How do you get people to realize you are a great company?

Anyone can say they are great, so how do you get someone to realize you are a great company. First you have to be a great company. Great companies can happen overnight, but this is often a process that takes time. Smoke and mirrors will only go so far. Make sure you don’t over promise and under deliver. This will come back to haunt you many times over. Now that we got that settled, the next thing is to have marketing pieces that reflect your great quality. Make sure if it is not going to reflect you well, don’t use it. Everything from your website to invoices should reflect the quality organization you are.

The best way for prospective clients to know you are a great is to hear it from others. Let the industry say you are great. This can be done by submitting projects for awards and publications. We have had award winning projects published nationally, regionally, and locally. Our 28 “Excellence in Landscape” awards from PLNA has made River Valley Landscapes PA’s most award winning company 3 years in a row. To this day, River Valley Organics installs the most Filtrexx products in the world and has been recognized both locally and nationally for its environmental efforts. I realize I just said that about my company, but we often get these types of write ups about River Valley.

Another source a prospective client can hear it from is your clients. Your clients can be the most powerful testimony you have. Making your clients happy is the best way to get them to talk. If they really love what you did for them, why not make a video to let t hem express how great you treated them.

Watch this!

 

Regroup, Review, and then React:

Here I am planning my mini geta away to regroup.

With 3 weeks left in 2011, most of us have a good idea how our companies will end this year. The seasonal nature of our industry can be good and bad. Let’s look on the good side. The slow season is a great time to regroup, review, and then react. Each year we get to look at our business with a clean slate. Our entrepreneurial spirit pushes many of us to plow forward. Before you plow forward you need to take a moment to look back with a clear vision.

It is usually easier to give a nonbiased evaluation when you are not stressed about the day to day activities. May I suggest a few days off to clear your mind and soul before digging too deep? Having a clear head will help take the negative emotions out of your review process. Here are some suggestions:

• Extended weekend with spouse

• Skiing or fishing trip with a friend

• Spa and Shopping

• Tropical Cruise

Now you are relaxed and focused. Depending on your role or company size, the time needed for this review process may vary. You need to take an honest look at the past year before you do anything. This is a great time to pull out your core values and see how you are doing. Then check to see if goals were met in these four areas.

• Were Marketing or Leads goals met?

• Were Sales goals met?

• Were Production goals met?

• Were Financial goals met?

Now it is time to react. With a clear understanding of what happened in 2011, you can lay out a game plan for 2012. Use your review to evaluate your next steps. Which area of your company is growing and which is struggling? You have to decide, if it worth fighting for the struggling part of your company. Maybe your time is better spent growing the thriving part of your business. Maybe you can simple hit the repeat button. Be careful if this is your conclusion. Most businesses need to be trying to move forward or they will fall back. This doesn’t mean you need to grow your revenue. You may be more interested in growing profits. Whatever your plan is for 2012, make sure you make it with clear understanding of the past.

Good luck planning 2012!