Speaking qSpeak confidently and directly. qIf asked to give a presentation, rehearse your material and use visual aids to support your ideas. qMaintain good eye contact and body language with your audience. qDon’t preach or try to convince people of your beliefs. Simply state them with conviction and confidence. qWhenever possible, ask a lot of questions. qUse paraphrasing (restating what person has said). qGive speeches, this will show you how to effectively organize and deliver your message.

Working qLearn something new every day. qAsk questions about your job. qLook for ways you “can do” it. qProvide solutions and suggestions, not problems and complaints. qConstantly re-invent yourself. qChoose a goal, then walk like, walk like, look like, think like, act like and be like it.

A word about use of e-mail. E-mail is a faster medium than conventional pen and paper. It produces an instant message. It also is a disposable communication---people usually delete it after reading it. Therefore, if you have something important to say, and/or want message to last, then you should write it old-fashioned way (memo or letter).

Most landscapers and gardeners who wear uniforms or provide them to their employees choose tee shirts with company logo silk screened on back. This is least expensive of your options, especially if you have a high rate of turnover or lots of seasonal work. The short sleeved work shirt with company name, logo and employee name is preferred option. A well made work shirt can last for years especially if its laundered properly and isn't abused.

Making Uniform Work

To make your uniform do what its supposed to do you should devise a dress code. A dress code is an understanding between you and your employees as to what you expect them to look like while on job. For example, on hot days your employees should not be allowed to remove their shirts. Half naked gardeners running around a condominium community do not make a good impression. That uniform shirt draped on- a shrub or tied around a lawn mower handle does you no good. Besides, its actually cooler to wear a shirt. Sweat accumulates on shirt instead of evaporating completely away thus keeping skin cooler longer. When using power equipment while mowing, edging, using a weed whip or any other equipment they should wear pants. No caps unless they are company cap. Hair should be clean and neat. Long hair should be tied back. Beards should be trimmed neatly. No smoking except on breaks and lunch. As you can see there are many considerations that should go into a "dress code".

Whether you work in garden, do grounds maintenance, irrigation repair or lawn care you need to compete effectively in marketplace. Uniforms will enhance your business and are for everyone in every aspect of Green Industry.

Uniforms and a combined dress code will add professionalism to your business. It will bring you more clients, create a better work atmosphere, and help you to make more profits. And that's why we are in business. __________________________________________

About Author:

Jack Stone is a Contributing Editor for ProGardenBiz Magazine, an online magazine for professional gardeners and landscape contractors. Visit ProGardenBiz to find out how you can get a free subscription, start-up guidance, business ideas and inspiration at http://www.progardenbiz.com. __________________________________________

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