Do you use less equipment now then you did when you started? After all a dead bug is still a dead bug regardless if you killed it with a $1000 dollar actisol machine or with a 40 cent shot of HPX.
Although your equipment is important, a successful route is built on more than just tools. I’ve seen companies with fantastic equipment fail and others who simply use a B&G flourish. So while your implements are valuable and have their place, what is it exactly that makes for a successful route? A steady business?
Over time I have learned a few truths about my service that have stood the test of time and helped me weather many a storm. I have written on these truths before & I invite you to follow the blue links for further explanation. For me, learning these lessons came the hard way but I’ve seen them come to pass so many times that they now guide most of what I do. I hope they will be an asset to you as well.
Something you have to learn early is that every account has a life. Some will last decades while others cancel in days. It doesn’t matter if it’s your best friend, your grandma or a complete stranger you barely see. One day that account will cancel and you’ll be left with the sting that the question ‘why’ always brings. Knowing this doesn’t make the pain any less, but if you know this truth ahead of time, you’re more likely to treasure your account which almost always buys you more time.
No Flashlight Is Bright Enough
No matter what size flashlight you carry, the customer will always point you to the light switch. This should clue you in that your client wants your full attention during their job. They are interested in a complete work and a safe application. They might not say it in any others words but that’s what they mean when they call from the kitchen. “The light switch is on the left.”
Pest Control Is A Complaint Business
For sensitive people this can take years to embrace. You can’t take it personal when people criticize the results of your work. Besides the fact that insects creep most people out, we live in a ‘instant gratification’ era. Negative comments often get down the personal level and it can be very hard to brush them off. Take what is valid and learn but disregard the rest. It will eat you up if you let it.
You Perform A Valuable Service
Do you think other parts of the world are as well off as we? If they don’t have pest control then the answer is no! Your know how, your skill and your service is a vital cog in the well being of your friends, neighbors and communities all across the land. Insects and vermin do untold damages to our food and homes on a daily basis. These relentless beasts would stop at nothing devouring everything in their path. The pest control industry & more importantly, ‘you’, are the only thing standing in their way. You safeguard the well being of those you serve.
You Contribute To The Industry
This last one isn’t a universal truth so much as it is a fact. If you found this website then I’m inclined to think that you want to expand your knowledge but more importantly have something to share. I’d love to hear a truth that you adhere to or maybe why one I’ve listed is or isn’t something you agree with. After all, I didn’t think up these things on my own but had the voice of others who shared their wisdom with me.
If you’d like, take a minute and comment below or perhaps in one of the articles I’ve linked to. I’d love to add to my list and I look forward to learning something new each and everyday, and I hope that’s also, a universal truth.
