The Four P’s to Success

There are thousands upon thousands of lawn and landscape businesses in this country. I’m sure you have seen your fair share of them around town from the multi-million dollar franchises to the one truck operations and everything in between. All these companies riding around doing virtually the same work. Some of the companies make it and some don’t; it’s that simple. I think it is very interesting to look at why some do make it and some last only a few years. We know it isn’t about the size of the company because small businesses are common in the service industries and they can last decades. If it isn’t the size then what is it? I believe there are 4 important factors that separate the good from the great. The 4 factors, or what I refer to as the 4 P’s, are not the only things that matter, but they are extremely critical and worth taking a look at within your own company.

The first “P” I want to talk about is passion. Passion is what made you start your own business and what gets you up every morning. Passion is what drives you to be the best you can and create a company that is the best in the industry even if it isn’t the biggest in the industry. Having passion is what helps you sell one more job at the end of the day when most people just call it a day. Passion is essential to success but it cannot be the only thing or else that passion will turn into burnout and working without making money.

That leads us to the next “P” which is professionalism. Professionalism is what sets you apart from the stereotypical “mow and blow” with dirty clothes and equipment and trucks. Professionalism is about so much more than cleanliness, it is about everything you do. Professionalism is about the way you talk on the phone, how you park and walk up to a customer’s or lead’s home, having professional business cards, having professional and timely invoicing, and so much more. Professionalism is how you create the perceived value in the customer’s eyes that allows you to charge a premium price.

The third “P” I want to highlight is purpose. What is the purpose of your or any business? The simple and correct answer to this question is to make a profit. You should like what you do especially when you own your own business, but you have to be in the game to make a profit. You owe it to yourself, your employees, and your family to make a profit. If you find yourself working all day and into the night and you are spending more than you are making, it is time to take a look at your business. You need to sit down and figure out your cost. You need to know why you charge what you charge. When you do this and implement it, you will start making money. You will be able to work less and make more money. This is when your business will thrive and the purpose of your business will be realized.

For the last “P” to a successful business, check out our video on YouTube, “The 4 P’s to Success.” You will find in-depth information on all the “P’s” that will get and keep your company on the right track. Subscribe to the Profits Unlimited YouTube channel while you are there and check our videos specific to the lawn and landscape industry.