Hi Nicki

Thank you so much for your donation to my mowerthon. It's really appreciated:-)))

Kind regards

Phil

"Rerally excited - just found out I have won Lantra's Horticulture, Landscaping & Sports Turf Learner of the year award!"

 

Well done Nicki :)

"Is really pleased, I've got some great results from college after my first year of HNC in Garden Design!!!"

Well done you :-0))

hi nikki,

thanks for you reply - yes the more i research and read up - the more daunting it becomes. I have been reading paul powers book and get the general gist of it. I have a business link appointment this friday and have been trying to darft up some sort of business/finance plan for then - but keep getting side tracked doing research on what pricing structure, what vehicle to buy, what advertising, what name, taxes, overheads etc.

Basically i was made redundant at the end of last year (Pharmaceutical manufacturing) and have decide to pursue my passion for gardening by starting up my own business. My unique selling point is the lady gardener angle. I have a degree in applied biology (specialising on plant science) and did a few placements in the agricultural business during that time - i am keen to start up a small garden maintenance company which can maybe develop into more of a garden design services over the next few years.

I would like to get things up and running ASAP in April this year to take advantage of the spring months- so any advice on what is best to focus on in the next couple of weeks would be must appreciated to help the brain focus!
Have had a few ideas for a name and advertising and need to sort out a van in the next couple of weeks. Tools are not a problem, as i already have a good range of hand tools, lawn mower etc so don't want to buy anything else at the moment.

Thank you :) and thanks for signing up for the marketing tips and really hope you find them useful - we've had good feedback which is ncouraging.
Nicki

Thanks for the very encouraging feedback on the website, Nicki. Having just looked at yours and how knowledgeable you are on that front, I'm particularly pleased you like it. Your marketing expertise will stand you in great stead for your new venture. I've just signed up for your free marketing tips:-) Oh and I am definitely still learning, as I'm only in my first year of business!

Hi Nicki
great to hear from you. Studying and working at the same time must be hard! Which is the more demanding??
Mary

Hi Nicki
The Hosta in the photograph is 'Thunderbolt' and it has become my de facto business logo. Various graphic designers have tried to get the 'essence of Hosta' into a simple logo for me, but to no avail - if there is a designer out there that reckons they can rise to this challenge - then drop me a line!
Hope things go well for you at college - it's always important to remember that the learning really begins in earnest once to graduate. I am three years into my business and still on a precipitously steep learning curve, but it stops me from becoming bored!
All the best
Belinda

Hi Nicki
Good to hear from you and I'll look forward to reading your blog.
Best
Lindsay