Laid off ? Start Your Own Lawn Care Service Landscaping Business

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Laid Off ? Start Your Own Lawn Care Service Landscape Business



Business Growth Takes Time, Money And Effort
By Phil Nilsson, Green Industry Consultant
www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com)


Take control of your future. Become self employed. Prepare now to be your own boss, make more money, achieve success and financial independence in your own business.

One of the greatest advantages of being a business owner is self-promotion. You increase business and profits when you elect to. Sure, there are a few obstacles to overcome, but a boss isn't one of them. The obstacles to business growth are mainly time, effort and money.
It's clear that no matter who you are, or where you find yourself at this moment in time, you will never have enough time to exercise all your options in life. That's an understatement to say the least. We are all subject to prioritizing activities and allocating time to get them done. But when it comes to business growth, unless strategic time allocations are made, growth comes slowly.

Ask any business owner who is actively working and trying to increase business at the same time how he grows his business. He’ll tell you growth comes only when you take the time to work on it - getting out more job bids, making and keeping customer appointments, and developing advertising programs and executing marketing plans. Then when business does increase, you need to have the two other components in place: employees and equipment. It's a three-ring circus, but business growth doesn't happen by accident - or at least it shouldn't.

THE "TIME" PART
Growth needs a plan. And, the first step is to put aside some time each week to work on it. No matter what comes up, you need to stick to the time allocated because if you don't, you may be forever working "in the trenches."
When I was in the business, my "business growth day" was Friday. Sure, I'd go to the shop, get the people out the door and on their way, but the rest of the day was spent on promoting business. I'd refer to my ongoing business growth plan, review it and think about my options.

The plan consisted of two parts. Part one of the plan included customers and sales; part two involved scouting for employees. I ignored part three, which was equipment, because as soon as business increased, equipment was always available at the store. Financing equipment and carrying the payments were the only concerns with part three. Therefore, what the growth plan came down to was increased sales and employees to carry out the work.

On Friday, I'd grab a batch of business cards, stuff them into my pocket for sales calls and get out and meet people who could at some point be transformed into employees. Depending on a company’s current situation, the primary focus will reflect what is needed for the company’s immediate success. If there's plenty of work and it's easy to get, then the emphasis will obviously be on finding workers. If sales are slumping, the focus will be on prospecting new clients or up-selling existing clients. In my case, finding employees was far more difficult than finding work, so the primary emphasis was on people.

Everybody I came in contact with on Friday I considered to be a potential employee, so I'd pass out business cards. If I saw a landscape crew in my travels, I'd stop and ask, "Do you know of anybody who needs a job?" Did I try to steal employees from other landscape companies? Absolutely! They've got experience, and besides, they'll only "jump ship" if they are unhappy with their present employer. Names collected on Friday were posted to an ongoing list.

My list contained an average of 100 names of people I met along the way. As soon as I had sales that would support just one more worker, I'd go back to my ongoing potential employee list. If I had not allocated one day a week to "hunting for employees," I doubt I could have grown as fast as I did. Friday was also interview day - 30 minutes; that was it. In the first five minutes, you can usually tell if you've got a winner.

So half of every Friday was spent finding the work, and the other half was spent finding people. I looked for long term in both - long-term people and long-term contracts - so I concentrated on landscape maintenance requiring care for large commercial sites. Logistics are easier that way. Maintenance is also easier to manage than other services since training time is residual. Also, offering landscape installations requires having a good foreman to provide direct supervision to a crew, and that type of employee is not easy to find.

THE "MONEY" PART
They say it takes money to make money. They're right about that, but it doesn't have to be your money - it can be the bank's money or those who finance equipment. As long as your credit is sound and you can cash flow the payments, obtaining vehicles and equipment usually isn't the problem - it’s working capital. You must focus on covering payroll and overhead costs, and you never want that to be a problem. As a rough example of how to cover these two expenses, consider the following figures, plugging in the appropriate rates and percentages for your business.

For each "fully supported with work" employee you hire, figure the gross pay for that person for six weeks, then add about 125 percent to the figure, and you will have the approximate cash number you're looking for (NOTE: The 125 percent figure is added to the employee’s wages to estimate the various taxes, benefits, insurance premiums and other overhead expenses associated with employing that individual person.). Your figure here is the total amount needed to carry that person - and the increased sales associated with having one more employee - until you get paid for the work six weeks later.

For example, if you hire one person at $10 an hour, you will need about $5,500 in available cash to pay that employee’s wages and associated overhead expenses (6 weeks times 40 hours/week times $10/hour = $2,400 plus 125% = $5,400; rounded to $5,500 for this example). Generally the new employee generates about three times his or her base pay - in this case about $16,500 - in new sales. Remember, these numbers are rough, so work it using specific examples from your company.

From this example, you can see that business growth may come down to just how much working capital you have. You can back into the numbers by dividing your total annual sales by the number of employees to find the annual production rate (sales) per employee. That will help you plan sales increases "matched" against the number of employees needed to reach a specific sales goal, which will help you calculate how much working capital you'll need. Using the figures from the above scenario, if you increase annual sales by $50,000, and hire one more person to have enough labor to meet the work that sales increase generates, you create the need for another $5,500 in cash availability over a six-week period.

Now, consider the next step: equipment and vehicles. Look at your total investment in equipment and divide that number by the number of production people on your payroll. The outcome is the approximate equipment investment per employee. Each new hire is supported by X amount of financed equipment. That's easy to figure, but it's an important consideration.

THE "EFFORT" PART
The three-ring circus in running a business is sales, production and control - get the work, do the work and control the outcomes. That's what it comes down to, but it takes effort to make these items fall into place for continued success. In other words, if you have to choose between buying groceries and making your equipment payments, eat if you're hungry, but know that without financing in the absence of cash to invest, you can't grow your business. If you don't maintain your credit in top shape, growth will probably not be possible.

Let's sum it up. The equipment is "waiting for you at the store." The employees you'll need to grow are "out there" wandering around; you simply have to "hunt" for them. It's a matter of taking a risk by hiring them "just in time" or having the stomach to hire them in advance of having the work to pay for them. Also, don’t forget sales and increased business. To juggle all of those and grow your business, you must have a solid allocation of your time, money and effort. Define the sales goal. Set aside the time. Do the math. Find the people. Then go for it.

About Nilsson Associates
Nationally recognized "Best Selling Author", Business Consultant and Seminar Presenter with over 30 years experience in the Green Industry. Nilsson's articles are published by Grounds Maintenance Magazine, Lawn & Landscape, PRO, The Arborist, Landscaper Publications of New York, PGMS, PLCAA. Nilsson owned and operated a successful Landscape Design-Build-Maintain firm for 15 years, and for many years was retained as Business Coach and Management Advisor to the national membership of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America.

