If you’ve spent any time in the pond and water feature industry, you know that success is about more than pumps, liners and aquatic plants. The real engine behind every thriving pond business is its people. In today’s service-driven U.S. economy, this truth is even more pronounced: your team is your most valuable asset. For […]
Recruiting and Retaining Strategies to Unlock Success Read More »
I recently asked one of my mentors, “If you were in my position, what would you focus your energy on?” His response was simple: Focus on building your team. My father Dave Blocksom, who founded Pondscapes of Charlotte in 2002, instilled a culture of always doing the right thing for the customer. This means showing
Pond Construction: How to Build a Great Team Read More »
If you have a perfect relationship with your spouse in your personal life and in running your business without any animosity, resentment, conflict or issues, you can stop reading now. But if you run a “ma-and-pa” business working with your spouse or significant other, can we talk? When my husband Paul and I launched The
How to Run a Business with Your Spouse Read More »
If you are married or have children, it’s highly likely you have purchased a life insurance policy. Why? If something were to happen to you, you want to be sure your family is taken care of, right? Guess what? Your business is no different. Nobody likes to think about it, but what if you didn’t
Protect Your Pond Business with a Backup Operating Plan Read More »
The phone is ringing. People are out there spending money. All of a sudden, it seems like everyone who had ever thought about wanting a pond — both residential and commercial — suddenly wants you to build it, tomorrow! Sales are through the roof. Clearly, the economy is back. But, just there’s one problem. There
How to Cope with the Worker Shortage in the Pond Industry Read More »
Nearly everyone in the trade industry cringes a bit when it comes time to raise his or her hourly rate. Is the new rate too high? Will it be too far above our competition’s rate? Will our customers leave us? Is it really OK for me, the owner, to make more money? Besides, is raising
How to Confidently Raise Your Hourly Rates Read More »
You know those safety announcements the flight attendants give? The ones where they tell you that if the oxygen masks drop, you should put on your own mask before helping someone else? Well, I just got back from a visit with family in Texas, and hearing that announcement once again made me think about business.
Like Breathing, Being Profitable Isn’t an Option Read More »