here are a few tips. To some they may seem obvious, to others not so much.
-No tank tops, or going shirtless
-No butts hanging out of your mouth
-No baggy jeans, no visible boxers
-No ball caps turned around backwards. If god wanted them that way, he would of said so.
-Decent Pants, without holes especially around areas of discretion
-Keep your trailer clutter free
-Shave
-Watch your mouth while working, save the bad language for the garage
-Yield to folks on the sidewalk, stop blade rotation, ease off the throttle etc.
-Keep the grass out of the flower beds
-Be mindful of toys, and anything on the lawn
Just some things I've seen in the last few weeks.

I agree except the shave part I don't have to completely shave to look professional.

[greendave]

I agree except the shave part I don't have to completely shave to look professional.

Care to explain? :confused:

[lifetree]

Care to explain? :confused:

He probably means if you have a regularly trimmed beard or something that looks groomed, would be OK !!

[J&R Landscaping]

Great post! How about also adding...

Watch the clock while your working!

Saw some kid mowing on Sunday evening. A little after 7pm he was finishing up. No shirt, gym shorts and half his boxers out. And the signs on the bed of his pick-up were hillarious. Not sure why anyone would be out cutting a residential that late on a Sunday.
You hardly catch me working Sundays at all, let alone working past dinner time on a Sunday. If thats no rock bottom, its quite close imo.

[xxl]

I agree good post

[VirginiaLawnCare]

Care to explain? :confused:

I didn't think it was that hard to understand facial hair doesn't equal un professional. Keep it neat and trimmed and your fine. Having a goatee is far from unprofessional to me. Im not in the military anymore I'm not shaving my whole face daily.

[Tjw1104]

i agree, but depending on job i will waear a tank top if its hot.....there is a dude by me rides around blasting rap music shorts no shirt one in sandels

[WGLandscapeMaintenance]

If it's too hot, I may wear shorts otherwise I keep it professional

[MileHigh]

I personally dont agree with number 2 and 7.

I don't shave that often, and I smoke...sometimes while cutting, anytime I feel the need for a cig. Now if a customer walks up, I will immediately put the smoke out and deal with them.

I've always smoked on the job...It's part of me unfortunately.

[HighGrass]

I personally dont agree with number 2 and 7.

I've always smoked on the job...It's part of me unfortunately.

I don't agree. I think you have to except the fact, at least for your customers that don't smoke, that it detracts from your appearance as a professional. I dipped snuff for years so I know it's hard to quit, almost impossible sometimes but it's worth doing on so many different levels.You sound like a nice, honest guy. But it still doesn't change the fact of how your customers may perceive you and unfortunately the success of our business, to some degree, is based on our appearance and our actions.

[HighGrass]

great post and advice.. where abouts in MA are you because ive been noticing the same things near me alot lately

Western Ma. Umass area.

[HighGrass]

He probably means if you have a regularly trimmed beard or something that looks groomed, would be OK !!

Exactly. If it looks messy:clapping:, then it is. If it looks like it belongs, then it does.

[HOOLIE]

I wear tank tops all the time. Never understood why people on here get so worked up over that? So your shoulder is showing, big deal.

Glad some of you aren't actually making the rules :laugh: Guys spend more time over silly stuff than worrying about REAL problems, such as how to get paid on time :)

[turfbuilder]

You new guys, here are a few tips. To some they may seem obvious, to others not so much.
-No tank tops, or going shirtless
-No butts hanging out of your mouth
-No baggy jeans, no visible boxers
-No ball caps turned around backwards. If god wanted them that way, he would of said so.
-Decent Pants, without holes especially around areas of discretion
-Keep your trailer clutter free
-Shave
-Watch your mouth while working, save the bad language for the garage
-Yield to folks on the sidewalk, stop blade rotation, ease off the throttle etc.
-Keep the grass out of the flower beds
-Be mindful of toys, and anything on the lawn
Just some things I've seen in the last few weeks.

I agree totally.
The other day I was going to a job in a newer subdivision when I came across a newbie unloading his trailer in front a home.
This guy had rap music blaring out of his rusty old Bronco.
He had no shirt on with his pants falling off his a***ss.
Unbelievable!! :nono::nono:

[Okielawman28]

yes, I am a newbie this season, but I do follow those simple guidlines, and most of which are common sense.

but there are a couple of guys who cut in my neighborhood, and both of them work shirtless, and it is freaking stupid I think. These two have tried to take some of my lawns also, well they have not suceeded in taking any of my properties.

anyways, yeah I agree with the post, work like a professional, dress like one too.