Nilsson's books are endorsed by National Trade Associations, The California Landscape Contractors Association, The Professional Grounds Management Society, The Horticultural Departments of Ohio State University, The University of Tennessee, and The University of Georgia. Nilsson's books are in use by over 25,000 Landscape Contractors, Lawn Care Companies, Property Managers, Government Facilities, Park Departments and Municipalities nationwide.

http://nilssonbooks.com/_borders/Phil-Nilsson-Picture.jpg
Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates
Green Industry Consultants
374 Hart Street
Southington, CT 06489
Toll Free 866-280-2252

www.nilssonbooks.com (http://nilssonbooks.com/)
email nilsson.assoc@snet.net

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Profit Building Books For Lawn Care Service & Landscapers


Labor Time Data Handbook - Contains over 500 field tested, time-studied labor hours data for landscaping and grounds maintenance job estimating. Bid with confidence, save time preparing bids, easily determine best crew size, make money on every job you get, never under or overprice a bid again, set realistic labor goals for employees. Includes labor hours for just about every job performed in landscaping and grounds maintenance. Book # A-7, Price $69.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Winter Income Producers - This book is jam packed with surefire ways to make money. You'll turn down time into added income. You'll get 75 ways. There's something for everyone. Pick a method that satisfies your off season needs. No matter where you live, no matter what your specialty within the landscape industry, you'll find something of interest. I guarantee it. Book # B-7, Price $49.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Grounds Maintenance Manual - A complete guide to maintenance. How to sell services, bid jobs, assign crews, control the work. You'll get bid outlines, scheduling formats, cost calculations, checklists for year round services. You'll learn how to evaluate every site for profit potential, pinpoint best crew size, control costs, and know what to expect on a daily basis. Book # C-1, Price $49.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#Grounds Maintenance Manual) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Writing The Maintenance Specifications - No more trying to find the right words to explain job bids. Contains hundreds of samples of contract language that fits any situation. Produce professional specs, avoid bidding unrealistic site requirements. What to include and exclude. Covers summer and winter work elements, and work options to look for on any site to boost sales. Book # C-2, Price $34.50
To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Writing The Maintenance Speci-fications) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Maintenance Estimating Kit - This kit has everything you need when you visit a site to get an estimate. Working from a model spec. it takes you step by step. Assesses the model, finds the price, prepares the model bid, writes the proposal, along with cover letter and outline of the work. Book # C-21, Price $32.50
To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Maintenance Estimating Kit) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Maximizing Profits In Mowing - Some people make plenty of money mowing, while others lose their shirts! Mowing is 50% of most contracts. Covers key factors for better profits, best crew size, selecting the right mowers, setting work quotas, scheduling problems. Mobilize your people to work as a team! Book # C-6, Price $24.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#Maximizing Profits In Mowing) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Pricing Your Services - Never under price your work again! You'll know true cost as basis for your price. Includes bidding formulas, overhead, profit potential, pricing methods. How to avoid losing money on low priced jobs. Discover the highest price you can get, save time preparing bids. No guesswork or second thoughts when you use this system. Book # B-2, Price $39.50
To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Pricing Your Services) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Selling To Commercial Customers - Selling to commercial requires a different approach to finding key contacts, bidding the work, locating accounts that offer high profits. Explains professional image, getting long term contracts vital to success, how to sustain customer loyalty, how to close the sale. Book # B-12, Price $24.50
To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#Selling%20To%20Commercia l%20Customers) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

The Art Of Selling - Good sales people aren't born that way. Learn the secrets of successful sales people and find out what you are doing wrong. Sales will increase when you've mastered the skills of selling, using tie downs, why customers buy, what will make you stand out from the others. Book # B-13, Price $19.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

How To Write Effective Sales Letters - You'll never be lost for the right words with this sample pack of sales letters designed for the landscape industry. Covers almost any sell situation. What to say to persuade, what not to say, and why. Mechanics of the letter, the do's and don'ts, appealing to logic and emotion, best mailing methods, primer on direct mail strategies. Book # B-8, Price $24.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Writing Your Company Policy Manual - You'll save time using this fill in the blanks format to create your own policy manual. Copy it, customize it to fill your needs. Includes owner's message to employees, sequence of info, the do's and don'ts of making promises, a benefits checklist and how to word them. Book # G-2, Price $19.50
To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Writing Your Company Policy Manual) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Keys To Motivating Employees - This book focuses on the unique challenges of motivating seasonal, temporary and key people. Discusses why some people work hard, others don't. Why a paycheck alone is a poor motivator. Tactics to use to promote team players, get better production, and create interest in a job where none exists. Book # G-4, Price $19.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm#Keys%20To%20Motivating%20Employees) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Entry Level Training - Landscapers - This book trains new hires & seasonal help and avoids you having to explain the basics over and over each season. It covers materials, commonly used tools, equipment, safety, vehicle use, hazardous substances, work practices, attire, customer relations, personal behavior, terms and definitions, and question/answer review. Book # ET-1, Price $42.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Crew Leader Training - Landscapers - Overcome the difficulty of unsupervised jobs. Train your workers to accept responsibility and you'll probably increase business. This is a step-by-step approach designed for the employee with little or no supervisory experience. Covers task management, what owners need from crew leaders, how to win respect and get cooperation from peers, planning the work, getting it done! Overseeing the equipment, goal setting, Question/Answer review. Book # ET-2, Price $39.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Training In Pruning And Planting - Covers everything workers need to know to properly install and prune shrubs and trees. Shows how, when, why to prune. Explains the tools, how to prevent damage, planting methods, staking and guying, mulching, transporting stock, thinning, forming, shaping, and pinching. Best times to prune flowering species. Question/Answer review. Book # ET-4, Price $34.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

How To Be A Great Boss! - Ever wonder how employees like you as a "boss"? Highly respected, well liked? How they perceive you is key to your success in today's labor market. This report examines easily misunderstood concepts of attitudes, work ethics, and self esteem that can make or break your business. You can either "turn them on" or "turn them off" by what you do and say. Book # G-5, Price $12.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Advertising And Marketing Your Services - This primer on advertising covers how to write ad copy, design brochures, using logos, pitch lines, image, mission statements, best methods, time proven techniques, timing releases, publicity, four basic rules to follow, checklist of markets, and ad samples. Book # B-1, Price $42.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

