Dealing with more fines, defenders and 2024 projects! | Episode 3

Summary

This video chronicles the first week of filming for a landscaping business, highlighting the challenges and milestones faced by the team. From setting up new office spaces and dealing with logistics, to managing projects and client relationships, the content offers a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations. The vlogger reflects on the highs and lows, including new opportunities, frustrations with equipment, and adjusting to the vlogging format. The team is gearing up for a productive 2024, with exciting projects and collaborations on the horizon, all while navigating the realities of business growth and operational hurdles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is documenting the day-to-day operations of their landscaping business, offering insights into project management, team coordination, and client interaction.
• 😀 The speaker is adjusting to producing their own vlogs, with a self-aware focus on improving their on-camera presence and communication skills.
• 😀 Challenges include managing logistics, vehicle issues, and navigating technical difficulties, such as power cuts during filming.
• 😀 New year goals involve implementing systems for efficiency, such as delegating quoting and invoicing tasks to team members, allowing the speaker to focus on high-value projects.
• 😀 The company is expanding its operations, including new commercial projects and ongoing client relationships, signaling growth for 2024.
• 😀 The speaker's business is dealing with an influx of new inquiries, demonstrating that their marketing efforts are working and generating interest.
• 😀 A key focus for the business this year is transitioning to a new office setup, with plans for a container conversion office space and a stylish whiskey-inspired design aesthetic.
• 😀 The company is exploring the possibility of a London-based team due to increasing demand in the area and opportunities for expanding the business further.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between personal and business challenges, such as vehicle breakdowns and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• 😀 Looking forward, the speaker is excited about upcoming projects, including new landscaping jobs and collaborations with designers, aiming to document these builds for their audience.

Q & A

What are some of the main challenges you're facing in your landscaping business right now?

Currently, we're dealing with a few challenges, including ULEZ compliance for our vehicles, managing team coordination, and ensuring projects stay on track despite weather delays. We're also working on streamlining our quoting and invoicing systems for 2024 to make the process more efficient.

How are you planning to improve the operational side of the business in 2024?

We're setting up new systems for quoting and invoicing, with the goal of delegating more responsibilities to our managers. This will help us focus on higher-value projects and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. We're also preparing for a new office setup and a bigger, more organized yard by the end of February.

What’s the significance of the new office space for your business?

The new office space will be a significant upgrade in terms of security, structure, and organization. It will also help improve productivity, as we will have a more professional environment to work in. We're incorporating creative design elements, like a whiskey room-inspired aesthetic, to make the space both functional and visually appealing.

Why do you seem to be experiencing vehicle-related frustrations in the video?

I’m dealing with a few vehicle issues, including the need to upgrade to a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. I also had some problems with my car's brake pads and warning lights. Additionally, one of our trucks lost its clutch, which added to the frustration. As a business, we're constantly managing the logistics of maintaining and upgrading our fleet.

How do you balance the filming process with the day-to-day operations of the business?

It's definitely a challenge! At first, I struggled to balance filming with managing projects and daily tasks. But as the week progressed, I became more comfortable with the process. Filming the vlogs is now an ongoing task, and I try to schedule time for it, even if it's just short updates. I'm also trying to stay on top of project management while adjusting to the new filming routine.

What’s your strategy for content creation and audience engagement?

I’m focusing on showing a mix of behind-the-scenes business activities and personal reflections. The idea is to engage viewers by giving them an inside look into what it’s like to run a landscaping business and work on various projects. We’re also planning to collaborate with industry experts like Mark Gregory to offer more valuable insights.

What upcoming projects are you most excited about in 2024?

I'm really excited about several upcoming projects, including a vineyard landscaping project and a large residential job involving a driveway and retaining walls. We also have a new wraparound garden job starting soon, which will be featured in a vlog. The new projects, along with the possibility of expanding into commercial work, are very promising.

How are you managing new client inquiries and expanding the business?

We’re actively responding to new inquiries and growing our business by staying visible online and through social media. This has led to some high-value commercial inquiries, such as landscaping for a new housing development. Additionally, we’re looking into subcontracting opportunities to help us scale our operations.

What role does Mark Gregory play in your plans for the business?

Mark Gregory, a well-known figure in the landscaping industry, has expressed interest in collaborating with us. His expertise and insights will be invaluable for the business, and we're looking at potentially featuring him regularly in our content. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience.

What are your goals for the vlogging process going forward?

My goal is to continue improving the quality of the videos and to make them more structured and engaging. I’ve already seen progress after just one week, and I want to focus on creating more polished content that highlights both the challenges and successes of running a landscaping business. I also want to bring in more interviews and industry insights to enrich the content.