Chris

[KCfireman]

I do all of those except one.

[HighGrass]

I wear tank tops all the time. Never understood why people on here get so worked up over that? So your shoulder is showing, big deal.
Glad some of you aren't actually making the rules :laugh: Guys spend more time over silly stuff than worrying about REAL problems, such as how to get paid on time :)

Everyone has standards. I have mine. Some agree, some don't. But when you say something like,"Never understood why people get worked up over it.." sort of proves my point doesn't it?

[HighGrass]

yes, I am a newbie this season, but I do follow those simple guidlines, and most of which are common sense.

but there are a couple of guys who cut in my neighborhood, and both of them work shirtless, and it is freaking stupid I think. These two have tried to take some of my lawns also, well they have not suceeded in taking any of my properties.

anyways, yeah I agree with the post, work like a professional, dress like one too.

Chris

Common sense, yep. Just not that common anymore.

[verant]

I personally dont agree with number 2 and 7.

I don't shave that often, and I smoke...sometimes while cutting, anytime I feel the need for a cig. Now if a customer walks up, I will immediately put the smoke out and deal with them.

I've always smoked on the job...It's part of me unfortunately.

There are many people that would not hire you if they knew you smoked on the job. Honestly, I would drop the guy If I saw him smoking while working on my yard. Unprofessional, and isn't smoking unsafe when on a mower. I mean, heck, you have a bomb there with gas tanks on your ZTR.

[verant]

good post. I don't know how people can take their shirt off on a job and consciosly still believe that they are a professional. I have never even thought about doing it no matter how hot it is. Just my 2 cents, but i think many of you would agree

[KCfireman]

good post. I don't know how people can take their shirt off on a job and consciosly still believe that they are a professional. I have never even thought about doing it no matter how hot it is. Just my 2 cents, but i think many of you would agree

I don't think there's nothing wrong if your in a backyard w/ a high fence. I do it.

[mdlwn1]

You new guys, here are a few tips. To some they may seem obvious, to others not so much.
-No tank tops, or going shirtless
-No butts hanging out of your mouth
-No baggy jeans, no visible boxers
-No ball caps turned around backwards. If god wanted them that way, he would of said so.
-Decent Pants, without holes especially around areas of discretion
-Keep your trailer clutter free
-Shave
-Watch your mouth while working, save the bad language for the garage
-Yield to folks on the sidewalk, stop blade rotation, ease off the throttle etc.
-Keep the grass out of the flower beds
-Be mindful of toys, and anything on the lawn
Just some things I've seen in the last few weeks.

Funny thing is....If you dont know this..how successfull will you ever really be?

[NIXRAY]

And to make the case hold water about working shirtless..........you get hotter when you work shirtless...Why do you think they call it a farmers tan after all?

[HOOLIE]

Everyone has standards. I have mine. Some agree, some don't. But when you say something like,"Never understood why people get worked up over it.." sort of proves my point doesn't it?

And what is your point? That anyone that doesn't do it your way, is doing it the wrong way? That does seem to be the point to most of these type of threads. Sad truth is, we do a job that any 14 year old can do (as evidenced by how many kids are on this site) This doesn't make it any less of a career choice, but a lot of guys seem to have a complex over it and conjure up 'rules of professionalism' to make it seem as if there is some sort of standard that most of the rest of the mowing world doesn't live up to.

I've been doing this a looooong time, and never, ever, had a single prospective customer ask what type of shirts the guys wear, or IF they wear a shirt even. We as people in the business, tend to attach more importance to these things than 99% of our customers do.

[coqui landscaping]

ah i kind of agree with those guidelines too i mean is pretty much common sense

[mdlwn1]

And what is your point? That anyone that doesn't do it your way, is doing it the wrong way? That does seem to be the point to most of these type of threads. Sad truth is, we do a job that any 14 year old can do (as evidenced by how many kids are on this site) This doesn't make it any less of a career choice, but a lot of guys seem to have a complex over it and conjure up 'rules of professionalism' to make it seem as if there is some sort of standard that most of the rest of the mowing world doesn't live up to.

I've been doing this a looooong time, and never, ever, had a single prospective customer ask what type of shirts the guys wear, or IF they wear a shirt even. We as people in the business, tend to attach more importance to these things than 99% of our customers do.

