Thursday, December 27, 2012

FD2B Talk Radio Insight of the Night: Brad Groff

This week on FD2B Talk Radio Brad Groff, co-owner of River Valley Landscape and Pools in Wrightsville, Pa., shared how he uses technology in several different ways to keep his clients involved and engaged in the design process, while minimizing the amount of time that he wastes driving back and forth to their home.

Depending on the project, Groff will create a 2D concept plan in DynaSCAPE and/or a 3D model in Google SketchUp to make sure he's going in the right direction and to get some initial feedback on the design. However, instead of doing a presentation in person as most contractors do, he schedules an appointment with the homeowners using GoToMeeting and conducts an online presentation to review the drawings. Not only does this save him travel time but he can "meet" with both the husband and wife even if they're at two different locations. Another big benefit is he can schedule his meetings during regular business hours and not at night or on the weekends.

Show: It's all in the details. Or is it?
Guest: Brad Groff, co-owner of River Valley Landscape and Pools, Wrightsville, Pa.
Date: Dec. 26, 2012
To listen to the full show, CLICK HERE.

Editor's note: As part of a new partnership between Landscape Management and FD2B Talk Radio, we'll be posting an "Insight of the Night" every Thursday from the previous night's radio show. FD2B Talk Radio is a Green Industry radio show that broadcasts live every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Eastern. Its host and founder is LM columnist Jody Shilan, who's also the editor and founder of FromDesign2Build.com.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

FD2B Talk Radio Insight of the Night: Tom Canete

Editor's note: As part of a new partnership between Landscape Management and FD2B Talk Radio, we'll be posting an "Insight of the Night" every Thursday from the previous night's radio show. FD2B Talk Radio is a Green Industry radio show that broadcasts live every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Eastern. Its host and founder is LM columnist Jody Shilan, who's also the editor and founder of FromDesign2Build.com.

Just like an investment portfolio, snow contractors need to have a diversified portfolio that fits your business' short-term and long-term goals and objectives, according to Tom Canete, CEO of Canete Snow Management. He says you should not only have a proper mix of residential and commercial accounts but also a proper mix of contract types. Canete recommends against having just one type of contract in favor of a mixture of contracts that are per push, per event and per season, so you can better manage your risk. This way, no matter what type of winter you have, above average, below average or average, you will be generating revenue.

In addition, Canete suggests having a diversified mix of clients. Not just residential vs commercial but a portfolio of clients with properties that need to be open 24/7, others that might be able to wait a few days (i.e churches) and everything in between.

Show: Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Guest: Tom Canete, CEO of Canete Snow Management, Wayne, N.J.

Date: Dec. 19, 2012
To listen to the full show, click here.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Heartbreak and hope


Today we're thinking about all those impacted by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The shooting will no doubt  make parents go home and hug their kids a little more tightly today. At a time of year fabled to be full of cheer and good will to men, it's all the more heartbreaking to think about the enormous void it will leave in these families' lives at the holidays and every other time of year.

Instances like this are becoming all the more frequent. But on a day with such tragedy, it was nice to hear about a landscaping company that's taken steps to help kids lately, Ruppert Landscape. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Brandon Simmons, an area manager in Ruppert’s Baltimore Landscape Management Branch, and his girlfriend, Teresa Hiebler, took a trip to Point Pleasant, N.J. to help with relief efforts. They returned a week later with 14 additional recruits, bringing food and monetary donations.

“Through our work with St. Mary’s By the Sea Parish and their food pantry in Point Pleasant, we learned of the additional need for toys for the upcoming holiday season,” said Simmons. “I enlisted the help of my company and we put the word out internally for toy donations at each of our branches and Teresa put the word out at her son’s school, St. Casimir’s in Canton. Before we knew it, this toy drive had grown exponentially."

Helping the effort was 5-year-old Sadie Mirjafary. In addition to donating her own birthday toys she’d received a few weeks earlier, Sadie and her mom posted her request for toy donations on Facebook. 

Together, all of those involved in the effort collected nearly 2,000 toys. Let's hope we continue a lot more efforts like this. Enough with the wrath that we saw today.

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Lawn Care Forum launches at Reunion!

