If you could go back and change...

[Sean Adams]

I was just curious.... If you had to make a list of 5 things you would change about your business, how you started, mistakes you made, or whatever....what would they be?

[Sean Adams]

There isn't anything you guys would change? C'mon....

I think this is an interesting question. Maybe I'm wrong.

[mowngrow]

if i could change anything it would be..... i wouldnt have taken those cut it when they call customer back when i first started the business. the second would be.....i would have bought a company that was offered to me last year.

[bastalker]

What can you possibly say to this thread Sean? I imagine anyone of us that started out took on anything an everything, including the PITA's. Till the time we could start weeding them out.
I also imagine anyone of us that first started fumbled with bids, and got stung a few times. Somedays we hit a home run, other days we just get on base. A few days during the year we strike out. Just starting out what could you really change?
Its a constant learning experience...The old saying that you learn something everyday, pretty much sizes it up. my .02

;)

[FrankenScagMachines]

Would have got an eXmark instead of a Scag :mad: :o :p :rolleyes:

[mike9497]

1 start out solo not with two partners

2 should of got a ZTR my first year not 3 W/B

3 to many loans my first year

4 bill per hour not by the job

5 should of got a new bobcat not a used one with 2300 hours with bad tires and a broken bucket latch from A to Z rental...LOL

6 stay away from churches LOL

[1MajorTom]

No sense sweating the small stuff because they all can be chalked up to learning experiences.

One thing I would change.

Not buying a house where we are located and starting this business here. Shouldn't have been so naive and so quick to stay here. Should have picked a different area in PA to launch the business. Is the "grass greener" in other areas? Yes, I believe it is.

[nelbuts]

I would have never purchased the Scag Dealership. I hate being inside all the time. Sold it a year later and started from scratch again.

[lawnkid]

I wouldn't want to change anything in my business because everything is good right now. The only thing I wish I had changed that affects my business is the fact that I won't be able to drive until September. I wish I were born in December of 86 so I woulda been able to drive this Spring.

[lawnkid]

I wouldn't want to change anything in my business because everything is good right now. The only thing I wish I had changed that affects my business is the fact that I won't be able to drive until September. I wish I were born in December of 86 so I woulda been able to drive this Spring. Oh and one more thing, I shoulda bought this mower about two months ago that was a brand new Scag hydro with 17hp Kaw. and cathcher and dual wheel sulky for $2000. Oh well, hopefully another one like that will come along.

[crazygator]

I think of 3 major things for me:

1) Over the years of working with my fathers business, save as much as possible for the future......which is now.....and buy much less cr@p back then, hahaha!

2) My father was a brilliant business man. I wish I could go back and pick his brain much more and really learn all I could about business as he looked at it (for those who do not know my father passed last September). Also pick the brain of our dear friend Eric Elm. I did not know him very long, and only through chat rooms or emails. A long conversation with him would have been a welcome addition to my little world!

3) Not marry that first wife.....LOL!

[fblandscape]

1) I would have found a significant other YEARS ago. I have no-one to do anything for right now other than myself... and I really don't need much to be happy :(

2) I would have NEVER gone into business with a partner.

[Rhett]

Don't get me going. I Did some really dumb things

1. Go truck driving after I retired thinking that would give me some operating money
2 Taking some low paying accounts that I have still have not shed
3. Letting clients treat me like a boy wanna , boy wanna do blah blah
Man I could go on and on but it is time to hit the hey for tomorrow is another mowing day and it sure beats the heck out of the alternatives

[Auroris]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mike9497
...
4 bill per hour not by the job
...

Mike, do you mean you would rather bill by the hour or by the job now?

In the process of going from "Greenhorn" to "Green Thumb" I really don't know when to bill which way and come out ahead.

Cole

[Green Pastures]

Nothing. Every mistake or error in judgment I made, I learned a valuable lesson from.

[Phishook]

Location. Stuck in the middle of nowhere! Just causing me to spend too much time in the truck. I blame that on the slow growth.

But, I am located between 3-4 good areas. It's just taking too long to get the business.

[MOW ED]

Five things to change...

1. 8 years ago there was no Lawnicure/Lawnsite. I would change that and make it appear.

From that point I would have had the ability to communicate freely with individuals that would have steered me away from making mistakes 2 thru 200.;)

[BobR]

1, Would have bought NEW not USED.
2, Would have taken a course in Business Management.
3, Would not have taken 'Every Lawn' (consolidate area).
4, Would not have tried to do everything .
5, Would have quit my day job earlier.

Of the above I would say #5 would have been the most significant as I have a working spouse who is lucky enough to have us covered by a medical policy.
BobR

[LawnGuy73]

Would'nt change a thing

[walker-talker]

1) Started off in pesticides and fertilizing, rather waiting for 3 years.

2) Would have been more aggressive with marketing.

3) Would have attended the GIE my first year in business (last year was my first year and gave me some serious direction and focus).

4) Took some turf management and business courses, especially bookeeping (still on my short term agenda).

MATT

[KerryB]

#1: Gotten rid of that first wife sooner.lol We have a lovely little girl so that I wouldnt change,
#2 Married my current wife sooner.
#3 Started my business years earlier.
#4 Bought my Exmark in the beginning.
#5 Thats it I think that all the mistakes I have made in the past have helped me learn and be a better LCO.
Oh yes there is a #5 Should have gooten my pesticide license sooner. Man I make very good money doing apps. lol

[Bluesteel]

Seems like all of us would have done some things differently. But sharing strategic and tactical information with my competition would have to be on the top of the list of things NOT to do!!! LOL

That information cost me thousands of dollars, but more importantly, LOTS and LOTS of time. Needless to say, that knowledge is extremely valuable, yet no one would pay what it’s worth to me. But I’d entertain offers, hehe. Imagine LGF’s price!!!

Using this forum to share technical and business information is worth it to me because its give and take. But giving away strategic or tactical information? Not all at once like this. However, that information is in this forum if someone spends enough time to look for it.