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Standard Procedures
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Standard Procedures
"Standard Operating Procedures are the recipes for a successful project and an award winning business" - Jody Shilan
"Standard"- One way to perform a task
"Operating"- The steps required to perform this task
"Procedures"- Written guidelines so this task can be repeated
What if your company had developed one way to install pavers, plantings and sod - and every employee knew how to do it. Now imagine that you had a procedure for everything that you did in the office and in the field. It would be heaven. If you've never considered developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for your business, this members-only resource will certainly change your mind.
As a member of FromDesign2Build.com, you will learn:
- How to train employees to do things the right way the first time and every time
- How to develop "lean management principles" to successfully manage the design/build process
- How to document employee development to determine promotions and raises
- How to minimize wasteful site supervision hours by high paid management
- How to create bonus and incentive programs that really work
- That good employees and great systems build businesses
- How to use less labor and accomplish more
Standard operating procedures will help minimize confusion, maximize your training and safety procedures, while raising project profitability. It's easier than you think and chances are you already have many established SOP's - all you need to do is take the time and organize them.
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The Landscape Facility Tour
Jody Shilan, Editor
We are trying something new at our next NJLCA membership meeting. We're doing a facility tour. For those of you that have never been on one, it's exactly what it sounds like, a guided tour of one of our contractor's facilities. . . . keep reading
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As the Networking World Turns
Jody Shilan, Editor
I haven't written a networking Trade Secret in a while so I thought this week is as good as any. However, instead of focusing on social networking, I want to revisit the concept of "traditional networking". You know, the kind of networking you used to do where . . . keep reading
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So, How Does This Work?
Jody Shilan, Editor
As a freelance landscape designer and salesman who works for a variety of landscape design/build contractors, one of the first questions I am typically asked is, "so how does this work?" In my typical wise guy style, I usually respond, "it works great." . . . keep reading
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Screw "U" Landscaping
Jody Shilan, Editor
Whenever I consult with a landscape contractor to help him improve his company's sales I ask him to give me three reasons why a homeowner should choose his company over another company. In other words, what makes his product, company or service different from his . . . keep reading
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Make a New Year's Evolution
Jody Shilan, Editor
I'd like to ask you something (and please be completely honest). Are this year's New Years Resolutions the same as last years? Isn't it time to evolve from just making resolutions and actually start achieving them? This upcoming year I want you to . . . keep reading
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First Sell. Then Upsell!
Jody Shilan, Editor
In last weeks Trade Secret, "The Art of the Apology", I realized that many people may not be familiar with the term "up-selling", let alone, how to do it properly. . . . keep reading
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The Art of the Apology
Jody Shilan, Editor
Just like Donald Trump's book, "The Art of the Deal", where "The Donald" focuses on the nuances that will make one business deal a success and another a failure, we are going to explore the little things that make one apology a resounding success . . . keep reading
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Barriers to Entry
Jody Shilan, Editor
"Barriers to entry" is a business term that pertains to the level of difficulty required to enter a given industry or market. A high barrier means that it is difficult. A low barrier means that it is easy. Makes sense. . . . keep reading
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Move Over Black Friday -- It's Trade Secret Thursday
Jody Shilan, Editor
In keeping with the current holiday spirit of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, I am declaring the first Thursday after Thanksgiving to forever be known as "Trade Secret Thursday". So it is written, so it shall be done -- I hope. . . . keep reading
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How Social Media Can Quickly Become "Unsocial"
Jody Shilan, Editor
Like all of you I am trying to get a handle on social media and how to use it to grow my membership and consulting/speaking business. As you all know, it is a daunting task with no end in sight. Social media is exploding exponentially while most of us are . . . keep reading
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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
Jody Shilan, Editor
Right now I am stuck at the airport in Cleveland, Ohio because Newark airport is getting snowed in. Yes, that's right. We are having out first ever "White Halloween". It's not quite the same excitement as having a white Christmas, but if you're like one of . . . keep reading
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Now that's "Edutainment"
Jody Shilan, Editor
For some reason I am in a more comical mood than usual and have decided to include a couple of jokes in this weeks Trade Secret. As the editor, one of my goals is to entertain you and the other is to educate you. There is actually a term for it, it's called "edutainment". . . . keep reading
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You've Been Served - How to Deal with Small Claims Court
Jody Shilan, Editor
As I write this week's Trade Secret, I am sitting in a courthouse in Hackensack waiting for the small claims courtroom to open. A client from 2 years ago is suing me to return his design fee. I will explain the circumstances in a few minutes and try not . . . keep reading
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