This week we're at beautiful Reunion Resort near Orlando for our inaugural Lawn Care Forum. So far, it's been a great meeting. Thanks to our first round of attendees for taking time away from their businesses to join us and thanks to our sponsors for their support.

The Lawn Care Forum is a new concept in our market. We've brought together some of the industry's leading lawn care operators to network with each other, learn from top presenters and visit with suppliers in a one-on-one format. Here are some highlights from the first two days' events.

Pat Roberts, Tom Lynch, Matt Owens & Craig MacGregor play Reunion Resort's Palmer Course on day one of the Lawn Care Forum. Reunion is the only golf resort to boast Signature courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus.

On Monday night, RISE's Karen Reardon encouraged Lawn Care Forum attendees to stay on top of local and state regulations and engage with officials on a proactive, rather than defensive, basis. 
Chris Heiler, Tuesday's breakfast speaker, addressed attendees about inbound marketing. He said 70 percent to 90 percent of people visiting your website aren't ready to buy. They're in fact-finding mode, and it's important to provide them with education content and get them into your sales funnel.

Thank you to our sponsors: Dow AgroSciences, Direct Solutions, FMC, PermaGreen and Lebanon Turf.

Interested in joining us next year, at a location TBA? Email me if you're an LCO or contact LM Publisher Jason DeSarle to be a sponsor.


Friday, November 30, 2012

Are you pinning? Consider a business account

Did you know Pinterest added a new feature: business accounts? I just read about it today. I'll have to investigate whether it's the right move to convert Landscape Management's account, but I'm leaning toward yes, based on what I've seen so far and based on the fact that it offers analytics.

I encourage you to look into it, too. Or, if you don't already have an account, this may be the time to jump on board. Luckily, Pinterest offers some case studies to show how other businesses are benefiting. One in particular, an interior design firm's, offers some clues for Green Industry businesses. 

See if joining Pinterest or converting to a business account makes sense for you. Then, pin away! --Marisa Palmieri


Friday, November 16, 2012

An altruistic gesture

A landscaping firm is showing that altruism is alive and well. In honor of its 20th anniversary, Blue Ridge Landscape & Design in Winchester, Va., thought it only appropriate to give back to the city that has brought it so much success. So, Blue Ridge has donated 20 trees to the the city's Jim Barnett Park.

Blue Ridge owner Carl Thomas told the local paper, the Northern Virginia Daily: "We wanted to donate something to the city who has really been good to us over the years. [We] started calling it 20 trees for 20 years."

The gesture comes after the city and park lost 200 trees in a storm last summer. The team at Blue Ridge has children who play in the park, and people noticed there were no more shady trees by the playing fields. So, Blue Ridge planted a variety of trees that would provide shade, including dogwoods and maples. 

The generous move is proving to be contagious; two other businesses--Skyview Tree Experts and Greenleaf Tree Service--have each committed to donating 15 more trees. 

The landscaping industry does a lot to show they care about their communities. Way to go, Blue Ridge, for doing your part!

--Beth Geraci

Monday, November 12, 2012

U.S. Lawns makes franchise list

In a report that appears on MSNMoney.com, Kiplinger rounds up "Seven fast-growing franchises." U.S. Lawns made the cut.

"All have demonstrated solid growth despite the harsh business climate," the site reports, "and none of them require exorbitant startup fees. We focused our search on franchises with growth of 70% or more since 2006 (or 10% or more since 2010 for new franchises). Then we narrowed that list to those with franchise fees of $50,000 or less. Finally, we sorted by franchises in industries that are doing well and are expecting continued growth, according to experts."

Of the Orlando-based firm, the report states that "during hard times, commercial lawn care services are more likely to keep their customers—office parks, shopping centers and municipal centers—than residential services are. Businesses and governments regard lawn care as a business expense, while homeowners tightening their belts regard it as more discretionary. U.S. Lawns doesn't require potential franchisees to have previous landscaping experience. Franchise growth has been impressive: 77% since 2006."

You can see the full list here: http://money.msn.com/small-business-smarts/7-fast-growing-franchises. Congratulations to U.S. Lawns on the recognition!

— Heather Gooch

Thursday, November 08, 2012

One night only: trading my pen for a mic

I'm a writer and a reporter for a reason. I'm most comfortable behind the keyboard, telephone or notepad as the one asking the questions. That's why I'm nervous but excited to have the tables turned on me by LM friend and columnist Jody Shilan next week. I'll be the featured guest on his FD2B Talk Radio show. We all should get out of our comfort zones every once in a while, right?

