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Are you a PWNA member
- Thread starter Dan S
- Start date
Clean County
New Member
Dan S. you just aint no fan of the PWNA and you most likely will never be. We just can't please everybody.
Nope, Just a select few John
I guess that is all that matters.
Keep doing what `ya R doing it seems to help your business.
Every area is different,
I guess If I lived in a bigger town, I too would be a member, so I can get all the Glory I can.
What works for ONE may not work for the other.
I dont need to spend money on dues to make a living.
When I need more work I pound the streets and make some sales calls.
And That can be done with out any "label" on my Business head.
Even if I made up a name of an ORG. It will have no effect on how I land the job.
#3 cheers for every "non member" who has become sucessful in this field without being a member of the PWNA.
We are living proof that it CAN BE DONE.
I guess that is all that matters.
Keep doing what `ya R doing it seems to help your business.
Every area is different,
I guess If I lived in a bigger town, I too would be a member, so I can get all the Glory I can.
What works for ONE may not work for the other.
I dont need to spend money on dues to make a living.
When I need more work I pound the streets and make some sales calls.
And That can be done with out any "label" on my Business head.
Even if I made up a name of an ORG. It will have no effect on how I land the job.
#3 cheers for every "non member" who has become sucessful in this field without being a member of the PWNA.
We are living proof that it CAN BE DONE.
CaroliProWash
New Member
You are right on the money Dan. That is really all it boils down to - You do what works for you as an individual business owner. It has helped us in our community, yes, but there is also a bigger picture I believe. One of the purposes that I see the PWNA filling to some degree at some undefined point in time is, when our lovely government decides to invade our decision making, hopefully the PWNA will be of assistance in determining just how involved they will get. If the membership gets a voice in how things are done and how we self-regulate the industry, maybe Big Brother will continue to leave us alone.
Just a thought.
Celeste
Just a thought.
Celeste
Don Phelps
New Member
As the ol' saying goes, "You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time!"
After over ten years in existence, the org should be much further along than it is.
The poll results say it all.
It's always entertaining to watch and read all the hyped babble about it though.
After over ten years in existence, the org should be much further along than it is.
The poll results say it all.
It's always entertaining to watch and read all the hyped babble about it though.
Clean County
New Member
I don't think that poll means much but I do agree that the PWNA should be much larger then the 500 or so members that we have now.
Being a PWNA member and getting involved with the ORG. I'm surprised that so many can't see the benefits when I benefit so much from it.
Still by far the PWNA is the best Org. for my business. When I make more money from what I'm learning and absorbing from my Fellow PWNA members I will look to join the BOMA org. which is huge. Still this doesn't mean that I won't put in the effort to make the PWNA larger and larger.
Being a PWNA member and getting involved with the ORG. I'm surprised that so many can't see the benefits when I benefit so much from it.
Still by far the PWNA is the best Org. for my business. When I make more money from what I'm learning and absorbing from my Fellow PWNA members I will look to join the BOMA org. which is huge. Still this doesn't mean that I won't put in the effort to make the PWNA larger and larger.
CaroliProWash
New Member
Since I am becoming more blunt with the colder weather - let's just put it this way..... joining the PWNA is simply put, a matter of individual choice. If upon joining, you find a benefit, either personal or professional - WONDERFUL - stay a member and continue doing what works for you! If you don't, don't re-up and move on with whatever makes you happy and if you continue to be successful without it - WONDERFUL. There are very successful and professional contractors both in the member and non-member stats. In the meantime, I will say that the threads that continue making membership or non-membership a controversy do not benefit anyone. If you are a member and speak out about what the PWNA does for you, you'd better have some "in your face" evidence that the PWNA alone is responsible for it if you are going to promote the org like it is the "be all end all" sort of a group. Same for non-members - why continue to demean people that are members because of a personal choice for their business? The PWNA to my knowledge has never HURT anyone so why all of the animosity? Non members feel like members try to downplay professionalism or qualifications. Members feel like non-members try to downplay what they feel the organization may have the potential to do or what it offers them. One thing is clear - until the battle ends, neither the member or the non-member will benefit from the PWNA in the way it is meant to be. It is difficult to form solidarity within a profession when there are two such opposite positions - it's not necessary and when the public reads threads such as this......what do you think they see?
[t]
Celeste
[t]
Celeste
CaroliProWash
New Member
But that's precisely what I'm gettting at - both sides are non-productive. Members talk and non-members shoot it down...or a non-member speaks about something and a member says that the answer is the org, which is not always the answer. What needs to be focused on is what the customer sees.....no one looks professional in a debate that can't end because there is no clear cut right or wrong answer. Either the PWNA helps one's business because of the way they use the tool or it doesn't. The one thing that is clear, at least to me, is that the PWNA doesn't HURT anyone's business or the industry as a whole. It's almost comparable to a choice of products......XYZ's cleaner versus ABC's cleaner. Company A may use XYZ cleaner and get outstanding results. Company B uses ABC cleaner and gets outstanding results. It doesn't mean either company or manufacturer is right or wrong, it just means that industry professionals have choices and we use what works for us.