How To Improve Customer Retention - Repeat business is key to growth. Use these methods and you'll spend less time trying to find new customers and keep those you have. Explores what customers really want from you, renewal incentives, quality control, projecting the right image, price increases, and finally how to keep customers happy. Book # B-3, Price $22.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#How%20To%20Improve%20Cus tomer%20Retention) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

All About Direct Mail Advertising - Direct mail is one of the most effective ways to get customers because it's one-on-one. It doesn't compete with the other ads. This book outlines the 7 cardinal rules to success and shows you how to use them. Direct mail works if you do it right! Specifically written for the green industry, this book gets you started in the right direction. Book # B-11, Price $34.50
To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#All%20About%20Direct%20M ail%20Advertising) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

The Snow Removal Business - A complete guide to just about everything there is to know about winter maintenance. Bidding, costing, scheduling, how to maximize revenues, manage a storm, vehicle maintenance, bid proposal package, contract language, selling the services, documenting a storm, dealing with damage claims, pricing the work . . .everything! Book # C-8, Price $39.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#The Snow Removal Business) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

Business Plan Workbook - Specifically designed for landscape companies and divided into three sections that form a master business plan model. Contains fill in the blanks sections question and answer review to form a Sales Plan, Production Plan and Management Plan for your company. Book # E-1 $39.50To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Business Planning Workbook) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

How To Grow Your Business - Growth means higher sales levels, more employees & equipment, more debt, higher accounts receivables, larger facilities. Know what to expect at each stage of growth with this behind the scenes look. Covers growth plans, profit outcomes, key systems for control, maintaining job quality, delegating to others, keeping track of production, how to finance the larger operation. Book #E-1, Price $39.50 To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

AUDIO TAPE- The Winners Triangle - If you want to know what it takes to put together the "total company". . sales growth. . control. . good profits and winning at business, this tape helps you focus on the three qualities common to successful landscape companies that made it to the "top" of the industry. $19.50 1 Tape To order Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/audio_tapes.htm) or order by phone Toll Free 1-866-280-2252

In Spanish - Entry Level Training - Landscapers
Lawn & Landscape Employee Training Spanish Entry Level

Written in Spanish
Written in Spanish, this book trains lawn & landscape employees, new hires & seasonal help and avoids you having to explain the basics over and over each season to each new entry level employee. It covers training in lawn and landscape materials, commonly used landscape tools, lawn mowers and lawn care equipment, lawn care machinery and pesticide safety isssues, employee landscape training in and trailers vehicle use, hazardous lawn care substances, landscape work practices, lawn employee attire, customer relations, personal behavior expected of employees, A to Z lawn and landscape terms and definitions most often used in training Hispanic and Spanish Speaking employees, and question/answer review for Hispanic and Spanish Speaking employees.

Table of Contents:
The Work of Landscaping Outlined in Detail
The Work of Grounds Maintenance Outlined in Detail
Tools and Equipment Used To Accomplish The Work
Mower & Equipment Engine Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Grounds Maintenance Work Descriptions
Landscaping - Basic Work Methods
Materials, Supplies used in Lawn & Landscape Work
Quality Control, Work Expectations
Time Management, Goal Attainment
Customer Relations, Landscape Employee Behavior
Work Attire, Clothing, and Lawn Safety Issues
A to Z Index of Terms, Definitions for Landscape industry
Employee Questions for Review
Answers to Employee Questions

To order Employee Training in Spanish online Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/employeespanish.htm)

To order by phone Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252



To order this item in English
Click here:for English Version (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm)


Video Tape - In Spanish
Lawn Care Service & Landscape Maintenance Basic Training - for Hispanic and Spanish Speaking Employees - 30 minute video covers all the basics of lawn care, mowing, safety, landscape grounds maintenance including general lawn work standards, mowing operations using walk-behind mowers and riding mowers, string trimmer use, back pack blowing of grass, spraying & weeding lawns and beds, mowing equipment use, edging lawns and shrub beds, shrub bed maintenance, general lawn and grounds maintenance cleanups, lawn mowing safety gear, lawn service operating procedures for mowing equipment, general equipment, trailers, and working procedures, safety, and equipment maintenance pre-checks. Video tape will help you train your Spanish Speaking Hispanic Employees, assign the work, and get the job done. You can also use the Video to show and tell potential job applicants what the work will be like in advance by having them look at the training Video Tape. (1 Tape Series)
To order online VIDEO IN SPANISH Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/video_tapes.htm)
To order by phone Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252



Video Tape -In English
Lawn Care Service & Landscape Maintenance Basic Training - for Hispanic and Spanish Speaking Employees - 30 minute video covers all the basics of lawn care, mowing, safety, landscape grounds maintenance including general lawn work standards, mowing operations using walk-behind mowers and riding mowers, string trimmer use, back pack blowing of grass, spraying & weeding lawns and beds, mowing equipment use, edging lawns and shrub beds, shrub bed maintenance, general lawn and grounds maintenance cleanups, lawn mowing safety gear, lawn service operating procedures for mowing equipment, general equipment, trailers, and working procedures, safety, and equipment maintenance pre-checks. Video tape will help you train your Spanish Speaking Hispanic Employees, assign the work, and get the job done. You can also use the Video to show and tell potential job applicants what the work will be like in advance by having them look at the training Video Tape. (1 Tape Series)
To order VIDEO IN ENGLISH online Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/video_tapes.htm)
To order by phone Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252



Other
resources
Sales Boosters (http://nilssonbooks.com/sales_booster_package.htm)
Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm)
FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)
Labor Time Data Handbook (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#)
New Business Startup Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/just_getting_started.htm)

Complete Operations Management System (http://nilssonbooks.com/coms_package.htm)

Nilsson's Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) has everything you need to evaluate job site specifications & work required, figure costs, how to price ~ lawns, grounds maintenance, landscape installs. You'll get step - by - step instructions, bid proposal outlines & customer contracts, labor hours job times. You'll get job price guides to compare your prices with the going rates, overhead costs, materials, profit ratios. You'll set realistic prices, and job labor hours goals based on field tested, proven, time studied labor hours for every job you bid. You'll know how to evaluate every job for total work hours required, the price to charge for the job, the profit you'll make, best crew size, job costs. You'll also get add-on service check lists to help you maximize sales by upselling customers on additional property improvements. Nilsson's Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) includes a model bid example that takes you through the entire bid process step by step from work site information gathering, cost and profit calculations based on site conditions and specifications, outlines price proposal details, and customer contract writeup along with a cover letter outlining the work. Use the bid model as your permanent estimating guide and improve the accuracy of all your bids.

The Three Problems With Job Estimating and Bidding:
1. Understanding the scope of the work how to write job specifications, (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm) how to bid, how to sell to commercial & residential, what to charge for landscape installations, lawn care, lawn mowing, mulch, spring and fall cleanups, year around contracts, writing work proposals and customer job proposals.