Really depends on your definition of successfull. If successfull to you means going out and making a paycheck...then your probably right...and could justifiably argue against any advice on this site. On the other hand those who wish to develope a business system that provides comfort BEYOND a mere paycheck already know this stuff...it's common sense.

[Whitey4]

And what is your point? That anyone that doesn't do it your way, is doing it the wrong way? That does seem to be the point to most of these type of threads. Sad truth is, we do a job that any 14 year old can do (as evidenced by how many kids are on this site) This doesn't make it any less of a career choice, but a lot of guys seem to have a complex over it and conjure up 'rules of professionalism' to make it seem as if there is some sort of standard that most of the rest of the mowing world doesn't live up to.

I've been doing this a looooong time, and never, ever, had a single prospective customer ask what type of shirts the guys wear, or IF they wear a shirt even. We as people in the business, tend to attach more importance to these things than 99% of our customers do.

If you think any 14 year old can develop a solid fert and weed program, diagnose lawn and shrub diseases, design and install retaining walls and choose sensible IPM plantings for the landscape.... either you are mistaken, or you just mow lawns, in which case, I would agree with your self assessment.

Are you a lawn mower guy or a horticulturist?

How I dress on the job has a big impact on customer perception. When I recommend a treatment, suggest a garden renovation or even when I mow, I don't do it wearing a tank top. I LOOK like a horticulturist. Not some kid mowin a lawn.

[WGLandscapeMaintenance]

There are many people that would not hire you if they knew you smoked on the job. Honestly, I would drop the guy If I saw him smoking while working on my yard. Unprofessional, and isn't smoking unsafe when on a mower. I mean, heck, you have a bomb there with gas tanks on your ZTR.

I notice you go to UND, I will be going there this fall, I'm a freshman.

[HighGrass]

And what is your point? That anyone that doesn't do it your way, is doing it the wrong way? That does seem to be the point to most of these type of threads. Sad truth is, we do a job that any 14 year old can do (as evidenced by how many kids are on this site) This doesn't make it any less of a career choice, but a lot of guys seem to have a complex over it and conjure up 'rules of professionalism' to make it seem as if there is some sort of standard that most of the rest of the mowing world doesn't live up to.

I've been doing this a looooong time, and never, ever, had a single prospective customer ask what type of shirts the guys wear, or IF they wear a shirt even. We as people in the business, tend to attach more importance to these things than 99% of our customers do.

My point is that you are a direct reflection upon yourself and the industry. If you don't think riding around with a cigarette hanging out of your mouth and wearing a tank top (I believe called a wife beater t-shirt in some circles) are not areas you can improve upon, then I tip my hat to you and wish the best of luck.

[93Chevy]

Sorry if this was already mentioned, but...

TALK to your customers! Especially the older ones that live alone. Once a week, or on a big install job, take a few minutes and see how they're doing. I've gotten great cookies and other treats from talking to customers. If you know it's their birthday/anniversary, etc, send a card, just to let them know you care.

I know we're all in a rush, but the older folks especially love to know the person they're doing business with. If we just show up and do the work, send a bill, and do the same thing next week, they're more likely to drop us than if our price was a little higher, but showed that we could be trusted.

[HighGrass]

Sorry if this was already mentioned, but...

TALK to your customers! Especially the older ones that live alone. Once a week, or on a big install job, take a few minutes and see how they're doing. I've gotten great cookies and other treats from talking to customers. If you know it's their birthday/anniversary, etc, send a card, just to let them know you care.

I know we're all in a rush, but the older folks especially love to know the person they're doing business with. If we just show up and do the work, send a bill, and do the same thing next week, they're more likely to drop us than if our price was a little higher, but showed that we could be trusted.
How true. And you never know what kind of extra work they might want done. Getting to know them can open other doors.

[LBLC_LCO]

Sorry if this was already mentioned, but...

TALK to your customers! Especially the older ones that live alone. Once a week, or on a big install job, take a few minutes and see how they're doing. I've gotten great cookies and other treats from talking to customers. If you know it's their birthday/anniversary, etc, send a card, just to let them know you care.

I know we're all in a rush, but the older folks especially love to know the person they're doing business with. If we just show up and do the work, send a bill, and do the same thing next week, they're more likely to drop us than if our price was a little higher, but showed that we could be trusted.

Agreed.