At least I'll be discussing a topic I know well: How landscape companies can grab the attention of the media and get featured in various news outlets, like their local papers, regional magazines or the trade press. Let me now if you have any questions you'd like me to address beforehand--or you can even call in live during the show.

If you're not familiar with Jody's show, you should check out some of the archived episodes. Personally, I can't always listen to the show live, but I've made it a habit to tune in to the archives during my commute. There's a lot to learn from some interesting Green Industry players, like Kevin Kehoe (another LM columnist!), Ed Laflamme, Chris Heiler and others. 

Tune in next Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Eastern. To get updates about the show, click here and click on the "follow" button below the FD2B.com logo.

--Marisa Palmieri



Five steps for successful strategic planning in 2013

By Jeffrey Scott, Landscape Business Consultant

Now is the time to assess this past year and make plans for improved performance next year. Involve your staff and create a strategic plan that everyone can support. Here are 5 steps towards improved profits.


1. Assess your financials. Compare your numbers to last year, and of course, to your budget.  But don't stop there! Assess each of your divisions as separate profit centers in order to see which areas are dragging you down. Then go deeper:  Assess each of your crews as profit centers. Are they all meeting their budgets and making money? Now take it one step further: Assess each of your client types. Are any of them dragging down your profits or simply falling outside your business model for profitability?

For those of you who want to drive your success even further, you should compare your numbers to industry benchmarks. Not just financials, but other key indicators. I have developed a set of these for our Leader's Edge landscape peer group, www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com.

2. Set goals that motivate. Update your long-term goals (2 to 5 years), and set your one-year goals. Get your employee buy-in to your goals. Get their input at some point during this process, either in creating the goals or assessing the goals. Also, does your company have a "mission" statement that empowers your employees? Most mission statements are boring and too long! If you have to pay someone to recite it in front of your team, it fails the litmus test. You are better off with a "one sentence" call to action that is emotional and ingrained in everyone. 

3. Create a budget. Set a budget for next year, with clear objectives/milestones and metrics. The budget should not rest on your shoulders to execute. Your employees need to buy in to the budget in order to drive it. It is not enough to have year-end budget numbers; they have to be broken down into monthly objectives, with milestones and clear ways to measure performance. You also need clear assumptions, so as conditions change, you are made aware that you need to make changes in your plans. 

4. Make roles clear. At this point, you want to make sure your roles and job descriptions are clear. Does everyone know who will be doing what? Just as important, you need Relationship Agreements in place, where key employees know how they support one another. (This is the magic sauce to making an organization hum!) Your company should have a clear organizational chart so everyone can see the reporting relationships. You need both a current chart hung on a wall for everyone to see, and a second chart that reflects your 2 to 5 year goal. (This one should have blank roles not yet filled in, shown in a different color, so it is clear when you look at it who you need to be recruiting or training.)

5. Refine incentives. Finally, compensation and incentive plans should be created and fine-tuned. There is a LOT to this, so I will cover this in a separate upcoming blog post. 

A good strategic plan should pass the 3-way test. Is it good for the employees, owners and your clients? Could any one of these groups read your plan, and see that their needs are being met? If not, there is a problem with your plan.

Lastly, careful about setting a goal that is too low. If you are too conservative in the short term, you may not reach your goals in the long term.  Now is the time to win big! The way to stretch your staff, and still keep them excited, is to set a "realistic stretch" goal, one that appears to have a 50-50 chance of being hit. Come up with a goal that stretches your people out of their comfort zone yet still feels possible to hit.

If you need help with any of this, reach out to me at jeff@jeffreyscott.biz.

Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author and consultant, grew his landscape company into a successful $10 million enterprise, and he's devoted to helping others share the same success. He facilitates PEER GROUPS for landscape business owners who want to transform and profitably grow their business.  For more info go to www.JeffreyScott.biz, email Jeff@Jeffreyscott.biz, or call (203)220-8931.  

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Go vote! And, why we vote on Tuesdays

This is just your friendly reminder to go vote, in case you happen to be poring over the Landscape Management blog and forgot it was Election Day.

