Landscaper's Circle

Streamlining for a recession

Landscapers have had a tough few weeks battling through a particularly hot summer and are now faced with challenges of the rising cost of living, as clients cut back on their spending. Paula Warman offers advice on how to navigate a landscaping business through tricky times

It’s a scary time for businesses with the media hype surrounding the increase in energy bills, rising fuel costs and inflation. It is a worry for many, particularly those in the landscaping industry, since customers will see the services we offer as a luxury, a 'nice to have’ option, rather than a ‘must have’. A reduction in enquiries really do cement the concerns small businesses are having.

How do you get through rough times especially when a recession could be on the horizon? Having spoken to various businesses in the industry, and taking from the experience of running my own garden design and landscaping business for the past 12 years, I wanted to share some key takeaways for business survival:

Keep marketing – simple really. When everyone else looks at overheads marketing costs are inevitably the first to go, but this is not the way the keep your business buoyant in times of struggle. The best practice is to review what marketing strategies are working for you and then do more of that.

If you have a mentor or a coach stick with them

– again when looking at reducing costs in business, training and mentoring are often on the list of cuts. I would argue that in times of uncertainty having the support of a coach or mentor will most likely help you get through and flourish.

Restructure your workforce – look at what services and products you offer and who delivers them. Could you deliver in a more streamlined fashion? Could you set up your teams in a different way to get more out of them? Are people working to the best of their ability? These are all points on which to have clairty when managing a business through uncertain times.

Set up processes and systems - make your life and running the business easier in the long term by setting up systems such as automated email replies to enquries or a induction plan for new staff. If set up well this will create time for you to focus on other things in the business that will make a bigger impact.

Reduce overheads – reviewing your overheads on a regular basis is key for any business but looking at overheads and trying to keep them as low as you can without compromising on service delivery and quality will take the pressure off the business.

Take calculated risks and find your niche – there is lots of research to suggest that uncertain economic times presents the biggest opportunities for those businesses that are brave enough to take them. It is also a great time to find your niche, specialise in something you love and can deliver on and then capitalise on what this can do for your business.

Make plans – this is a fantastic time to reflect on your business, look at the bigger picture and make some plans. It could be that you want to scale down or come off the tools and this is possible because of the climate we are in. Just make sure you make some plans and set some action steps too.

Finally look to getting re-inspired about your business and the industry by attending some industry events. This month is The Landscape Show on 28th and 29th September, it is a great opportunity to organise meetings with suppliers and connect with fellow industry professionals to potentially collaborate and learn from each other.

Plus, there are lots of seminars taking place. I'll be there and on stage on the 29th discussing life as a woman in the industry. Plus there will be many exhibitors there, who may be able to add something to you and your business. Check out my The Limitless Landscaper’s Podcast for weekly inspiration for your landscaping business and don’t get drawn into the fear.

This is not a time to be worried or scared for the future this is, I believe, a time for development and opportunity. Do not let it pass you by through fear, act and look for the opportunities this will bring.

If you want help with growing or niching your business, then get in touch. My vision is to support and mentor as many landscapers, garden designers and horticultural businesses as possible, through membership of The Landscaper’s Circle.

The Landscaper’s Circle is the only online platform exclusively for business owners in the landscaping industry to learn how to market and run their business better. Become part of the #TLCTribe today for training and support. If you need our help please email at info@thelandscaperscircle.co.uk | www.thelandscaperscircle.co.uk