I have an older client that I save for the last of that days route. He likes to come out and BS with me for 10 minutes or so, and I don't mind. He just enjoys having someone to talk to so I think I can afford 10 minutes at the end of my day to have a conversation with a loyal customer.

[93Chevy]

How true. And you never know what kind of extra work they might want done. Getting to know them can open other doors.

Exactly. I've helped an old lady get her porch ready for winter and carried groceries, etc. She always pays me for that, but not without a fight, lol. The time I spend is hopefully an investment toward more work. Plus it's the right thing to do.

[Whitey4]

Sorry if this was already mentioned, but...

TALK to your customers! Especially the older ones that live alone. Once a week, or on a big install job, take a few minutes and see how they're doing. I've gotten great cookies and other treats from talking to customers. If you know it's their birthday/anniversary, etc, send a card, just to let them know you care.

I know we're all in a rush, but the older folks especially love to know the person they're doing business with. If we just show up and do the work, send a bill, and do the same thing next week, they're more likely to drop us than if our price was a little higher, but showed that we could be trusted.

Yep... treat customers like people, not customers. I don't even care if it means more biz, more money.... sure, you might not get appreciated by evryone that way, but for me, it's more about liking the guy I see in the mirror. Old folks are more interesting people than any other. Get them talking sometimes, and your life will be enriched. Yea, there are the old lonely widows that will bend yer ear endlessly and whine about the slightest thing, but in general, I find the elders to be interesting people once you get to know most of them.

I make lawns look great. I do what I can to make some people's lives less lonely. I love this biz, and doing it all MY way.

[greendave]

I didn't think it was that hard to understand facial hair doesn't equal un professional. Keep it neat and trimmed and your fine. Having a goatee is far from unprofessional to me. Im not in the military anymore I'm not shaving my whole face daily.

Given that your screen name is "Virginia........" I wasn't sure if you were female since you stated that you didn't 'completely shave.' - I wasn't sure what the wording was implying. I looked at your profile but it gave no hint as to your gender. I was only trying to be politcally correct. :)

I have no problem with properly trimmed facial hair; I had a full beard for many years. What I DO have a problem with is the 2 or 3 day scruffy looking growth. No matter WHO you are or WHAT your job is, if you want to be treated like a professional, you have to look and act like one.

[cgaengineer]

Great post, going to shave my legs, arms and crotch right now...never knew customers cared about that stuff.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[greendave]

Great post, going to shave my legs, arms and crotch right now...never knew customers cared about that stuff.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

T M I :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Roger]

I read the first post and scanned the others, so may have missed ...

Administrative details.

I mean prepare good looking invoices, get them to the customer in a timely manner, be happy to accept checks if in person, get the checks cashed at the bank quickly. Scrawling out a handwritten invoice is not projecting a professional business-like image.

[flames46]

I'm a newbie as well but I'd like to add this:

-Wash your truck

[MileHigh]

Sorry guys,

But i really do not think smoking on the job looks unprofessional at all.

I agree with everything else but that...

I see so many people in construction, deck building, landscape, and lawn maintenance puffing down....Not saying that that makes it ok, I'm just saying that it's ok.

If someone wants to fire me, after already hiring me to do a job because I'm addicted to smokes, and smoke on any property I feel like...Then I don't want them as a client. If they can pull the trigger and throw me off there property for something as little as smoking?....who knows what could happen in the future....

Basically, I want clients that smoke....LOL

[Jescolandscaping]

Sorry if this was already mentioned, but...

TALK to your customers! Especially the older ones that live alone. Once a week, or on a big install job, take a few minutes and see how they're doing. I've gotten great cookies and other treats from talking to customers. If you know it's their birthday/anniversary, etc, send a card, just to let them know you care.

I know we're all in a rush, but the older folks especially love to know the person they're doing business with. If we just show up and do the work, send a bill, and do the same thing next week, they're more likely to drop us than if our price was a little higher, but showed that we could be trusted.

Each day that I work, I Spend time with my customers. You have no idea how much this has paid off ( refrences, more work, great food...) I do work for an old lady who lives in the middle of no where with no family, she has cancer (again) and I sometimes schedule her for the end of the day and eat dinner with her, she even sent me a birthday card this year with $20 in it, like i was her grandson. haha.

[Frantic Freddy]

Sorry guys,

But i really do not think smoking on the job looks unprofessional at all.

I agree with everything else but that...

