Take a look at our March newsletter!
The Landscaper’s Guide to Modern Sales and Marketing Newsletter
MARCH 2024
Life-Changing Books You Need to Read HOW TO MASTER YOUR BUSINESS AND MARRIAGE
As a business owner, you probably think you don’t have time to read. What if I told you that reading could change how you operate your company, connect with your team, and ultimately live your life? March 2 is Read Across America Day, and I want to share four books that I consider nothing less than life-changing. Books are also on my mind these days as I’m writing my third book! As I work on releasing my next book, I can’t help but look back at these four that genuinely altered the way I think about business and life. A business coach prescribed me Michael E. Gerber’s “The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It.” I say “prescribe” because I genuinely needed it in my life. It was spot-on what the doctor ordered, so I cannot think of a better word than “prescribed.” I first read Gerber’s book when I was only three years into my business, and it was in complete chaos. I was up to my neck in debt, making less than $50K a year, dispersed in small, infrequent bursts. Soon after, my wife had our first son, and I felt pressured to make money. That’s when my coach told me I needed to get organized and fast . After implementing the book’s lessons, I optimized my sales, marketing, and operations processes. Just one book catalyzed my growth; now, I help other businesses with their systems! The second book that changed how I operate is “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business” by Gino Wickman. It introduced me to concepts like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). I felt that “Traction” brought vital components like company culture and team management, something the “E-Myth” missed. I can confirm that Ramblin Jackson’s unique company culture did not officially start until I implemented both books. I then saw how our intentional culture became the foundation for the company and brought a new level of growth.
Then, Dan Kennedy came along and brought a wealth of knowledge, especially in his book “No B.S. Direct Marketing: The Ultimate No Holds Barred Kick Butt Take No Prisoners Direct Marketing for Non- Direct Marketing Businesses.” In 2016, I had the chance to speak at one of Kennedy’s conferences, and that’s when I immersed myself in all his books. I applied his techniques in direct response marketing and saw unbelievable results. It was so impressive that I even offer this service to our clients now! These three business books cover all the bases of what a business owner must know to succeed. They shaped me into who I am today, and I know that without them, I wouldn’t have been able to attract and retain clients like I did. But business aside, we all need a book to help us be better people, especially in our marriages. The book “What Radical Husbands Do: 12 Steps to Win and Keep Your Wife’s Heart” was also prescribed to me by my business/life coach, Wayne Herring. I have probably listened to this book over six times on Audible and some chapters over 10 times! Regi Campbell had been married for 45 years when he wrote this book, so he’s bringing actual, lived experiences to the table. Seasoned and unafraid of confronting hard truths, this book provides actionable advice like those business books. If you think you’re too busy to read, I urge you to read just one chapter daily. One single chapter! At that pace, you’ll likely read one book a month and perhaps 12 books a year. This month and beyond, I challenge you to read just a chapter a day, and I promise you will see a difference.
JACK JOSTES, CEO RAMBLIN JACKSON
RamblinJackson.com • 1
Read It in Your Truck on a Rainy Day
SPRING- CLEANING YOUR ONLINE PERSONA POLISH YOUR PROFILE
Spring is upon us, and so is spring-cleaning. This year, do more than just dust the house: Polish your online presence. Many landscaping companies forget to update their websites, but most clients will find you online in 2024. So, here are a few things you can do to “tidy up” and create a more welcoming website! Correct Prices Prices have changed dramatically over the past few years: Inflation, wages, and material costs have all gone up. Your prices likely increased in response, which may not be reflected on your website. If a client calls you expecting one price, giving them a higher price makes your company seem untrustworthy. And when you change your prices, clarify why prices have changed. You can also offer financial plans to alleviate costs and stave off negative feedback. Respond to Reviews If you haven’t responded to reviews recently, do it. This is vital, especially if you receive a bad review. If you can compensate for a poor customer experience or politely explain the situation
to readers, you may save a lost sale. Our Tree of Good Fortune video and audio series thoroughly covers these reviews. Update Services Have you stopped providing a service? Have you added a service? Scrub anything that you no longer do, and add your new offerings. Make sure discontinued services are not listed on your website or social media. If old photos show your company doing it, take those off, too. You don’t want to mislead any potential clients. Don’t forget to add photos and info about any of your new services, too! Recruit Competitively Finding the best employees is challenging, as the job force has changed tremendously. Many newcomers and veterans of the industry expect higher wages and benefits since the cost of living has increased. If you’re looking for employees online, check competitors’ job postings to ensure you offer competitive rates. In addition, you should reread your postings and revise them to attract high- quality candidates.
Navigating the World of Digital Wallets APPLE PAY LATER USHERS IN A NEW ERA
Privacy, Security, and a Top Banking Partner In today’s digital age, privacy and security are paramount. Apple Pay Later is crafted with these concerns in mind, ensuring user data remains protected. Goldman Sachs is the official loan issuer. Apple Pay Later could be a beacon of financial flexibility and user empowerment. It’s more than just a payment method; it’s a smart spending tool that aligns with the contemporary consumer’s lifestyle. Apple Pay Later is paving the way for a more informed, secure, and flexible approach to personal finance, making it an indispensable tool in the consumer tech arsenal. Does your landscape company accept Apple Pay? Venmo? How easy is it to pay your company?
In the dynamic world of digital finance, Apple Pay Later could be a game-changer, offering an innovative solution for consumers seeking convenience and financial control. Apple Pay Later joins a crowded marketplace of “buy now, pay later” apps like Klarna, Sezzle, Affirm, and PayPal’s Pay in 4 program, all of which have varying payment schedules; some require a minimum and maximum purchase amount and other restrictions. The Convenience of Deferred Payments At its core, Apple Pay Later provides a simple yet powerful feature: the ability to split purchases into four equal payments over six weeks with zero fees or interest. This approach aligns with the needs of modern consumers who need budget-friendly solutions to maximize their resources. Whether shopping online or in-app, Apple Pay Later integrates seamlessly and works for purchases between $50–$1,000 (using a
debit card connected to Apple Wallet, not a credit card) on iPhones and iPads. Because you don’t need additional apps or passwords at checkout, it’s straightforward to use. Even better? Engaging the app initiates only a “soft check” on your credit, so it doesn’t impact your credit score. Smart Budget Management Beyond its convenience, Apple Pay Later is designed to promote responsible spending. Before committing to a purchase, users can view their upcoming payments, providing a transparent snapshot of their financial commitments. This feature, coupled with options for manual or automatic payments, enhances a user’s ability to decide how the purchase could affect their budget. Also, timely alerts and reminders for payments due ensure users stay on track and avoid financial surprises. At this time, Apple Pay Later has no plan to charge fees for late payments.
2 • (303) 544-2125
Read It in Your Tru
SAVE THE DATE
TAKE A BREAK
Schedule a 15-minute Marketing Brainstorm with one of our Landscape Marketing Assistants. In just 15 minutes, they will: • Offer game-changing feedback on your marketing ideas. • Find gaps in your existing campaigns. • Discuss your best marketing strategy. • Share next steps for success! This is a quick, easy, no-pressure call — and we’ll even send you beef jerky or candied almonds for your time. Visit LandscapersGuide.com/ brainstorm to schedule your Marketing Brainstorm today. Ready to Level Up Your Marketing and Get More Hell Yes Customers? LandscapersGuide.com/events SIMA Symposium June 25-27, 2024 David L. Lawrence Convention Center • Pittsburgh, PA Stop by Booth #1428 for a bag of jerky!
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BUTTERFLY CLOVER
DAFFODIL GREEN IDES LEPRECHAUN
MADNESS SPRING TANGERINE WOMEN
RamblinJackson.com • 3
uck on a Rainy Day
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PO Box 1429 • Lyons, CO 80540 (303) 544-2125 • ramblinjackson.com
1 4 Books That Revolutionized How I Run My Company 2 Spring-Cleaning Essentials for a Strong Online Presence 2 How Apple Pay Later Enhances Financial Flexibility 3 Upcoming Events 3 Ready to Level Up Your Marketing? 4 Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Start Doing INSIDE
STRATEGIES TO BOOST YOUR EFFICIENCY TODAY PROCRASTINATE NO MORE
Stay focused. Distraction and procrastination are very close cousins. Distractions create or exacerbate procrastination, so you must keep it in check. Identify the things that distract you throughout the day, for example, phone notifications. They, among other things, offer a constant stream of attention grabbers. Change your phone settings to ensure only the highest-priority notifications get through. Your time will thank you. Forgive your procrastination. Everyone on the planet procrastinates. Putting things off isn’t a moral failing, nor does it make
Procrastination is among the most formidable foes to productivity. Too much procrastination can easily lead to guilt and overwhelmed schedules. Everyone needs to learn how to stop putting it off and just get to it. It takes an active effort to ward off procrastination, but everyone can do it. Take it one step at a time. If you have to do a lot at once, you feel overwhelmed, but if you do one thing at a time, you’ll make it a lot easier. When you worry about the sheer volume of tasks you must complete, break it down into chunks. It gives you a better perspective of your task(s) and makes it less overwhelming. The best way to do this is through lists and calendars. Write everything down and check each task off as you progress. Give yourself short breaks. Life isn’t a sprint — it’s a marathon. You’ll crash if you run too fast and try to complete everything at once. Take 15-minute breaks throughout the day to give yourself a chance to breathe and recharge. You can even take power naps. They have many benefits, even more than longer naps that make you groggy.
you lazy. Many people procrastinate by doing otherwise productive activities. Accept that it’s part of being human and recommit to doing what you can to avoid it. Procrastination doesn’t need to be a dominant factor in your life. So long as you create the conditions to make an efficient task list and stay focused, you will be amazed by how much you can accomplish.
4 • (303) 544-2125
Get a Free, Personal Video Review of Your Website! • ramblinjackson.com/webreview
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator