John Roberts

I can understand why tags might be need in densely planted areas but why are tags still used in parks and the like when you could just map them? Also why are metal tags still used when you can get paper mad from recycled plastic bags that you can print on and which are water proof rip proof etc? Doesn't seem very green to me?

There are potentially a few problems here but the two most common ones are. Disk garbage and browser fill. So first run a scan disk and then a defrag. You will find both of these in windows tools. Then clear all the temporary files off your computer form the explorer temp folder. Also make sure you don't have too many plugins or cookies. Also issue you need to look at what programmes area trying to access the internet appart from your browser. Finally if you area running less than Explorer 8 time to upgrade.

We are looking for individuals outside of the UK to help promote our apps for arboriculture, landscaping and farming. We offer full training and % of sales commission.For more detais email John Roberts [email protected]

I had this idea on the train last night but didn't get to post it. We have a free Android Phone App, Cloud1 Tree Survey, which you can use as business analysis/marketing tool. It would work like this. 1) You can enter all your customer details, and what work you did there and how much you made. This can then be mapped out so that you can find out where your most productive areas are, what your customer demographic is etc. When you go back to the same area you can tell old customers you are about and try to get repeat work (you might be able to offer a discount due to reduced fuel costs etc). Also you can cross check to make sure you are charging similar prices in the same area in case they talk to each other. 2) You can target your productive areas with a leaflet drop, telling them you are well known in the area, satisfied customers etc. You can map this out as a route on your phone but then keep details of who replied, etc (also use the mapping function to check they have trees, is it worth doing a drop to people who have no trees in their back garden). There is probably lots of variations on this theme as well.

Its also about maximising output. I am on a train the work for the day is done I could listen to Perry Como on the MP3 or I can spread some love with you guys, and show off my business skills.That way when you area successful and need help you know where to come. It works both ways the guy I use is someone I discovered on Arbtalk.

To be honest its not ticket science its just about finding that USP you all have them so shout about them and play to them if you tell people long enough and hard enough what they area they will remember them.

Actually another thing he did was get himself CRB checked an advertised that to all theOAPs in our area they all only use him now he charges them less but he has good work volumes.

Get all your customer names and addresses on a contact database, then print them on labels then it looks like personal mail not junk. You can then offer extras like tree or large shrub planting. With some pretty pictures of a 'tree of the month' fruit tree pruning can be a good sideline (most people like me don't have a clue what to do) I pay someone to do mine same with hedge cutting. My guy does an OAP hedge service and makes a good deal in tips.

First work out your target market/customer base, then develop a strategy to contact them (at home, at work, during leasure periods). Make sure all contact is professional but above all don't forget your USP. The follow up. Why didn't you get the job, is it too late for a counter offer, is there more work in the offing, remember me when it goes t-up. But above all don't stop trying and listen to your customers.

The iPhone version of Cloud1 Tree Survey will be out soon or just upgrade to an Android tablet.

Re the CAD we are looking at a few at the moment, most of the free ones are aimed at tech drawing rather than landscape. SO will get back to you. The app we have is Cloud1 Survey and is free for android phones and runs on 2.1 and upwards. You can now (as of today) export data as a csv file so it will import to excel or open office calc, and CAD. The app at the moment allows you to import a CAD plan as a png file, create a layer that you can export as a data layer to a CAD program. But we are working with a CAD programmer to get a CAD import/export system that includes the plan. Not necessary but easier if you are not computer savy. Must go back to Brisbane and get weed on by a Koala again.

You do need broadband though for excel in particular.

Actually if we are being pedantic it is run by Apache Software Foundation, but since most of these people are the old people from Sun everyone just calls them Sun, same with the Java team which is why OO Macros have migrated to Java. Much better than VBA anyway. If you really test LibreOffice there are some bugs in it but having said that if you really test MS Office you get the same thing. Also LibreOffice has been further down the line, so take your pick really.

Christopher wants to improve the robustness of CAVAT by creating a CAVAT database, and it is something the LTOA and others are keen to see as well. We are going to create this for free but we need to know how many people are using CAVAT and ultimately we would need access to existing CAVAT survey data. This will help us scope out the exercise and look at how best to approach it. I don't want to tie up space here with individual discussions since the size and extent of each persons surveying will be different, hence the request to email me. In addition I would end up having to copy others in at HowBig, where as if poeple e-mail me I can just hit one button, so more efficent use of time, which since we are doing this for free is better at our end.