The Business of Gardening: It's Not All A Bed Of Roses!

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What would be your ideal business?

Of course, there will be as many answers as there are different people but more and more people are taking up gardening, not just as a hobby but as a profession. Naturally! And why not make a real business out of doing what you love?

I was lucky enough to live on the edge of a golf course as a youngster. One summer when I was 16 I got a job as a grounds assistant. I still remember what a great job that was... under the bright blue sky breathing fresh air with the fragrance of fresh-cut grass!

If I had my life to do over again I would be very tempted to stay with that job and eventually build my own landscape business. So I really have nothing to say but words of encouragement and envy for all those taking their spade in hand and making a go of it!

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How to take the thorns with the roses:

Amidst all the positive vibes I do have to give a word of warning: Landscaping is a business like any other. It has to be researched, planned and executed correctly or it will make you broke as fast as any other. Then you really will be out and under the open sky!

I'm assuming that you already have the basic skills and experience to be a professional, independent landscaper. So this article is about the most common business challenges you are likely to face when starting a landscaping business.

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Planning your business (including what to do when things go wrong!)

When starting any business it's always a good idea to have a business plan. This should include contingency or backup plans because one thing you can always be sure of is that your business will never go quite according to plan.

This is why I'm not a big fan of trying to plan things down to the minute detail, but an outline of where you want your business to be six months down the road and how you plan to get there is essential.

You can get a lot of good business information and also download a sample business plan from this website: http://www.myownbusiness.org/s2/

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Practicalities like law, licenses and liability:

In this day and age even a simple, one-man (or woman!) gardening service will probably require a business license and/or other permits depending on your location. My Own Business, listed above, can also tell you how to find out. Or ask your local Chamber of Commerce where you get licenses in your area. 

Another thorny issue is liability insurance. You need it for just about any business nowadays. Imagine your lawnmover chucking a rock through the neighbor's car window (or maybe even the owner's dog!). Nightmares happen sooner or later on any job.

You should figure on getting at least basic liability coverage (and in some places it may even be required in order to get a license). Again, ask your Chamber of Commerce for recommendations or look in the Yellow Pages under liability insurance.

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Insurance for keeping a roof over your head:

Okay, now you're protected from 3rd parties with liability insurance (or rather, third parties are protected from you!). But what about keeping yourself covered with a roof over your head? What I mean is, you should have enough funds in reserve to support you and your family for a good six months before you go and quit that job you hate so much.

Working for yourself can be tough. Unless you're an instant success you're going to have dry periods. Maintaining a good reserve will make these difficult times a lot less stressful.

Another way to lessen the stress is to minimize your spending to acquire the necessary reserves as quickly as possible and keep it down to a minimum until you have a solid backlog of customers and accounts.

It's tempting to go out and blow that first big paycheck on a night on the town but you may live to regret it.

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Putting the green in your pocket:

Now we're getting to the good stuff! You've got your business plan, your licenses and insurance and six months of ready cash in the bank.

Your working steady now and building a successful business. How do you make sure you get paid? How do you deal with a difficult customer or collect on late accounts?

You know the usual methods - cash and check - but here's a tip that will pay off in spades: Take credit cards!

Think it's too much hassle? You need a merchant account and swipe terminal, then there are all the charges, etc. etc...

Well, time to think again. Things are changing. Now you can process credit cards anywhere through any touch-tone phone and that includes cell phones!

That's right. You do it with a unique service called Accept-By-Phone and it's not only easy but inexpensive. Approval is easy, there's one single setup charge and after that it's just $5 a month plus a competitive transaction fee. There's no minimum obligation, cancellation fee or other hidden charges.

Accept-by-Phone.com is the answer for any business that operates from different locations and needs to accept mobile payment by credit cards. And believe me, you NEED to do this!

How many times have you heard this little exchange:

"Do you think you could pay me up for last month Mr. Jones?"

"Oh, gee. I'm really sorry Sue. I don't seem to have any cash on me at the moment. I'll be sure to check you next week."

"But it's no problem, Mr. Jones." you say as you whip out your cell phone. "I can take any major credit card right here and now."

Brilliant, isn't it?