Think like an owner--Part 1

Pass this on to all employees.

It 's not enough in this economy to wait for the boss to tell you what to do. If you want to grow your career, you have to think and act like an owner. Ask yourself, "What would an entrepreneur do to help this company grow?" Here are some answers.

1. Bring in prospects

The success of your company depends on its ability to attract new clients; but this is not just the role of marketing. "Everyone in the company is in sales," says successful contractor, Joe Markell.  

How can you help the company gain new clients? Personally, I find that the best way is to give a talk in front of potential clients, on a topic you are an expert. For me, it might mean giving a talk on leadership or time management. For you, it might mean giving a talk at a garden club or trade association. Selling can also mean passing your business card to people you meet on the street and at the deli. Whomever you meet, collect and pass along the good contacts you make to your sales team. Help the company grow, and you will too.    

2. Find efficiencies

For every dollar a company saves, it is 8-20 times more valuable to the company than making a dollar in new sales. Why is this? Because that dollar saved goes right to the bottom line. It is pure profit. In my experience, here are just some of the areas where inefficiencies can happen:

• warranty
• call-backs from a client
• go-backs due to incomplete work
• unproductive yard time
• unbillable time

Put on your thinking cap and find ways to help. If you are not sure where to start, ask your boss where he or she is trying to improve efficiencies. They will appreciate the fact that you care.

"The attitude of few influences the attitude of many"

3. Bring a "yes” attitude to work

You can singlehandedly lift the attitude of your crew, and even your department, by having a consistent, outwardly positive attitude. Be optimistic no matter the challenge, even when others are negative. Lift other people's outlooks by keeping yours high. Just say “Yes,” and find out how you can help. Positive attitudes are infectious. Bring a “Yes” attitude to work, and you will become instrumental in improving your company's can-do spirit. 

See what more Scott has to say on this topic in Part 2.

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 information, go to www.JeffreyScott.biz, email Jeff@Jeffreyscott.biz, or call (203)220-8931.  

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