2. Knowing the amount of time it will take to complete the work (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm) of mowing, lawn care, fertilizing, landscaping, plowing, irrigation systems, planting grass, shrubs, trees, and hundreds of grounds maintenance tasks in general.

3. Knowing the highest price you can get (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm) covring your costs, remaining competitive, and making a profit.

When it comes to pricing lawn and landscape jobs nobody has more industry pricing information than Nilsson Associates. Nilsson's Job Price Guides covers lawn care job bidding & estimating landscaping job bids for commercial & residential customers. Get more customers. Price estimates & bids, grounds services, landscaping pricing estimates , estimating & bid the price seasonal work, year around commercial estimate contracts, best price per square foot, best grounds maintenance & landscaping job to bid & pricing, price of lawn care, lawn mowing price, aeration pricing, lawns, commercial landscape job bid estimates, maintenance estimating & pricing, mulching prices, pricing chemicals, weeding & aerating pricing, fertilizer prices, prices for organic fertilizer, pricing weeds in beds, pricing pruning & trimming trees & shrubs, pricing commercial & residential snow plowing, hardscape pricing, pricing hydroseeding, irrigation service estimates for commercial & residential, pricing seeding lawns, pricing lawn sod, prices for slit seeding lawns, pricing edging lawn beds, spring cleanup prices, pricing fall cleanups, hourly price of pressure washing walks & patios, pricing trees, stump grinding prices, price for gutter cleaning, lawn dethatching price, price for shoveling snow, pricing salting, price sanding.
For more information about Pricing Click Here for FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)


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"Nilsson Associates provides an important source of information, a highly respected PLCAA Consultant, and Best Selling author with our membership."
Professional Lawn Care Association of America

"Nilsson has some of the best ideas for the green industry ... their books have comprehensive in-depth coverage, knowledgeable step-by-step approach for business improvement"
PRO Magazine

"Our members have found your books extremely helpful. Thanks for your insight and creativity"
Professional Grounds Management Society

"Nilsson's books are must reads, and have helped our readers tremendously. Thanks for your continued support."
Landscaper Publications

"Nilsson's series of books filled a void in our program ... Our students needed more insight into management, costs, profits, and how to successfully operate a business.
University of Tennessee, Horticulture Dept.

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Phil Nilsson
"Best Selling Author"

_________________
Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates
Green Industry Consultants
Visit the bookstore: www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
Toll Free 1-866-280-2252
Email nilsson.assoc@snet.net

[lbtcadmin]

Job Estimating & Bidding landscaping


Nilsson Associates Green Industry Consultants Toll Free 866-280-2252 www.nilssonbooks.com (http://nilssonbooks.com/)



NEW JOB ESTIMATING SYSTEM - FAST - EASY - ACCURATE
Save Time Preparing Your Job Bids - Price Right and Win More Lawn and Landscape Contracts. Our Best Selling Estimating System Helps You Price Accurately Because It's Based on Field Tested, Labor Hours Job Time Studies. System Includes Time Saving Prewritten Job Specifications to Word Your Contract Proposals. Comes with Proven Pricing Strategies to Get More Residential & Commercial Accounts. Our Job Pricing Guidelines Are Free With Our Job Estimating Package ... See For Yourself What Other Contractors Charge From Price Surveys for Lawn Care, Mowing, Grounds Maintenance, Landscaping Installs, Snow Plowing, Irrigation, Planting Lawns, Shrub Beds, Pesticide Programs, Tree Care, and Hundreds of Grounds Maintenance Tasks. 100% Guaranteed To Win You More Bids or Your Money Back !

The Job Estimating System includes FREE Job Pricing Guidelines. Click here: FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)

The Estimating & Bidding system
includes these four books:
Labor Time Data Handbook
Grounds Maintenance Manual
Maintenance Estimating Kit
Pricing Your Services

Used for job bids and job estimating on fixed landscaping and landscape maintenance lawn care, contracts, and bidding on a per hour, and hourly rates requests, preparing landscaping contract price and landscaping work proposals and detailed lawn and landscape job specifications that outline and explain landscaping job specifications and work for lawn & landscape customer contracts for homeowners, business owners, landscaping site developers. Nilsson's job estimating and bidding system is in widespread use by landscape contractors, lawn & grounds maintenance companies, mowers, tree care operators, for preparing landscape estimates, maintenance costs, grounds maintenance bids, and irrigation contractrors for installation and service work. Nilsson's job estimating system are also used by snow & ice managers, Park and Recreation Grounds Maintenance Departments, and Golf Course Superintendents.

The Landscaping Estimating System enables you to understand the scope of the lawn maintenance or landscaping work and how many hours the total job will take from using The Labor Time Data Handbook included with the system. You'll have a wide range of lawn care and landscaping work specifications language to choose from to word your contracts and proposals and write professionally worded maintenance & landscape job specifications. You''ll learn how to bid on a wide variety of grounds maintenance and landscaping install projects, how get tips and pointers on how reach and to sell grounds maintenance and landscape installs to commercial & residential customers , what to charge for the work based on average work times as given in the Labor Time Data Handbook which shows the amount of time it will take to complete hundreds of grounds maintenance tasks and landscape installation work, and also mowing, lawn care, fertilizing, landscaping, snow plowing, lawn irrigation systems, planting grass, shrub beds, maintaining and planting trees, and hundreds of grounds maintenance tasks in general.

Labor costs are the biggest expense in lawn and landscaping work and labor hours need to be controlled. You need to know how long the work will take, and can't accurately bid the job, or assign the right number of employees without "job time information".

How to order
Job Estimating Package
Consists of 4 books
Includes FREE Job Pricing Guidelines
You save $41.00 when you buy the Package
To order online Click Here: (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm)
To order by phone call toll free 1-866-280-2252




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Includes FREE Job Pricing Guidelines



The FREE Job Pricing Guidelines shows Current Prices (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm) in use by lawn care service and landscape business for bidding and estimating lawn care & grounds maintenance jobs, landscaping, lawn mowing, using riding turf care tractors, and commercial lawn mowing equipment. Includes prices for bidding and estimating landscaping, lawn work, edging lawns, edging walks, edging landscaping shrub beds. lawn spring cleanups, fall leaf cleanups of lawns and grounds and pavement, pine straw mulching woodchips for mulching beds. Grounds maintenance and landscape work prices shown include equipment servicing, grass planting, lawn sodding, seeding lawns, weeding lawns and weeding shrub beds, weeding curbs and blacktop areas, planting landscaping shrubs, snow removal and ice management, salting for ice control, trimming lawn obstacles, pruning landscaping shrubs and ornamental trees, and shows you prices for hundreds of items you bid on.

