[LwnFrceOne]

I know for the most part I need to know someone, but thats the whole problem!!!! Anyone with any ideas/hints on how to get in on comm'l bids/contracts let me know. I'm only 21 and I've got 87 yards that I do with a 2 man crew in about 3 days. I'm making good money but I want to get rid of some of my yards and have one or two properties to compensate. Please give me any information you have!!!! Thanks...

Josh J.
Owner - Lawn Force One

[Will Pacala]

Sometimes you can always get commercial contracts from new industrial parks, etc. When they first open up they want everything to be perfect to attract employees and customers. It also all depends on what type of commercial acounts you want. Buissness parks, large stores, Target, Wal-Mart, etc. or the small mom and pop stores looking to keep up their appearences.

[diginahole]

If your problem is that you don't know anyone, get out and get to know them. Join your trade association and/or Chamber of Commerce and go to the meetings. The networking and educational opportunities are invaluable. It has worked well for me. You will be welcomed into these organizations with open arms.

[Dale Wiley]

Networking and refferals bring us more work that anything. We track every lead we get as to orgin and result. Our refferals and networking, combined with a reputation for quality work have also led us to successful bids, ( and not low bids) on public projects. We belong to the Chamber, I am active on several school and fire committees, but I have lived here all my life as well.

Getting different types of work is more than knowing people. You have the right idea about making some moves to commmercial work, but getting different types of work takes a whole approach to marketing and company images.

I would suggest contacting a marketing person specializing in the green industry like Marty Grunder. He has an ongoing type marketing program and it can produce results. We are going with his marketing program this next year. We may no even need it, but it is one area off my business I need to systemize.

[Nebraska]

The old saying "it's not what you know it's who you know" is so very true.

Most of our best customers have all come from knowing someone or meeting someone. Yet before that you must have the capability to deliver upon the message that you present in your marketing.

[Will Pacala]

Word of mouth is also a big one for us.

[LwnFrceOne]

Thanks for the tips guys....I will take them and use them to my advantage, keep 'em comin! haha.

[Shane@Lastec]

Be careful with how many residential customers you let go and replace with commercial... residential seem to be more faithful customers, commercial may bid you out year to year.