Business Plan for 2010

[MikeRi24]

Well, I am thinking that I am going to make some big changes for next year. 2009 was a very good year business wise. I got my name out there, built up a pretty good client base, and got some good referrals. On the downside, I didn't make as much of a profit as I was hoping, I had to buy a lot of tools here and there, some pretty major repairs to my equipment, and just plain lost money on a couple jobs that I did a shitty estimate for. So, for 2010, I am looking to:

-go from a DBA to an LLC (will make me sleep a little better at night lol)

-prob end up changing my name to go with the LLC

-I need to buy another truck, and I'm getting a trailer this year because working out of the back of a truck has its limitations

-I was going to buy a new mower, but I think I am going to try to get one more year out of my Lesco, because I can see right now that a new mower is not gonna be in the cards financially right now

-focus more on seasonal maintenance contracts rather than mow-trim-blow-and go jobs and then having to sell the cleanups and maintenance separately

-take out an add in the local community newspaper, target some more blue-collar neighborhoods with my fliering (i targeted some wealthy ones last year, and got almost NO calls), get some yard signs made up

-whatever it takes, get back into plowing next year. I feel like I'm losing out this year because I subcontracted all of my plowing out.

I'm anticipating starting the year in debt ( not sure how to go about that, business loan or whatnot) but I am hoping to go full time this year, and maybe make some major equipment purchases by the end of the year so that by 2011 I can be on track for a very high profit margin.

So, Ideas? any input?

[assisting hand services]

how muhc does it cost to go llc?

[MikeRi24]

Originally Posted by assisting hand services

how muhc does it cost to go llc?

Not much... I don't recall the exact figures off the top of my head. My insurance agent told me that if I go with an LLC I could actually end up saving money on my policy so in the end it should off-set the cost. I think its only a few hundred dollars though.

[nlminc]

Mike, Run your numbers in this bidding software from the U of GA this may help you make some money next year.
http://www.hort.uga.edu/extension/pr...ortmanage.html

I find most clients won't sign a contract for year round service and with my experience, I'm tired of breaking up their 8 months of service over 12 months. I have both contract and pay/service customers.

[MikeRi24]

Originally Posted by nlminc

Mike, Run your numbers in this bidding software from the U of GA this may help you make some money next year.
http://www.hort.uga.edu/extension/pr...ortmanage.html

I find most clients won't sign a contract for year round service and with my experience, I'm tired of breaking up their 8 months of service over 12 months. I have both contract and pay/service customers.

that software looks good. I am gonna try that out.

[CkLandscapingOrlando]

Anyone else used this? Sound cool but with all the "pay for junk" in this industry I would like some openions

[nlminc]

Originally Posted by CkLandscapingOrlando

Anyone else used this? Sound cool but with all the "pay for junk" in this industry I would like some openions

This isn't junk. These people at the UGA know the industry and are not in this for a profit. Take the class or just order the software and you will see. Their whole goal is to bring the industry up on making a profit and knowing your numbers.

[CkLandscapingOrlando]

Thanks man. I was'nt calling it junk just wanted to make sure it was'nt before I made a choice. So this has helped you out then. I liked what I read but I like openions first you know

[nlminc]

Originally Posted by CkLandscapingOrlando

Thanks man. I was'nt calling it junk just wanted to make sure it was'nt before I made a choice. So this has helped you out then. I liked what I read but I like openions first you know

I attended the 2 day course. It's a great estimating program and they walk you thru the landscaping on one day and the maintenance on another. To be honest...on the maintenance program, you can come in with your numbers but as you are probably aware..a lawn that you think should be 50.00 will be quoted by someone else for 25.00. That's the nature of this business and why the UGA is hoping to correct by educating business owners. Unfortunately I don't think we'll ever see the end of fly by nighters and low bidders though.

I'm sure you could figure out how to use each program without going to the UGA. It helps, but the program is not overly complicated to use.

[CkLandscapingOrlando]

I'm not as concerned on the maint but It might help. I do like the idea of pluging in material cost one time and then letting the program work out the est on install work though. It can take alot of time going from the price list to paper and back again