[Cochran]

Congrats on wanting to get into the business--this industry is really exciting and creative, but also seasonal and frustrating.

A couple of things to consider before jumping right in:

--Have you created a business plan yet? If not, get a pen and paper (or computer keyboard) and map out what you are expecting of your business, expenses, project profits, overhead, what exactly you want to do and how much money it is going to take to do it. How do you want to start, how do you want to grow. How much money do you have/need to borrow for your business. What type of business do you want to form (sole p, partnership, llc, etc.) A detailed business plan is a good start to any endeavor.
--Our Small Business Administration regularly has seminars for potential and newly formed small business owners to guide them through the initial steps of creating a small business. Find seminars like this in your area and attend them. Also, contact your local industry organization (ie Texas Nursery Landscape Association, ANLA, etc), many typically have advice for potential business owners and it's usually free or the cost is very minimal--they want you to join their organization once you've started a business, so they're willing to help. Your local Chamber of Commerce should have business start-up info or will be able to guide you in the direction of someone who does.
--Remember there is tons of behind the scenes paperwork to be done. Taxes, payroll, etc. that will keep you busy into the late hours of the night if you're jumping into this on your own.
--Are you prepared to sacrifice weekends and evenings to concentrate on building your business?
--Re-read James post--he's hit the nail on the head with regards to what kind of stress a new business can put on relationships, credit, pocketbooks and such. He's also on target on how to begin your business--in the beginning, use only what you HAVE, rent larger equipment you need, evaluate how much you and one guy can realistically handle without being overwhelmed.
--Don't underestimate the necessity of DBA's, insurance, paying taxes, and all that other scary sounding stuff you learn about in the initial steps of starting a business. Neglecting any of these items can come back and bite you in the a&& later down the road.

I'm not trying to scare you away from beginning a business, but there are many considerations that most folks do not know about when taking that leap into self-employment. I truly enjoy being a business owner, but in hindsight I wish I would have started up my business in a slightly different manner. I wish I would have taken more time developing my business plan and mapping out my company.

As far as starting out and developing pricing, do you know anybody that needs any landscape work performed? If so, ask them if you can do the work at a rate you feel comfortable with--maybe expenses (including labor) plus a % mark-up. This will help you get a feel for how long certain tasks will take and help you create labor charges.

[jamesn162]

i couldnt agree more with sandim and cochran...........a well thought out plan will put your dream into perspective and from there you can then decide if you still want to make the dive.

[musclecarboy]

Adam,
I live in Toronto and would LOVE 2 move 2 vancouver to do patterned concrete. My step-sister just moved there with her husband and she said there's NOBODY doing that kind of work! They have friends that do patterned concrete here in Toronto and they do really well.

If you have the ability to pack up and go, thats the best place IMO. Otherwise, really any place in ON will allow you to be successful because of the sheer size and wealth here. Good Luck with everything!

-Tom

[Malrex]

I just completed my first year for my own business with just me as the grunt, secretary, and owner all wrapped in one. I started with a variety of hand tools and had a truck. I bought an air blower to begin with and that's about it. I wanted to get a dump trailer or a dump truck, but the wife and I just poured all our money into a new home (that still hasn't been landscaped yet..HA!). I read alot of books before starting my business and came up with a business plan. The problem that I had with the business plan--was that it was hard for me to set goals monetary wise because I barely took any business courses and have never ran a company before. I wrote up my business plan the best I could and tried to think of every scenario and what I would do or handle the situation. I then jumped into it in the Spring and played it safe--I split my salary, half to me, half to my business. I'll be honest here..I charged $30 an hour...so I wasn't making alot of money. I'm so glad I did that though. I had a very comfortable blanket for all the taxes and things that came up that I was sorta feeling my way through.

I made some good relationships with some nurseries and pond supply places. I usually got everything delivered that I needed (unless I only needed a few yards of mulch or dirt). This saved me time since I'm by myself and I could spend more time on the project. I also got subcontracted by two different landscape companies--mainly for ponds. I was nervous as hell about that, but analyzed everything and made sure I didn't get screwed over. I now have a SUPER relationship with one company and they even provided me a little winter work building a indoor pond for a retirement home. I feel alot more comfy getting subcontracted now.

We had a very hot summer here in PA so business really declined for me...but since I've finished my first year, it has now given me some things to work with for my business plan. I believe a business plan is something that should be looked at all the time--not just do once and forget about it. I've learned ALOT my first year and I know I still have alot to learn. I can now make some reasonable monetary goals...I'm starting to learn how I can bid better (actually did pretty darn good! only lost 20$ on one job--the rest, made some). I'm also going to be charging more.

My advice...don't worry about being the small guy out there. Start small. Anaylze your projects once you have completed them--what could you have done different to save money, make more money, etc. Before buying a new tool or truck, ask yourself if you really need it. I bought a bededger this year and plan to buy a sump pump and hose (for my new pond cleaning/mainteance program). Do I still want a dump trailer?? yes! would save me time and my back...but will have to wait maybe another year. Getting things delivered has worked fine for me so far and I plan to use my money more for advertising since it will be my second year.

Finally, (and sorry for all my rambling, hopefully I'm helping) one of your goals should be to commit to running your business for at least 3 years. Give it your all if you enjoy it, then analyze it and see if its working. It's going to take time to get your name out there. Congrats on attempting one...it's alot of hard work, and yet..the work is sorta fun (at least for me) when you are the boss.

Alot of responses so far have stressed the importance of the business plan and goals...I guess I'm saying, yes, it's important, but if you are somewhat clueless like I am , it's ok to start slow, protect your business with a money blanket, analyze everything...get your first year done, THEN look at your business plan and set goals when things make more sense.

[JimHow]

Hi Adam. Another option you should look into is the "Self Employment Benefits" offered by service Canada. I have used it in the past and am currently going through the process as I am also starting a business here in Nova Scotia. They will extend your EI or will pay you a certain amount of money each week for the first year to help get you started. They will also help you develop a business plan and will require you to take courses on money management, bookkeeping, etc... All at no cost to you. You may also be eligible for government loans as well. Good luck with your venture. Self-Employment

[cwilson]

well you might want to reconsider your bussines that you are getting into...this day and time many people just get it hired to be done so that a plus for us landscapers but then again the drought that the south has been in is always a negative we might not have as much business and we would like becaiuse the grass won't grow or the ground is to hard to plant...buying all that equipment at first is not a bright idea i think you might get into more debt then you might have jobs i would just rethink all the equipment buying...Advirtisement is always a plus though so i would start now before you buy all the equipment