The Power of Action: A Guide for Landscape Business Owners

If You're Thinking About It, Read This

Are you a landscape business owner contemplating your next move? Perhaps you're considering joining Landscape Operating System but haven't made the leap yet. This article isn't about persuading you to join, but rather about diving deeper into what your decision-making process really means for your business.

The Challenge of Business Improvement

If you're looking to improve your business, you might be facing challenges like:

• Stagnant sales

• Insufficient leads

• Lack of profit in your bank account

These are just a few of the myriad issues that can drive a business owner to seek improvement. But here's the crucial insight: The biggest differentiator between landscape business owners who achieve results and those who don't is the decisions they make.

The Myth of Perfect Solutions

Let's bust a common myth right away: the idea that a solution needs to be 100% perfect to be worth implementing. This kind of thinking can be paralyzing. Consider this:

• What if your situation improved by 50%?

• A $500k revenue could become $750k

• A $1M revenue could turn into $1.5M

No solution is 100% perfect, but waiting for perfection could cost you significant growth opportunities.

The Trap of "Thinking About It"

"Thinking about it" is often a wasted action. It's an action that doesn't yield results. This applies to many areas of your business where you might know what needs to be done, but the most impactful actions aren't happening.

Real-World Example

I once spoke with an owner who was worried about figuring out his profit when he didn't have any leads coming in. This was misplaced energy. The #1 priority should have been generating leads to bring in money.

Living in the Present with Correct Action

Focusing on the right actions in the present will win every time. Consider this dilemma:

• Should you put your last dollar of gas in your truck?

• Or should you spend it on generating leads?

If you choose the truck, you might complete one job but risk not getting another. There are always ways to find money in your budget if you have the correct plan.

The Landscape Operating System Approach

At Landscape Operating System:

1. We don't do long-term contracts

2. We want you to start because we know it's the hardest part

3. We understand it takes faith and honesty with yourself to believe there's a better way
   

The Reality of "Thinking About It"

Most who "think about it" rarely ever take action. They move on to the next job or problem, sticking to what they know. But comfort isn't always what your mind tells you it is.

Take Action on Impactful Areas

Depending on your situation, taking action might mean:

• Stretching vendor relationships

• Collecting outstanding payments

• Improving lead generation and job effectiveness

• Hiring a GM to run your business

Whatever it is, thinking about it doesn't get it done. It's an action that doesn't move the needle and doesn't protect you from anything.

The Cost of Inaction

If $497 would ruin your business, you need to start immediately because there are much bigger issues that can be fixed. You shouldn't have to live this tight, and with the right resources and guidance, you can move past this constraint.

Beware of Mental Traps

The "I'll Do It When..." Illusion

Pay close attention to the reasons your mind gives you for not starting. If you find yourself saying, "I'll do it when... (X) happens," be aware that this is often an illusion. When that time comes, there's usually another (X) that pops up to keep you stuck. This pattern can keep you in a perpetual state of inaction.

Common excuses include:

• "When the customer pays..."

• "When I get the truck or loan paid off..."

• "When spring starts, I'll have money..."

• "When the season starts..." (But then you're waiting for people to pay while you have to pay your crew)

• "I'll do it in the off-season when I have time..." (But then you don't have money)

Do you recognize any of these patterns in your own thinking? At what point do you get sick of this crazy cycle?

The Negativity Bias

Another mindset to be wary of is spending more time looking for reasons why something won't work rather than why it will. While it's natural to be cautious, try to focus on what will work for you. Even one positive aspect can be enough to get you 10X the value per month, if not more.

The "Yes, When" Trap

98% of people who say they will start when X happens... never start. What they don't realize is that this is their own "spinning" pattern. It makes them feel like they're taking action by saying "Yes... when," but in reality, it's "No, never."

Breaking the Cycle

If your revenue has stayed in the same spot or the same challenges linger, it's time for a change. It's about doing the correct actions, and it starts by following a simple plan to ensure you get the results you want and need.

Conclusion

Having resources to invest in growth is key. When you see the potential, it accelerates your progress. Thinking just keeps you stuck. Choose the right action and start moving forward today. Your team, your family, and yourself will all thank you!

Remember, the first step is often the hardest, but it's also the most crucial. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. Take that first step today, and you'll be amazed at how much momentum you can build.

Break free from the cycle of excuses and start taking action now. Your future self will thank you for the decision you make today.

www.landscapeos.com