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When the going gets tough surviving the coronavirus lock down

24/03/2020 - Services

When times are hard – get proactive!

The Coronavirus bug is having a huge effect on how – or even IF – we’re all working at the moment. It’s crucial that we all try to stay positive and keep busy in any way we can. Here are just a few practical suggestions being pro-active in these strange times. And please remember if you are at all worried about your business or your mental health, I’m here to help in any way I can.

Ordering materials - Product Availability

At the time of writing, many of our tried and tested contacts/suppliers are (very sensibly) closing their doors, albeit temporarily.

If however, you have decided to keep working and you need materials, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I will help where I can.

Please don't take risks.  I’m absolutely, not advocating putting yourself, your employees or your customers at risk. My advice is to follow Government guidelines to keep everyone safe. After all, landscaping isn’t essential to the survival of the species.

Planning ahead

My online quoting system is available 24/7.  While the country is temporarily at a standstill, any quotes created on the ALS website will be honoured for 90 days (it WAS 30 days). That way you can get your forward plans and budgets in place.

Setting up virtual meetings

For some customers and/or suppliers, would virtual meetings be viable? Using Skype, Facetime or Zoom? If you want to chat, I'm up for any or all of those.

Educate yourself

Most people I know have a bit long list of things they've put aside to "look up when I have the time". Perhaps you want to know more about green roofing? have questions about using CAD or are struggling with the intricacies of creating a budget?

As always, I’m on hand to answer any questions you may have. If I don't know the answer, I can  put you in touch with experts who can help. Whether your questions are product related or business related, don’t hold back – there are no stupid questions and this is a great time to educate yourself. When you return to work your business will be all the stronger for it.

Marketing advice

If you have decided to stop working for the time being, why not spend some time improving your marketing? There are a lot of marketing activities that are free – the only cost is your time. So keep your mind busy and start preparing your business for the future.
  • Create or update your social media profiles. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin work particularly well for me. I’m very happy to talk you through the “how to’s” if you need a confidence boost
  • Do a website audit. Where is your site ranking in the search engines? Is the content up to date? Do you need some hints and tips on search engine optimising? – talk to me. I don’t profess to be an expert on everything but I can certainly put you in touch with the people who have helped me.
  • Make a marketing plan – what will you add to your digital footprint and when? Start collating the information, gathering pictures, writing blogs, filming video footage etc
More marketing advice to follow in my next blog – what would you like to know more about? Get in touch your questions for The Landscape Industry Specialist.

Your mental health

Being stuck indoors and worrying about your business and your income is potentially a toxic situation for any landscaper or garden designer. Please remember that I am available 24/7 to listen, chat and support.  We’re all in this together

Your Coronavirus “to do” list

  • Programme my contact details into your phone so that you can contact me any time. You'll find them here
  • Email me links to your social media profiles so that I can like, comment on and share your posts.
  • Sign up to my newsletter – I’m planning to send a weekly bulletin with news, views and practical advice.  Click here to sign up
  • Keep in touch with each other via whatsapp, social media, email or phone.
  • Please familiarise yourself with the charity Perennial. They have some great resources for landscapers and garden designers who are struggling.  If you are able to, please send them a donation so that they can help our colleagues. Visit Perennial's website

What are you doing to stay positive?

This blog only scratches the surface – there are a trillion ways to stay cheerful and even more ways to work on our landscaping businesses without endangering anyone’s health. Send me your ideas and I’ll happily help you to spread the word

Most importantly – KEEP SAFE! & thank you for reading.
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