Intentionally Uncomfortable
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Get ready to step out of your comfort zone, because today we're going to talk about the power of being intentionally uncomfortable and how it can fuel the growth of your lawn care business. Trust me, I've been in your shoes, and I know firsthand that the path to success often lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones.
Embrace Change:
One of the first steps to intentionally getting uncomfortable is embracing change. It's easy to stick with what we know and feel comfortable doing, but growth requires adaptation. Assess your current practices and identify areas that need improvement or innovation. Explore new techniques, technologies, or equipment that can enhance the quality of your services or streamline your operations. Embracing change might feel uncomfortable at first, but it opens doors to new opportunities and allows your business to evolve.
In the early years of Brian’s Lawn Maintenance we didn’t have a bookkeeper. Liz and I thought we could do it on our own and Liz was a bit shy about showing our cards to someone else. At the time, we didn’t really have anything to show, but that’s what made it uncomfortable. Eventually, we took the leap and got a bookkeeper and a CPA. Since that day, we have never regretted that decision. It was a scary, and uncomfortable decision, but our revenue has increased and our profits have increased and the back end of our business couldn't be more organized. I can’t help but think that without making that change we wouldn’t have seen such successful growth.
Push Your Limits:
To truly grow, you must push your limits. Don't settle for mediocrity or complacency. Challenge yourself to go above and beyond in every aspect of your business. Push the boundaries of your skills, knowledge, and capabilities. Take on projects that may seem daunting or out of your comfort zone. By consistently striving for excellence, you'll gain confidence and expand your expertise, setting yourself apart from the competition.
Seek Continuous Learning:
Never stop learning! Invest in your personal and professional development by seeking out educational resources and networking opportunities within the lawn care industry. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to gain insights from industry experts and fellow business owners. Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage in online communities to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques. The more knowledge you acquire, the more confident you'll become in your decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Although the majority of the work I do is maintenance and landscaping, I still take the time to attend hardscape expos because I want to continue learning what is out there. It’s important to broaden your understanding of not only your offerings, but other offerings within the industry. I want to learn what else is out there so that I can better communicate with other business owners in the industry as well as my customers.
Embrace Failure:
Failure is an inevitable part of any entrepreneurial journey. Instead of fearing it, embrace it as a valuable learning experience. Understand that setbacks and mistakes are opportunities for growth. Analyze what went wrong, extract lessons from the experience, and use that newfound wisdom to make better-informed decisions in the future. Remember, every successful business owner has encountered failures along the way. It's how we bounce back and learn from them that truly defines our success.
Network and Collaborate:
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also willing to step outside their comfort zones. Network with other lawn care business owners, share your experiences, and learn from theirs. Collaboration can lead to partnerships, referrals, and shared knowledge that can elevate your business. Join professional associations, online forums, or local business groups to expand your network and tap into the collective wisdom of your peers.
I remember my first industry event, and no I don’t mean EQUIP Expo or Lawntrepreneur Academy Live. I’m talking about the Weingartz steak fry at my local dealer. That was a huge event for me, and it most certainly made me feel uncomfortable. I was a small fish in a big pond. I didn’t know who was who of the industry yet, and honestly I looked like a small fish. I was in my jeans and tennis shoes showing up to this event not sure of who to talk to or what to say. But you know what? I’m glad I went. I gained a lot of knowledge that day and made some great connections with people in the industry. It’s important to try even when something feels uncomfortable because you never know what you’ll gain from the experience.
Growth and success lie just beyond the confines of your comfort zone. Embracing intentional discomfort is the secret ingredient to unlocking your full potential. Embrace change, push your limits, seek continuous learning, and don't shy away from failure. Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs and remember that the path to success is seldom easy, but always worth it.
So, go ahead—take that leap, step out of your comfort zone, and watch your lawn care business flourish like never before. Together, let's embrace the discomfort and reach new heights of success!
