 Todd Davis |
Hello nurserymen and nurserywomen, Mr. Silver Lining here.
Did you know it’s been a year since his last round of fearless, yet remarkably accurate forecasts? Did you know that many who previously mocked his wildly optimistic views have now openly apologized?
Did you know that, for unknown reasons, Mr. Silver Lining continues to refer to himself only in the third person? Did you know he is available for bar mitzvahs?
Yes, 2010 was difficult for some. But let’s open your minds to the following truths, which Mr. Silver Lining finds self evident.
1. The economy will get better.
Didn’t somebody tell you? The recession is over.
But don’t go nuts celebrating. Economists say to expect only a mild increase in the economy in 2011, but that sure beats going the other direction.
And here’s what it means to you: Joe Cul-de-sac will have more money in his pocket, but not tons more. That means no trip to Jamaica, but maybe cash to fix up the backyard.
Watch for landscaper business to increase. Cater to this client base in 2011. The small, owner-operator contractor is your best friend. Treat him nicely.
2. The availability picture will change.
Last year Mr. Silver Lining said the glut would de-gluttify. He just didn’t tell you it would take all year.
But his record stands. By the end of 2010, many people sourcing plant materials came up short. Old haunts were out of product or out of business.
If you weren’t paying attention, this is good news for you. Get the word out that you have material available. Increase your marketing budget. Get your sales staff on the phones.
People still need plants. If you don’t tell them you have product, how will they know?
3. You will grow quality, and it will sell.
Remember when Mr. Silver Lining said to treat contractors nicely? That means stop trying to sell them crap.
(Pardon my language. I just made Mrs. Rose Colored Glasses blush.)
But how many times have you heard this: “Boy, my container shrubs are really overgrown and pot bound. No worries, plenty of landscapers will take them.”
No they won’t. And if they do, they shouldn’t pay more than $1 per gallon, and use them only as screening around landfills, trailer parks or chemical dump sites.
Landscapers like nice plants. Why? Because their customers pay them top dollar to install nice plants.
In 2011 you will sell only high-quality material. And people will pay for it because that’s what they want. You will make money and wonder why you wasted time worrying about 2011.
Mr. Silver Lining guarantees it.
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