Want to Be Successful at a New Buisness

[andrewhawk23]

I have been working for 3 years on expanding my already existing landscaping business, Black Knights Yard Service, but I have not been able to generate a lot of revenue. I either want to fix what I already started or to come up with a new business plan.

First of all, I am still in high school and I am aware that it is a major disadvantage against insured and certified landscaping businesses. I have primarily marketed my business through Craigslist.com, word of mouth referrals and flyers placed directly in mailboxes. Business has been slow and I generally average about 2 clients a month. I truly want to expand and make money through this business because I like working outdoors with my hands.

On the other hand, I have been told that I should try something else (I believe I can run two different businesses). I have looked into freelancing because I am a great student in school and I am a great writer. However, I always seem to be overlooked because there are more experienced writers with college degrees working full-time to acquire work. So I dropped that idea. Next I moved over to Ebay.com to try and sell some items in my home. I immediately received issues and problems from the ruthless buyers there (its all about the feedback). I am stumped at the moment and I cannot find a good business path. So I need help!

I have been asking around a little bit (little searching as well) and I have recieved some asistance. The ideas are as follows: Scrap Metal Collecting, Dropship Selling and working for realtors under Black Knights Yard Service. Comments and Suggestions are most welcome. I hope I have come to the right place! Thanks

[charharhar]

Andrew,

Sounds like you're on the right path. I think it's great that you're doing landscaping, and if you like working outdoors with your hands: stick to it. No need to be inside on the computer all day, if you're happier outside getting some sun.

Off the top of my head, I have a couple of ideas.

-Donate to a non-profit, and tell everybody that you do. Odds are, if you're in high school and under experienced, people may want to go with a full time landscaping contractor. But if you have a good cause you're working for, then that entices people to support you. It doesn't need to be much (10% of profits seems to be the going rate), but it can definitely help.

-Have your friends find clients for you. Tell your friends you'll give them a set amount of money, for every client they help you find. This way it empowers you to go out and take on more work, and you only pay them when you get paid.

-Print off little laminated notecards, and place them under the window wipers of cars at the mall.

-See if your school newspaper will write an article about you, or if you can advertise with them.

Hope it helps, and best of luck!
Charlie

[andrewhawk23]

Hey Charlie,


I really want to thank you for the fresh ideas. I really hope they work. I am impressed with how helpful the members of this site are. Thanks again.

[JKansas]

I like Charlie's ideas, and to add to the donation, donate your services at charity auctions. Your church or local groups are bound to have several. Donate a number of yard services. People will bid on them and buy them and y ou will provide the work with litle cost going out other than your time. Often, if the client likes you, you will become their yard guy. Plus this builds you up at your church and in the community, you do a good deed, it's win win for all.

I also like the idea of workign for real estate agents. They care more about cost than quality, if you provide both then youre in.

Keep up the hard work, it's impressive you started so early.

Jared

[Fox33]

dont stop the landscaping. Its what started it all and any true entrepreneur has many endeavors . At different times while some are hot other are not but together its a success!!

[Jonathon]

I think Charlie provided you with truly helpful advices. When you are good at landscaping and enjoy doing that, why give up on that work? But at the same time it's true that you need to promote your work more among masses to get noticed. Remember, it's the age of campaigning and advertising... so go for it and I think you will get a much better response.