In this installment of “The Bottom Line with Tony Bass,” we talk about how busy contractors sometimes lose sight of those little things that can contribute greatly to their personal growth as business leaders. Free online podcasts like this, webinars, audio books, peer networking and trade shows are just a few of the low-cost personal growth strategies that leading contractors are taking advantage of to improve both themselves and their companies.

 

 Low-Cost Personal Growth Strategies [17:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As the economy continues stabilizing and the road to recovery begins, conducting a half-day, off-site strategic planning meeting with key members of your company will help build camaraderie and uncover opportunities to increase sales. Green industry veteran Jon Ewing offers tips on how to make it happen.

 

 Uncovering Opportunities in a Depressed Landscape Business [15:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this installment of “The Bottom Line with Tony Bass,” learn how your strategic alliances, or “joint ventures,” can stretch far beyond the typical homebuilders, general contractors or irrigation professionals in your market. Partnering with other local businesses—from carpet cleaners and car detailers to gas stations and grocery stores—can help expose your business to new customers, without forcing you to spend a ton of money on marketing. In many instances, creative joint ventures can also lead to increased revenue in off-season months. So listen in to find out how you can put together some creative, strategic joint ventures to begin increasing market share in your area.

 

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If you think soft business conditions should preclude you from investing in your education, you’re mistaken. Now is the time to soak up as much information from as many reputable sources as possible—to help you uncover new business opportunities, improve work processes, reduce costs and surpass your competition. There is no better venue to do just that than the upcoming GIE+EXPO and Green Industry Conference (GIC) in Louisville October 28-31. There has never been a lineup of educational and networking opportunities quite like this one. Listen to contractor and PLANET GIC sub-committee member Bob Grover talk about some of the “can’t miss” landscaper events at this year’s show.

 

 GIC is a "Can't Miss" Event for Landscapers [11:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If you had two minutes to present your company to a stadium full of people, each of whom was willing to spend $100,000 on landscaping, what would you say? What would you say if you knew two other contractors would also be giving a similar two-minute presentation? In this installment of “The Bottom Line with Tony Bass,” we talk about how taking a LEAN approach to your sales process can help you identify those unique and special things about your company that really matter to prospective customers.

 

 Improve Your Sales Process [25:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Things have changed. We’ve gone from an economy where it was easy to find work to an economy where it’s easy to find talented employees. In this edition of “The Bottom Line with Tony Bass,” we talk about how to properly screen job applicants so you can build the superstar workforce that will carry your company toward a better tomorrow.

 

 Build Your Superstar Workforce [26:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this installment of “The Bottom Line with Tony Bass,” we talk about how writing clearer, more effective job descriptions will help you get more performance out of your employees.

 

 Standard Podcast [18:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Contractor Tommy Ganz, founder of the American Landscape Maintenance Association (ALMA), talks about the importance of right-sizing crews for maximum profitability. Through years of experience, Ganz knows when two-man crews are better than three, and when three-man crews are better than five. Listen in to learn how you can also right-size your crews so the work’s getting done, quality is maintained, crews are happier, and you make more money.

 

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In this installment of “The Bottom Line with Tony Bass,” we talk about how busy business owners can create an organization where team communication between all staff is clear, constructive and constant. This is key to motivating employees, maintaining quality standards and growing your business … so click here to listen.

 

 Standard Podcast [24:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Everyone knows that great customer service is the key to sustained business growth. Then why doesn’t every single landscape contractor provide it? Because consistently providing killer customer service is a lot easier said than done. Consultant Jeffrey Scott is here to give you a few simple, proven ways to earn that “5-Star Status” in the landscaping business. Click here and you’ll be on your way to becoming the Ritz Carlton of landscape contracting.
Jeffrey Scott is a green industry consultant who facilitates peer groups for professionals who want to grow their businesses and put more money in their pockets. He has recently written a book called “The Referral Advantage,” and is offering five FREE half-hour consulting sessions to ProCast listeners. Send an email to editor@promagazine.com for more information on this great offer.

 

 Standard Podcast [13:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download