germ started this topic @ 11:57 on 22/09/2004
I am coming into a little money in a few months time which i will be able to afford to start up a business in gardening.
I do enjoy gardening and have recently landscaped my own garden. I do know the basics and im doing a home study course.
I need advice on how to gain practical experience in this field any tips for stating up would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
RE: RE: Gardening Business start up advice needed.
germ | 22/09/2004 05:21 PM
Thanks for the advice, but i cant really afford to take work in garden centre at the moment, that might change soon. I suppose I might have to bug a few gardeners and see if they'll give me a summer job and learn the trade that way.
RE: RE: Gardening Business start up advice needed.
James Smith | 22/09/2004 06:26 PM
A good way to build this sort of thing up is to offer friends and family a freebie while you are learning your trade. This way you can learn along the way without having to worry too much about making mistakes etc.
That way you will have some before and after photos to show perspective (paying!) clients, and get your patter sorted out. You might also get some word of mouth recommendations out of it too…..this is probably the main way you will get clients in this type of field (pardon the pun).
Regards,
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James Smith
Chartered Accountant
www.jamesesmith.co.uk
01235 536 773
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Your indispensable guide to Small Business Bookkeeping, Self-Assessment & VAT
RE: RE: Gardening Business start up advice needed.
germ | 22/09/2004 07:55 PM
thanks for the advice
RE: RE: Gardening Business start up advice needed.
Nial Adams | 23/09/2004 05:35 PM
Hi 'germ'
Just like any business you're going to need to know how to marketing your business and get customers - I know that probably sounds easy but it's the main reason, by far, why about 80% of small businesses go bust inside five years.
I've got lots of marketing techniques that are ideal for your sort of business, one example is a very powerful and structured referrals system, it generates clients for free and rewards people properly for recommending you (not like the usual "here's my card if you know anyone who'd be interested...").
I offer a Marketing Audit, a 60-minute telephone consultation for £149.00+VAT but I'm running a special offer through startups.co.uk (for the second time) and would like you to claim one of the FREE appointments on offer. Have a look at my thread on the startups offer forum, or call me on 0800 083 6705 to book an appointment.
Good luck, hope to hear from you soon.
Nial Adams
www.positive-response.net
RE: Gardening Business start up advice needed.
smallworld | 15/10/2004 11:34 PM
Easy - put an advert in the local paper then do a good job.
My father in law got booked up for three months solid in his first year with just one advert.
You would be very wise to find two builders you can trust to do the hard landscaping bits and pieces you come across. Hopefully the 'introduction fees' you earn from them will contribute to the bills in the winter!
And enjoy your gardening...
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Mark Challice - Technical Director
Small World Systems Ltd
www.smallworldsystems.co.uk">href="http://www.smallworldsystems.co.uk">www.smallworldsystems.co.uk
Web based and mobile applications
RE: Gardening Business start up advice needed.
ajcrockett | 18/10/2004 03:29 PM
Germ,
It might sound stupid, but all you need to do is prove your worth.
If I hired a gardener to sort out my lawn and found that I could have done it better myself then I would never book you again. On the other hand if you delivered beyond my expectations then I would hire you on a recurring basis. Then all you need to do each time is create a stronger realtionship by maybe sweeping the driveway as a special extra. It would take you 5 mionutes but I'd appreciate it and tell my colleagues, friends and family.
Add value at every opportunity and excell at what you do.
As for experience to get started..... Be brave and find a real world client to take you on and blow their expectations wide open....!
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