Would you get a root canal from someone without a dental license? Probably not. Would you take your family pet to a veterinarian without an education in animal care? Probably not.

Many people feel the same way about their landscape and irrigation needs. They’re more likely to hire an irrigation or landscape contractor who has the documented education to back up their skills.

While taking the time and spending the money on certifications and licenses for yourself and your team require precious time and resources, here are four benefits that make it worthwhile.

Show off your skills to customers

Referring back to the dentist and veterinarian metaphors, no matter how many years of experience you and your team have, having documented certification demonstrates to customers that you know your stuff. A certification or license is proof of your expertise.

While customer testimonials and a solid reputation are important in this industry, having the education to back it up makes you that much more marketable to customers.

Highlight your certifications on your website or social media profiles by saying something like “Certified irrigation and/or landscape professionals,” so customers and prospects can easily see your certifications.

[box]Here are a few organizations where you can get your certifications:

• Arizona Landscape Contractors Association
• California Landscape Contractors Association
• Department of Agriculture
• International Society of Arboriculture
• Irrigation Association
• Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System
• North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board
• Oregon Landscape Contractors Board
• Sports Turf Managers Association[/box]

Build your skills to offer more services

You might already know everything you need to about installing drip irrigation, but do you know how to run wire for landscape lighting? Or how to build a backyard kitchen? Taking Ewing Education classes can help you develop new skills and services to offer customers.

Knowing a variety of skills can help you get more work. If you’re installing irrigation for a residential or commercial customer, let them know you can also help them with lighting installations or pest control services, for example. Your customer might not need those services at that time, but they will know they can reach out to you when they are in need of them or they can refer a neighbor or partner business to you in need of any of the services you provide.

Stay up to date on new technology and trends

At Ewing, our education instructors are up-to-date on the latest trends and technology in the industry and can effectively share their knowledge and teach the skills industry professionals need to know.

By staying in the know on trends and technology, you will be able to talk to your customers with confidence if they ask about a new irrigation controller or lighting trend. Or, you can also proactively inform them of new trends and technology to position yourself as the expert you are.

Get a leg up on your competition

Regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry, being a certified irrigation or landscape professional will give you a leg up on your competition.

By building your skills, developing more service offerings and staying up to date on the newest trends and technology, customers will likely look to you—instead of your competition—for expert advice about their homes or commercial landscapes.

So, stand out from the crowd and sign up for an Ewing Education course in your area at EwingEducationServices.com.