Also, in case you were wondering why the heck we vote on Tuesdays, check out this short, enlightening video.




(The quick answer: No good reason, whatsoever, other than tradition. That's why there's a bill to move voting to the weekend, which is expected to improve voter turnout. What a concept.) 


Now, go vote. --Marisa Palmieri

Friday, November 02, 2012

Cryan Landscape Contractors wins award, LM and PLANET partner on one of their own

Kudos to Cryan Landscape Contractors for being named Business of the Year by the North Attleborough, Mass., United Regional Chamber of Commerce. 


Deb Hanson of Design Elements for Business nominated Cryan Landscape Contractors for the award. “I have been providing graphic design services for Kevin Cryan over the past eight years and am constantly impressed at all he does for the community,” she told the North Attleborough Free Press newspaper. “Kevin always goes a step beyond what needs to be done.”

Deadline approaching for entries for PLANET and LM's Community Stewardship Award


Cryan launched the company about 20 years ago in his garage. Today, it's a $3 million company with 20 employees. The company donates work to to local non-profits, including the YMCA and The Literacy Center, and contributes to the United Way of Attleboro-Taunton, the Rotary Club of Attleboro, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout projects and more. The company will be honored at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's 96th Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet on Nov. 8.

The time is nigh to submit entries for our joint award with PLANET, so get those applications rolling in! We're proud to be a partner in the Community Stewardship Award, which recognizes PLANET member companies and organizations that contribute to the good of their communities.

From January through June 2013, Landscape Management will feature each winning company separately in the magazine. Each company, selected by PLANET's Public Relations Committee, will then be recognized at PLANET’s Renewal & Remembrance event in July 2013. They'll also be listed on the PLANET website, promoted in its social media and receive a certificate from PLANET honoring their contributions.

All entries must be received by PLANET no later than November 15, 2012. For full details, visit http://www.landcarenetwork.org/awards/communityaward/.

--Beth Geraci

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Study: Green roofs, walls will soon be a $7.7 billion market

Lux Research reports that "green roofs and green walls, sought to address environmental issues like air pollution, heat-island effect and loss of green spaces in cities, will balloon into a $7.7 billion market in 2017, driven by mandates and incentives by cities across the globe." You can see the entire press release here. Green roofs will be about $7 billion, while green walls will see about $680 million. That's not too shabby for what some deem simply a "green curiosity."

In fact, LM's December issue will feature a Project Portfolio whose centerpiece is a green wall in an indoor space. Rather than a mere curiosity, the installation has become a popular local landmark and meeting place in town.

So now, it's your turn: Are you seeing more requests for green roofs and/or walls for projects? What do you like (or dislike) about installing and maintaining them? —Heather Gooch

Friday, October 26, 2012

GIE+Expo iPad winner!

Congratulations to Ben McCutcheon, production manager for Team Green Lawn in Xenia, Ohio, for winning an iPad at our booth at the GIE+Expo.

It was a great show!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Bizarre economic indicators

Are you a market-watching junkie, allowing your blood pressure to rise and fall with the Dow? If so, you may want to tune in to Business Insider's list of "36 weird economic indicators you've never heard of." Trust me, they're much more interesting to track than the Dow.

I wrote a column, not nearly as comprehensive but along the same lines, in my previous life as editor of Paperboard Packaging. (Yes, there's a trade magazine for everything.)

How about this one: the speed contractors return calls. "The concept: Always busy with other clients, getting a contractor to return a call can be a big hassle during a home renovation project. So, the quicker a contractor returns your calls, the worse the economy is doing."

Is that true for you?

Friday, October 12, 2012

Setting a good example

When we read about Thomas Cahill, we couldn't help but be impressed. The guy's a junior at New Jersey's Hillsborough High School, yet he already owns his own landscaping business—Cahill Landscaping.

Now he's been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Young Entrepreneur Award, presented every year by the Somerset County Business Partnership in his region. The award acknowledges achievement and encourages the development of business skills.

According to the local paper, the Hillsborough Beacon, Cahill first got into tractors at the age of 4 and attracted his first lawn care clientele at age 13. The paper went on to say that the 17-year-old Cahill, in his fourth year of business, will donate between 10 and 15 percent of his 2012 earnings to charity.


