The Limitless Landscapers Podcast

For this week's episode, I want to talk about something really important—buying back your time with the right hires. This topic came up in my mastermind group this morning, where we were discussing pivotal moments in business and what we’d do differently if we could start over. We all agreed that hiring the right people, particularly admin and project management staff, is absolutely key to growing your landscaping or design business.

When you first start your business, you’re doing everything yourself—wearing every hat, handling every role. But as you grow, you realise that you need help, and that’s when hiring becomes crucial. The two hires we all agreed on as being the most important are admin staff and project managers. These roles free you up to focus on what you do best—growing the business, bringing in sales, and steering the ship.

I shared my own experience with hiring an admin. For both TLC and Aura Landscapes, having someone I trust in that admin position has been invaluable. It’s one of those things where, in hindsight, I wish I’d done it sooner. My admin, Annmaree, takes care of all the tasks that used to cause me stress and overwhelm—things like invoicing, payroll, and even dealing with client issues. She’s become a barrier between me and the day-to-day chaos, allowing me to focus on the bigger picture.

Overwhelm is something we all face as business owners. It’s easy to get bogged down with everything, and when that happens, you can find yourself either fighting to keep up or wanting to bury your head in the sand. Delegating those anxiety-inducing tasks to someone like Annmaree has made a world of difference for me. She handles the things I used to dread, which has not only reduced my stress but also made the business run smoother.

Another key hire we discussed was a project manager. If you’ve got a team, having a good project manager is worth their weight in gold. They can save you time and money by managing projects more efficiently, keeping things on track and under budget. This not only frees up your time to focus on growing the business but also ensures that everything runs like clockwork.

So, as you think about growing your business, consider who can support you on that journey. Don’t be afraid to bring in the help you need, whether that’s an admin, a project manager, or both. It’s all about making sure you’re using your time wisely and focusing on what really matters. And remember, if you need support or guidance, I’m here as The Landscapers Coach, ready to help you take your business to the next level.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast Call us on: 02381

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

In this week's podcast, I talk about an ever-important topic of time management and how it ties into achieving our goals. We all struggle with time, don’t we? But the real question is whether we’re making time for what truly matters to us. It’s easy to say, “I didn’t have time,” but is that really the case, or are we just not prioritising what’s important?

Today, I had a bit of a wake-up call. With the six-week school holidays in full swing and childcare practically non-existent, plus Mike being busy on the tools, I was faced with a choice. I could skip the gym because I didn’t have time, or I could get up at 4:30 AM to fit it in before the day kicked off. I’m not a morning person, but my goal of competing in six weeks is so important to me that I made the choice to rise early and get it done. That choice reminded me of how often we let time slip away because we don’t prioritise our goals.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we prepare for success. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about making sure we’ve set ourselves up to achieve them. Last night, I prepared everything – my gym kit, supplements, even my coffee cup – so when the alarm went off at 4:30, all I had to do was get up and go. Without that preparation, it would have been so easy to hit snooze and miss the gym, which would have set the tone for a frustrating day.

It got me thinking – are we preparing ourselves in our businesses the same way? Are we setting aside time for the actions that will move us closer to our goals, or are we getting bogged down in day-to-day tasks that don’t actually move the needle forward? It’s so easy to let others dictate our time or to spend our days putting out fires rather than focusing on what really matters.

I also had a productive meeting with Annmaree, my admin superstar, where we tackled some of those necessary but non-goal-related tasks like cash flow and finance agreements. These tasks are important, but they’re not going to push Aura Landscapes to the next level. What will push us forward are the actions I’ve set for myself, like setting up our calendar to start Facebook ads and generating new enquiries.

One thing that’s become clear to me is that we need to be intentional with our time. By mapping out our goals and working backwards to identify the key actions, we can make sure we’re spending our time wisely. It’s not about sacrificing other things but about making sure we’re focused on what truly matters. I’m going to experiment with those early starts, maybe once a week, to see if I can get a few hours of focused work done before the day’s chaos begins.

