Overcoming Business Hurdles with Real Life Experience
For this week’s episode, I wanted to give you an update on what’s been happening with Aura Landscapes. Recently, one of our senior team members resigned, which set off a chain of events and decisions. It’s never easy when someone leaves, but it’s essential to adapt and move forward for the business’s sake. When something like this happens, the first thing I always do is turn to my cashflow forecast. If you don’t have one, you’re not fully in control of your business. The cashflow forecast helps me make informed decisions, especially in times of unexpected changes. Reviewing income, expenses, profit levels, lead generation, and conversion rates gave me a clear picture of where we stand. After reviewing everything with my admin, Annmaree, it became clear that the soft landscaping and maintenance side wasn’t bringing in the necessary income. So, we decided to close that part of the business as of 5th August. This meant having tough conversations with employees, apprentices, and customers, ensuring we fulfil existing commitments and manage the transition smoothly. Another super important aspect during times like these is HR. When I started Aura Landscapes, I handled HR myself, but now we outsource it to a professional company. This investment has been invaluable, especially when dealing with resignations, redundancies, and apprenticeships. It ensures we handle sensitive matters correctly and comply with employment laws. Besides financial and HR considerations, I’m constantly reviewing and improving our systems and processes. This includes everything from daily log sheets to job packs and the overall sales process. Regularly revisiting these processes ensures we stay efficient and continue to improve. In terms of sales, having a structured process and regular meetings with the team has given me more control and insight. We’re experimenting with different approaches to see what works best, aiming to improve conversion rates and response times. It’s all about finding what fits our business model and helps us grow. Finally, I can’t stress enough the importance of trying new things. Whether it’s marketing strategies or operational changes, it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. Business is a continuous work in progress, and learning from both successes and failures is key. Remember, it’s all about balance. We’re moving forward by focusing on hard landscaping, but the goal is always to support a life we love, not just to hustle endlessly. Keep reviewing your cashflow, consider outsourcing where it makes sense, and constantly improve your processes. I’ll keep sharing updates and insights to help you navigate your own business challenges. The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast Call us on: 02381 800 102 Email: paula@thelandscaperscoach.co.uk Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast. Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk