Make the most of it

There are tons of things we landscapers do that waste time and hence money. Good time management shouldn’t take much time.

Here are my top 10:

Hitting reply all to e-mails. People frequently hit “reply all” to say thanks and so on. If you don't have anything to add that everyone MUST know, then don't hit reply all. We get enough e-mails that don't impact our lives, don't add to it. Estimated time saved per week: 3 hours.

Going to the bank. If you are still going to the bank, or sending someone to the bank with the deposit, stop.  A scanner can sit in your office and eliminate the need to take the time for trips to the bank and you'll get your money in your account faster. Win-win there. Estimated time saved per week: 2 hours.

Loading and unloading tools on trucks. When I see a landscaper doing this, I see one who has a lot to learn about productivity. Think about how much time you waste by doing this, not to mention the accountability issues associated with lost tools. Your trucks and trailers should have boxes and everything they need should be on the truck. Yes, this costs more to set up but, in the long run, you'll more than pay for those boxes. Estimated time saved per week: 2.5 hours.

Not measuring the job when you are on the sales call. I have done this, I still do it and I need to stop. I know it costs my company less money to take an hour right then and measure things. You know it too. So, what are we waiting for? You won't have to go out there again or pay an associate to do the measuring, not to mention that you'll get back to your client quicker and make more sales. Estimated time saved per week: 1.5 hours.

Not having a schedule board. The chaos I see going on at companies I work with that don't have a schedule board is mind boggling. You MUST have one! If you don't, you are wasting time. You should know when every single job you have sold is going to be done. At our company my managers do not go home until they know exactly what we are doing the next day with a high level of detail. Estimated time saved per week: At least 5 man hours per crew in your company.

Not doing a to-do list. This old trick is the greatest process to follow if you want to get more done. I'm not even going to talk about it – -just do one. Estimated time saved per week: 10 man hours.

Having a personal calendar and a business calendar. Don't do this! Time is time and it’s a waste to not look at everything on one calendar. Wasting time in reviewing two calendars and keeping them straight is silly. Estimated time saved per week: 1 hour.

Not having work orders. Like a schedule board, work orders are needed. If you are sending your people anywhere to do any kind of work without a work order, you are wasting time and money and most likely frustrating your team and your clients. Estimated time saved per week: 5 man hours per crew you run.

Small talk. There's a time for fun and time for work. Give your people time to get their socializing out of the way. Have lunches, do some things after work and, once in a while, let them have a coffee and donut in the morning. Frame it by saying, “Listen, we all know we have a lot of work to do and we have to be productive. Today, sit down; we're paying you to have a donut and a coffee. We know you work hard for us and you deserve this. In 15 minutes, we'll get to work.” Then at the end of the 15 minutes, let your team know what that meeting just cost the company and tell them how important it is to be productive and limit small talk. However, make sure you continue to give your people time so they know you value them and know you can't “go at it” 100 percent all the time. Estimated time saved per week: No idea here … a bunch.

Cell phones. Good grief … can't live with them, can't live without them. You know what I mean. Stay focused and set a good example with how you use your phone. Estimated time saved per week: You tell me!

There are all types of way to save time and money in our small businesses. It all starts with your setting the tone for your team. The above will make you a ton of money if you follow them, I can promise you that!