He'll be awarded the Anthony F. Picheca Sr. Entrepreneur Award of $1,000 on Dec. 13. Hats off, Thomas!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Jobs nobody wants

Several members of the Ohio Landscape Association and its Executive Director Sandy Munley shared the industry's worker woes on the local news in Northeast Ohio yesterday. Let's hope it brings the companies some good candidates.

"Many times our landscapers run ads and don't get anybody to answer them at all," Munley says. "And other times, when people do answer, they can't pass drug testing or they don't have a valid drivers license."

Sound familiar? What are you doing to cope with a worker shortage in your area?

The site landlovers.org, a joint effort between PLANET, ANLA and ASHS, offers some good resources to help dispel the myths about working in the Green Industry. Companies can use them as talking points when speaking with prospective employees or exhibiting at job fairs. --Marisa Palmieri






Monday, October 08, 2012

'Tis the season

Green Industry businesses that offer holiday lighting services (which is 16 percent of the industry, according to our forthcoming 2012 Industry Pulse report) are revving up for a busy time of year. 

'Tis the season for closing contracts, ordering supplies and prepping for installations. After Halloween, it's go time, right?

To get you into the holiday spirit, we share this entertaining infographic, courtesy of Neave Group of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., which you might like to share with your prospects. 



Doesn't it remind you of the classic "12 Pains of Christmas" song? --Marisa Palmieri

Friday, October 05, 2012

A son's plea for safe driving


We received this note from Louis Crisitello Jr., the son of landscape company owner Louis Crisitello, who died on the job last month when he was walking alongside his truck and was hit by a motorist. 
Louis Crisitello was killed on the job last month by a motorist.
We're sorry for your family's and the industry's loss, Louis, and we agree the statistics are important to share.
On the morning of Sept. 17, an uninsured motorist in Middletown, N.J., killed my father, Louis Crisitello, in a hit-and-run accident. As the proud owner of Lou’s Lawn Maintenance for more than 30 years, my father was greatly loved and appreciated by all of his customers and the community. He was respected among the brotherhood of landscapers and considered himself a friend to everyone in the business. While on the job, my father was walking alongside his box truck to get his orange road cone to put on the driver's side of his vehicle as a safety precaution. Before he was able to reach the back of his truck a young woman struck him violently with her vehicle and continued to drive, fleeing the scene.
According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published in September 2012, approximately 16 percent of fatal transportation incidents in 2011 involved pedestrians who were struck by vehicles. Of the 312 fatal work injuries involving pedestrians struck by vehicles, 61 occurred in work zones. As a result of the accident, my father’s body was so badly damaged that we were warned not to see him and forced to have a closed casket funeral. The aforementioned statistics symbolize individuals, like my father, who died unnecessary and undignified deaths.
My father was a selfless man who wanted nothing more than to provide for those around him.  He was caring, supportive, and warm-hearted.  He took great pride in his family and his career.  When it came to work, my father was a bull.  I always believed that it was impossible to knock my father down.  Though he took some hard hits over the course of his career, I can’t think of a situation where he didn’t just stand up, brush himself off, and return to work.  There is no one, at any age, able to work as long and as hard as my dad worked.  Now, at 62 years old, as he neared retirement, my father has become another sad statistic.
In 2011, according to the BLS, fatalities in the landscape services industry increased to 167 from 133 in 2010, rising 16 percent. Fatal work injuries in the building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupational group were up 14 percent to 265 fatalities in 2011--the highest level since 2006. The biggest increases within this occupational group were among landscapers.
With more than 30 years in the landscaping business, my father was always careful to exercise the proper safety precautions while on the job and encouraged his colleagues to do the same. I’ll never know all of the specifics regarding my father’s death, but I’m confident that it was the result of someone else’s carelessness. In this era of short attention spans and a seemingly endless number of electronic devices, distracted driving is becoming a more prevalent danger every day. In 2010, 3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.  
My father truly appreciated the little things in life. He had a child-like innocence that was infectious; it only reinforces the fact that he died much too young.  My dad taught me to live with gratitude, and I am thankful for every day that I got to spend with him.  However, I cannot accept the manner in which he was taken from my family.  I wonder what the driver was thinking as she drove away with a broken windshield; did she even look back in her rear-view mirror? There is no answer that can excuse the lack of common human decency exhibited by the individual that morning.
The loss of my father has left a void in my life that I can’t imagine ever being filled. I urge everyone in the landscaping and lawn maintenance business to be extra careful when working nearby roadways and stay alert for distracted drivers. In short, protect yourselves and look out for one another. Together we can make safe driving a new priority and invigorate the public. We have the ability to strengthen local laws and enforcement efforts. Together we can prevent another senseless death from occurring, and in turn, make our roads safer for everyone. --Louis Crisitello Jr.


Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Association membership elevator pitch

I recently received an email from Javier Lesaca of Bakersfield, Calif.-based Lesaca Landscape Co. He's the director of membership for the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), and he wanted to share his response to the question, "What value have you received from your association membership?" Belonging to an association is something he says he always considered a "no brainer," but it's clear others don't always agree.

At Landscape Management, we're proponents of industry associations; you know, it's the whole "rising tides" thing. For more potential benefits of associations, we'll share with you what Javier had to say:

"I first joined CLCA for the insurance program. Then I realized this association had more to offer than affordable insurance. I saw they had many programs that were developed to help their members to become better business owners. These are programs that will help you shorten your learning curve and help you become a successful contractor with fewer trials and errors ... Along with these programs, CLCA members have the use of California Association of Employers HR hotline for any of their human resource questions and an attorney on retainer that can answer your questions to see if you’re on the right or wrong side of the law. If you were to use any of these programs and services you would definitely see a return on your investment with your membership.

"Networking is defined as a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups with a common interest. This is the definition, but as a CLCA member you can add 'friendship' to the definition. In my early landscape career, I would use my local contractor contacts and vendors as my support system, but because we were working in the same area I wasn’t always sure if I was receiving an honest answer. After becoming a CLCA member I began to network with other members at different events like the Landscape Industry Show, leadership conference, legislative conference, summer family extravaganza, annual convention and my local chapter events ... What I found is that many people I have met are willing to share their knowledge and wisdom with me.
 
"CLCA’s influence in the state legislature is well known. Whenever there is a decision or potential new law that will affect our members, CLCA is there to ask the right questions. We all hear how California is not the most business-friendly state. As business owners, we need all the help we can get. CLCA is there ready to fight for our common interests, whether it's for our C-27 license, workers' comp, water, employment issues and any other potential law that will affect us, CLCA is there fighting for us. This is one benefit that every C-27 contractor or anyone else in the green industry profits from.
 

"Just paying for a CLCA membership will not make you a successful landscape contractor. But, if you take advantage of all the programs, services and new friendships you will make, your career in the landscape industry will be more profitable and enjoyable."
 

Well said, Javier! --Marisa Palmieri

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Employee feedback should go both ways



By Jeffrey Scott, Consultant

Too much time is spent telling employees what to do. You often give your employees feedback, but instead, ask them to give you feedback. They see so much going on with your clients and company, you are likely under utilizing their insights.

Two years ago I consulted with Maine contractor Mark and Lindsay Clement of Clement Bros. We made many profitable improvements, including creating an employee feedback process effective in increasing company value and employee buy-in. Here is how you can create your own feedback process.

Ask your employees to fill in a survey, then follow up with them on their answers. To create the survey pick some of the following types of questions, and add your own:  

About their job
- What do you like most and least about working at the company?  
- What task is your favorite task/least favorite?
- Tell us about your workload: How do you feel about the number of jobs per day and hours per week?

About themselves
- What are your passions outside of work?
- What skills and interests do you have that we may not know about? How could they be used to make our company better? 

About their future
- What are your professional goals (1, 3 and 5 years)?
- What are your personal goals (1, 3 and 5 years)?

About your company
- What opportunities do you see for improvement? For more efficiency? For more sales? 

By doing this you will develop employees who perform better, have better communication skills, and have more confidence at work. You will also develop their company loyalty if you take the time to get to know them better, and take time to help them achieve their goals. It works!

Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author and consultant, grew his landscape company into a successful $10 million enterprise, and he's devoted to helping others share the same success. He facilitates PEER GROUPS for landscape business owners who want to transform and profitably grow their business.  For more info go to www.JeffreyScott.biz, email Jeff@Jeffreyscott.biz, or call (203)220-8931.