We have quite a few clients who work outdoors as landscapers and contractors. They are people who are good with their hands, operate machines, people who don’t want to sit at a desk. A common complaint they have is customers who do not value their skills highly enough.

We can talk these issues through with clients to look at how they improve their profile and start to come across as experts in their field rather than unskilled workers. Customers need to see and understand the value of the work they are asking for.

If you are professional, stick with the health and safety rules, have your own insurance and need to pay the guys who are doing the job with you, it is only fair that you are paid the right amount for the work.

Sometimes it can be about turning work away when customers have unrealistic expectations about price. As business owners we are not good at turning work down, but if you take on a job for too little money and get a reputation for being cheap rather than for being good – that work will end up costing you money in the long run.

There are little tips you can follow when presenting your business which add up to a better overall picture. Consider what you and your team are wearing when you turn up on site. When was the last time the truck was washed and has it been sign written? Have you got a bookkeeper making sure your invoices are sent out with the all the right information on them?

Small differences can make a big impact so talking through the changes that can make is a good way to start. We want our clients to get paid for their services as they are passionate about their business and we are all in this to earn a living.