So, I’ll leave you with this: are you making time for what’s important to you? And are you preparing yourself to succeed? If your goals are truly important, you’ll find a way to fit them into your schedule. And don’t forget, if you want to help you better, fill out this feedback form: https://forms.gle/dESf5TWJ8ne8fziSA. Let’s make sure we’re all moving towards our goals, whatever they may be. Remember, time is what we make of it, and preparation is the key to making it work for us. Let’s smash the rest of August together and make it count!

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

For this episode, I want to share a bit about my week. We just got back from a lovely holiday in Devon. The sunshine was out, the location was brilliant, and it came at the perfect time because we had to put our 15-year-old dog to sleep two weeks ago. It was a tough decision, but it was the right one as she was suffering from bone cancer and could hardly walk. It was heartbreaking, but the holiday gave us a bit of a break from it all.

Now we're back, and it's full-on with the school holidays. With two kids at home, it's a bit of a juggle, isn't it? I was chatting with a client who's facing the same struggles. Every year, I tell myself I’ll plan better for this, but here I am again. I want to spend time with my children during their break, but the business doesn’t stop, does it? Plus, we've got a hectic football schedule that doesn’t take a holiday either. But I keep reminding myself that we only have a few more weeks until we get back to some sort of routine.

All this got me thinking about the old sales acronym KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid. It’s something I used to apply to sales systems, but now I see it applies to life as well. Lately, things have been a bit chaotic with the landscaping business, and Mike and I have had to make some big decisions about how we run things. I keep coming back to the idea of keeping it simple. We've tried all sorts of complex setups with lots of services and staff, but maybe it’s time to strip it back to basics and focus on what truly matters.

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately, especially as Mike and I think about our future. What do we really want out of life? More time together as a family, more simplicity, and definitely more joy. I used to think success meant having the biggest business, making millions, and always striving for the next big thing. But now, I see that my definition of success has changed. I want a life where we’re not just working ourselves into the ground. I want to focus on being healthy, growing our own food, and maybe even having a farm where we can have more dogs and live more self-sufficiently.

It's all about balance, isn’t it? I’m not saying we’re going to up and move to the countryside tomorrow, but I am saying that it’s time to re-evaluate. What do we actually want? How can we simplify our lives to achieve those goals? For me, success is now about having a business that runs smoothly and gives us the life we want without all the stress and hustle. It’s about enjoying our hobbies, spending time with our kids, and just living a life that feels fulfilling.

So, I want to challenge you to think about your own life and business. Are you making things more complicated than they need to be? Are you still chasing goals that don’t really resonate with who you are now? It’s okay to change your mind and to redefine what success means to you. The key is to keep it simple and focus on what truly makes you happy.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

This week’s episode is a bit different, as I’m dealing with some heavy emotions. Our 15-year-old dog is scheduled to be put to sleep, and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. We’re trying to make her as comfortable as possible, and she’ll be at home where she feels safe.

Running a business is never without its challenges. Recently, we’ve had issues with employees not showing up to work, taking home essential equipment keys, and being unreachable. It’s been quite stressful, and I’ve reached a breaking point. As a business owner, I’m fed up with being mistreated by employees.

We’ve invested in HR guidance because I believe in outsourcing what you’re not an expert in, to save time and money. But what happens when employees treat you poorly? It feels like there are no consequences for them. For instance, we decided to close down the soft landscaping side of our business, partly due to the resignation of the manager. He tried to poach our employees and emailed himself a copy of our client database after resigning, which is incredibly disrespectful.

I’ve reported this to the ICO, but there’s little I can do unless I catch him using the data. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to send cease and desist letters for similar breaches. It’s infuriating to see employees feel entitled to take what we’ve worked so hard to build.

One of our employees didn’t show up today without any notice, affecting our clients and operations. There seems to be no consequence for their actions, which is unfair. I’ve consulted our HR department, but it’s another layer of frustration for small business owners like us. We want to create a positive environment for our employees, offering decent pay, pension schemes, and career progression opportunities. Yet, we’re often painted as villains.

