13 Years of Wisdom: Lessons Learned from Running a Business

This week’s podcast episode is drawing on my experience in running and growing a landscaping and garden design business for the last 13 years with my husband! Lots of takeaways and opinions within this episode, not to mention lessons learned!Certainly, here are six lessons that one might learn from running a landscaping and garden design business for 13 years: Adaptability is key: One of the most important skills to develop as a business owner is the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Economic conditions, customer preferences, and industry trends can all change rapidly, and those who can pivot their strategies and offerings are more likely to survive and thrive. Hire slow, fire fast: Building a business centres all around your staff. When you rush into hiring due to demand you run the risk of hiring the wrong people. Then to hesitate in firing can mean more problems and impact on your business. The same applies to growth too. Focus on cash flow: Profitability is important, but cash flow is king. It's essential to manage cash flow carefully and plan for the ups and downs of revenue and expenses. This means keeping a close eye on accounts receivable and payable, managing inventory effectively, and staying on top of expenses. Charge a site visit fee: The single most important change I made in my business was to charge for a site visit. It is the ultimate loss leader or tripwire in that it gets potential clients to spend a small amount of money with you, which then builds a connection with the business, If you then deliver on the service they are more likely to buy from you. Quality vs quantity: This is not only important when it come to clients but also very applicable to marketing. Quality, well targeted marketing is more important than high volume untargetted marketing. The only way you will know what works is to try things and then track and monitor their success. Keep learning and get accountability: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and successful business owners never stop learning. Reading industry publications, attending conferences, seeking out mentors, and staying up to date on trends and best practices are all essential to staying competitive and growing a business. Getting a business coach and mentor is key for any business and something that I have never looked back from. I have worked with my business coach for years and continue to do so to help me keep accountable and feel surrounded by the right people. Looking for a coach and mentor with experience in owning and running a landscaping business? Get in touch, I am The Landscaper’s Coach and I got your back in business  For a free discovery call get in touch in all the usual ways below. The Landscaper’s Circle & PodcastCall us on: 02381 800 102Email: [email protected] us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast.Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoachFollow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcastFollow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaulaWebsite: https://www.thelandscaperscircle.co.uk