Manage your time efficiently How can you give your accounts the attention they deserve when you're always busy? Is it possible to even do a good job and still get everything done in time? Surely there's a better way to manage your time and not feel stressed. Someone once said, “We all have the [...]
Always listen to your customer's concerns As an interior plant technician, you never know what question or problem will be thrown your way next. In order to survive, you need to think fast. You need to be able to respond to even the most difficult customer complaints in a way that not only addresses [...]
Being late, whether to work, a meeting or a visit to a client's account, implies disinterest, laziness and a lack of reliability. If you keep people waiting, you have one strike against you before you ever open your mouth. In some cases, that one strike will be enough to kill your chance to get a promotion [...]
When people ask, "What do you do?", how do you respond? Do you say, "1 water plants" or do you go into a long explanation describing your many tasks? Just as medical technicians have job titles (radiologist for x-ray technician, or phlebotomist for the person who draws blood), plant care technicians also need titles to describe [...]
The Teamwork Challenge Most interiorscape technicians spend their day working by themselves. If your work style is similar, then you work with out constant supervision and rely on your own horticultural skills to get the job done. When you’re on your own, independence and self-reliance are critical skills. But when you’re assigned to a team, these [...]
Some days, the difficulties of being in a customer service profession, like plantscaping can be overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like we can't ever fully satisfy our clients' needs. There are days when it can feel like each customer has too many plant problems and picky complaints that they all want to be solved NOW. You know [...]
Someone once told me that great managers treat their employees as they would their best customer. I have found this to be a concept that works well for everyone involved. Loyal dedicated employees are a company's greatest asset. Who better to promote your company to your clients than one directly associated with its workings and ideals? [...]
You know the feeling. After weeks of holiday glitz, (Garland, wreaths and poinsettias everywhere) all of a sudden nothing. Back to the same old plants and that same old look. Everything looks so dull and plain. Holiday decorations have been removed and the glitter, sparkle and shine is gone. Right? Not if you have started your [...]
Some folks believe that more of anything is better. A bigger TV screen has its advantages. A larger car conveys status. More tools make a better workshop. Having more clothes makes some people feel better. More detergent—better? More fertilizer, more water, more pruning, more vitamins—all better? Our list of “more is better” things can be extensive. [...]
You remembered to bring the replacement plant for the reception area. It's a perfect plant and will look wonderful in the decorative container. You got it all cleaned up back at the shop, wrapped it up so it wouldn't get cold damage and loaded it gently in your van. Arriving at the account you carefully get [...]