I see so many people in construction, deck building, landscape, and lawn maintenance puffing down....Not saying that that makes it ok, I'm just saying that it's ok.

If someone wants to fire me, after already hiring me to do a job because I'm addicted to smokes, and smoke on any property I feel like...Then I don't want them as a client. If they can pull the trigger and throw me off there property for something as little as smoking?....who knows what could happen in the future....

Basically, I want clients that smoke....LOL




I see how, to some people this would be an issue. Like you posted though, I don't want those customers either. I try not to smoke the whole time i'm there but if its over an hour more than likely, Im smoking. It is my right! (at least for now, but that is another story):rolleyes:

[howardsells2000]

All of these tips are great and I agree with most. However the best part of being you own boss is that you can run your business the way you see fit. The only thing I don't agree with is the spending ten minutes talking with your customers. If I see them I will say hello and smile. I don't knock on the door when I get there. I just start cutting and when I'm done the check or cash is usually in an envelope waiting for me on the deck or porch. If I have to knock on the door I try to keep my conversation pleasant but short. Just think if I have 15 yards to cut and I spend 10 minutes with each one that adds up to 150 minutes, 2 1/2 hours. That's a lot of time. I have work to do and want to get home in time to relax and watch a little tv.

Howard

[verant]

I notice you go to UND, I will be going there this fall, I'm a freshman.

Oh really, sweet. Where are you living there. im guessing the dorms? which one. Feel free to PM me if you got some questions or wanna talk about UND or whatever else.

[WGLandscapeMaintenance]

Yeah dorms, Walsh hall I think is what it is.

[LouisianaLawnboy]

All of these tips are great and I agree with most. However the best part of being you own boss is that you can run your business the way you see fit. The only thing I don't agree with is the spending ten minutes talking with your customers. If I see them I will say hello and smile. I don't knock on the door when I get there. I just start cutting and when I'm done the check or cash is usually in an envelope waiting for me on the deck or porch. If I have to knock on the door I try to keep my conversation pleasant but short. Just think if I have 15 yards to cut and I spend 10 minutes with each one that adds up to 150 minutes, 2 1/2 hours. That's a lot of time. I have work to do and want to get home in time to relax and watch a little tv.

Howard

Not every customer. Just 1 or 2 a day maybe. People who need it. Shut ins, elderly, veterans, etc.

[LouisianaLawnboy]

Sorry guys,

But i really do not think smoking on the job looks unprofessional at all.

I agree with everything else but that...

I see so many people in construction, deck building, landscape, and lawn maintenance puffing down....Not saying that that makes it ok, I'm just saying that it's ok.

If someone wants to fire me, after already hiring me to do a job because I'm addicted to smokes, and smoke on any property I feel like...Then I don't want them as a client. If they can pull the trigger and throw me off there property for something as little as smoking?....who knows what could happen in the future....

Basically, I want clients that smoke....LOL

I've never smoked and can't stand if someone blows smoke in my face while talking. If you blew smoke in my face that would DEFINITELY be a MAJOR point against you. I know you said you don't do that, but I'm just saying.

I've worked in construction, and yes people smoke. If you come to my house to work in the yard or do some construction you can smoke, but just not in my house. Basically I don't care what you do as long as you don't affect me.

BTW hopefully you will overcome the addiction. I will be praying that you do.

[Allens LawnCare]

Guess I should return the new Spinners I bought for my new machine

[Allens LawnCare]

What about the speakers hooked up to the ROPS

[Allens LawnCare]

:nono:Cup holder as an ashtray:nono:

[Allens LawnCare]

:dizzy:Starting to get bummed.....What about the neon glow kit I installed under the deck!

[Allens LawnCare]

I don't care what anyone says I'm wearing my Daisy Dukes and old mesh football half shirt....gives me a good looking tan lines!

[Allens LawnCare]

With a cowboy hat......

[Allens LawnCare]

And my heavy tint top gun style sunglasses......Not osha approved of course

[Allens LawnCare]

Good thread though....I try to keep everything clean and look decent at all times. My down fall is wearing camo cargo's sometimes which leave my legs looking like hamburger

[greendave]

I don't care what anyone says I'm wearing my Daisy Dukes and old mesh football half shirt....gives me a good looking tan lines!

DOH! You crossed the line with that one, shooter!

[lawnprosteveo]

Im thinking about uniforms like George has here. Looks very professional! This should score me some seriously sweet accounts! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[93Chevy]

Wonder if George ever bought one for his property, lol.