Job Pricing Guidelines Includes Prices For:
Aerating lawns
Back Pak Spraying lawns, shrub beds, curbs
Bed Edging - in lawns
Cement Curbing Installation in landscapes
Chemical Applications of lawn care chemicals
Deck Installations
Dethatching of lawns
Drain Gutter Cleaning to remove leaves
Fall Cleanups of lawns and beds
Firewood sales
Flower Installations in landscapes
Grading & Filling of soil for lawns
Hardscapes - landscaping patios, stairs, walks
Hourly Work Rates on lawn care service & landscape business
Hydroseeding of lawns
Irrigation lawn Installation
Irrigation Service - lawns & beds
Landscape Designs - designing computer image landscapes
Landscape Lighting Installations
Landscape Installations lawns, shrubs, plants & trees
Lawn Care Service Chemical Applications Fertilizers Weed Controls
Lawn Renovations - Slit Seeding, Reseeding, Elimination of Growth
Liquid Applications of Fertilizers, Weed Killers
Loam Installed for lawn building and planting beds
Mowing of lawns using walkbehinds, ztr, riders, trim mowers
Mulch Installations of pine straw, woodchips, pine bark mulch
Organic Lawn Care of lawns
Parking Lot Line Marking
Parking Lot Sweeping of sand and debris
Paving Installations and hardscapes
Pavement Sweeping and litter control
Planting Trees & Shrubs in landscapes
Pressure washing of houses, vehicles, walks
Pruning of shrubs, pruning ornamental trees
Putting Greens Installations - artificial turf for golf
Retaining Walls Installed of wood, stone
Rotary Tilling of turf and soil for lawns and gardens
Sanding & Salting of parking lots and roads for ice control
Site Work of grading, hauling, rock removal prior to seeding
Slit Seeding of lawns
Snow Plowing and ice control
Sod Installations on lawns
Spring Cleanups of lawns, beds and paved areas
Stone Installations for shrub beds, landscape areas
Stump Grinding after removal and tree takedowns
Tree & Shrub Programs - fertilizing - weed & insect control
Tree Trimming of ornamental trees in landscapes
Trucking & Hauling of landscaping materials
Vegetation Management for weed control, growth control
Weed Controls in beds and lawns

What Your Colleagues Say ...
"Nilsson Associates provides an important source of information, a highly respected PLCAA Consultant, and Best Selling author with our membership."
Professional Lawn Care Association of America

"Nilsson has some of the best ideas for the green industry ... their books have comprehensive in-depth coverage, knowledgeable step-by-step approach for business improvement"
PRO Magazine

"Our members have found your books extremely helpful. Thanks for your insight and creativity"
Professional Grounds Management Society

"Nilsson's books are must reads, and have helped our readers tremendously. Thanks for your continued support."
Landscaper Publications

"Your way of explaining the subject shows you know what we need to do to make money in this business, thanks."
H.L., Madison, Wisconsin

"Nilsson's series of books filled a void in our program ... Our students needed more insight into management, costs, profits, and how to successfully operate a business.
University of Tennessee, Horticulture Dept.

When it comes to pricing lawn and landscaping jobs nobody has more landscaping industry pricing information than Nilsson Associates. Nilsson's Job Price Guides covers lawn care job bidding & estimating landscaping job bids for commercial & residential customers. Get more customers. Price estimates & bids, grounds services, landscaping pricing estimates , estimating & bid the price seasonal work, year around commercial estimate contracts, best price per square foot, best grounds maintenance & landscaping job to bid & pricing, price of lawn care, lawn mowing price, aeration pricing, lawns, commercial landscape job bid estimates, maintenance estimating & pricing, mulching prices, pricing chemicals, weeding & aerating pricing, fertilizer prices, prices for organic fertilizer, pricing weeds in beds, pricing pruning & trimming landscaping trees & shrubs, pricing commercial & residential snow plowing, landscaping hardscape pricing, pricing hydroseeding, irrigation service estimates for commercial & residential landscapes, pricing seeding lawns, pricing lawn sod, prices for slit seeding lawns, pricing edging lawn beds, spring cleanup prices, pricing fall cleanups, hourly price of pressure washing walks & patios, pricing trees, stump grinding prices, price for gutter cleaning, lawn dethatching price, price for shoveling snow, pricing salting, price sanding.

Click Here for FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)

http://nilssonbooks.com/guarantee.gifNilsson Associates has the information you need to acquire customers, estimate and bid the work correctly, operate your business on a professional level, (http://nilssonbooks.com/)and make it a success. We offer the Largest Resources available in the Lawn and Landscaping Business. Everything from how to sharpen a mower blade to how to manage a small or large lawn care or landscaping business, simple or complex lawn care, landscape business doing millions in sales!

No mattter what lawn care, maintenance or landscape services you offer, we have the information you need to save you time and money. Take a look at our extensive line of lawn care and landscaping books, audios, videos and employee training materials in English and Spanish. Start at the Nilsson Associates home page (http://nilssonbooks.com/). The index of lawn and landscape solutions includes categories dealing with estimating and bidding lawn care and landscaping, best lawn mowers, maximizing profits in lawn mowing and landscape installation work including seeding lawns, hydroseeding lawns, sodding lawns, slit seeding and drilling lawns, lawn care service job bidding & pricing, what lawn and landscaping tractors and equipment to buy, seed to use for lawns, lawn grass types, lawn chemicals, lawn fertilizers, lawn pesticides, lawn herbicides, managing landscape company operations, installing irrigation, snow plowing, planting landscaping shrubs and trees , pavement sweeping services and many others.

The instruction you will receive is affordable, and highly focused training that really works! And ... The FREE ongoing personal support from our Industry Experts (http://nilssonbooks.com/about_the_author.htm) is the Best Professional Management & Ownership Training Program in the Lawn and Landscaping Industry. With us assisting you every step of the way, your landscaping business will be up and running fast, making money, organized to win, separate itself from the competition, and on the "Path To A Rewarding Future."

