GreenIndustryPros.com |

I’m not alone when I say it’s refreshing to see ’09 in the rearview mirror. Sure, at my age, you don’t especially enjoy watching the years go by, but this one was an exception to the rule.

Without being overly optimistic, I think it’s a good bet that 2010 will see some recovery, and those contractors who tightened up their operations this past year will be able to take advantage of new growth opportunities. And there will be opportunities that will arise from a pent-up demand for services, an ongoing need to keep properties well-maintained, and new sustainable initiatives in both the residential and commercial marketplace.

Of course, these opportunities won’t come knocking, and they will have to align with the “new reality” of doing business today. Getting closer to your current customers, being responsive and driving out costs will be more important than ever before. A highly competitive environment will also call for separating yourself from the competition by strengthening your brand and providing absolutely exemplary customer service.

When you look back at last year, though, it’s surprising to see that not every landscape contractor had to tighten his or her belt. In fact, some contractors experienced very good years. As industry veteran/consultant Rod Bailey recently told me, the primary difference between contractors who grew last year and those who didn’t can be summed up in one word: plan.

Those contractors who had a solid business plan knew where they were going and how they were supposed to get there. Even if they couldn’t reach their initial goals, the knowledge gained from putting together a plan allowed them to adjust to market conditions and make a profit when sales and profit were hard to find.

It’s about planning, Bailey emphasized. Without a plan you drift, and drifting along last year was simply not the way to go. This is sound advice from an industry veteran who has experienced several industry ups and downs.

To help readers make plans this year, PRO has added a few new editorial twists.

Jim Paluch is back in PRO with a year-long series on how landscape contractors can find a better way of doing business.

Jeffrey Scott is helping put together a year-long series on business development strategies for contractors looking to grow their companies beyond a million bucks.

PRO has also become the official publication of the American Landscape Maintenance Association, which means that PRO is where you will find ALMA news, along with tips and insights from ALMA founder and president Tommy Ganz, staffers and contractor members.

Remember, too, that this is the digital age—and we have an endless number of free resources for you at ProMagazine.com. Also, if you’re interested in joining our Facebook Group, Green Industry Pros, send an email to editor@promagazine.com.

It’s a new year, and it’s on. Learn from ’09, assemble and execute a smart business plan, network with other landscape contractors, and put your best foot forward with an aggressive marketing strategy and service culture second to none. It’s a proven formula that helps businesses excel in the best of times, and builds a foundation for growth when times are tough.