Landscape & Irrigation

June 2014

Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.

Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/316962

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 13 of 35

What Do Clients Really Want? 14 Landscape and Irrigation June 2014 www.landscapeirrigation.com I n the early days of my landscape consulting business, I tended to charge into problem-solving minutes after my arrival on the site, but this was alienating to my cli- ents. I learned that a relaxed conversation needs to take place, one that is strategically designed to get at what my client really wants. Asking the right questions is a hugely important part of that interaction; I pose many questions, but there are three that I find most critical. The first three Qs 1) "What do you want your garden to do for you?" I find out the uppermost three or four things they want their garden to provide: privacy, beauty, a sense of place, food for wildlife, food for humans, invigoration or relaxation, exercise/a garden to tend, increased property value, healing or remembrance, cut flowers, and so on. We horticulturists and landscapers think this way routinely, but our clients may not Client Relations By Michelle Sutton The importance of asking the right questions Below: What do our clients want their gardens to do for them? This garden provides a gentle sense of separation and privacy between neighbors. Photo by Michelle Sutton

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Landscape & Irrigation - June 2014