Marty Grunder: Predictions for 2011

With some more balance in our government, I think 2011 will be a better year for all of us small business owners. In business and life, I feel when we have balance, good things happen. One piece of cake is good; two pieces of cake are not so good. Some work and some play is good; all work, no play is bad. I hope you get the picture. Our governing body had swung way too far to one side and it was a very unfriendly side for business owners. It should get better in 2011 for all of us as some confidence should return to owners and operators of green industry businesses, and they will buy equipment and hire more people because there is more business to perform. Other than the economy, here are five predictions I have for 2011. (And don’t bet your life savings on these.) 
 

1. Homeowners will spend money on backyard projects that enable them to spend more time with their families. Fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, water features, landscaping and hardscaping will continue to fill companies’ schedules. It’s going to be a few years before the construction of new homes rebounds because it’s going to be tough to sell an existing home. For now, I think homeowners will spend money to upgrade the place they’re in. 
2. Someone will come forward with software that enables the landscaper to run all parts of their business efficiently and profitably. A product will become available that handles the sales, marketing, service, finances, fleet and office operations quickly, easily and at a cost we can all afford. There are many options out there that do certain parts of the process well. The first one to do all this will win the prize; I predict that will be 2011, as I’ve seen some options that are close. 
3. It will continue to be very tough to find people who want to work in the green industry. Kids aren’t being introduced to gardening like they should be. Schools aren’t exposing their students to gardening like they expose children to foreign language and the arts. Maybe this will change but, until it does, I predict a shortage of people with a passion for gardening and landscaping. And, we certainly can’t count on the H-2B program to provide us with good workers. That’s a political hot button few politicians will want to touch.
4. Those companies who listen to their customers will continue to win and be paid a fair price to have the work done. Companies who communicate the value they bring to the table will do well. Many think it’s all about the price. In certain sectors, such as commercial maintenance, there is a lot of truth to that. But if Coach, Porsche, fine restaurants and the like can do well, and they are in many areas of the country, you can do well selling a good product and service at a fair price. But you – you – have to communicate, show and prove to the prospect and client all that you do and how you do it. A properly positioned offering will bring you business. 
5. Here’s my last one and this one you can take to the bank. Every leader at every green industry company in America will do better if they think positively. The saying goes: “If you think you can, you will; if you think you can’t, you won’t.” I could not agree more. Believe in yourself and make an investment in yourself. Read five books on business before next spring. Go to a seminar on leadership, time management or sales. Meet with your clients; ask them what you could do better. And spend some time with your family and realize what’s most important in this world. I predict if you do that, you’re going to be very happy.

Marty Grunder is a speaker, consultant and author; he owns Grunder Landscaping Co. See www.martygrunder.com; mail marty@gie.net.