How to Start a Landscaping Business "RIGHT NOW" With NO Startup Money. Keith Kalfas from the Landscaping Employee Trap YouTube Channel.
In this episode, we dive into the psychological and financial struggles of running a service business, especially when undercharging creates a cycle of stress and low profitability. Keith Kalfas, shares personal strategies for escaping this 'doom loop' by setting boundaries, improving communication, and learning from successful entrepreneurs. We also discuss the value of staying positive, organized, and building a high-performance mindset, supported by strong personal relationships. Plus, stay tuned for upcoming content featuring successful business tours and interviews.
"Break free from the 'doom loop' of undercharging by valuing your work, setting boundaries, and treating each challenge as data rather than a personal failure." Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Avoid the Doom Loop: Undercharging for services can lead to a cycle of low profit, high stress, and client relationships that lack loyalty. Breaking this pattern starts with valuing your work and charging accordingly.
Set Clear Boundaries: Clear communication with clients and setting boundaries are essential to maintaining profitability and avoiding burnout.
Surround Yourself with High-Performers: Learn from successful entrepreneurs, stay organized, and build a high-performance mindset supported by strong relationships to elevate your business and personal resilience.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways
Build Your Website: https://durable.co/ Promo Code: keith30
In this episode, Keith Kelfas offers crucial advice for landscaping business owners facing economic uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of staying strong, learning new skills, and maintaining a positive mindset. Keith shares insights from books like 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and 'Guerrilla Marketing Tactics' to highlight resilience and strategic thinking. He also introduces a new sponsor, Durable.co, showcasing its AI-powered website-building tool tailored for landscaping and lawn care businesses. For a detailed understanding, tune in and get inspired to keep hustling and growing your business.
"If you focus on what you can control, you’ll feel more empowered. Start by spending less time with negative, victim-minded people." Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Stay Resilient and Focus on Self-Improvement: In tough economic times, continue learning new skills and sharpening your saw. Your resilience and hard work will pay off when the market conditions improve.
Control What You Can: Focus on aspects within your control and avoid spending time with negative, cynical people. Surround yourself with successful, high-thinking individuals to stay motivated and inspired.
Utilize AI Tools for Efficiency: Smart tools like Durable.co can help you quickly build professional websites for your business, saving time and resources while maintaining quality.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways
Build Your Website: https://durable.co/ Promo Code: keith30
In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas shares the hardships and unpredictability of the landscaping business, focusing on the importance of resilience and gratitude in the face of challenges. He discusses personal anecdotes and those of others in similar businesses, illustrating how perseverance through difficulties can lead to greater growth. Keith emphasizes learning from mistakes, maintaining faith, and the significance of managing stress and uncertainty.
" The pressure turns you into a diamond, people who don't have any pressure on them sometimes they just become very lazy and lackadaisical and they don't amount to anything. " Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Running a landscaping business is extremely challenging, especially in the first few years. Small business owners face a variety of issues such as negative reviews, unreliable employees, equipment breakdowns, and personal sacrifices.
It's essential to anticipate problems, manage stress, stay positive, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Faith, integrity, and prioritizing family and customers are crucial.
Overall, the message is to stay motivated, work hard, and seek inspiration from others who have succeeded despite difficulties.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways
Build Your Website: https://durable.co/ Promo Code: keith30
In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas interviews Dan Platta, the Home Service CFO and founder of Best Dan Bookkeeping. They discuss key topics such as managing chaos in business, the importance of having the right team, effective organizational strategies, and Dan's journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. The conversation touches on the significance of recruiting top talent, leveraging checklists for operational efficiency, and the biggest lessons learned from past mistakes. Dan also shares his vision for future ventures and insights on balancing business and personal life. Throughout the episode, actionable advice is provided for small business owners aiming to scale and improve their operations.
