All Lco's Look Here

[rross]

I need advice on what to tell a good friend. He asked me earlier today what was the best way to start in this lawncare business. He has a Husqvarna mower 61"(same as mine, we bought them together) and he bought a 6x12 open trailer 2 weedeaters a blower and he pulls it all with his blazer.

When he asked me, I thought for a minute and told him what I thought. Now he is really serious about this, he wants to have a "meeting" with me tomorrow night and I need real help from you guys this time. What do you think is his best options, the guy has money, atleast enough left over to buy a couple thing I think. What do I tell him guys? I'm only 20 I't not suppose to be giving advice to a person that is like four years older then me. Thanks guys, pretend its your friend, what would you say?

[WatkinsLawn]

Refer your friend to Lawnsite.
Suggest he ask for advice here.

[MacLawnCo]

Originally posted by WatkinsLawn
Refer your friend to Lawnsite.
Suggest he ask for advice here.

BUT...... Make sure to show him how to use the search feature.

[greenman]

I agree with the other guys. That is the best advice you can give him.

[bommaritro]

If he is asking you for advice he must think that you know something. If you are sucessful explain to him how you have gotten there. Give him advice on areas that you made mistakes on. Be honest with him about the stuff that you have done. Also direct him here. I personally have learned a huge ammount of stuff and I have only been here for a month. I can only imagine what else I am going to learn in the coming season.

My .02 worth.
Ron

[Superiorlandscaping]

Hey maclawn company, why dont you stop wasting valuable post space and stop critizing people. Why dont you do a search and see who likes. I am relatively new here and i have gotten several emails from people who say they dont post because they dislike you. I have read Everysingle post in the last two years to get caught up, and you have no good things or relavent information. Stop being such a prick man and loosen up. Some people start these posts to gain information directly pertinent to their situation. They dont need general info from 13 years ago. I am sure you have been in the business for quite along time, but you should go take a computer etiquitte class. It seems that all you have to say is why dont you use the search why dont you use the search, if you dont want to post a response that is helpful then dont post at all. My fault i am in a bad mood. Have a good one. Dont take it personal. -tim:blob3:

[ranger520]

Amen there Tim!

[Tony Harrell]

Jodi usually steps in here so I don't want to step on anyones toes. For the record, I don't dislike anyone here. There are some things I dislike that some people say or do but I overlook it. It troubles me personally when members attack each other on this site. Maybe this is THE one I should have overlooked but it bothered me to see this on the first post I looked at this morning. Like the bartender always says, "Take it outside".

[Superiorlandscaping]

I am going to apologize. I am not trying to be a jerk or anything. It was definately just constructive critisism. This forum rules and the last thing i want to do is offend people. I am definately already regretting my post and I know there were better ways to go about getting my point across. My point still stands about "why bother to post if its just do a search." Because imagine this. This forum would become a ghosttown if no one posted only searched. Things change over time, individual situations are unique, and a simple readin the topic, then deciding whether or not to even open it is pretty simple. For instance, software help. There have been a million posts on software so i know i know just to skip over them. No one forces you to read them. Woops went off on a tangent, but my apology still stands. Everyone have a wonderful day. -tim

[AltaLawnCare]

Yes, definately refer him here. ;)

Local extension offices are also very helpful. He'll probably have some specific questions..
You've already helped by showing him you're willing to help, and not just snob him off!

Everyone should be able to help each other....even if they're the competition ..to an extent anyway. ;)

I've noticed the truly successful LCOs who know whats going on aren't concerned much at all with what anyone else is doing in their areas.

:D

[Alan Bechard]

A little different bit of advice would be, only buy what you can afford with the Job at hand. I do not follow that advice to well, but it is good advice nonetheless.

To be successful in the business, you need to be honest, forthright and dependable, hey, wait a minute maybe I meant life.

But really, if you are those things, and you do your best to do a good job, you will be successful.

Al B

[grassyfras]

I would help him make a business plan. Once he does that he will be able to see what kind of jobs he will be looking to target and be able to buy the proper equipment. Lets say hes going to be doing small residential acounts, but your doing mainly large residential and commercial acounts it wouldnt be practical for him to buy all the same size equipment that you have.

[LLMSERVICE]

I agree, the best place to start is to sit down and make a plan. What is he going to offer, charge, how is he going to market, what level of service, what clients he is targeting, etc.

This site is an excellent resource as well

...and most important, he should give thought to the elements of customer service and professional standards. Doing a good job and treating clients well is the secret to success.