I’ve faced betrayals before, like when some landscapers set up a competing business while I was in hospital after having my second child. They timed their actions perfectly to exploit our vulnerable situation, demanding a pay rise and manipulating circumstances. This incident still stings, reminding me of the challenges in trusting employees.

Recently, our apprentices need to be placed in different roles because we’re no longer offering soft landscaping. One apprentice wanted to continue as a hard landscaper but then changed his mind without communicating openly. This lack of honesty complicates everything and undermines the trust we try to build. It’s disheartening, especially when you’ve invested so much in building a business and providing for your team.

As business owners, we face countless challenges, but it's how we rise above them that defines our success. While it’s easy to feel disheartened by setbacks and betrayals, remember that our resilience and dedication are what keep our businesses thriving.

If you’ve faced similar struggles or have any thoughts to share, please reach out. We are stronger together, and your stories and support can make a difference.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website:

For this week’s episode, I wanted to give you an update on what’s been happening with Aura Landscapes. Recently, one of our senior team members resigned, which set off a chain of events and decisions. It’s never easy when someone leaves, but it’s essential to adapt and move forward for the business’s sake.

When something like this happens, the first thing I always do is turn to my cashflow forecast. If you don’t have one, you’re not fully in control of your business. The cashflow forecast helps me make informed decisions, especially in times of unexpected changes. Reviewing income, expenses, profit levels, lead generation, and conversion rates gave me a clear picture of where we stand.

After reviewing everything with my admin, Annmaree, it became clear that the soft landscaping and maintenance side wasn’t bringing in the necessary income. So, we decided to close that part of the business as of 5th August. This meant having tough conversations with employees, apprentices, and customers, ensuring we fulfil existing commitments and manage the transition smoothly.

Another super important aspect during times like these is HR. When I started Aura Landscapes, I handled HR myself, but now we outsource it to a professional company. This investment has been invaluable, especially when dealing with resignations, redundancies, and apprenticeships. It ensures we handle sensitive matters correctly and comply with employment laws.

Besides financial and HR considerations, I’m constantly reviewing and improving our systems and processes. This includes everything from daily log sheets to job packs and the overall sales process. Regularly revisiting these processes ensures we stay efficient and continue to improve.

In terms of sales, having a structured process and regular meetings with the team has given me more control and insight. We’re experimenting with different approaches to see what works best, aiming to improve conversion rates and response times. It’s all about finding what fits our business model and helps us grow.

Finally, I can’t stress enough the importance of trying new things. Whether it’s marketing strategies or operational changes, it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. Business is a continuous work in progress, and learning from both successes and failures is key.

Remember, it’s all about balance. We’re moving forward by focusing on hard landscaping, but the goal is always to support a life we love, not just to hustle endlessly. Keep reviewing your cashflow, consider outsourcing where it makes sense, and constantly improve your processes. I’ll keep sharing updates and insights to help you navigate your own business challenges.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

Have you caught up with the last two episodes leading to this final part of our trilogy? We aim to help you grow your business, stay focused, and add a bit of woo. Today, we’re discussing the power of focus and managing everything as a business owner. The idea is to set up systems so you can eventually step back from daily operations. Your ultimate goal should be for your business to run smoothly without you, giving you more options for the future, including exit planning.

What you focus on grows. It might sound a bit woo, but it’s true. Focus on something, and it will flourish; neglect it, and it will wither. I’ve seen this proven in my own business, Aura Landscapes. Recently, I started running a weekly sales meeting with my department heads. These brief 45-minute sessions review where we are, where we want to be by month’s end, and the KPIs and activities needed to get there. This consistent focus on sales has led to noticeable improvements, showing that what you focus on indeed grows.

Effective time management, clear goals and prioritised tasks are important. Delegate or outsource tasks whenever possible to buy back your own time for more strategic activities. Effective communication with your team is also vital. Regular meetings and clear communication help maintain a cohesive team.

