Landscape Lighting Secrets Blog

With over 14 years of experience in the landscape lighting industry, Ryan Lee reveals the secrets behind his success growing and exiting a multi million dollar landscape lighting company.

Surviving a Recession: The B-1-REF-REF Framework for Success

Surviving a Recession: The B-1-REF-REF Framework for Success

August 20, 20242 min read

"Surviving a Recession: The B-1-REF-REF Framework for Success"

When my wife Lindsey asked me, “What if we go into a recession? Are we gonna be ok?” it struck a chord that many of us might be feeling these days. Uncertainty looms, and the fear of a downturn can be paralyzing. But instead of letting anxiety take over, it’s essential to focus on what we can control.

If you or someone close to you is asking, “What if we go into a recession? Are we going to be ok?” I’ve got some steps that can help you not just survive but thrive.

Step 1: Don’t Watch the News
The constant flood of negative news can easily derail your focus. The best way to stay productive is to avoid the news altogether.

Step 2: See Step 1
Seriously, this is important enough to repeat. Limit your exposure to fear-mongering and focus on what truly matters.

Step 3: Join a Community
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can offer support, share ideas, and help you stay motivated. There’s strength in numbers.

Step 4: Implement B-1-REF-REF
This is my new framework, designed to help you gain momentum, improve leads, and stay resilient during tough times. Here’s how it works:

B - Belief:
Believe in the difference between merely selling and truly changing lives. Whether it’s lighting or another product, if you believe in the value you provide, your sales will soar. Remember, whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.

1 - Power of 1 More:
Focus on getting just one more job each week. What small improvements can you make to secure that extra job? Over 40 weeks, that’s $400k! You might not have a lead problem but a sales problem. Analyze your process and make the necessary tweaks.

REF - Referrals:
How often are you asking for referrals? Do it before, during, and after the sale, as well as during and after the installation. Referrals are a goldmine.

REF - Referral Partners:
Who has access to your ideal clients? Identify and connect with them. Building strong referral partnerships can significantly boost your business.

Why B-1-REF-REF Works
These steps don’t require additional funds—just your focus and commitment. How hardcore are you willing to be with these strategies? You can’t complain about your environment until you’ve mastered the controllables, and B-1-REF-REF is all about controlling the controllables.

If you’re constantly distracted by chasing clients, following up with disinterested leads, or putting out fires in your business, you won’t have time to focus on what truly matters. Eliminate the distractions and put your energy into the B-1-REF-REF framework.

So, when someone asks you, “Are you going to be ok during a recession?” You can confidently reply, “Yea, B-1-REF-REF!”

-Ryan Lee


# Recession, business strategy, B-1-REF-REF, referrals, sales improvement, mindset, business growth, controlling the controllables #

blog author image

Ryan Lee

Ryan Lee has started and grew a multi-million dollar landscape lighting company in Fort Worth, TX. In 2019 he sold his lighting business and founded the world's only coaching program dedicated to helping other grow their landscape lighting business. He is an expert at helping lighting contractors double their profits by helping them increase their number of qualified leads, close more deals, and increase their price. If you're interested in growing your landscape lighting business or want help adding a lighting division to your business, then reach out and request a free strategy session today.

Back to Blog