[jwholden]

There are posts similar to this around the site but I think it's time to start another one. Do you have any tips or tricks that make the job, or running your business easier. I'll start with a few.

When moving a large B & B tree with two guys. Have one guy steer the tree with the trunk/branches while the other guy pushes. You'd be suprised how big a tree you can move this way with minimal effort.

When digging a hole for a tree on a hillside put all of your excavated soil on the downhill side AS YOU DIG IT. Do not make your ring completely around the tree, make the well into a C shape so as water runs down the hill and gets caught by the well.

In this modern age of banking online and ATM machines no one goes into banks anymore. I recommend going in to make a deposit every once in a while and get to know the branch manager. If you need help 'someday' you will have more luck if they know your face.

Any tips or tricks you'd like to share?

[Paul]

The number one thing I would do before starting a company would talk with an accountant and lawyer at the same time, or find a lawyer that is an accountant or has one on staff. The time and money you spend just on this meeting will have long lasting effects on your business.

[Stonehenge]

Paul, if someone were to do that, what questions should they ask those two?

[Paul]

Most of us here are landscaper first, not managers. Setting up your company, you should have a 5 year plan. Whom better to help you write that plan?
When sitting down with them you can bounce off questions that you have and they can lead you to better understanding of different legal and accounting differences between types of companies.

They can help structure your business for now and the future. Changing company structure once it's up and running can create tax problems that this can avoid.

It can also help if you need a bank loan to fiance start up or to purchase equipment. Having a well written 5 year plan can make or break you when it comes time for that important loan that will bring you up to that next level of service. If your a C Corporation
these same people can serve as advisers to your board of directors.

Legal documents that you might need can be talked about. Contracts, an important part of our business can be started at that time.
The list gets much longer as you grow bigger, but as a start the $500 to $1000 you spend here will help guide you in the years to follow.