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I agree with fine edge. The best way to get top pay in landscaping is show some motivation. Things that I like to see as an employer are:
When you get to the jobsite start unloading tools or whatever is in the back of the truck. You could always ask what to do just before the truck arrives at the house you are working at until you know the procedures.
If you carry a cell phone, keep calls short when your friends call to check in. Try for a minute or less to say that you are working now and will call back at lunch or the end of the day.
Keep moving. I would rather someone move a little slower all day than greased lighting an hour or two and linger the rest of the day. Steady wins the race.
If you complete your assigned tasks and the boss is off the jobsite do things that will save time later such as getting the tools corraled to a spot where they will be easy to find. Starting cleanup work like sweeping the sidewalk or raking up grass that is matted. Water the plants that were installed. If nothing else, weed the gardens (even if you do it at a more 'relaxed' pace). Your boss's clients, who ARE WATCHING THROUGH THOSE WINDOWS, will report that you kept going the whole time he was gone and you even weeded the gardens.
Watch what the others on the crew are doing. Note how they do it because they know how to get the job done the quickest with the least effort. Higher productivity means more opportunity for a raise and using less effort is important on 95 degree or ten hour days.
No matter how much you want to, do not grumble when asked to do something. When you took the job the agreement was that you will do what your boss needs done for so much per hour. He gets to chose what you do, not you. It is reassuring if the boss hears an occasional 'no problem' or 'I'm on it' if you really want to score points. He'll start to look for the guy who doesn't make a sour face or grumble when asked to do something... and remember that when it is time for bonuses or someone needs to be let go (but not you) because of slow times.
Finally, HAVE FUN! You get to work outdoors all day and use your muscles and make the world a more beautiful place. What could be better.
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As a father I was always aware that I was raising my sons to leave home, marry, establish families, and be men who could stand on their own two feet. We must fulfill our own destiny. I really wasn't concerned about what they might 'do' but I wanted them to 'be' good men.
- David Epps
Last edited by jwholden : 06-09-2007 at 09:50 AM.
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