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Nov 2024

Posted at 07:43h in Blog, Sales

When you first meet a prospect, they don’t know you and will likely have their guard up while discussing their needs. An indication of this is when you ask them how much they have to spend and all you get is silence, or "I have no idea". So your first intention should be to build a relationship with a client and that means having their best interests at heart. In this article, I will discuss how you can make a potential client trust you faster so

Oct 2024

Posted at 06:00h in Blog, Leadership

Why do some businesses and sports teams have great cultures and long-term team members? Dan Coyle found when researching this topic for his book, ‘Culture Code’, that the main reason great companies retain staff for longer is they satisfy their team’s innate human need for belonging and purpose. Culture is built on relationships, connectedness, growth, and a shared goal. Culture, like any relationship, is built up over time through everyday moments. Shaping your company’s culture hinges less on big moments and more on those seemingly mundane interactions

Sep 2024

Posted at 08:12h in Blog, Entrepeneurship, Leadership, Marketing, Systems

In early August, I interviewed Grant Boyle from Fig Landscapes on Zoom. I invited my clients to attend the meeting and ask Grant questions about the way he runs his business. We are all fans of his work and loved his humble, open and honest chat with us. Here is a summary. John: What do you attribute your success to? Grant: "Having passion for this industry, and for designing and building gardens. I live and breathe landscaping. I am always researching materials, designs, trends. I find it hard

Aug 2024

Posted at 05:37h in Blog, Entrepeneurship, Leadership

What does above the line mean? It starts with thinking and playing above the line of responsibility. When you take responsibility and ownership for all that is happening in your business (good and bad), you are empowered to do whatever it takes to make your business successful. When you don’t operate above the line of responsibility, you are not in control and operate from the area of being a victim and feel at the effect of everything. Let’s go into this important explanation in a little more

Jul 2024

Posted at 08:29h in Blog, Money

The new financial year has begun, and now is the perfect time to analyse your P&L from the year just finished. By following my simple steps outlined below, you can analyse your numbers and percentages. Then, use the analysis and forecast the coming year to drive sales and marketing, as well as making changes to the way jobs are managed. STEP 1: Analyse Your 2024 P&L In July each year, I analyse my clients’ P&L from last financial year and check the percentages of Materials costs, Site Wages, Superannuation

Jun 2024

Posted at 11:22h in Blog, Uncategorized

"I hate Plan B, people perform better, in sports and everything else, if they don't have a Plan B. I've never, ever had a Plan B." ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger I agree with Arnie's beliefs on a Plan A for our MAJOR DECISIONS in life and business. When someone makes a decision to do something that will benefit his/her business or life, (like starting a new income stream, employing a new manager, upgrading their design system or buying a new home), having a Plan A (and no Backup

May 2024

Posted at 06:30h in Blog, Entrepeneurship

A time in your business when you were outside of your comfort zone Think back to when you decided to start your business. You probably had feelings of anxiety, discomfort and excitement. And although you were somewhat afraid, what potentially lay ahead (freedom to pursue your passion, generate a greater income, and have autonomy) provided the strong reasons to help propel you forward. During the first 12 - 24 months you would have been learning new tasks - selling, quoting, invoicing, admin tasks, recruiting, managing employees and

Apr 2024

Posted at 17:21h in Blog, Leadership

Leadership is one of the most challenging, fulfilling and exciting roles a business owner faces. Leading your team in a fun, supportive, yet assertive way is key to your business thriving and your team wanting to grow with you. While it's essential to cultivate positive relationships with your employees, it's equally important to balance structure, clear communication, empowerment and direction, while ensuring you are not just 'too friendly'. So here are some ways to lead your team so it works for you, your employees, and your business. Clear

Mar 2024

Posted at 11:39h in Blog, Money, Sales

What is the reason for wanting to increase fees? If you look at your P&L Statement and don’t like the profit you see, delve deeper to discover why this is happening. Often in a landscape construction business, the problem can be underestimating components of a quote and/or having a dysfunctional project management process that is costing time and profit. And sometimes it can be due to costly mistakes. But don’t just increase fees to fix the problem; instead address the cause. However, with increased materials, labour

Feb 2024

Posted at 12:42h in Blog, Entrepeneurship, Leadership

We are 5 weeks into the new calendar year and it's a good time to act on some important strategic decisions for your business if you haven’t already. It might be that you are seriously thinking about hiring or removing a skilled worker, removing or adding a service, increasing charge out rates, improving a system in your business or buying an expensive piece of equipment. Whatever the important decision is, it’s always better to follow a structure to ensure you are not going to potentially cost

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