during the winter months is to offer dis- counts to previous clients, says Beeler. “It’s time to approach commercial jobs, too,” he adds, suggesting that sales teams reach out to real estate manage- ment companies or find other ways to market their services, such as distribut- ing door hangers. “Utilize that time, es- pecially if employees need more hours." TAKING A BREAK Beeler, who runs a popular Facebook group for tree company owners, asked group members how they stay produc- tive during slower times in an online poll that generated more than 160 comments. In addition to a myriad suggestions for keeping busy, a lot of professionals suggested embracing the slow winter months as the perfect opportunity to take a well-deserved vacation.
Dr. John Ball, a professor of forestry at South Dakota State University, leads a seminar on Z133 standards during ArborEXPO ’23.
dropped and it’s easier to see a tree’s branch structure. “[We try to] get on properties and solve problems before things go bad,” he says. “We will stop by to look for un- healthy trees [and] try to give people advice ahead of the curve.”
BUILDING SALES The winter season is also a perfect time for companies to find ways to expand their service offerings and find new customers. “Put systems in place for growth,” says Jeff Beeler, owner of TSO Academy, which offers business coaching and consulting to the tree care industry. Beeler specializes in helping smaller companies with just a handful of em- ployees take their businesses to the next level. He offers courses on how to con- duct effective company meetings, build sales, and find and hire new employees. At Mayer Tree Service, employees are especially focused on boosting sales during the winter months. “We have more sales meetings because things will tend to slow down,” said Anderson. Anderson describes “farming” as a sales technique to generate more busi- ness amongst existing clients. He sug- gests contacting established clients from the previous three to five years and setting up time to review their properties. Chances are clients are ready for future services. Plus, it’s easier to inspect and identify trees that need work when leaves have
Beeler agrees.
“It gives the guys time to rest,” he said. “They’ve been working hard all year.”
Another tactic to generate more sales
Training Solutions Here are some companies that offer certification and education.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Offers certification for utility and municipal arbor- ists, tree worker climbers, aerial lift specialists, and master arborists. It also offers dozens of online courses covering arboriculture, urban forestry, climbing, rigging, and more. Academy Trained Offers certification and training in chainsaws, climbing, equipment operation, ground work, leadership and management, plant health, safety, work positioning, and more. Noble Oak Safety & Training company Provides training and mentorships, operations consulting, assessments and leadership, and safety consulting. North American Training Solutions Offers educational seminars, private and on-the-job training, safety consulting, and programs geared for women, nonprofits and community organizations, and leadership development. ArborMaster Provides safety, skill, and productivity education and training with on-site programs, open enrollment training, seminars, and workforce development to help translate training into per- formance at work. Cranes 101 Provides online and in-person training for crane safety, crane and heavy equipment inspections. Courses teach participants to operate bucket trucks, forklifts, rigging, hoisting, and signal person skills. Tree Care Industry Association TCIA's certified tree care safety professional program provides individual training to address a variety of potential safety challenges.
42 | ArborTIMES Fall 2023
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online