How to order
Job Estimating Package
Consists of 4 books
Includes FREE Job Pricing Guidelines
You save $41.00 when you buy the Package
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Business Growth (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm) -
Business Plan (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Business Planning Workbook) -
Commercial (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#Selling To Commercial Customers) -
Company Policy (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Writing Your Company Policy Manual) -
Contract Cost (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm) -
Customers (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#Selling To Commercial Customers) -
Employees (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm) -
Estimating (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) -
Job Cost (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook) -
Job Specs (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Writing The Maintenance Speci-fications) -
Labor Time Data (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook) -
Maintenance (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#Grounds Maintenance Manual) -
Management (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm) -
Mowing Profits (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#Maximizing Profits In Mowing) -
Pricing (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Pricing Your Services) - Sales (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) -
Sales Letters (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#How To Write Effective Sales Letters) -
Sales Skills (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) -
Snow Removal (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#The Snow Removal Business) -
Subcontracting (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm#Subcontracting the Work) -
Training Video (http://nilssonbooks.com/video_tapes.htm) -
Website Services (http://nilssonbooks.com/other_services.htm#Web Design) -
Winter Income (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm)



Other
resources:
Sales Boosters (http://nilssonbooks.com/sales_booster_package.htm)
Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm)
FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)
New Business Startup Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/just_getting_started.htm)
Complete Operations Management System (http://nilssonbooks.com/coms_package.htm)

Nilsson's Job Estimating System (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) has everything you need to evaluate job site specifications & work required, figure costs, how to price ~ lawns, grounds maintenance, landscape installs. You'll get step - by - step instructions, bid proposal outlines & customer contracts, labor hours job times. You'll get job price guides to compare your prices with the going rates, overhead costs, materials, profit ratios. You'll set realistic prices, and job labor hours goals based on field tested, proven, time studied labor hours for every job you bid. You'll know how to evaluate every job for total work hours required, the price to charge for the job, the profit you'll make, best crew size, job costs. You'll also get add-on service check lists to help you maximize sales by upselling customers on additional property improvements.


When it comes to pricing lawn and landscape jobs nobody has more industry pricing information than Nilsson Associates. Nilsson's Job Price Guides covers lawn care job bidding & estimating landscaping job bids for commercial & residential customers. Get more customers. Price estimates & bids, grounds services, landscaping pricing estimates , estimating & bid the price seasonal work, year around commercial estimate contracts, best price per square foot, best grounds maintenance & landscaping job to bid & pricing, price of lawn care, lawn mowing price, aeration pricing, lawns, commercial landscape job bid estimates, maintenance estimating & pricing, mulching prices, pricing chemicals, weeding & aerating pricing, fertilizer prices, prices for organic fertilizer, pricing weeds in beds, pricing pruning & trimming trees & shrubs, pricing commercial & residential snow plowing, hardscape pricing, pricing hydroseeding, irrigation service estimates for commercial & residential, pricing seeding lawns, pricing lawn sod, prices for slit seeding lawns, pricing edging lawn beds, spring cleanup prices, pricing fall cleanups, hourly price of pressure washing walks & patios, pricing trees, stump grinding prices, price for gutter cleaning, lawn dethatching price, price for shoveling snow, pricing salting, price sanding.
For more information about Pricing Click Here for FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)


Special Book Discounts (http://nilssonbooks.com/discounts_and_deals.htm)

Labor Time Data Handbook (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#)


FREE JOB PRICING GUIDELINES (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)




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__________________
Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates - Since 1975
Green Industry Consultants
Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252
Visit The Bookstore (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)




Since 1975 - Profit Building Ideas - For Lawn and Landscape Professionals
(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)

[lbtcadmin]

If you're going to start a business you'll need a business plan



A Dun & Bradstreet survey showed 90 percent of all small business failures can be traced back to poor management, lack of planning or under capitalization. Within the "poor management" category the lack of having a solid, well thought out business plan was number one >>> starting with things like ... is this business a good idea to begin with ? ... is there a strong market demand for the product or service ? ... can it compete and win its share of business ? ... and so on. Will the business work and if so ... WHY ... will it work ?

Another reason for business failure is the little talked about attempts at internet scams, middlemen get rich quick schemes, and otherwise "make me rich I'm lazy, I don't want to work for money" multi-level marketing ripoffs. What ever happened to pursuing and building careers, and making money by actually working and earning it ? The number of misleading subject titles spammed is increasing and takes away from serious business offer emails.

Lots of people try the lazy route to riches ... looking for a golden nugget that will help them avoid "doing their homework" and paying their dues, and an easy way out. In a way there really is very little competition out there for those willing to get into the game, plan and do their homework ... way too many people just lay back and achieve only marginal results ... and won't do anything about themselves ... in other words ... they have no ambition.

Earl Nightingale said something like ....
"if you want to succeed do what failures don't like to do" ...
failures don't like to do their homework ...

The strange thing about business failures is that many of them are not business failures as such, I mean the business itself had customer demand, growing markets to operate in, and acceptable levels of competition but the person fails the business ... not the business. Many are not really in "business" they're simply self employed, have bought themselves a job, and work alone. It's like the guy who owns a hot dog stand who decides to take the day off. He could have had an employee if he has one run the "gig" that day but didn't. Now, his regular customers pass by his spot and see he's not there. Many of these small businesses are "jobs" because these companies never reach and go thru the organizational stage ... because there is no "organization" of employees, systems, customer base etc, etc. at that level.

To expand on this a little further ... if you want to start your own business it would be great if you got your degree in Business. A BBA Degree gives you a background in most areas of business. Courses in management, advertising, marketing, accounting, taxes, computer applications, psychology, business organization among others. When we think of why businesses fail ... the business person himself is often overlooked for the reason. Although we like to think that just about anybody can handle a business and make it a success if they really want to ... may not be possible in some situations ... things like "biting off more than you can chew" ... not being fully prepared to make a 100% effort while at the same time having other full time responsibilities ... and getting in over your head because you didn't see exactly what would be required of you time wise ... investment wise and emotionally. Running a business can be very stressful and with a small business the owner handles many different skills ... are you ready for it?
If there's an easy way to make money (which in itself would be very, very rare) ... rest assured it'll be kept a secret because there would be little reason to share it with anyone and thus "dilute" all those "spectacular earnings" ... the vast majority of websites don't generate profits. And it's only common sense that if you put a small amount of effort into something ... that the lack of rewards match the lack of effort.

There's millions of bogus "schemes" on how to make money out there ... it's a terrible waste of time for all concerned. Many of them expect others who sign on to do the work for them in a pyramid ... classic example ? ... Marcut Amerika If you want to make money ... try doing it the old fashioned way ... work for it and earn it ... and forget about theories that say that "there's a sucker born every minute" that can be taken advantage of. People sleep better at night when they do the right thing and play the game fair ... being in business and making it happen also takes a measure of luck too. How many Henry Fords are "out there" with super great ideas ?

It takes BIG money to reach the big markets with the big ideas.

