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American Academy of Landscape Design
| September 1, 2010 |
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Greetings!
Hope you've all had a great summer. For those of us in the midwest, it was nice to actually HAVE a summer this year! This is like the summers I remember as a child: Sunny, hot and the occasional storm for balance. You'll get no complaints from me--as long as the AC works!
For those in North America, have a great Labor Day weekend!
Sincerely, 
American Academy of Landscape Design
www.aaldweb.com
847-657-7900
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A Few Thoughts on Professionalism
You can take this for what it's worth.
If you want to be treated like a professional, then you should act like one. Simple, right?
When you meet with a client, you don't show up with muddy boots and dirty hands. When you answer the phone, you either answer with your name ("Hello this is Tim." or "Tim Thoelecke") or the name of your company. Many use a cell phone as their business phone, so you have to decide what fits you. If you miss a call, return it promptly. You don't need me to tell you these things.
Here's one you may not have thought about: Your email address. I realize many in this industry don't spend their days at a computer, and many are not savvy at all when it comes to technology. BUT, many of your clients ARE.
There are many people who will not do business with a company that does not have a web site. If you don't have one, get one. If you have a web site, most likely you have your own domain name. So why would you use AOL or Comcast or Yahoo! or another provider for your professional email address? A professional looks and acts like one. |
We Install Other People's Plans Follow Up
I did get a few interesting responses to my last message. Interestingly, I expected some flames, but surprisingly, that was not the case.
Those who provide fee-free design suggested it is foolish to leave behind a plan with no commitment. I agree. Some suggested that most "free" plans they've seen were either poorly planned or were clearly designed to move inventory. I've seen that too. Thirdly, some suggested that a client who shops a "free" plan around might not be someone you'd want to work with. Agree with that too.
So, what does this all mean? Really not much, to me anyway. If it's a bad plan, I don't want anything to do with it. If it's a good one, and the potential client doesn't initiate the conversation, I might consider offering to price it out, probably with some of my own input.
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Last Chance for 10 Step Docs
At the end of September, I'll be removing the offer for the 10 Step Design Process document package.
If you are interested, this is your last chance. Thanks to those who have purchased and I hope it's been worth it to you. For the price of a coffee table book, you get actual, editable contracts and other documents you can use to improve your business.
Click here for more info. |
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