10 Months from Start up Garden Maintenance to Full Time Garden Design Business

After being employed by a company as a garden designer back in October 2010 my intention was to carry on being sat behind a desk, get paid for holidays, go to team building exercises and sit through painfully boring health and safety courses. Although i had always run my own garden maintenance business i finally felt that i had arrived when it sunk in that i would only be concentrating on one thing at a time.

I quickly realised that the plate spinning was actually the part i was missing. I wanted to be out there in the elements calling the shots, holding myself accountable for my actions and controlling my own future. This is where the buzz was and still is and i can safely say now that i will never work for anyone else again where a cup of tea seems like the next big decision i have to make.

Since setting up Ben Lannoy Landscapes in Februaury 2011 i have written over 80 blog posts, made endless contacts through social networking, produced videos, podcasts and am now on the last week of putting the finishing touches to my free ebook '50 popular plants used in Garden Design'. Working for someone else doesn't give you the freedom to try anything you please and although i've lost years of sleep, i know i am doing everything i can to make the business rich in just about every way.

Garden maintenance is still and always will be the bread and butter for us and i'm so glad to have learnt this part of the industry the hard way but we are now starting to surpass our goals as we win more design projects through word of mouth and great customer service.

It really has been a great year for us and now that we've found the Landscape Juice network things are looking even better!

Our goal in 2012 is to build up our newsletter, produce more valuable, media rich content and continue to give impeccable customer service to everyone who reaches out to us. Merry christmas to everyone and here's to the best year yet!

If you want to see more about us go to Ben Lannoy Landscapes

"On choosing the height of my henchman Tim it was easy it was determined by the height of my valued regular bread and butter customers hedge height requirements so I could work on them without them having to resort to getting contractors in .
Another…"

"Spot on! I had a heavy fall from a tripod ladder, and part of my safety check now is a taught chain and front leg vertical and midway between both back legs. Absolutely never lean, always cut immediately in front of you! "

"They had the niwaki pro to try out at NEC Gardeners World. Reassuringly robust. I'm still contemplating 8 vs 10 vs 12 though.
i can't reply to all the helpful comments and suggestions but it's appreciated to have the wisdom of you all. "

Comments

Phil Stovell January 5, 2012 at 4:29pm

I'm with you on improving things in 2012 Ben! I've been set up since Sept 2010 and although things were slow to start with, things are beginning to improve. I still think more marketing is required and that it is a very important part of getting things moving - people need to know that you exist! I had my first recommended customer the other day (without even having submitted any designs!!). Good luck with the Podcasts and ebook. Phil
Ben Lannoy January 5, 2012 at 6:10pm

Thanks Phil, that's great news! Referrals are the way to go if you can get them. Best of luck with it. Just remembered i'll get onto simply busiess tomorrow and see where that commision is and let you know!

All the best pal.
PRO

Phil Voice January 5, 2012 at 6:43pm

Love your logo Ben:)
Michael Burt January 6, 2012 at 10:14pm

I'm liking your approach to things Ben and I also think your logo is inspired. Good luck with everything. Michael
Ben Lannoy January 7, 2012 at 12:11am

Thanks Michael, much appreciated, and the same to you! its always great to hear positive comments.
Ben