We hear from ’scapers cross the country that new jobs are smaller and fewer, some existing clients are cutting service due to budget constraints, and some interiorscape companies are trying to make up the shortfall by aggressively going after other companies accounts.”  Terrific”, you say. “Thanks, Barb for starting my day on that depressing note!”.

Turn Gloom Into Bloom
Well, cheer up! Identifying the problem is one third of the battle, the second part is planning a coping strategy, and the final third is implementing that strategy. Let’s start with new jobs. Where are you looking for them? It just may be that the methods you’ve used until now were sufficient to keep your company busy while we were in a boom economy, but now that “pie” is smaller.

New To You
Guess what? It’s time to look in new places for new work and not just new construction. What about all those businesses moving from one building to another? How do you find out about these “hidden” potential jobs? Well, start by making a list of all the entities in your market that have anything to do with office space whether it is moving stuff to, selling furniture for, designing the space or leasing space. This would include:

• Office Furnishing Companies - These people know who’s building and, just as important, who’s moving (moves mean new configuration, new opportunities).
• Office Furniture/Equipment Movers - Often these people know more than anyone else about whose taking new space.
• Interior Designers - particularly those who provide service for the client segment you’re most interested in be it commercial (office) or residential.
• Property Managers - usually these people are part of a larger entity that has many other property managers and each manages multiple properties. Set up a meeting with a property manager you are currently working with. Ask for the work - more properties, introduction to their fellow property managers - you get the idea.

Build Your “New” Network
By contacting these people for help in general and not necessarily specific projects, you’ve made them part of your company network. You’ve asked them, “How do I grow my businessâ€?? 

All It Takes Is One Yes
Some will blow you off, some just won’t have time, but others (more than you think) will take you seriously and provide leads or advice that will point you toward jobs you didn’t even know existed. Follow up and see where it gets you and don’t forget a handwritten note or small blooming plant as a thank you to those contacts that respond.