Celeste
Celeste
True That!
However, some time ago a member was making a plea for new members.............Since then the questions was asked............ What can the pwna do for my business?
How can it make my business grow?
WHere is all the due money going?
and so on ..........................We get all kinds of answer's which seem to conflict the previous one's. So it has been dubbed as a conversation that will never end.
One things leads to another............................. he said she said.
Members drop out dont renew
New members arrive and are full of piss and vinegar..............They also become worn out and become unactive.
Other Non members hold back and see what kind of Org. this is and try to figure out for themselfs why there are only 500 (give or take ) members. They also plug and play at the idea of joining but are some what weiry. They are also carefull with how they spend their money and really wants to know if they decide to join what do they get?
Also, They wonder why all those 500 members there are only 5-6 that speak out and at least offer an attempt to explain their wonderfull Org.
If The pwna was really that helpfull why then cant they offer more for your business?
Lets say something goes wrong and you need help................ Okay 500 members and only 6 of them are really helpfull .................That to me does not sound like a group that is faithful in reaching out to really help your business grow. Just the select few!!
Celeste, you are a very professional lady. I admire your post , they are very informative. However I doubt that this will ever end unless there would be such an out pouring of membership. And a statement stating What /How can by joining this elite group can it effect my business....................... We are sick of the replys from some who state........................... It's what you take out of this Org. That makes you succeed. We grow tired of listeing to the same old statements of how by joining ...you then are on your own. B/C it's what you take out of the Org. Not What you get from it.
So as you and the whole WWW can see ........................ There is no end in sight!
However, some time ago a member was making a plea for new members.............Since then the questions was asked............ What can the pwna do for my business?
How can it make my business grow?
WHere is all the due money going?
and so on ..........................We get all kinds of answer's which seem to conflict the previous one's. So it has been dubbed as a conversation that will never end.
One things leads to another............................. he said she said.
Members drop out dont renew
New members arrive and are full of piss and vinegar..............They also become worn out and become unactive.
Other Non members hold back and see what kind of Org. this is and try to figure out for themselfs why there are only 500 (give or take ) members. They also plug and play at the idea of joining but are some what weiry. They are also carefull with how they spend their money and really wants to know if they decide to join what do they get?
Also, They wonder why all those 500 members there are only 5-6 that speak out and at least offer an attempt to explain their wonderfull Org.
If The pwna was really that helpfull why then cant they offer more for your business?
Lets say something goes wrong and you need help................ Okay 500 members and only 6 of them are really helpfull .................That to me does not sound like a group that is faithful in reaching out to really help your business grow. Just the select few!!
Celeste, you are a very professional lady. I admire your post , they are very informative. However I doubt that this will ever end unless there would be such an out pouring of membership. And a statement stating What /How can by joining this elite group can it effect my business....................... We are sick of the replys from some who state........................... It's what you take out of this Org. That makes you succeed. We grow tired of listeing to the same old statements of how by joining ...you then are on your own. B/C it's what you take out of the Org. Not What you get from it.
So as you and the whole WWW can see ........................ There is no end in sight!
CaroliProWash said:
I tried to express this very thought on another BBS and got my hand chopped of for it.Apparently,on that BBS it's now okay for PWNA members to make any kind of comment they want to non-members,but if a non-member makes a reply that doesn't go with the flow,they are silenced.We are all part of the same industry and raising the bar of professionalism is the responsibilty of PWNA and non-PWNA companies.
Being able to work together for the same goal would be great.
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CaroliProWash
New Member
squirtgun said:
The PWNA as the organization does not endorse nor condone anything other than members behaving professionally. They don't control what others (members & non-members alike) say. BBS Administrators make those calls.
The entire point that you and I evidently agree on is that everyone in this profession is responsible for raising the bar on customer perception and expectations. I expressly do NOT believe that it's members versus non-members - I honestly do not believe that this exists and I am truly sorry you feel it does.
Celeste
CaroliProWash
New Member
I gotta just throw one more thing out there that has nothing specifically to do with the PWNA or any other organization.
People join non-profit or not-for-profit organizations - lots of different ones for various reasons. Basically, they send their dues in, volunteer their time or talents and say "I'm a member of YadaYada Organization". They don't particularly look for the pile of benefits that may or may not be offered. They are looking to be a part of something that they can contribute to - and yes they pay to do so. When the organization does something noteworthy, they own the right to say "I'm part of that! I helped to achieve that!" At the same time, when the organization hits a bump and falls flat, they have the option of saying "Well crap, what could I have done or what can I do to help fix this and move forward" and all the time, yes, they're still sending in their money because ultimately, there's something there that they believe in, be it a short term project or a long range goal. Not everyone has the same vision so it's ridiculous to think that everyone would ever be a part of the same group but there is no reason, unless an organization specifically violated a religious belief or compromised a personal value, for anyone to condemn or downplay the organization or its members for choosing to join...and neither should the member condemn anyone for electing not to join.
