When you're ready to expand your landscape contracting business into the realm of commercial properties, you need a unique way to get your foot in the door with property managers. Offering a service to install outdoor meeting spaces -- just the right size for working sessions, briefings and lunch breaks -- could well be the answer. Owners and managers of established corporate campuses and office complexes are looking for ways to attract new tenants and keep existing leaseholders happy. You'll meet that need by providing a highly desirable outdoor amenity. Armed with a few tools, a rented concrete mixer and basic installations skills, the small, attractive outdoor spaces you create can be the first step toward larger contracts.
What's So Attractive About Outdoor Meeting Rooms?
The workplace is changing. Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age and Millennials already make up more than a third of the workforce in America. With this change comes a need for more flexible work spaces. Sitting at a desk all day except for breaks in the cafeteria doesn't cut it anymore. Collaborative work is the hallmark of those who grew up in the digital age, and an outdoor gathering space is considered an added bonus to stimulate group creativity. The space is also appreciated by other generations in the workplace who might find outside gatherings novel at first but come to also appreciated the area's calming and restful atmosphere during breaks and lunchtime.
For the property manager, having what is essentially a small concrete slab added to the property has additional benefits.
What Is Needed to Get Started?
The key to success for your initial business expansion strategy is simplicity. Target projects where the slab installation is no larger than a traditional backyard patio – sufficient to hold one or two picnic tables or a collection of outdoor lounge chairs. For this scale of installation you'll need the following:
Which Enhancements Can Add Value?
Beyond offering standard concrete slab installation for a space that magically becomes a meeting room when outdoor furniture is added, include options for decorative appeal:
Your new service is intended to serve as an introduction to gain access to the decision makers who award larger, commercial-size landscaping contracts. As you monitor progress, you may find the installation service is also a viable new area for profit growth and income diversification.
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