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How to Start a Landscape Design Business

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In United States, about one out of four landscape designers has their own business. These self employed designers are responsible to provide landscape architectural, engineering and landscaping services to public as well as private sector. Setting up business in this particular field is not hard as long as you have the right strategy. Here are some useful tips for those who would like to get involved in this line.

Step 1:

Pursue an accredited degree program in landscape architecture in a university. At the same time, attend classes in computer aided design (CAD).

Step 2:

Get more detailed information related to the job scopes and duties of landscape architects from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Step 3: 

Take up a part time job or get an internship in a nursery or a local botanical garden. Frankly speaking, you will need at least 4 years of working experience in this line before you can become a certified landscape architect. At the same time, it will be good if you may look for a mentor who can provide you with guidance related to climate and regional vegetation.

Step 4:

Sit for the Landscape Architect Registration Exam. You need to pass this exam successfully in order to get your license and start your own design company. Bear in mind that you need to attend continuing education classes from time to time to renew your license.
 
Step 5:

Acquire a business license in order to run your business. You need to develop your business plan and marketing materials.

Step 6: 

Join local Chamber of Commerce to broaden your network with contractors as well as realtors in your community. You can also join organizations such as the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, the American Nursery & Landscape Association and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

In short, we can conclude that this field is rewarding and lucrative but you need a lot of hard effort, time and experience to achieve great success.

For more information about becoming a landscape designer and salary of a landscape designer, visit LandscapeDesignerCareer.com.

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Starting a Handyman Business – Checklist

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Starting a handyman business does not take a lot of money. However if people are going to take you seriously or if you plan on being in business for longer than just a few months, there are many things you need to do to start your business.

Here is a checklist to get you thinking about the steps you need to take to start your handyman business.

1. It all begins with you: The very first step you should take is making sure that you really want to own your own business. No matter what type of business you are starting, you really have to want to be a business owner.

2. Pick a name for your business and decide how you will set up your handyman business. Will you be a sole proprietor? A LLC? A regular corporation? You will probably need to consult with and accountant and an attorney to make sure you choose the best entity for you.

3. Research what type of insurance you will need. There are many different types of insurance you may need, for instance, workers compensation, generally liability, and commercial insurance for the vehicle you will be using. Be sure to check with your state to see what they require. Also remember to check with the municipalities in area.

4. Research what type of business licenses you will need. Does the municipality you live in require a business license? What about and electrical or plumbing license? Does your state require any type of license? Make sure you know what you need before you open your doors.

5. Research your customers. Make sure you know who your target customers are and what it is that they need. Will you specialize? An example of this would be targeting senior citizens, real estate agents, and landlords.

6. Research your competitors. Make sure you know what they are doing well and what they are not doing well. What’s not being offered, that is needed, that you could offer.

7. Based on your research decide what services you are going to offer, the price you will charge, then how you will advertise your service.

8. Make sure you have the necessary tools. Be sure that you have the basic tools for the services that you will be offering, however do not go overboard purchasing the fancy stuff. Remember a lot of larger tools can be rented, until you are doing enough work to justify the purchase.

9. Make a plan. Put the above into a business plan to keep you organized and on track.

Follow this check list before you start your handyman business to make sure you are starting out as strong as possible and to help make your new business a success.

Denise Mense is the founder of Cash In On Repair where you can get valuable information about how to start a handyman business You may also download a free report on how to obtain customers at: http://www.cashinonrepair.com

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