"Find good mentors and learn from their mistakes" Dan Platta
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Revenue Achievement and Service Diversification:
Importance of Support Systems:
Organizational Strategies:
Recruitment and Quality of Employees:
Influential Books:
Facing and Overcoming Fears:
Mentorship and Learning from Others:
Prioritizing Customer and Employee Satisfaction:
Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG):
Handling Mistakes:
Understanding and Leveraging Financial Data:
Connect with Dan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-platta-30736b31
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways
Build Your Website: https://durable.co/ Promo Code: keith30
Join us as we dive deep with David Carroll, founder of Dope Marketing, who shares his inspiring journey of building a multimillion-dollar service business in window cleaning, pressure washing, and soft washing before transitioning into his dream venture, Dope Marketing. Discover the secrets behind his success, automation of service businesses, and how he balanced his family's priorities. Learn about the importance of personal health, making life-changing decisions, and maintaining happiness amidst the hustle. Don't miss out on this insightful interview packed with valuable lessons on business, life, and personal growth!
"Think of the last three times that you worried yourself to a point that no one could really talk you out of it. Remember that feeling? How do you feel today? It was nothing." David Carroll
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Automating and systematizing a business ensures it can run smoothly without constant involvement from the owner. Letting go of control and trusting the team reduces unnecessary stress and allows for better focus on what can be influenced. Understanding business cycles, maintaining consistent marketing efforts, and planning ahead for busy and slow periods are key to sustaining steady growth. Personal accountability and self-improvement are essential, with learning from mistakes and prioritizing well-being being critical for long-term success.
Achieving balance in life is also vital, with family and personal health prioritized over work. Empowering employees and trusting them to make decisions without micromanagement leads to more efficient operations. Additionally, having a clear vision and regularly revisiting the original goals and purpose helps stay motivated and keep the business on track.
Connect with David
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopemarketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davedopemarketing/ Website: dopemarketing.com
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways
In this episode, Keith shares invaluable insights from a decade-long experience serving 5,000 clients in a landscaping business. He discusses the challenges and strategies to make the business more manageable and enjoyable. Key topics include the importance of consuming industry-specific knowledge through audiobooks and podcasts, avoiding unrelated distractions, and systemizing tasks. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, simplifying services, and maintaining a clear separation between personal and business life. Real-world advice on facing and learning from mistakes, setting clear boundaries, and investing in coaching programs for faster growth are provided to help landscaping business owners succeed.
" And when you make these mistakes in your landscaping business, don't resist them and stick your head in the sand, take full responsibility, fall on your sword and eat the mistake, no matter how painful it is and eat it right. That way you'll learn. Through pain and suffering. And then that's how you get better."
- Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways
In this episode, Keith shares valuable insights for small business owners, particularly in the window cleaning industry. The discussion delves into overcoming anxieties associated with running a service business by implementing a thorough follow-up process similar to a 21-step system used by larger companies. Keith emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, the 'one and done' method for task completion, and the benefits of using software like Jobber for systematization. Additionally, it highlights the need for small business owners to simplify their services, raise prices, and potentially hire employees and virtual receptionists to handle administrative tasks. Real-world examples, such as receiving tips and raising prices, are provided to illustrate these strategies.
"The moment your business changes and you wake up and it starts to become successful is when you realize that your business isn't your whole life and you stop stressing about your business and making it this big, stupid, and stressful thing."
- Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Success often begins once you stop seeing your business as your entire life.
Reducing stress and not overburdening yourself with work can positively impact your business.
Recognizing and addressing the stressors in your business is essential for growth and success.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Keith reflects on the importance of maintaining faith and gratitude both during challenging and prosperous times. He shares personal counseling experiences, emphasizing the need for unwavering belief and commitment to God. Keith discusses how people often turn to God only in dire situations and neglect their faith once the crisis passes, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Israel and Judah. He advises viewers to surround themselves with positive influences, seek true spiritual growth, and use social media wisely to reinforce their faith.
