START A GARDEN BUSINESS
To succeed in a garden business you need to avoid the pitfalls that cause most businesses to fail; and it really isn't all that difficult to do this, provided to take time to plan and execute a sensible approach when starting out.
What are the Possibilities
Opportunities change from place to place and week to week.
There is little point in determining a good idea and taking years to start the business -because the idea may well be beyond it's "use by date" when you finally get started.
If you want the best chance of success, formulat an idea; plan it's implementation and start up -quickly!
In today's world, you don't need to start big; but you do need to start fast.
Job growth is strong in selfd employment -stronger than elsewhere in the UK; so starting a business can be a good prospect for secure employment: but only if done right.
Horticultural businesses can be anything from lawn mowing to landscaping and plant breeding to crop production. Some find a niche supplying goods and services to other horticultural enterprises; and others can do well from a small nursery in their home garden.It all depends upon matching your abilities to needs and being able to sell yourself as well as deliver to the customer.
Common Reasons why businesses fail are:
- Poor Cash Flow (Often caused by charging too little; or not properly managing money when it does come in.
- Bad Attitude (Successful businesses make the customer number 1. Failing businesses often treat the customer as if he is low on their list of priorities).
- Poor Service (Gardeners who can distinguish weeds from plants, know how to prune without causing damage and can successfullt identify pests are remarkedly few and far between. Even many "qualifed" gardeners often attempt tasks beyond their skill level. Making mistakes will loose you customers and mean no new customers through referral)
- Poor Marketing (Some gardeners can do the job, but never succeed because no one is aware)
What about a Franchise?
Buying a franchise (eg. gardening or lawn mowing) can solve some of the common reasons for failure, but alone it is still no guarantee of success. Franchise Businesses are rarely as hassle free as much of a guarantee as what you expect.
What about Studying?
No matter what sort of garden business you go into, you will need to have two things:
a/ A knowledge of Plants and an ability to look after them
b/ Skills in Business Management (eg. basic bookkeeping, understanding law etc).
