Robert Heslip Landscapes
Definitive Landscapes are a hard landscaping company formed recently by the collaboration of Robert Heslip and Merlin Keating. They approached PEC Consulting for advice on how to set up a company and get clients.
Company setup: Worked closely with accountants to create Definitive Landscapes Ltd.
Corporate identity: Designed logo and color schemes for branding the business.
Business administration: Developed software customised to Definitive's business needs. This system is a full ERP system. It tracks clients, manages projects and lists all costs associated with all projects. Workflows were created between the administration and construction functions so that all costs associated with all projects are collected in a timely fashion. Through this administration Definitive are able to meet the project budget to within 10% of quoted price. This enhances Definitive's reputation with its clients and it adds a professionalism to the business that is reassuring to customers who are considering whether or not to spend large amounts of their hard-earned money on landscaping.
Marketing and sales: A website was developed so that clients can view previous developments and form an idea of what Definitive Landscapes can offer them. All existing clients of Robert and Merlin were approached and asked for referals - this proved to be the best form of marketing, as all the clients were more than happy to recommend Definitive's services.
A sales process was refined and agreed upon. This created a workflow from the time of customer first contact to completion feedback. This has allowed Definitive to manage costs more effectively and also to identify when a client is not interested and should be dropped. This process is completely open and is outlined to all clients on first contact.
Web site: The web site is heavily visual and displays pictures of existing work using a simple Flash component which allows for a smoother image browsing experience. A wide range of landscapes is on show online, from very new gardens to fully mature, and where possible "before" and "after" pictures are compared. This allows clients to visualise the benefits of hiring professional landscapers. Clients must first give permission for their garden to be displayed online.