All the discussions recently about LJN, its merits, its shortcomings and its existence has had me thinking - This coupled with LJN being very much the third wheel in my life for the past 3 years, and my main source of business related education, friendship and support -
I feel a thank you is in order - for three years of facilitating and encouraging support without asking for anything in return (I have tried where possible to return this favour to others on LJN).
The Key here is facilitating - LJN has provided a platform free from judgement and free from any pre-concieved framework about why a question for support was asked, no matter how simple - and has allowed people who have shared experiences both positive and adverse to come together and share the lessons learned and help each other move forward.
For me this means thanking (I wont name names though you all know who you are)..
The person;
who spent hours explaining how to fix my van,finding and emailing me schematics and diagrams
who spent an evening explaining how to rebuilt my GCV160 engine,
who let me borrow their Honda strimmers to compare them first hand
who contacted me to pass on jobs they were to frail to carry out due to age.
Who explained in depth the details of mulch-mowing when I knew little about it
who shared details of local supply sources, from chainlink fencing to whole sale nurseries
who showed me the cheapest places to do training tickets (CS30/31 etc).
Who spend hours discussing business, pricing and strategy almost monthly the past few summers
Who share their experiences of different techniques, tools and methods.
& All who give words of support and that all important "Best of luck".
Without this, My business would certainly not be the success it is, and most likely would have folded several years back - yet this support really has provided the framework, both in information, and emotional support that I needed.
No other network of trade body would have given me a look in, let alone a sniff - they have barriers, the have hurdles and they care not for new, or in-experience - and yet everyone has to be a child at some point.....
Finally - Thanks Phil - you created this open network that has no barriers. I know Im not the only one to benefit from the openness to support and help - Thats the openeness I care about and want to see.
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Well said David
I'll add my thoughts and thanks along the same lines to the
people who've given me ideas of where to find - Benches, Trellising, Obolisks, Topsoil and Turf, making it look like i'm all knowing for my customers.
Who've answered my questions about subjects I only know about in passing, but need to give proper information to clients about, - such as slopes for driveways, site toilets, stabilsation of banking, and materials for underneath paths and patios
For those that have made me check and recheck my T's And C's with their stories of woes, and (crossed fingers) have meant i havn't been caught out, meaning my cash has kept flowing and the mortgage and school fees have been paid.
For those who have kept me on my toes with pictures of plants to identify, and allowed me to smile that I know most of them, and allowed me to grab my books and do some frantic research when it wasn't something that i'd come across.
Well there's so much more i've learned in my time on here, - but the most important thing is that if i've had a hard day in a garden, I can come on here at any time of the day or night. and find that others have been getting wet in the rain too, - and that really helps!!