Thanks Sheila.
Of course I'm not gonna be fool enough to take on too many clients...aka bosses.
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/rolleyes.gif)
My partner and I plan on being quite exclusive, we already have a list of clients who would like me to design a garden/landscape/pond for them. Plus I will be getting involved with designing a relaxation 'zen' garden at an oncology office/complex. Plus I have been asked to help set up garden shows. I am already doing a LOT of consultations, freelance.
![Cool 8)](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/cool.gif)
(which would keep me in business even if I didn't have my regular job) Doesn't seem like 'bosses' to me at all. Most people just say, 'OK...OK, I want this, I want,' that when looking through my garden idea/design album-portfolio.
It's just time for me to move on. Since my boss died over 2 years ago from pancreatic cancer, it just hasn't been the same. I've given the new owners a lot of time to get through the transition....but it's not looking good...no one will ever be like Frank to me. No one will ever work as hard as Frank did, or put so much back into the business, or make me feel like an equal, intelligent partner. He was not sexist towards me in any way. What I have been seeing for over 2 years makes me very insecure about the future of the company. I feel like I am on a sinking ship. Not enough money is going back into the business. Too many 'toys' are being bought, and too much 'playing' is going on.
![no :no:](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/no.gif)
Sexism...don't get me started.
![nono {nono}](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/nono.gif)
In this day and age, a LOT can be said about customer service. It is what keeps smart businesses thriving-successful. Get snotty, or nasty with customers (-anybody-) and you will lose respect, lose customers, and eventually lose your business, except to those who don't know any better.
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/rolleyes.gif)
And then sooner or later (usually sooner) they will know better. Thanks goodness for some companies, new groups of 'those-who-don't-know-any-better' keep on coming along, otherwise they'd go out of business.
![Tongue :P](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/tongue.gif)
My reputation has spread not only because of my skills, but because I go above and beyond the call of duty with each and every customer. I listen to them VERY carefully, and remember each and every item on their wish list. They get what they ask for, and more. I follow up, visit at least once a season, and keep in contact via emails, phone calls, etc to insure that each customer knows I care, before, during and after the job. I make each customer a photo album, and keep them updated when needed. Word of mouth gets around fast and people don't mind paying a bit more. Cuz you get what you pay for.
![Yes (8:-)](https://www.worldwidewatergardeners.org/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/yes.gif)