Trending post
Kristina Hobson
Bullet point
Follow
Foreman Landscaper at Paulas Petals

Feel like giving up!

I have been in the Landscaping business for 17 years now and every since I moved and had to let my clients go, I can't find a job in my profession!! HELP

16
32 Comments
over 7 years ago
Like
Comment
Share
Juan Amaya
Bullet point
Follow
Carpenter at Ggc

Yo puedo ayudar kristina

8y
Like
Reply
Julio cesar Vazquez
Bullet point
Follow
Electrical Helper at Tito Electric

Hello Kristina my name is Julio Cesar I looking for a job and I have experience in landscaping call me

8y
Like
Reply
Louis Barrientes
Bullet point
Follow
Cbc Programmer Parts Changer at Bracketry

Don’t have any grass or I’d let you come cut it. Sorry!

8y
Like
Reply
1
Cathy Lowery
Bullet point
Follow
Overnight Stock Clerk

Why not start your own landscaping business. Why work for someone else when you can make more money working for yourself? You just need to build a new client base in your new area.

8y
Like
Reply
1
Kristina Hobson
Bullet point
Follow
Foreman Landscaper at Paulas Petals

Thank you guess for your opinions, but still have not found a job

8y
Like
Reply
1
See all replies
louis Evans
Bullet point
Follow
Project Manager

Hello there don’t give up ok sometimes you have to move to get a job or just keep pressing on and I will pray for you

8y
Like
Reply
2
Bullet point
Follow

Landscaping is like an art, why not expand your career options? Perhaps enhance your skill set. First of all, if you had established clients first start with a portfolio of the work you've done in the past. Then ask for recommendations from your previous clients. Perhaps start something that you enjoy doing, figure out what it is that you like then conclude from critically thinking of the various options. In the interim, begin networking. Start going out of your comfort zone or something

8y
Like
Reply
1
JB Blank
Bullet point
Follow
Safety Consultant / Safety Recovery Specialist

Kristina - Many excellent suggestions have been provided in the "Comments" section that might provide assistance.

To begin, ask yourself, "How did I obtain my original clients?" It may well be possible to simply repeat the process.

If the original client list was 'sizeable' (whatever reference that makes) it would likely take some time to create another of equivalent size. However, 17 years of experience and having previous clients will often streamline the process. One tends to learn, through trial and error, what NOT to do as well as what to do to obtain those clients. Therefore, that experience is a great tool in avoiding the pitfalls, as well. The operative word there being "do". Take action!

Another idea, depending on the new area, might be to focus on 'anchor clients'. For 'anchor clients', an idea would be to advertise to local businesses, chain stores, strip & shopping malls, and so forth. These are clients that like to keep their Headquarters or Front Office 'spruced-up' in order to attract clients of their own. Additionally, don't overlook business such as local utilities, factories, and the like. Such companies may have large areas (sometime, quite a few acres!) that need mowing and weed-control as well as more 'formal' landscaping around the Administration buildings.

Print up some business cards or flyers, if this hasn't already been done. Then take a drive in your new area and look to see what's around. Don't be too shy to stop by a business, even an industrial type business, that wants or needs to maintain a 'groomed' appearance for PR or other reasons. Keep in mind that there's almost always a business that has become disenchanted with their current landscaper for one reason or another.

Even if your previous clients were all private homes, it's still worth the time to take a look at local commercial or industrial businesses. In many cases, the 'basic landscaping' around the Main Office is the same (or very similar) to that of local residences: Pavers, flowerbeds, manicured shrubs & trees, and whatever else with which you might already be familiar. It's just possible their 'old groundskeeper' may be retiring, or the company no longer has full-time employees designated to maintaining the grounds, or what-have-you. That may provide you an opportunity to step in and provide your service, and save the company money, to boot.

Having even a few of these types of 'anchor clients' can enable your business to operate 'in the black' while also garnering new clients that may be more familiar (such as homeowners).

And if you haven't done so, make sure to create a portfolio of photographs of previous clients. Perhaps add a photo or two to any flyers you make. Visuals make a strong statement to potential clients of the type and quality of service your business can provide.

Providing such visuals also lets potential customers know that you're business is not 'fledgling' but 'established and experienced', even without adding that verbiage to your flyer / advertisements.

Hopefully, these few ideas can help not only recreate your original client list, but perhaps expand it into areas which you've not before considered.

Best of luck in your new venture! Remember, you did 'er once, you CAN do 'er again!

8y
Like
Reply
1
Victoria Kells
Bullet point
Follow
Logger Biller at Central Florida Health Alliance

Don't say where u moved to. But use LINK IN professional site. This allows u to advertise yrself. Also use media such as marketplace to advert. Meanwhile make urself known to nurseries that sell but don't do actual landscaping. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. Use non traditional methods to get ur name & business out there. U mite have to work for a nursery or landscaping company to network. Bring ur business to churches who can't afford high end landscapers. Hospitals, gated communities, nursing homes too. Go to Farmer Markets and set up booth w pix of ur work w business cards. Use coupon books to advertise. Good luck. Meanwhile do delivery or courier jobs.

8y
Like
Reply
3
Ernst Gibossé
Bullet point
Follow
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System Math Teacher at Worcester Ditrict School

Kristina, keep on trying; jobs aren't easy to find these days. Don't lose faith, be confident in your skills.

8y
Like
Reply
2
See more comments
Add