I go to school with Bill Wright's son. Real nice kid, good head on his shoulders for coming from money like that. I can tell they are a very humble family. I wish I had gotten to know him better.

[HOOLIE]

Well, just got in from yet another successful day of mowing in a tanktop! Long live the sleeveless tee too!

[Allens LawnCare]

Im thinking about uniforms like George has here. Looks very professional! This should score me some seriously sweet accounts! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I met Bush Sr several times, my buddy use to work for him in Maine, great guy, Jr....Seems to be missing a couple screwsssssss

[cgaengineer]

Im thinking about uniforms like George has here. Looks very professional! This should score me some seriously sweet accounts! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

You will never see Obongo on a Wright

[marthanmike1959]

yes, I am a newbie this season, but I do follow those simple guidlines, and most of which are common sense.

but there are a couple of guys who cut in my neighborhood, and both of them work shirtless, and it is freaking stupid I think. These two have tried to take some of my lawns also, well they have not suceeded in taking any of my properties.

anyways, yeah I agree with the post, work like a professional, dress like one too.

Chris

Why do they call it common sense,when its not common anymore.By Fred Thompson

[HOOLIE]

My point is that you are a direct reflection upon yourself and the industry. If you don't think riding around with a cigarette hanging out of your mouth and wearing a tank top (I believe called a wife beater t-shirt in some circles) are not areas you can improve upon, then I tip my hat to you and wish the best of luck.

I don't know your background, but unlike most people on this forum, I actually worked in this industry before I went into business for myself. Not only worked in the industry, but I managed a lawn company with 450+ residential mowing customers and 250 or so fert and squirt customers. Plus numerous commercial accounts. I did everything except sign the paychecks. I ran the place solo for weeks at a time while my boss was off in the Caribbean on a cruise, or on a beach in Florida. I was highly involved in customer service...including frequent surveys, both by mail and by phone. And I can tell you with confidence, almost no customer gives a rats ass what type of shirt you have on while you're mowing their lawn. There might be one or two out there, I guess you can have those :)

[WGLandscapeMaintenance]

Im thinking about uniforms like George has here. Looks very professional! This should score me some seriously sweet accounts! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

An LCO I used to work for was talking about having the crew wear suits on Halloween. I'm not sure if they did that but I have since found another job and haven't talked to him for a while.

[HighGrass]

I don't know your background, but unlike most people on this forum, I actually worked in this industry before I went into business for myself. Not only worked in the industry, but I managed a lawn company with 450+ residential mowing customers and 250 or so fert and squirt customers. Plus numerous commercial accounts. I did everything except sign the paychecks. I ran the place solo for weeks at a time while my boss was off in the Caribbean on a cruise, or on a beach in Florida. I was highly involved in customer service...including frequent surveys, both by mail and by phone. And I can tell you with confidence, almost no customer gives a rats ass what type of shirt you have on while you're mowing their lawn. There might be one or two out there, I guess you can have those :)

Well at least now when I reach "that" level of success, I'll know what to look out for.

[MileHigh]

I've never smoked and can't stand if someone blows smoke in my face while talking. If you blew smoke in my face that would DEFINITELY be a MAJOR point against you. I know you said you don't do that, but I'm just saying.

I've worked in construction, and yes people smoke. If you come to my house to work in the yard or do some construction you can smoke, but just not in my house. Basically I don't care what you do as long as you don't affect me.

BTW hopefully you will overcome the addiction. I will be praying that you do.

I don't even smoke in my own house...that's gross.

I will put the cig out before making any type of conversation with any or potential client.

Thanks for the prayers.

[MowHouston]

I think this is more of his flavor.
http://web.mit.edu/mecheng/pml/assets/images/generic/cotton_harvest_2.jpg

Thats messed up. lol :laugh:

[mowerdude777]

I agree except the shave part I don't have to completely shave to look professional.

Same here I am pretty young and do not realy care in fact I am starting to grow a beard

[93Chevy]

Same here I am pretty young and do not realy care in fact I am starting to grow a beard

I've been trying to grow some sort of beard/goatee for like 5 years, and all I can get is fugly peach fuzz. :laugh::laugh:

[Frantic Freddy]

My brother-in-law is the same way chevy. By all means, shave that ****. If it looks anything like his, it looks like a dog that has the mange. Really crappy looking stuff. I laugh at him all the time and make fun of him. I would make him shave if he came to work for me. On the other hand, I agree that a well manicured beard is not that bad looking. Ive been trying to grow one forever (not that I can't, I actually have a very thick beard) but keep shaving it off after a few weeks because it starts itching like crazy!

