Frank

Thats the best thing ive read in ages.

No you cant but having a real passion for what you do and the way you conduct yourself contribute massively to getting work. I have got loads of work when I've not even been the cheapest quote. Ive told people to let the cheaper company have the job because I'm not prepared to do it for any cheaper and still had them ring back saying "when can you do it"? Another little thing I find helps is how you answer your phone, first impressions and all that. If you ring my work phone you will be greeted by "Good Morning/Afternoon East Yorkshire Trees" every time.

I would agree. Ring round a few local tree surgeons, offer your services on a saturday, for free if you have to, and get a feel for the job. Then if you want to pursue it then working for an experienced team for a good while is the only way to do it. College and training can only teach you so much, but without some sort of mentor you wont get anywhere.

I listen to TALKSPORT MW1053 when im driving and caught a news bulletin today about information from The Forestry Commission stating that approx 49% of the trees in Great Britain are suffering from Bleeding Kanker and/or Leaf miner. Does anyone have any more info on this?? I know its a big problem but that sounds far fetched. Got a full row of HorseChestnuts to look at 2moro. Council are worried.

Honestly, thank you all for your kind words, Im getting really excited now. I believe its the little things that are gonna change that will make all the difference. Things like saying "my wife"out loud. Answering the phone and have somone ask for MRS SPENCER. gonna take some getting used to.

Its all about knowing who your target clients are, and aiming for them. There are sooo many other ways, but I dont want to give you all my "cheap" tricks, or you may steal work off me, and in effect steal designer clothes from me missus, and that would be bad, believe me. hahaha. one quick tip tho, find out when the local gardening competitions are, speak to the organisers, and donate a prize (not a pair of gloves Steve), i.e a TREE. The people who are involved with these events are always keen gardeners and nature enthusiasts, all of whom probably struggle to keep their larger shrubs/hedges/trees under control. OH thats where you come in. It's easy. Just think outside the box. Why do you advertise in yellow pages? Because everyone else does? because you tried it and found you get most of your work that way? I dont boo-hoo all advertising tho, I just dont feel the need at the moment. If you do, then make sure you set yourself a budget, stick to it, and always ask people where they got your number. That way at the end of the year (advert renewal date) you can summarise how worthwhile it was.

The new spinlock from Buxtons, perfect

Is it daylight at midnight or something in Norway??

I said that before so if its right I must win the gloves. It's my thread that has been hijacked anyway.

As for getting more work and helping the old word of mouth thing along. I think you have to get across your point of being really passionate about what you do.

Hahahaha thats made me chuckle.

Oh and welcome to my new found love aswell ARBTALK

Nothing can prepare you fully. Every tree, every cut, every situation is different from the last. The main thing you need is the enthusiasm that you seem to already hold. Some days the job can feel quite glamorous when you have massive branches swinging round, balanced, lowering perfectly, knowing that you are in control. Customers and passers-by looking up in relative awe. But there is a lot of rough to go with that smooth. 100% commitment is the only way to get anywhere. I dont see my "job" as work. I love it.

Yeah they do a BMI (business management initiative) scheme thing here but it costs like £500 or something to do something you could do for free??

was it something Baby related??

100% Honestly the first job i got from doing this sort of thing was a £300 hedge reduction. the second job was a £1400 Beech removal. And even if a couple of rounds cos me £20 quid that still only works out as about 1.1% of the money in the jobs. You spend £2000 on a flashy advert you really have to make some money to cover that. Me, I would've been in the local anyway.

Networking is NOT only about working alongside other Arborists to help each other out. Networking is getting contacts all over the country in all different sectors and industries. Network yourself and you business properley and you could have work coming from Golf Clubs, Country Estates, Building Contractors, Local Landscapers and Gardeners, all without spending a penny on actual advertising. Example. Every once in a while after a long hard day on a friday. dont go down your local where every one knows you. Pick a pub in a particlarly posh and expensive area, usually find one where all the big TPO'd trees are (haha). Walk in sweaty, covered in saw dust so you really look out of place, order your drink and look around. Everyone else in that pub will probablybe in a suit have just come from an office in a Mercedes (not a Unimog), or BMW or AUDI etc. they will also probably be going home to a 5 bedroom house with big driveway, large gardens and at least a conifer hedge if not a couple of large Sycamores etc etc. These people are now your prospective customers. So you although you look out of place you do want to look proffesional. Matching embroided polo shirts, same chainsaw trousers etc with 3 of you can look very good. Have a couple of drinks (dont have to be alcohol), and make sure you get noticed without being to brash. Next time you go to the bar, you will be surprised how many times you get " Are you a tree surgeon mate", Or " have you got a business card to hand, Ive got a few trees". Simple "tactics" go a long way to promoting yourself and your business, Ive done this in a few different pubs in the last few years and its scary how easy it is to network in these sorts of places.

Never had a problem with any type of pops. In fact I quite like working in them. Dont like the sharp points on the buds tho

I'm getting married on 16th august, getting close now and was wondering how its gonna change me, my life, and my relationship?? if at all?? Been together nearly 8 years and have a 7 year old son.?? so cant see much chainging. Any words of wisdom??

Networking is the way to push your business forward. and mostly, its free. Network in the right places with the right people and you wont ever need to advertise, cos the network will do it for you.

I honestly thought that was just me.

Never said I was proud of it.

Simple advice really, always go for best you can afford. I'd say hard tail definatley. Try before you buy is normally best, and feel the weight, lighter the better.

couldve gone higher with that.

Been listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival for ages now, still not bored. Oh and Seasick Steve.