So, part of succeeding in business means that the goals are not only defined ... but realistic. In other words, "ditch" the get rich quick schemes and forget the "lazy way out" because there is none. In your community ... look around at various businesses in your area and see which ones "work" ... copy their success ... study their advertising methods ... their equipment ... their employees ... their prices ... products ... services and etc. Fashion your own business using their companies as a model. You don't have to reinvent the wheel with brand new ideas ... just "do" what already works. That's what franchising is all about and why franchised businesses have over a 90% success rate. Copy success. Offer something in high demand just "do" what already works. That's what franchising is all about and why franchised businesses have over a 90% success rate. Copy success. Offer something in high demand.

For more information on business planning Click Here: Business Plan (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Business Planning Workbook)
__________________
Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates
Green Industry Consultants
374 Hart Street
Southington, CT 06489
Call Toll Free 1-866-280-2252
Visit The Bookstore (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
email ... nilsson.assoc@snet.net






Since 1975 - Profit Building Ideas - For Lawn and Landscape Professionals

(http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)

[lbtcadmin]

Business Survival Strategies
Phil Nilsson, Green Industry Consultant www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)

Business costs are rising, competition for the work is intense, demand for goods and services has slowed, new housing starts have dropped. It's said that the big rise in fuel costs is the "match" that lit this latest round of inflation. Even during "normal times" when most landscapers are busy and loaded up with work, over 70% fail at the landscape business. They were not prepared to manage a business. They didn't realize how hard it would be, what you had to know, and that even during the "good times" only the most knowledgeable pros survive. During "these times" when competition for the work is likely to get more intense ... learning the "hard way" by trial and error ... is not an option if you want to make it.

There's a lot to learn ...
Pricing is a key issue, job cost needs to be be tightly controlled, bidding your jobs correctly, tight control and supervision of employees and labor hours and costs, how to increase cash flow, how to cut costs, how to boost sales, are all keys to success, how to keep your valuable employees busy making money. When you increase your knowledge about what you can do to survive a slowing economy, you automatically reduce your risk of business failure.

30 Steps You Can Take Now To Survive A Slowing Economy

It happened in 1975, 1981 and 1991, and from the looks of it, the year 2008 is already seeing signs that the good times may be coming to an end. To what extent, nobody can predict, but retail sales are down, auto sales are way off, consumer confidence is slipping and plant closings and layoffs have already started in some industries.
Whether or not the lawn & landscape industry feels the impact of a real recession or just a mild downturn is anybody’s guess, but there's nothing quite like being prepared in advance. Therefore, here are 30 strategies to consider for coping with a down economy. Some of these steps are radical, while others are a more mild form of defense. Implement them according to the conditions you experience in your market area.

1. Conserve your cash.
2. Don't spend a dime on anything that isn't absolutely necessary to your operation.
3. Refinance anything and everything you can. Stretch out the payments because getting cash later on will be difficult as more people will apply for loans and banks will become very picky.
4. Work out a worst-case scenario cash flow projection that projects your company having a decrease in sales. As part of this, determine what expenses will be unavoidable.
5. Know your job costs well because poorly priced sales can put you out of business faster.
6. Look through your cash disbursements. Preplan a less expensive alternative to any expense category that you can.
7. Stretch out the work, retain key people and ask everyone to take a pay cut or at least a cut in hours worked.
8. Talk to your creditors early in the game. Many of them will work with you if they can afford to carry you on their books for the long haul.
9. Be more aggressive in getting jobs. Plan on having to increase bidding activity to end up with the same or a less amount of work.
10. Beef up your advertising to try to attract more opportunities to bid jobs.
11. Slowdowns mean layoffs. Therefore, new hires become available and are sometimes available at a lower rate of pay than your current rate. Take advantage of that fact.
12. If you find yourself in grave financial trouble, take an inventory of assets that are secured by collateral because these can be repossessed at any time and you will be without the ability to operate. Make payments on secured loans first.
13. If part of your fleet is going to be idle for some time, try to store it and get a reduced rate of insurance due to non-use.
14. Consider hiring a salesperson on a commission basis to help find more work in an otherwise shrinking market.
15. If a decrease in business is eminent, plan early to find part-time work. If you wait too long, the job market will have dried up as unemployment figures rise.
16. Approach your customers in advance of them seeking job bids from others. You may be able to negotiate a contract at a lower price that fits their reduced budget. This is especially true of commercial customers who have been asked by department heads to reduce company costs.
17. Selling off assets during a recession is difficult. Nevertheless, selling off unused equipment reduces insurance and registration costs and property taxes.
18. Look into the unemployment laws in your state. You may be able to qualify for a temporary layoff status whereby your employees can draw unemployment because you have reduced their working hours.
19. Convert anything you don't need into cash well ahead of any signals that your area will be hard hit. Tag sales and yard sales are often measures taken too late, which means you get next to nothing.
20. Try bartering your services to providers to conserve cash.
21. Apply for credit long before you need it. You may have to "borrow" your future, and banks will raise interest rates on high-risk loans as conditions worsen.
22. Begin doing business with a greater number of suppliers for the same products and materials you use. Suppliers may limit your credit line, but if you spread the risk around, you'll keep your sources longer.
23. Landscape installation contractors will "rush" towards maintenance markets if housing starts decrease. These are the best prospects to sell your equipment to if need be.
24. Assume that pricing pressures caused by a recession will last about two years after a recession is over. Extend your bidding activity to rid yourself of low price work quickly when times get better.
25. Look deeper in your own markets. Can you offer your current customer base a more diversified line of services?
26. Examine the cash value of your insurance policies, as you may need the money.
27. Review your business insurance to make sure your premiums have been adjusted for the depreciated value of your vehicles and equipment.
28. Examine every personal expense you have to find alternatives to any spending patterns.
29. Take a look at your estimated tax payments made to the IRS. Decreased earnings call for decreased estimated tax payments.
30. Economic downturns can be considered a time vs. money scenario during which whoever has the most cash or credit lasts the longest. Apply for and get every credit card that's available to you.

Cash is "king" during economic slowdowns no matter how mild or severe. Expect your customers to also feel the effects, which means they will pay you at a much slower rate than during the good times. That's precisely the reason that you'll need additional working capital to finance your receivables if nothing else. Run a cash flow working capital projection using 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and even up to six months to be paid from some of your customers.
How much cash do you need to survive? Find the answer to that question. Prepare and save for that eventuality and you'll be ready for a downturn.

About Nilsson Associates
Nationally recognized "Best Selling Author", Business Consultant and Seminar Presenter with over 30 years experience in the Green Industry. Nilsson's articles are published by Grounds Maintenance Magazine, Lawn & Landscape, PRO, The Arborist, Landscaper Publications of New York, PGMS, PLCAA. Nilsson owned and operated a successful Landscape Design-Build-Maintain firm for 15 years, and for many years was retained as Business Coach and Management Advisor to the national membership of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America.

