Archives

Remote Work: The Employer and Employee Side of Working Remotely

The concept of utilizing a remote workforce is one of these flexible work options that some small business owners believe is reserved for larger companies than theirs. Why is that? In reality the barriers to utilizing remote workers seem to have more to do with employer concerns than with any hardware, software, or regulatory limitations. Here are some benefits to offering the option of working remotely as well as some considerations for engaging a remote workforce and finally, a few considerations regarding how to work from home. Benefits of Working […]

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3 Ways to Motivate Employees Without Spending Money

A common dilemma among small business owners revolves around how to motivate employees. While some business have bigger budgets and can do more to motivate their employees, there are also ways you can motivate employees without breaking the bank. While it’s true that the best employees are easier to poach if they are underpaid, it is also true that money only goes so far when it comes to motivation in the workplace. This we know from experience. Well then, if money isn’t the silver bullet of team motivation, what are […]

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Should You Convert Your Green Industry Business to a Franchise?

You’ve spent years developing your own business and building a loyal customer base that looks to you as the local green industry expert. And rightfully so, as you have amassed the kind of local knowledge that can only be acquired through years of experience. For any number of reasons, you may have considered converting your local business to a franchise or expanding your service offerings by adding on a specialty franchise. Would converting your business to a franchise be a good move for you? The answer to that question must […]

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5 Email Metrics You Should Be Tracking and Paying Attention To

You know that finding new leads is a crucial part of growing your business, so you’re likely investing in multiple types of marketing campaigns, including email. Email marketing campaigns provide a lot of positives for your business. They’re inexpensive, relatively easy to put together, and can be sent out with tight turnaround times. But how successful are your email campaigns? Are your subscribers actually reading your emails, or do they hit delete without even opening them? Further, how many of your email subscribers go on to become customers? Email marketing […]

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Build Your Customer Base: Improve Your Customer Acquisition Strategy

You’ve started your own business in the lawn care industry. You’re doing well, and you have a loyal set of customers. But maybe your growth has stagnated and you’re not sure how to fix the problem. After all, your business can only improve if you continue to grow and obtain new customers. That’s why it is so important to have a customer acquisition strategy. Here, we’ll share a few creative ways to build your customer base and keep your business in the minds of potential customers. How To Improve Your […]

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What You Need to Know about the New I-9 Form

All U.S. employers must complete and retain Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for every person (citizen and non-citizen) hired for employment. While this form has been around for several decades, a new version was issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2017. What Green Industry Business Owners Need to Know About Revised I-9 Form Make sure your file is dated 7/17/17 Employers must use the newest file, which will have a revision date of “7/17/17 N” at the bottom of the form. If your file still shows a […]

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The Importance of Weekly Meetings With Your Employees

Over the past few years, you’ve seen your business grow—going from just you to having multiple employees, crew leaders and managers. And you know with more employees, communicating is essential to success. To be efficient, you need to meet with your team at least once a week. Commit to holding weekly staff meetings to keep the team on the same page. Gathering everyone at a weekly meeting is an excellent way to hear, first hand, any frustrations and company wins as well as reminding them of your company’s mission and […]

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Extend Your Season With These 7 Add-On Services

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you want to increase your revenue into the late fall and winter months, you can include add-on services to your lawn care, landscape or pest control company. Not only can you keep business rolling throughout the year, but you can transform your company from a seasonal business to a four season business – where you’re adding value to your current customers’ properties. You can start marketing your new services during the growing season. Add door hangers, post on social media and include […]

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How to Grow Your Green Industry Business To Sell

Think about why you started your business. Maybe you were 15 years old, mowing lawns for neighbors during the summer to raise money for your senior trip. Maybe you graduated from college and loved being outside so much you found a way to make it your job. Whatever your reasons were then, chances are you aren’t spending a ton of time mowing lawns or enjoying the outdoors these days. So what’s your “why” now? And do you have an exit strategy planned? These are all important questions to ask yourself […]

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10 Advantages of Owning Your Own Franchise

If you are thinking about taking the big step of going into business for yourself, or if you have an existing business that you’re looking to grow, then you should consider franchise ownership. Becoming a franchise owner is an often overlooked option for many business owners, but it is a great option with many associated benefits. The first step is to research different franchise operations that would interest you. Then, ask questions, and remember to keep an open mind. You might discover that becoming a franchise owner is a perfect […]

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