“Who Ya Gonna Call?”

Okay. No question about it.  When you’ve got a real problem, you’re going to search until you find someone who specializes in solving that exact problem.  And, the more important that problem is to you, the more you are willing to spend to get that specialist’s services.

Need an extreme example?  When I needed abdominal surgery several years ago, I didn’t look up CraigsList for the cheapest surgeon in town who does anything that comes his way.  You know what I’m talking about…”One call does it all.”  “No job too small.”  “Need Anything-Ask Me.”

On the contrary, I sought out a highly recommended surgeon who specializes in abdominal surgery.  And it wasn’t cheap.  But, I don’t have an ounce of regret.  You see, my life-threatening problem was solved within a week! (Plus recovery time:))

Sure it’s an extreme comparison to lawn care.  But, you can draw the parallels to your own company I’m sure.  Do you appear desperate for business in your paper ads and door hangers?

Does your phone book ad make you sound like a jack-of-all-trades, master of none?  Does it look like you’ll take any job that comes your way?  Do you advertise low price?(WHY!?!)

For the long-term stability of your company, you need to begin to “nichefy” your company.  You need to be the local go-to-guy for your particular specialty.

Whenever someone needs what you offer, you need everyone else to tell them that you are the one to call.

When a customer has got to have what you offer, all of the sudden, your pricing structure isn’t the basis for their decision to buy.  When you are in demand, my friend, you write the ticket to your success.

What’s A Lawn Care Niche?

So what are some examples of niche businesses in this industry?  Well let’s start by saying that “complete lawn care and grounds maintenance” isn’t exactly a niche.

It’s a carbon copy of the 45 other display ads in the phone book.  I’m sorry if I offended you.  Not really.  I want you to think about how your potential customers see you through your marketing.

Okay, off the top of my head, here are a few niche businesses in this industry.

• Indoor plantings for homes or businesses-which you supply and care for.
• Organic lawn care-organic fertilizers and pest control, soil building
• Earth friendly mowing-what is the possibility of electric mowers and other green energy sources
• Palm tree experts
• Tree transplanting
• Hardscaping specialists
• Water gardens and water features
• Public land contracts
• Mowing Large Areas (not bushogging)
• Mowing Trailer Park Lots (contract with the park owner to provide service or offer an incentive to residents)

That’s just a quick brainstorm.  Ok, maybe just a brainshower.  But I know you can put some thinking effort behind this idea and come up with the perfect niche for your company.  Then, go and dominate it.

Photo courtesy Flickr by Renix ccLic