Growth in the snowplowing business is usually dependent upon how much equipment and manpower you can muster to deal with the increased business. Additional equipment requires substantial capital investment, if you choose to own all the necessary equipment. One proven method of reducing your capital investment in such growth is to utilize subcontractors. These are other contractors that supply both the manpower and equipment necessary to adequately service your customer bas

For those in the snow business, and in any business…… You alone also control your ultimate destiny with regards to profit and cash flow. Lack of profit is not what usually sinks a company. It is lack of CASH. Collecting receivables timely is important to success. Growth for the sake of growing is not a wise move. Controlled growth is necessary. Your accountant can tell you how much your “profits” will allow you to grow without running out of cash. Take if from one who

When meeting potential customers, always view it as an opportunity to show your professionalism off to them. The old days of handwritten quotes on slips of paper are long gone. Printed quotation forms are a must. A positive attitude (there it is again) towards the service you will provide the customer also shows confidence and exudes professionalism. Be understanding of customers inability to understand what it is we actually do during all night snowstorms. Explain what

It is important that we (in the snow business – as well as all other walks of life) project a professional image. Customers need to be able to communicate with you. You must have at least a cell phone – and nowadays maybe an I-Phone or smart phone of some sort. Sounds basic doesn’t it? It is. However, do you have the phone number accessible so customers can find you. Nowadays, a Facebook page (even if you fight it, and get dragged in kicking-and-screaming). It is a cost

If you want to “think you can” then it is imperative to bring a businesslike attitude to the snow side of your business if you’re going to have any chance at being successful. One of the biggest problems with those of us in the snow business is that we don’t have enough respect for ourselves and the service we provide. So, that is job one. Self respect. Anyone who provides a necessary service to a paying customer by putting in incredibly long hours, in equipment you have t

Think about it a minute. Isn’t attitude just a matter of how we think about anything we do or say? If you address your marriage with the right attitude, things often go well. If you approach your employees with the proper internal motivation (and a positive attitude) they will generally work harder and be more productive. If you approach the landscape maintenance, tree care, or chemical lawn care portion of your business in the right manner, it becomes your ‘core business

Everyone says they go the extra mile. Almost no one actually does. Most people who go there think, "Wait... no one else is here... why am I doing this?" and leave, never to return. That's why the extra mile is such a lonely place. That's also why the extra mile is a place filled with opportunities. Be early. Stay late. Make the extra phone call. Send the extra email. Do the extra research. Help a customer unload or unpack a shipment. Don't wait to be asked; offer. Don't just

Specialization is good. Focus is good. Finding a niche is good. Generating revenue is great. Anything a customer will pay you a reasonable price to do, is something you should do. Your customers want you to deliver outside your normal territory? If they'll pay you for it, fine. They want you to add services you don't normally include? If they'll pay you for it, fine. The customer wants you to perform some relatively manual labor and you're a high-tech shop? Only do what you w