I am looking to start a new side business in lawn care. I may have one or two people to work with me full time so that I can keep my full time job until this thing takes off. Are there some things that any of you wish you had known before you started your businesses?
Go for it! I would strongly recommend making sure your pricing covers your helper as well and as a pro who has built (and sold) two service businesses, here's my quick list for making the shift
This is very helpful information. Should I put much effort into marketing/advertising in the early stages? I feel like it could get expensive but on the flip side, the people have to know that my business is out here and wants their business. Would you recommend getting the LLC off the rip? I’ve bounced back and forth. What would be the most important thing (in your opinion) to invest my personal money into to make sure this business starts on the right foot?
I would put most of your effort into Marketing but capitalize on the word of mouth and reviews and adding to your Google profile at least once a week. Nothing fancy - a picture of a mower with a little caption, a picture or video of a completed job - things like that. These aren't high-cost items - all of this is free. I'd also work on getting into the facebook groups in your area and self-promote - not like crazy but when people are saying it - link them to your Google Profile or your website (if you have one). If it were me doing it, I'd use Jobber's marketing suite they have great templates for a super simple website and requests for quotes are all captured right there and it integrates really nicely. What's good about that is that it really helps you compete with the larger companies and helps to present a more professional image. That would be where i spend my "marketing" budget - but you'll be doing that in your off time or perhaps a close friend or family member can be the one out there on FB recommending you in those groups, etc.
I wouldn't recommend getting the LLC off the rip but I'm not a lawyer so this isn't legal advice. You can usually register a ficticious name for around $50 or so and then it's free to get an EIN. I'd just set yourself as a sole proprietor but open that business account so that you can accept credit cards and it's CLEAN.
To me, the most important thing to invest in is your data and your brand. You can always get new equipment down the road, expand marketing efforts, hire more people, transfer your Sole Proprietorship into an LLC, but you need to be collecting information from the people you're working with now and even the people you're quoting but not winning the job. WHY? Because that becomes invaluable as a warm market to promote products/services/specials to. I'd spend MONEY on my systems. Jobber's not paying me to say this (Hi, Jobber lol) but getting your Jobber subscription running and adding on some of the things you don't think you need but they set you up for success - like the Marketing add-on. Get your bookkeeping in order (Jobber syncs seamlessly into QB and I can help get that all set up if you need). Promote promote promote your business on Google and Social platforms. Social platforms for your 'warm market' - people who already know and like you and will recommend you; and Google My Business for those who aren't direct referrals but heard from a friend of a friend. I truly hope this helps and if you'd like, feel free to check out my coaching services at http://www.homeprocoaching.com
Wow this is very helpful! We have started a cleaning business in Calgary, Alberta. I was thinking about having everything in my personal account since I register as sole propreitorship, but it those make sense to keep the 2 separate. My goal is also to keep working until this take off but I have hard time finiding leads on commercial part. Residential is easier with mouth to mouth relationship. I also got scam using the Leadss application and since I am affraid of accepting any leads not knowing if they are real or not. I been also using FB Market place and trying to built my website! I realize that its a lot of work to build a company ouff!!!
It takes a lot of work to get all these pieces up and running, but if I were starting from zero again, I’d 100% use Jobber’s landing page website (and no, they’re not paying me to say that lol). It’s simple, not overly complicated, and best of all—it integrates directly with Jobber for quote requests and more.
Posting on Facebook is smart, but don’t sleep on Google My Business. Upload pictures, tutorials, and updates there regularly. Use Jobber’s automations to help drive Google Reviews—it’s a free or low-cost way to make a big impact.
Now, commercial can be a little trickier. Look for verified platforms where companies or government agencies post RFPs (Requests for Proposals). And here’s what people don’t always want to hear: cold calling and popping into businesses still works.
Set aside 1–2 hours a week to call local businesses and ask if they’re accepting bids for cleaning services. Drop in once a quarter with some low-cost promo: a mug with pens, donuts from a local spot, even a mini-sub platter. Keep it within your budget, but know this—when I was the one being visited, guess who I called first when I needed that service?
Stay Top of Mind! That’s where I’d put marketing dollars before online ads, every time. If I can help you at all or you need any advice ask here and tag me or you can find me at HomeProCoaching
NO REGRETS!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you already have help and yall are on the same page as far as pay goes youll do good thats the biggest issue finding good help use jobber it will save your life and time!!!!
Wish I knew this when I got started:
The early stage isn’t just about getting jobs, it’s about building habits that don’t break.
Start tracking your real numbers from Day 1 (not just what you charge, but what it costs you to operate).
Don’t rely on word of mouth only, build a small local brand (Google page, simple website, yard signs, whatever you can afford).
Run your schedule like a real business. Not SIDE BUSINESS - common now lol
That means blocking out time to plan, follow up, and price correctly. Not just chasing jobs.
And one more thing:
Don’t grow by adding more work.
Grow by adding structure and efficiency.
That’s the only way it lasts.
