Are you ready for 2011? Do you have plans for new trucks, employees or even expansion? Are you excited for what the future holds and is this your year to grab some real market share?
They say pest control is truly a recession proof industry and in my little corner of the world I can see some truth in this. While states, counties and even small towns all across the fruited plain are experiencing the highest unemployment numbers in years, seemingly strong businesses have closed their doors. Thankfully so far pest control is one sector that has survived. While this is comforting to small companies like me, I can assure you my eyes are on the horizon and to be honest I couldn’t tell you if the sun is setting giving way to a long dark night or rising up, in to a glorious morning.
Make Your Plans Now
While the world struggles with its bare cupboards and excessive debts there is all sorts of advice out there. From buying gold and silver to selling everything you can to be as debt free as possible before the impending doom that some predict will arrive. I am neither qualified or smart enough to guide you in any such advice. I will however tell you of something I am doing to ensure that I will be working and providing for my family if the forecasted calamities come to fruition.
Stock Up
Simply put, I am buying an extra case of Suspend or a few more bottles of Delta dust or just whatever every time I go to my distributor. I think you can see my logic here but I’ll explain. IF it all goes to pot and we are in dire straights how do you think the bugs will fare? I’m thinking they will be in more abundance and why not? Even now I have customers cutting back on things like a/c, watering plants and home repairs just to save money. If there ever was any real success in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) it is my opinion it will soon fade since folks won’t be able to do ‘their part’ in keeping their home pest free. Along with this I’m sure some customers who’d have never even thought of canceling their service may do this at that time. This in my mind will give bugs even more of an edge and 
infestations will be on the rise. One thing I know about people and bugs, the two don’t mix and it won’t be long before calls will come in for treatments that they can no longer put off.
You’ll Be Ready
With my simple strategy and your filled shelves, you would be in the position to continue offering your services while perhaps some other companies are struggling. The products will be paid for and you’ll be the most welcomed sight for many a person who finds themselves in great need. You may still need to buy some things of course but having this surplus could really keep you from having extremely high prices that others are charging should inflation be a big problem. (they say it will be) In my humble opinion this puts you in the drivers seat and allows for leverage others won’t have.
Conclusion
I think I mentioned I’m not well educated and for some who read this they have their proof. It’s not a gold buying strategy or a great stock tip that gets you out at the highest point ensuring your future. It is simply a plan that in my opinion will help you to keep the wheels turning in your bug business if the rest of the world comes to a halt. You can’t eat gold just as you can’t eat a sprayer but you can trade the service you know and love for life’s necessities at the time which is at least as valuable as any gold bar. I am not a gloom and doomer by any means but I have definitely lost faith in the men and women who we send to the palaces of DC to watch over what God has given us to steward. History has a way of repeating itself and so for this to even be a possibility is not out of the realm. If I am wrong come back and tell me and 
I’ll happily eat crow. I will remind you however to go look in your stock room and look at all the supplies you have today at yesterdays prices. That in itself may make it worth at least considering. If I am right however, it will come down to one question and one I hope you can answer with a resounding, “ME.”
“Who Will Survive In Pest Controls Near Future?”