"Shared laughter amplifies joy, turning even life's challenges into moments of happiness."
- Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Praise Consistently: Emphasizes the importance of praising God not only in times of need but also when times are good.
Consistent and Committed Faith: Highlights the need for a consistent relationship with God, avoiding lukewarm beliefs and striving to remain steadfast in faith.
Positive and Supportive Community: Encourages surrounding oneself with positive, faithful friends and engaging with spiritually uplifting content.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
In this compelling episode, Keith Kalfas shares twelve critical tips that have profoundly impacted his life and the lives of many men. He emphasizes the importance of personal accountability, self-improvement, and resilience. Key points include understanding that no one cares about your struggles, realizing that no one will solve your problems for you, the necessity of avoiding repetitive mistakes, fully committing to your work, taking time to unplug, and the critical role of coaching and creating systems. He also discusses the value of financial planning, the importance of hiring help, the need to build multiple income streams, and the ultimate realization that growth requires proactive change. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Keith offers guidance for overcoming life's challenges and achieving success.
"The success that you are looking for lies in the hard work that you've been avoiding."
- Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
In this heartfelt reflection, Keith shares an intimate moment of overwhelming love and gratitude towards his wife, realizing the depth of his feelings when confronted with thoughts of loss. He narrates experiences highlighting their bond, from a panic attack at a 'Beauty and the Beast' movie to learning valuable life lessons about trust and commitment. The episode delves into his journey of appreciating his wife’s constant efforts and navigating through arguments, ultimately emphasizing the significance of unconditional love and commitment in a relationship. A raw and emotional exploration of love, trust, and responsibility.
"Without love, It's destitute you have nothing"
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
Appreciation for Loved Ones: Recognize and cherish the presence of loved ones, and don’t take them for granted.
Unconditional Love: Experiences of deep unfettered love and connection as moments to treasure.
Balancing Priorities: Learn to balance work and personal life, making time for loved ones over professional demands.
Sacrifices for Happiness: Sometimes endure personal discomfort to make our loved ones happy.
Addressing Flaws: Acknowledge and work on personal shortcomings for the sake of harmony in relationships.
Commitment: Fully commit to the relationship without thoughts of backing out, creating stability and trust.
Mature Dispute Resolution: Handle disputes directly and maturely, demonstrating reliability and strength.
Responsibility: Take full responsibility for any mistakes, offering sincere apologies and avoiding future errors.
Growth through Vulnerability**: Embrace openness and vulnerability to strengthen your bond.
Personal Improvement: Enhance personal habits and appearance as a gesture of love and consideration.
Trust and Boundaries: Respect boundaries and avoid distrustful actions to maintain a healthy relationship.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
Keith Kalfas reflects on his experience in the window cleaning business, sharing how trusted customers fired him after they raised their prices despite years of service. This realization led them to advise others to seek out clients who value their worth, rather than complaining about existing customers. This episode underscores the importance of finding clients willing to pay fair prices and hints at applying this lesson to the landscaping business, emphasizing a new pricing minimum.
"Go find customers who can pay what you're worth."
- Keith Kalfas
Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways
You may have long-term customers who seem to care about you, but this doesn’t always translate to them valuing the worth of your services. When the time comes to increase your prices to match or even come close to the industry standard, some clients may choose to leave instead of paying the increased price.
Instead of lamenting over clients who refuse to pay what you’re worth, the focus should be on finding new customers who can and will pay for your services at your desired rate. It's crucial to proactively seek out and secure customers who understand and can afford your pricing.
The lesson from a landscaping pricing example applies similarly to window cleaning: setting a minimum price threshold can help in maintaining profitability and ensuring that your services are being appropriately compensated. Adjusting to a new pricing model, like the $700 minimum mentioned, although challenging, is necessary for growth and sustainability.
Connect with Keith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas
Resources and Websites:
🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series
Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16
Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs
Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/
Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget
Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone
Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower
Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence
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