Landscape Designers and Builders Learn There's More to Growth than Sunshine and Water

Seattle, WA, March 2007 – The Washington Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) presents “Learn How to Grow Your Business.” At this marketing seminar on April 12 and 13, 2007 in Seattle, attendees will learn how to grab their share of the high growth landscaping market in the Pacific Northwest.

In a region that values the outdoors, landscaping professionals are in big demand. Driven by the construction boom, many households have two full-time workers, so it’s no surprise that homeowners have increasingly turned to landscaping services to design, develop and maintain their investments. In fact, U.S. consumers spent a total of $37.9 billion on such services in 2003 – 30 percent more than in 2002, as reported by the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA).

With plenty of business to go around, getting new customers should be no problem. However, the vast majority of companies are small with annual revenue under $2 million, suggests a First Research report in 2007. Washington State alone has over 2,000 establishments, according to a Report to the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory done in 2005.

The ANLA states that more than 67 percent of consumers say the first thing they look for is good references and a good reputation.

“A good reputation is a great start, but if few people know about it, it’s not going to bring in much business,” advises Robbin Block of Blockbeta Marketing, a presenter at the seminar. “Most businesses wait for word of mouth to spread, but marketing can amplify the message to reach a wider audience.”
The seminar will cover aspects of marketing pertinent to landscape designers and builders, including understanding buyers, differentiating services, effective branding, website development and promotion, and increasing referrals. A panel of industry business owners will offer insights into their success.

The seminar will be held April 12th from 8:30am – 4:00pm and April 13th from 8:30am – 2:30pm at the Center for Urban Horticulture, NHS Hall, 3501 NE 41st Street in Seattle. Attendees may sign up for one or both days. The cost is $245 per person for both days, with a 10% early registration discount before March 23, 2007. Visit www.apldwa.org for more information.

About the APLD:

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers is an international organization representing over 1,200 members around the world. Its goal is to advance landscape design as an independent profession and to promote the recognition of landscape designers as highly qualified, dedicated professionals. For more information about the Washington APLD or certification, visit www.apldwa.org.

About Robbin Block:

Robbin Block offers small business advice and instruction through her consulting firm, Blockbeta Marketing. Her insightful and energetic style is contagious. She's taught at universities, consulted and worked for companies of all sizes, and counseled hundreds of small businesses from startup and beyond. Her specialty is innovative, mobile and Internet business models. For more information, visit www.blockbeta.com or call (206) 335-5929.

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