Implementing systems and processes is key, as is resolving conflicts quickly and maintaining a strong, harmonious team. Regularly review your finances, manage cash flow, and reinvest profits wisely. Financial stability allows you to focus on growth and improvement.

Avoid burnout by maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Adopt a positive mindset and be aware of your self-talk. Focus on joy, happiness, and solutions rather than negativity. This mindset will attract abundance and resilience.

Developing a growth mindset is essential for overcoming challenges. Approach obstacles as opportunities for growth and improvement. Stay positive, focus on solutions, and keep your goals in sight!

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

Last week, we discussed two essential elements for personal and business growth: planning and gratitude, specifically gratitude journaling. It was a mix of practical advice and a bit of the "woo" side of things. For part of our three part series, I have another two tips to share with you. Again, there will be a mix of practical advice and a touch of "woo." This time, it’s perhaps less "woo" than last week, but still highly valuable.

1. Utilising Time Pockets

The first topic is about utilising "time pockets" in your day for self-development. This is the "woo" element for today. We all have various things we want to do—meditate, journal, exercise, walk, enjoy nature, read books, and listen to podcasts. However, we often feel overwhelmed and end up doing nothing.

I had a similar experience when I found a webinar on planning. Despite my tendency to sign up for webinars and not attend them, I decided to schedule this one into my day. I knew I would be picking up my kids and taking them to football practice, so I planned to listen to the webinar on my phone while on the go. This made me realise how many pockets of time I had in my day that I could use for self-development.

Here’s how you can identify and utilise these time pockets:

These small pockets of time add up and can significantly impact your mindset and productivity. Try to find these pockets in your day and fill them with activities that contribute to your personal growth.

2. Keeping Yourself Accountable

The second topic is about the importance of accountability. It’s one of the most practical tips I can share with you. Accountability ensures that you stay on track with your goals and commitments. Without it, tasks often remain undone because no one cares if you don’t complete them.

Here are some ways to hold yourself accountable:

Accountability stops excuses and keeps you focused. Whether it’s through coaches, team meetings, or sharing your goals publicly, find a way to integrate it into your routine.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

For this episode, I've decided to do a three-part series, focusing on two key things each week. One will be a practical tip you can apply directly to your business, and the other will be a bit "woo" – something to get you thinking outside the box. I believe this combination will help you not only run your business more effectively but also approach it with the right mindset.

First, let's talk about the practical tip: the importance of planning every minute of your day. Now, I know it sounds tedious, but it's something I've recently started doing religiously, and it has made a huge difference. By planning every detail, including meals, gym time, and appointments, you stay focused and realistic about what you can achieve. For example, yesterday I had a packed day with my father-in-law visiting and other errands, but because I planned everything meticulously, I managed to get all my tasks done efficiently. Planning every single minute might sound extreme, but it ensures you make the most out of your time and get closer to your goals.

Now, onto the woo tip: keeping a gratitude journal. Every evening, I jot down what I'm grateful for that day. It might be the same things often, like my family, my business, and my health, but that's okay. Reflecting on why you're grateful helps shift your mindset to a more positive outlook. This positivity can attract more good things into your life. For instance, even on tough days, finding small things to be thankful for – like a nice moment with family or a productive meeting – can make a big difference in how you feel and how you approach the next day.

I challenge you to try both tips this week. Plan your days meticulously and start a gratitude journal. It only takes a few minutes each day, but the impact on your productivity and mindset can be tremendous. You'll find yourself more focused, positive, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. When you plan every detail of your day, you eliminate the chaos and ensure that you are moving forward with intention. And by practising gratitude, you keep yourself grounded and appreciative of the good things in your life.

Keep pushing forward and stay positive! Remember, persistence and planning are your best friends in business, and a positive mindset will always lead you to greater things.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381m800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website:

In this week’s episode, I want to share my interesting journey, starting back in my early days in retail sales and eventually moving up to sales manager in a gym. I loved working in health and fitness, especially with the free access to gym facilities. My career took off there, and I learned a lot about managing staff and hitting sales targets. Fast forward to now, I’m applying those skills to my current business, Aura Landscapes.

