Finding your Niche
For a long time I used to think, “The more I can offer my customer base, the more money I can make”. In business it is wise to think this way. In my business of landscape design and construction repeat revenue can be found in many ways. Some are worth going after and some will detour focus.
Like most people, I did what I had to do to get where I am today. I cleaned gutters, I trimmed hedges for free when I was awarded the lawn to cut, I raked leaves, etc. Now that I am in a position of power, I choose to hold my standards higher (not that I wouldn’t clean a gutter or two for my clients if they asked me) but I won’t make a career of it. This is because that is NOT what I want to do. I love what I do and that shows. I have been awarded projects simply because it shows to my clients just how much I love what I do.
I am a working artist. I work with landscape materials and I create paradise habitats for humans. When I stumbled upon this notion I quickly found success again. For me, having a background in landscape maintenance did help, but my design techniques are unique.
I found my target market on the Internet simply because of the numbers. Internet advertising opened many new doors. People who use the internet to find things do their homework, and it will become clear when you meet them and they know so much about you from what you posted on your website. This pretty much sums up my sales process. My website is designed to answer any questions anyone may have about what I do or who I am. My clients come to me and hire because my focus is on what I specialize in.
Being found online is easier too when you narrow your niche. I am the only “Landscape Artist” that creates art with landscaping rather than painting it. SEO is one of many benefits that come when marketing a niche. Standing out in areas of high traffic will bring the numbers that lead to jobs. This way of thinking has led to success in a year where the housing market and the economy are at a record low, remember folks, I am in the business of landscape design and construction (both tied to the housing market and also a luxury item).
In conclusion, as a result of focusing on my niche, I love what I do and I get paid well to do it. It simply doesn’t get better than that.
Shaun Sadree
Sadree Design LLC
6/29/09
