Reflections on 14 Years of Landscaping: One Thing I’d Do Differently

In this week's podcast, I reflect on the past 14 years of running a landscaping business and share one big thing I’d do differently if I could go back. Running a business is full of ups and downs, and looking back, there’s always something you wish you had handled differently, isn’t there?

Aura Landscapes started as a small dream and grew into an award-winning business. Over the years, we’ve transformed countless outdoor spaces, and I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined when I first started. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though. In fact, there were some tough lessons along the way, and I’ve realised that one of the biggest improvements I could’ve made early on was putting systems and processes in place right from the start.

The one thing I’d do differently? I’d have put systems in place from day one. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the right processes and structure from the start. In those early days, we were winging it, and while it worked to an extent, it led to a lot of unnecessary stress and firefighting. If I had the knowledge I have now, I would have spent more time building a solid foundation with clear systems to manage everything from client enquiries to project execution.

Another thing I touch on is the power of understanding your numbers. Financials are the backbone of any business, but in the early years, I wasn’t as on top of it as I should have been. Cash flow forecasting, pricing correctly, and making data-driven decisions can make or break a business. I share how we eventually turned things around, but it would have been far smoother if I’d focused on this from the get-go.

And that’s not all—having the right team around you is absolutely key. In the early days, I was trying to do it all myself. But as the business grew, it became clear that I needed the right people in the right roles. Finding and trusting the right team members took time, but it made such a difference. Once you have a solid team who believe in the vision as much as you do, it lightens the load and helps the business move forward more smoothly.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, you’re always evolving, and so is your business. The key is to stay open to change and growth, even if it means admitting that you didn’t get it perfect the first time around.

To wrap things up, I leave you with this: no matter where you are in your journey, remember that it’s never too late to make changes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step back and take stock. What’s the one thing you’d do differently if you could start again? That’s where your next step lies.

The Landscaper’s Coach & Podcast
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