[93Chevy]

Lol, yeah, I have to shave a couple times a week to knock it down. Looks like ass.

[Miket163]

And what is your point? That anyone that doesn't do it your way, is doing it the wrong way? That does seem to be the point to most of these type of threads. Sad truth is, we do a job that any 14 year old can do (as evidenced by how many kids are on this site) This doesn't make it any less of a career choice, but a lot of guys seem to have a complex over it and conjure up 'rules of professionalism' to make it seem as if there is some sort of standard that most of the rest of the mowing world doesn't live up to.

I've been doing this a looooong time, and never, ever, had a single prospective customer ask what type of shirts the guys wear, or IF they wear a shirt even. We as people in the business, tend to attach more importance to these things than 99% of our customers do.

For the most part you are right on...I try to look professional but most customer could care less if their lawn looks great and your are punctual and polite when speaking.

[STRINGALATION]

how ironic on a thread about being professional we get the RACIST COMMENTS.

[Dave_005]

If someone else wears "uniforms" while mowing thats up to them, i wear whats COMFORTABLE TO ME.. JEANS and a TANK Shirt, the customers dont care one bit wether the guy mowing thier yard is wearing a "uniform" or tank shirt. i have NEVER lost a single account due to what i wear and have only lost one account in the past 4 years due to "lowballers" even though i'm one of the highest priced in the area i work. i DO agree about no smoking, i dont allow anyone working for me to smoke in my truck or anyplace on or near a customers property. to me that just looks bad plus if they have time to take a smoke break then something isnt being done..

[Whitey4]

I can't resist. About ten years ago there was a solo working here. SHE was small framed but not a bad landscaper, but the inevitable observation was that she not not particuarly "feminine". That's fine.... she was also rather flat chested.... and mowed with no shirt on! Apparently no one complained, and it wasn't because she was hot.... it was because almost no one even noticed.

[93Chevy]

Wow.

That's all I have to say.

Wow.

[Frantic Freddy]

I have man boobs and will not under any circumstance show them to clients.:nono:lol

[jay albers]

thanks,the place would shut down if you didnt show up

[STIHL GUY]

i wouldnt want somebody mowing my lawn without a shirt on

[greendave]

If someone else wears "uniforms" while mowing thats up to them, i wear whats COMFORTABLE TO ME.. JEANS and a TANK Shirt, ...........snip............

Man, jeans have got to be the hottest pants to wear......... they don't breathe, retain perspiration, and are heavy. Down here it's cotton, too hot for anything else. Besides, if you go to the discount or outlet stores, you can get shirts and pants for sometimes as little as $10.00. I wear $9.95 polos, comfortable, inexpensive, and professional looking.

[greendave]

My son and I saw a very 'professional' crew go by us the other day: beat up old pickup that had a garden tractor driven up into the bed on ramps, one guy sitting on the tractor in the bed, three others in the cab, all shirtless. Yup, real professional..........

[iluvscag]

Great post! How about also adding...

Watch the clock while your working!

Saw some kid mowing on Sunday evening. A little after 7pm he was finishing up. No shirt, gym shorts and half his boxers out. And the signs on the bed of his pick-up were hillarious. Not sure why anyone would be out cutting a residential that late on a Sunday.
You hardly catch me working Sundays at all, let alone working past dinner time on a Sunday. If thats no rock bottom, its quite close imo.

When it's time to go, it's that simple. It doesn't matter what day it is as long as the customer doesn't mind and you are getting caught up. If guys want to mow 14 hours a day, 7 days a week then thats there deal because they probably have enough lawns to do so and are obviously turning a profit.

[cgcoll3]

i work in a warehouse 40 hrs a week and mow after work, i'm pretty sure if i showed up at work in the morning shirtless, i would have to mow full time, because they would fire my butt.

[93Chevy]

Not only is not wearing a shirt unprofessional, but it's dangerous. You could dehydrate too quickly, not to mention prolonged sun exposure. I like having the sweat-soaked shirt cool me down with the breeze blows.

[cgaengineer]

how ironic on a thread about being professional we get the RACIST COMMENTS.

Take it easy...it was a joke, a funny one I might say.:laugh: