ing a direct request for tree trimming.
do we work with local businesses to manufacture our products, we’ve iden- tified companies that are aligned with GearHaul in product offerings and even business values, and partnered with them to cross-sell products on each other’s websites,” says Finley. “You don’t have to be a master of all trades–you can find partners that are an asset to your company. The referral network that can be gained from those relationships, which would otherwise be competitors, is gold.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18.4% of private sector busi- nesses fail within the first year. Aer five years, that number jumps to 49.7%, and up to 65.5% aer 10 years. Finley suggests that the secret sauce is inno- vation. “If you’re not coming out with new products or services, you’re mov- ing backwards. There will be naysayers, but you have to have thick skin, and you have to believe in yourself and find new ways to solve your customers’ problems, one day at a time.”
Collecting feedback from clients im- mediately aer a service, or a touch- base a few weeks or months aer their last visit, can reveal opportunities to expand a business with new service offerings. “Big box stores have made one-stop shopping prevalent, and it applies to service-based businesses, too,” suggests Finley. “Customers hir- ing an arborist might expect you to take down a limb, treat pests and fix your grass. Anything you can do to bring in new services to enhance the customer experience and make their lives easier will help you grow your business.” If your business doesn’t have the ca- pacity to offer new services, bringing in a trusted subcontractor or partner- ing with another business in your net- work to share client lists are ways to expand until there is capacity to skill up or hire more people, or can result in partnerships indefinitely. “Not only
Customers can reach out to GearHaul for recommendations on the best way to mount a SawHaul kit to their large equipment. Photo courtesy of GearHaul.
18 | ArborTIMES Fall 2022
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