Today we're sharing about bidding commercial sites and some of the real frustrations that come with it along the way. Not every site is a home run, not every decision-maker is the understanding type. Sometimes, these accounts take maintenance to keep the relationship going, which is our job as business owners to make sure everyone's happy and the job gets done.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Tips on finding the right customers for your lawn and landscaping business
• Dealing with frustrations and challenges in customer service
• Handling bid comparisons and multiple quotes
• Importance of communication and building relationships with clients
• Strategies for addressing price increases with customers
• Knowing when to let go of difficult or unresponsive clients
• Importance of setting prices profitably and standing firm in negotiations
• Real-life examples from Brian's own experiences 

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Bidding?

• Ep 615. Bidding, Budgeting, Systems & Processes ...

Let's dive into a topic that can make or break your business—mastering profitability. In the competitive world of lawn care, understanding your numbers isn't just a bonus; it's a necessity for sustainable success.

Check out these tips to help you navigate the profitability maze:

1️⃣ Know Your Costs: Take a deep dive into your expenses, from equipment maintenance to labor costs. Knowing your costs down to the dollar ensures you're pricing your services right and not leaving money on the table.

2️⃣ Pricing Strategies: Don't just guess your prices—strategize them. Value-based pricing lets clients see the real worth of your services, leading to more profitable jobs and satisfied customers.

3️⃣ Transparent Communication: Clear communication is crucial. Set expectations upfront, discuss scope of work, timelines, and payment terms to avoid misunderstandings that can eat into your profits.

4️⃣ Continuous Learning: The lawn care industry evolves, and so should your knowledge. Stay updated ...

Today, we're joined by special guest Kory Ballard, owner of Ballard Products and previous owner of Perficut in Des Moines, Iowa! Kory has grown two incredible businesses along his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Kory shares how he navigated focusing on one at a time, and how he built a team with a dream for both to succeed.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Insights on running a successful business from Kory Ballard
• Balancing multiple businesses and focusing on customer service
• Importance of communication and vision casting in a company
• Strategies for keeping company morale high
• Updates on Ballard Products and Perficut
• Information on new products and facility expansion

Want to Listen to More Episodes with Kory Ballard?

• Ep 499. Q&A About Scaling Past A Million & New Facility Excitement!
• Ep 390. Revolutionizing Their Business Into A Site Management Powerhouse w/ Kory Ballard Of Perficut
• Ep 339. A Legacy Of Success & Explosive Growth With Kory Ballard
• Ep 25...

Today, we're sharing about our second meeting with our team, where we had the opportunity to establish company core values! This was an exciting conversation and exercise that I would encourage any growing company to spend a few hours doing.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of developing a mission statement, vision statement, and core values for a company
• The process of refining and finalizing mission and vision statements with the team
• The significance of core values in guiding company culture and behavior
• Examples of core values: humility, accountability, professionalism, passion, being equipped, no excuses
• Explanation of each core value and its application in the company's operations
• Anecdotes and insights on the importance of maintaining standards and expectations within a team

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Company Culture?

• Ep 647. I've Always Wanted To Do This! Mission & Vision Statement!
• Ep 340. A Pillar In The Community & Why Good Branding Ma...

Today, we're joined by Chris Howell, owner of Back Forty Land Development, as he shares his startup story and how he is getting back into dirt work, seeding, and reclamation work.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Chris Howell shares his journey from starting out as a kid mowing lawns to owning a successful business
• Chris discusses his experience working in the construction and green industry for over 23 years
• He talks about his time working in the solar division and the challenges he faced with the company's acquisition
• Chris shares insights on managing cash flow, learning from failures, and the importance of knowing your numbers in business
• He emphasizes the value of hands-on experience and internships for learning about tractor work, dirt work, and reclamation
• Chris highlights the importance of supporting the trades and training the next generation of workers in the industry.

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Leaving the Corporate World to Pursue Entrepreneurship?

Today, the team sat down together and created our company mission and vision statement, both of which have been a long time coming! We were excited to do this to help give us a rudder for the growth we anticipate for the coming years. We believe this will help not only our customers, but also our future team members, to know who and what Brian's Lawn Maintenance does, and why we exist.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of creating a mission statement and vision statement for your company
• How to develop a mission statement and vision statement
• The role of mission and vision statements in attracting good talent and clients
• The process of creating company values and core beliefs
• The significance of having a clear direction and purpose for your business
• Examples of a mission statement and vision statement for a lawn maintenance company
• The value of setting long-term goals and plans for the future of your business
• Tips on involving your team in the development of m
...

Today let's take a deep dive into a concept I briefly spoke about on a Fullerton Unfiltered episode back in February – the Johari Window model.

Now, if you haven't heard of this, no sweat. The Johari Window is like your secret weapon for understanding yourself and how you interact with others. It's split into four parts, each shedding light on different aspects of who you are and how you operate:

Open Area: This is your sweet spot – stuff you know about yourself, and others do too. Think of it as your reputation in the business. You want this zone to be top-notch, showcasing your skills and what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Blind Spot: Here's where things get interesting. This is what others see in you that you might not notice yourself. Feedback is your friend here. Listen up, because there might be areas where you can level up that you didn't even realize.

Hidden Area: We all have our secrets, right? This quadrant is where you stash stuff you know about yourself but keep...

Today, I'm sharing about the company's recent wins and growth in March, including the recent equipment purchases and mindset shifts with our new software LMN. We're excited about gaining momentum into spring and, as the weather breaks, getting back out there to complete a ton of work.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Debrief on the month of March
• Updates on various topics such as LMN, postcards, quotes, new equipment, and a new trailer
• Discussion on the LMN software and its onboarding experience
• Insights on accurately bidding and pricing services
• Comparison between the Know Your Numbers calculator and LMN software
• Discussion on marketing strategies with Postcard Mania
• Details on acquiring new Exmark mowers and equipment
• Reflections on growth and success in the landscaping business

Want to Listen to More Update Episodes From Over the Years?

• Ep 552. MEGA UPDATE! LAL 2023, EQUIP, SNOW! Let's GO!!!
• Ep 482. Life Is Wild, And We Love It!
• Ep 472. CRMs, Yardbook, What's...

Today, Charlie Kerrigan joins us all the way from Ontario, Canada to share his start-up story about his lawn and landscaping business. At just 17 years old, Charlie and his team are doing big things and adopting software and systems that is putting him decades ahead of his competition.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of systemizing everything in your business
• The significance of knowing your "why" in business
• The impact of using software like LMN to optimize business operations
• Advice for young entrepreneurs starting a lawn or landscaping business
• The value of attending industry events and networking
• The role of equipment in business growth and success
• The experience and benefits of attending the LMN Summit
• The importance of focusing on profitability and pricing in business operations
• The benefits of learning from industry leaders and experienced professionals
• The impact of establishing a strong team culture and vision for the company

Want to Listen to ...

Today, we're discussing the reality many of us have faced lately: plummeting closing rates and the struggle to get quality pricing. While this may be an omen for the country's economic state, it also could be a reality check for those of us who genuinely don't know our numbers.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of knowing your numbers and pricing your work appropriately
• The impact of pricing on closing ratios and profitability
• The benefits of using LMN Software for pricing and budgeting
• Real-life examples of underpricing and its consequences
• The significance of reevaluating pricing and making necessary adjustments
• The value of seeking help from experts or resources like LMN, Mike Bedell, or John Pajak
• The importance of unlearning and relearning to succeed in business
• The role of accountability and support in business growth
• The encouragement to take action and make changes for a more successful business

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Pricing?

• Ep 584...