Recently, I’ve been working into our figures with Annmaree, our fantastic admin lady. We’ve been analysing profitability by looking at different teams and setting KPIs, which are key performance indicators. These KPIs help us understand how much money each team is bringing in and, more importantly, the profit margins. We’re also looking at job costings to see if we’re staying within budget and how efficient we are.

I’ve noticed that our soft landscaping team, for example, has some inefficiencies. They spend a lot of time driving between jobs, which isn’t billable. To fix this, we’re thinking about better scheduling and possibly changing work hours. It’s all about finding ways to be more efficient without compromising on service quality.

One big change is that I’m stepping back into a more hands-on sales management role. We’ve set up weekly sales meetings every Tuesday with key team members. These meetings are designed to review figures, set goals, and discuss how I can support the team better. It’s about holding everyone accountable and ensuring we hit our targets.

In these meetings, I’ll be asking for weekly job costings, sales figures, and site visit reports. This information will help us track performance and identify areas for improvement. I’m also interested in how many quotes have been sent and followed up on, and the conversion rates from these quotes.

To maximise our efficiency, we’ve also implemented trackers on our vans and a timesheet app. This helps us monitor how time is spent and ensures accurate job costing. It’s crucial for understanding how much time is billable and how much is lost to things like driving.

Marketing efforts are also a big focus. Each team member is encouraged to engage in activities like networking and distributing leaflets. I handle the broader marketing strategy, but their input is valuable for generating new ideas. We’re also working on building our email list and creating referral campaigns.

Overall, I’m excited about these changes. Stepping back into a sales manager role feels right, and it’s essential for driving our business forward. By staying organised, holding regular meetings, and focusing on both sales and profitability, I’m confident we can grow Aura Landscapes successfully. Sales are the lifeblood of any business, and with a clear focus and strategy, we can achieve great things!

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk 

This week’s topic is about Systems, which might seem boring or overwhelming at first, but they are absolutely essential for running a successful business. I want to share my personal experiences with implementing systems in my landscaping business. Hopefully, this will help you make some positive changes in your own business.

Recently, I hired Nicola De Piazzi, a systemologist, to help me figure out what systems we need and how to implement them. This made the process a bit easier, although there's still plenty of work to do. One key takeaway from Nicola was that many of our business problems are due to a lack of systems. If we document and follow systems, many issues can be prevented.

If you're like me, you might find the idea of documenting all your systems overwhelming. But you’ve got to start somewhere. My advice is to begin by listing all your services and mapping out the process from inquiry to sale. This will give you a basic framework. It’s important to brainstorm with your team about what tasks can be systemised, then develop and test these systems regularly.

Setting aside time each week to work on systems is crucial. It’s not just about creating them; you also need to ensure they are followed by your team. Making systems easy to access and attractive to use is essential. Remember, the goal is for the systems to run the business, while the people run the systems.

Systems are not just about making daily operations smoother. They allow you to step back from the business when needed. Whether it’s taking a holiday or dealing with an emergency, well-documented systems ensure that your business continues to function smoothly in your absence. This is especially important if you plan to grow or eventually sell your business.

One thing to keep in mind is that if your team is constantly asking the same questions, it’s a sign that you need a system in place to address those issues. This empowers your staff to find answers on their own and improves overall performance. It also aligns everyone with the business goals.

Think about the future vision for your business. If you plan to grow and expand, having systems in place is non-negotiable. They make onboarding new staff easier and ensure everyone is on the same page. For me, having systems in place is the only way to achieve my vision of stepping back from the day-to-day operations eventually.

Systems are the key to solving many business problems, growing your business, and achieving a better work-life balance. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you streamline your operations and take your business to the next level.

The Landscaper’snCoach & Podcast

Call us on: 02381 800 102

Email: [email protected]

Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.

Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach

Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast

Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula

Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk