Total Landscape Care

breaking ground Time to Socialize How to use the Internet's advancements to your benefit Lauren He artsill Dow dle Editor-At-La rge W ith the recession continuing to cast a dark cloud over how many of us view our country's economy, it was refreshing to be reminded of what all we have actually accomplished. Business magnate Bill Gates offered a unique perspective on the United States' progress in the past few decades on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria Global Public Square." Topping his list of forgotten strengths are our advances in technology, including the vast capabilities of the Internet. "Innovations have been underestimated today more than any time in history," Gates says. "Through innovation, life is getting better at a really amazing rate." And one of the Internet's fast-growing resources is social media. The public can follow the news with updates from Twitter, discover design ideas from project photos on Pinterest and Houzz, read industry blogs on landscapers' websites, watch how-to videos on YouTube and network on Facebook. But if you're still holding on to advertisement flyers and "Old Media" marketing to bring in customers, take a look at these numbers from Landscape Leadership (landscape of social-media users create personal reviews leadership.com). Of Internet users older than 15, 82 percent of them use social-networking sites. Users spend one out of on products/services every five minutes online using a social-networking site. When potential clients search for a reliable contractor for their next project, they visit Angie's List, read comments on Facebook and look at project photos in your online galleries. If they don't find your business, they will surely spot your competitors. So, now is the time to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer and beef up your social-media marketing efforts. For tips, read our Business Bests article on page 19. 60% M A R C H 2013 TLC0313_EdNote.indd 9 Tota lLa nd s c a p e C a re . c o m 9 2/21/13 4:36 PM

• Cover
• Cover Story: Plant Trends for 2013: Find new varieties for your planting projects .
• Business Bests: Jump on the Social Media Band Wagon- 5 ways to market your business and connect with customers.
• Equipment Matters: Cut Back on Down Time: Enhance the life of your mower with these maintenance tips.
• Breaking Ground: Time to Socialize: Use the Internet advancements to your benefit.
• Editors Picks: Make your workday a little easier with these new products.
• Safety Watch: Chainsaw Kickback: Keep both hands on this hand-held machine.
• Landscaper of the Year Finalist: Quick Learning Curve: At a young, Michael McAfee establishes his commercial landscaping services as a thriving business.
• Chemical Care: Lights Out for Mole Crickets: Methods for controlling these Coastal Plain pests.
• Featured: Product Section: Lawn Maintenance- Equipment and products to keep the lawn looking its best year round.
• Portfolio: Crystal-Clear View: Homeowners can enjoy the view of this hardscape project from afar.