The Limitless Landscapers Podcast

In this week’s podcast episode I am talking about consistency and whether consistency is really the key to growing your business and getting things done. I recently spoke to a TLC member about this and would like to discuss with you my thoughts on this episode.

I believe consistency is the key to being successful in your business, what do you think?

Where do you start to build consistency?

If you’ve got alternative views on this, message us on Instagram, I love a good discussion :)

Want to have someone keep you accountable and help you consistently show up in your business but not a TLC member yet?

Find out more about how TLC can help you here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer on this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast episode I am discussing all things around discounting, site visit fees and pricing. These have been current hot topics when I have spoken to TLC members and people in the industry.

I have run my own landscaping and design business for over 12 years now, I have tried and tested lot’s of different things. When I used to be in a group, they advised focussing all marketing efforts on offering a discount, which I do not agree with, particularly in this industry!

In my opinion when you’re offering a high end and high value product, your going to attract the wrong type of clients when using discount as a sales tool. Giving heavy discounts on projects does not attract my ideal client, does it attract yours?

The second thing is charging for site visits, I read a conversation in a Facebook group on this topic. There were so many mixed views on this, for example, some landscapers add in the cost of the site visit in the quote however if a client doesn’t decide to go with you, you won’t get this fee. So isn’t this the same as not charging at all?

Do you charge for site visits? Let us know on our recent Instagram post to discuss @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

TOP TIP: Have an enquiry log and include every single enquiry even shit ones then you will be able to analyse how many enquiry's you get in.

The third thing is pricing, the main this is to remember your overheads when you’re quoting for a job. These include insurances, advertising, marketing, call handling service, finances on trucks, fuel, servicing, staff perks, breakdown cover etc. You can work this out by completing a cash flow forecast (a template is available within The Landscaper’s Circle membership).

TOP TIP: Prices are increasing all the time on materials, fuel etc make sure you give an expiry date on your quote!

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your business and access to the cashflow template and more?

Find out more about TLC here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Use code: MONTHFREE at checkout to get a free month on me when you join for 6 months

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer on this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast episode I am talking about why you should celebrate your wins no matter how big or small and what’s the benefit of doing so.

Why do you need to celebrate?

Celebrating your wins in your life and business sparks the reward circuits in our brains and makes us want to go further in our next achievement. If you don’t celebrate your wins, this might make you feel less motivated as you could feel like you aren’t moving forward.

Have you started a gratitude jar?

Every week I write things I am grateful for and things I have achieved on a scrap of paper or post it,  fold it up and put it into my 'jar’. At the end of the year you then read them all, why? It helps with your yearly review, helps set goals and (most importantly) makes you feel very happy and abundant. Don’t think it is too late to start just because it is not the start of the year, you can never be too late in getting the benefits from this practice.

How are you going to celebrate?

This is often the most overlooked item of success, exactly how will you celebrate it? Maybe you could book yourself a day off, a spa day, have a soak in the hot tub (like I did)! It could just be as simple as setting aside some me time and basking in the feeling of success. Remember, none of us celebrate our wins enough so take this as your sign to go celebrate!

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your business and a cheerleader that will encourage you to celebrate your wins? As a fellow designer, landscaper and business owner, this is my passion - to help and support you in your business success.

Find out more about TLC: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer on this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast episode I am joined by Kim from Sones Accountancy Service a service tailored specifically for landscapers and horticultural businesses to help with their bookkeeping and accountancy.

10 years ago Kim started doing accounts for her friends landscaping business and then decided to start growing their client base specifically in the horticultural industry. Her aim is to help people like you, know their numbers.

Why is Knowing Your Numbers Important?

Sones Accountancy encourage you to know your numbers and it is at the heart of we at The Landscaper’s Circle encourage you to do also. It starts with good bookkeeping and then to look at the profit margins and the cash flow in the business. It is extremely important to know what your breakeven point is as this shows whether your business is viable or not. If you know your numbers you can make tweaks to the business accordingly.

Why is it Important to Run a  Cashflow Forecast?

It is imperative for making sound business decisions such as; if you are planning to buy a van, you can see how this purchase will impact the business over the next 6, 12 months time. This will show you if you can afford it and how it affects profit.

TOP TIP: You can’t grow your business well without looking at the figures

Sones Accountancy is running a free Webinar register your interest here: https://mailchi.mp/9fed18d03667/w3vqeg9z9j

Instagram: @sonesaccounts

Website: https://sonesaccountancy.co.uk/

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with the numbers in your business? As a fellow designer, landscaper and business owner, this is my passion - to help and support you in your business success. If you want more from your landscaping or garden design business get in touch!

Find out more about TLC: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer on this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s episode I am talking about devaluing yourself and your skills.

I want to raise some questions for you to think about:

If we don’t value ourselves, why should our customers value us?

Are you scared you are going to lose clients if you charge a site visit fee?

If the customer cannot pay for your time then is that the right customer for you?

I believe offering discount is not the way forward in the landscaping industry, it is not good business practice or feasible to give, let's say, 10% discount on a £30,000 garden project.

Instead you need to show the client your value as a highly skilled landscaping team and inspiring garden designer. Let's be honest, your eye for detail is immense which is why your clients will get such a beautiful outdoor space should they choose you.

