Landscape Management, October 2013

BEING VISIBLE WHETHER THROUGH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OR NETWORKING IS PARAMOUNT IN TODAYS MARKETPLACE CUT YOUR MOWING COSTS WITH PROPANE 91 OCTOBER 2013 LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET static If you havent added a blog dont delay A blog allows you to further engage visitors showcase your companies personality highlight your interests and helps with search engine optimization You have only two or three seconds to make a good first impression online Be sure your website mirrors your promotional materials and is streamlined for easy content navigation and intuitive user engagement Suitable social media Look to your target audience when deciding which social media platforms are right for your business The big three are Facebook Twitter and LinkedIn followed closely by Houzz and Pinterest in the residential market Each platform has its own advantages and a different way to engage LinkedIn can be an amazing tool for consultants and managers if used properly Purposeful public relations Support the community that supports you Being involved in the community benefits your company image but its also important for your employees Psychologically helping others strengthens the bonds of a group and develops employee loyalty Fulfilled employees are typically your best marketers so share your stories online and in press releases locally and nationally before during and after events Effective networking Being visible whether through community involvement or networking is paramount in todays marketplace With active lifestyles its imperative to be involved and reachable Your target audience however determines how often and in what capacity Even as time is limited networking is effective only if you take a sincere interest in the person and enrich the relationship Supplementing face toface interactions LinkedIn allows you to engage your audience even when youre unable to meet in person Where you invest your branding efforts will differ depending on the market sector consumer and community Start small and focused so you allow time to direct your initiatives effectively Consistency and professionalism should be your guiding principles As time and staff permit add another strategy and continue to review whats resonating with your prospects clients and industry colleagues Through effective brand marketing youll build awareness encourage engagement and create lasting relationships LM Moffat ASLA who owns LM Creative Consulting is the former director of marketing for a nationally recognized design build maintenance firm Reach her at LM@ LMCreativeConsulting com AND GET UP TO 1000 PER MOWER TO PROVE IT Take part in our Propane Mower Incentive Program and get 1000 back for each new qualifying propane fueled mower purchase or 500 back for each qualifying mower conversion In return youll tell us about your experience for one mowing season For more information see your mowing equipment dealer or visit poweredbypropane org Some restrictions apply See rules at poweredbypropane org