Being,Pro,the,Service,Business business, insurance Being a Pro in the Service Business: Uniforms - Imag

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Being a Pro in the Service Business:Uniforms - Image & PerceptionsArticle by Jack StoneCopyright © 2003 by ProGardenBizProGardenBiz, an online magazinehttp://www.progardenbiz.comThe time has come for all faded jeans to pass. For all torn teeshirts to seek the shortest path to the rag barrel. The time hascome for UNIFORMS!What work does your company do? Irrigation and sprinklerinstallation, landscape contractor, lawn maintenance,interiorscape plant care, nursery and growing grounds,waterscape, landscape design? These all have one common element,our customers and how they view us.Many of you have probably noticed the increasing frequency withwhich you see your competitor and his employees wearing somesort of uniform. Whether they are wearing a green tee shirt andjeans or work shirt with company name, employee name, logo andmatching cap and pants, it all boils down to making you looklike a businessman who doesn't really care about the quality ofhis work.It's all a matter of image and perceptions, both by yourcustomers, present and potential, and employees. Landscapers andgardeners who wear uniforms generally get a higher dollar perhour labor rate from their customers than than those who don'twear uniforms or they get more work and sign more contracts thantheir competitors. This alone should be reason enough toconvince you to start wearing some sort of uniform.Uniforms do a variety of things all related to image. They tellyour customer that you are professional, reliable, consistent,and organized. That you have a high sense of self esteem. Thatyou care, because if you care about yourself you'll care aboutthem. That you can be trusted, because you or your employeesdon't look like burglars. People who look like they know whatthey are doing are treated with respect. Uniforms separate youfrom your competition. They become an important sales tool aspart of the concept of "first impressions".Uniforms also contribute to your employees sense of pride, ofbelonging to "the team". It reduces their clothing expenses,thus a uniform becomes a pay raise! Some contractors even haveslight variations in the uniforms of the various crews workingat large residential communities or their landscaping andmaintenance departments to promote a healthy sense ofcompetition.Other considerations are that many government agencies requirecontractor employees be readily identifiable when working onpublic or government property. With increasing frequencyhomeowner associations and property management companies arerequiring uniforms.What uniform is right for you? Before you can answer thatquestion there are a few things you need to know. Uniforms comein a variety of forms. You can choose from tee shirts, workshirts (long and short sleeve), pants, shorts, caps, jackets,windbreakers, coveralls, vests, belts, socks, shoes, and gloves.The quality of the material is also important. Are you going toprovide a summer as well as winter uniform? Remember, the"weight" of the fabric of shirts and pants can vary. Is thecompany name -going to be silk screened on or are you going touse patches? Each employee should have a clean shirt for eachday they work. Can your employees be counted on to launder youruniforms properly? Many companies that make uniforms have mensand womens styles, but not all.Most landscapers and gardeners who wear uniforms or provide themto their employees choose tee shirts with the company logo silkscreened on the back. This is the least expensive of youroptions, especially if you have a high rate of turnover or lotsof seasonal work. The short sleeved work shirt with companyname, logo and employee name is the preferred option. A wellmade work shirt can last for years especially if its launderedproperly and isn't abused.Making the Uniform WorkTo make your uniform do what its supposed to do you shoulddevise a dress code. A dress code is an understanding betweenyou and your employees as to what you expect them to look likewhile on the job. For example, on hot days your employees shouldnot be allowed to remove their shirts. Half naked gardenersrunning around a condominium community do not make a goodimpression. That uniform shirt draped on- a shrub or tied arounda lawn mower handle does you no good. Besides, its actuallycooler to wear a shirt. Sweat accumulates on the shirt insteadof evaporating completely away thus keeping the skin coolerlonger. When using power equipment while mowing, edging, using aweed whip or any other equipment they should wear pants. No capsunless they are the company cap. Hair should be clean and neat.Long hair should be tied back. Beards should be trimmed neatly.No smoking except on breaks and lunch. As you can see there aremany considerations that should go into a "dress code".Whether you work in the garden, do grounds maintenance,irrigation repair or lawn care you need to compete effectivelyin the marketplace. Uniforms will enhance your business and arefor everyone in every aspect of the Green Industry.Uniforms and a combined dress code will add professionalism toyour business. It will bring you more clients, create a betterwork atmosphere, and help you to make more profits. And that'swhy we are in business.__________________________________________About the Author:Jack Stone is a Contributing Editor for ProGardenBiz Magazine,an online magazine for professional gardeners and landscapecontractors. Visit ProGardenBiz to find out how you can get afree subscription, start-up guidance, business ideas andinspiration at http://www.progardenbiz.com.__________________________________________You have permission to publish this article electronically orin print, free of charge, as long as the bylines and active URLare included. A courtesy copy of your publication or location oflink would be appreciated.