Nilsson's books are endorsed by National Trade Associations, The California Landscape Contractors Association, The Professional Grounds Management Society, The Horticultural Departments of Ohio State University, The University of Tennessee, and The University of Georgia. Nilsson's books are in use by over 25,000 Landscape Contractors, Lawn Care Companies, Property Managers, Government Facilities, Park Departments and Municipalities nationwide.

www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
Copyright Nilsson Associates 2004, 2005, 2007


Resources
Sales Boosters (http://nilssonbooks.com/sales_booster_package.htm)
Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm)
FREE Job Pricing Guidelines (http://nilssonbooks.com/free_job_guidelines.htm)
Labor Time Data Handbook (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#)
New Business Startup Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/just_getting_started.htm)
Complete Operations Management System (http://nilssonbooks.com/coms_package.htm)

Nilsson's Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) has everything you need to evaluate job site specifications & work required, figure costs, how to price ~ lawns, grounds maintenance, landscape installs. You'll get step - by - step instructions, bid proposal outlines & customer contracts, labor hours job times. You'll get job price guides to compare your prices with the going rates, overhead costs, materials, profit ratios. You'll set realistic prices, and job labor hours goals based on field tested, proven, time studied labor hours for every job you bid. You'll know how to evaluate every job for total work hours required, the price to charge for the job, the profit you'll make, best crew size, job costs. You'll also get add-on service check lists to help you maximize sales by upselling customers on additional property improvements. Nilsson's Job Estimating Package (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) includes a model bid example that takes you through the entire bid process step by step from work site information gathering, cost and profit calculations based on site conditions and specifications, outlines price proposal details, and customer contract writeup along with a cover letter outlining the work. Use the bid model as your permanent estimating guide and improve the accuracy of all your bids.

Business
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Bidding Jobs (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm) - (http://www.asharpdesign.com/nilsson/discounts_and_deals.htm)
Business Growth (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm) -
Business Plan (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Business Planning Workbook) -
Commercial (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#Selling To Commercial Customers) -
Company Policy (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm#Writing Your Company Policy Manual) -
Contract Cost (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm) -
Customers (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#Selling To Commercial Customers) -
Employees (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm) -
Estimating (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_estimating_package.htm) -
Job Cost (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook) -
Job Specs (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Writing The Maintenance Speci-fications) -
Labor Time Data (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Labor Time Data Handbook) -
Maintenance (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#Grounds Maintenance Manual) -
Management (http://nilssonbooks.com/mangement.htm) -
Mowing Profits (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#Maximizing Profits In Mowing) -
Pricing (http://nilssonbooks.com/job_bidding_pricing.htm#Pricing Your Services) - Sales (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) -
Sales Letters (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm#How To Write Effective Sales Letters) -
Sales Skills (http://nilssonbooks.com/advertising_and_sales.htm) -
Snow Removal (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm#The Snow Removal Business) -
Subcontracting (http://nilssonbooks.com/employee.htm#Subcontracting the Work) -
Training Video (http://nilssonbooks.com/video_tapes.htm) -
Website Services (http://nilssonbooks.com/other_services.htm#Web Design) -
Winter Income (http://nilssonbooks.com/operations.htm)

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Nilsson Associates Green Industry Consultants has the information you need to operate your business and make it a success. We offer one of the Largest Resources available in the Green Industry on the internet. Everything from how to sharpen a mower blade to how to manage a small or large, simple or complex business doing millions in sales! You can keep your buisness small or grow it each year. It's up to you how far you go. Some are just interested in mowing lawns as a service, then add on pruning, planting, trimming, shrubs, trees, plowing snow, and getting into bidding and estimating grounds maintenance, landscape installations, hardscapes, patios, retaining walls and waterscapes.

No mattter what services you want to offer, we have the technical and managment information you need that will save you time and money getting started. Take a look at our extensive line of books, audios, videos and employee training materials in English and Spanish. Start at the Nilsson Associatres home page www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/) and scroll down the left side of the home page to locate the business problem you want a solution to. The index includes all these categories dealing with just about all lawn care, the best mowers, how to maximize profits in mowing, job bidding & pricing, what equipment to buy, lawns, grass, chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, landscape company operations, irrigation, snow plowing, planting, pavement services and many others. The instruction you will receive is affordable, and highly focused training that really works! And ... The ongoing personal support from our Industry Experts is the Best Professional Management & Ownership Training Program in the Industry. With us assisting you every step of the way, your business will be up and running fast, making money, organized to win, separate itself from the competition, and on the "Path To A Rewarding Future."



NEED HELP?
Please call toll free 1-866-280-2252 anytime for more information, to order by phone or if you need help selecting the books that will best solve your business problems.

What others say ...
"Nilsson Associates provides an important source of information, a highly respected PLCAA Consultant, and Best Selling author with our membership."
Professional Lawn Care Association of America

"Nilsson has some of the best ideas for the green industry ... their books have comprehensive in-depth coverage, knowledgeable step-by-step approach for business improvement"
PRO Magazine

"Our members have found your books extremely helpful. Thanks for your insight and creativity"
Professional Grounds Management Society

"Nilsson's books are must reads, and have helped our readers tremendously. Thanks for your continued support."
Landscaper Publications

"Your way of explaining the subject shows you know what we need to do to make money in this business, thanks."
H.L., Madison, Wisconsin

"Nilsson's series of books filled a void in our program ... Our students needed more insight into management, costs, profits, and how to successfully operate a business.
University of Tennessee, Horticulture Dept.

What about customer service?
You get FREE help with your business questions with the purchase of any of the Nilsson Associates products or services. Our books are 100% Guaranteed or your money back, so there is no risk. Our book customers can call us and get FREE additional help with their business problems.

We don't just sell you a book, we're here to answer your questions and we're noted for this unique benefit of doing business with us. And,when you call, you'll be talking to an industry expert.

Ordering is easy, safe and fast!
You can buy our products online at our 100% secure website at www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/) or if you'd rather order by phone or postal mail call us Toll FREE at 1-866-280-2252.

For more information ... Call us toll free at 1-866-280-2252 if you need help selecting the books that will best solve your business problems.

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Phil Nilsson
"Best Selling Author"
Nilsson Associates
Green Industry Consultants
Visit the bookstore: www.nilssonbooks.com (http://www.nilssonbooks.com/)
Toll Free 1-866-280-2252
Email nilsson.assoc@snet.net




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