TOP TIP:

Do NOT refund the site visit fee if they choose to go with you, you have just spent valuable time with them and they should be happy to pay for that expertise.

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your business?As a fellow designer, landscaper and business owner, this is my passion - to help and support you in your business success.

Become a member here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer on this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast episode I am joined by David Hedges-Gower who is a lawn consultant and chairman of The Lawn Association and we are discussing everything about lawns.

David is passionate about lawns and after a comment about lawn construction and the mistakes we all make, he agreed to join me on the podcast!

Lawns are the biggest feature in our environment and yet we pay them little to attention during the design, build and maintenance of a project.

We see them as a cheap option for a garden yet we do not consider how they are ‘a pair of lungs in our garden’ and how easy it is to maintain a lawn if the planning and construction is sound.

We need to make people aware of how important lawns and how easy it is to look after them correctly by not destroying the environment. Lawns over carpets (artificial grass) all the way.

I found this such an interesting and inspiring discussion I would urge you as a garden designer, landscaper or gardener to listen as you will take something away from it.

For more information:

David's Website: https://www.davidhedges-gower.com/

The Lawn Association Website: https://lawnassociation.org.uk/

The Lawn Association Instagram: @lawnassociation

True Garden Range Website: https://truegardenrange.com/

Want to join our campaign against the artificial stuff? Click here for our Time 4 Turf campaign: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/artificial-grass/

Sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/608295

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your business as a fellow designer and landscaper this is my passion - to help and support you in your business.

Become a member here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer on this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast I am joined by Debbie Wyatt from Feather Grey Consulting chatting about everything recruitment, staffing, issues and tips for you and your landscaping and design business.

Debbie owns a recruitment company (Feather Grey Consulting) which strives to find brilliant people for various businesses throughout the UK. I am currently using Debbie’s recruitment business to find staff for my business.

“The key thing to think about is the staff you have already in your business and making sure there is opportunities for them to grow and develop. Also identify those in your team who actually want more responsibility.” says Debbie.

Planning is critical, you need to allow time to look at exactly what you need for your business and then around 3 months to find the right person. It’s all about planning ahead and working out where you want to be.

Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiewyatt/

Feather Grey Consulting Website here: https://www.feathergreyconsulting.com/

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your staffing issues and growing your business but without a hefty price tag? Become a member here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer in this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this weeks podcast Paula is joined by designer Andy who are talking more about the gap between designers and landscapers and how to work together.

Andy has been working as the in-house garden designer for nearly 2 years, but just because he is an in-house designer doesn't mean there haven't been issues to contend with.

One of the questions we discussed was; what are the pitfalls and how do you overcome them?

The answer: Trying to get your vision across to the client and the landscaper.

There are lots more nuggets you can take away from this conversation whether you are a garden designer or a landscaper.

It’s all about building that the relationship from the start, setting expectations and ultimately delivering the outdoor space of the clients dreams.

There will be a new topic at TLC called ‘Bridging the Gap -  between designers and landscapers’ coming in April,  as this is a very hot topic that many of you have asked for help with.

To access the new topic (plus all the other support and training we have) then you need to be a TLC member.

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your business without a hefty price tag? Become a member here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer in this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast episode I am talking about the real cost to your business growth looking at where you’re spending your time and your focus.

Do you switch tasks or focus on the easier tasks first?

You’ll have normal tasks which you need to do however, they don’t move your business forward. You need to allow yourself to have chunks of time that you can use to focus on one task in order to grow your business.

The way you spend your time and focus is the real cost to your business.

What things do you want to implement that will move your business forward?

Are there things that have been on your to do lists for weeks or months? Or have you created a big plan at the beginning of the year which you haven’t got round to actioning yet. For example, I want to grow my landscaping business by finding staff and I have outsourced this to a recruitment company to find the right people however I still need to look at the processes, create a system, implement training plans and marketing strategies to ensure there is work to cover another team.

If you need help being productive then download our free productivity planner here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/building-success-productivity-planner/

Or if you want more then book a FREE 15 minute call with me here : https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/contact/

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help and support with your business without a hefty price tag? Become a member here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer in this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula on Instagram: @warmanpaula

In this week’s podcast episode I am talking about how to build your client funnel through building your email list.

Here is what we talk about…

New Topic on The Landscaper’s Circle:

This topic is all about your brochure and how to create high quality leads by offering a brochure to your clients. When going to client meetings do you show them your website and social media, what about a brochure as well for them to have a physical copy? You can detail the exact process you use, who the teams are and you can showcase your amazing projects and designs.

TOP TIP: It has to be something of value to the customer otherwise they will think it is a waste of time and won’t become a client of yours.

Do you have an enquiry log? This is where you can track what marketing avenues are working and what value of jobs come from different locations to see what work’s best for your business.

Why is it important to have a database? You can contact your contacts, people who are interested in your business. In order to build rapport and trust with potential clients and to sell! We also have a GDPR topic in The Landscaper’s Circle for you to make sure you follow all the GDPR rules.

Not a TLC Member yet? Want more help with your business and want to support this year?

Become a member here: https://thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

Call us on: 02381 800 108

Email us on: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you would like us to answer in this episode - @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCircle

Follow Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow Paula on Instagram: @warmanpaula