Just another view of mine
Celeste
People join non-profit or not-for-profit organizations - lots of different ones for various reasons. Basically, they send their dues in, volunteer their time or talents and say "I'm a member of YadaYada Organization". They don't particularly look for the pile of benefits that may or may not be offered. They are looking to be a part of something that they can contribute to - and yes they pay to do so. When the organization does something noteworthy, they own the right to say "I'm part of that! I helped to achieve that!" At the same time, when the organization hits a bump and falls flat, they have the option of saying "Well crap, what could I have done or what can I do to help fix this and move forward" and all the time, yes, they're still sending in their money because ultimately, there's something there that they believe in, be it a short term project or a long range goal. Not everyone has the same vision so it's ridiculous to think that everyone would ever be a part of the same group but there is no reason, unless an organization specifically violated a religious belief or compromised a personal value, for anyone to condemn or downplay the organization or its members for choosing to join...and neither should the member condemn anyone for electing not to join.
Just another view of mine
Celeste
CaroliProWash said:
What I honestly think exists is a small cell of PWNA members and non-members that do feel it's us against them.The rest for the most part choose to disagree and co-exist within the industry,me included.
I personally only have a problem when a member makes comments that refer to non-members as not legit companies.You and I both know it's been said in the past.I don't bash members for joining,if they feel it's a tool their company can use,so be it.
I'm an equal opportunity person,I'll help anyone if I have the time,member or not.In the same respect, I call a spade a spade and it has a tendancy to offend some people.Oh well,I'm going to be me and I could careless who gets bent out of shape about it.
Everett
Member
When did this happen and do you have example(s)? Feel free to e-mail me in private if so. I don't believe this happened but, if it did I do not think it very fair for you to lump an organization or group in a bunch because of one or two people. You would not like this done to you. Scott, I have tried to reach out to you in the past. How can anyone find fault for people donating there time and efforts for free to make something better? In most cases this is the case. I will not get on here and say that in the past others were or were not attempting to do so, it really serves no point. I know what it is today and what it is moving forward. Because folks don't get on an internet bulletin board and go round and round about "he said, she said" stuff that in the end makes us all look bad, do not assume it is good vs bad. Why can't there simply be two different ways of how we do things and both are good? One way fits you and one way fits me. In the past I have not always agreed with Dan S, Larry, or others but I respect their opinions and have learned from reading their posts and information. Matter of fact, I wish I could take back a couple of posts where I don't like what I said but I would like to think we had some great conversations and walked away respecting each other. We just do different things. Scott, your posts on the other site and in the past draw lines about "us vs them" and I am saying we should be able to have a converstaion without hostility that is productive. Can't we agree on that?
Everette,
I can not go through all of the old posts on every BBS to find the links to past statements that were negative about non-members being legit.I would'nt say there are a bunch,but thoise comments have stuck in my mind.I don''t find fault with the entire Org. for the actions of a few.I also am not trying to put down the efforts of anyone who works hard to promote the PWNA or the industry.
My post on the other BBS was no diffrent than it is here.We all preform the same job member of PWNA or not and it's time to stop making one out to be better than the other,it's something we should all share in doing.
I take credit for the education I give my customers, I work hard to not only appear professional ,but I have the literature and knowledge to back it up.I don't just show up looking nice with a bunch of before/after pics,I have a binder full of info sheets from reliable sources that I share with my customers.I don't want it ever said by a customer that I have made up anything to gain a job,I want the job because I have done my research and can back it up with facts.
I have seem some great strides in the last year for the PWNA.Efforts that not only have helped promote the Org. but the industry as a whole in a positive light.I always offer the PWNA as an avenue for the new guys I talk with.I don't tell them they don't need it or it's a waste of money etc.If they feel the PWNA is an option for their company they have the info.
I just no longer care who is or isn't a member,I'll treat all the same if they will extend the same courtesy to me the way you always have.Again,I'm equal opportunity,if others play nice with me ,I'll play nice also.
I can not go through all of the old posts on every BBS to find the links to past statements that were negative about non-members being legit.I would'nt say there are a bunch,but thoise comments have stuck in my mind.I don''t find fault with the entire Org. for the actions of a few.I also am not trying to put down the efforts of anyone who works hard to promote the PWNA or the industry.
My post on the other BBS was no diffrent than it is here.We all preform the same job member of PWNA or not and it's time to stop making one out to be better than the other,it's something we should all share in doing.
I take credit for the education I give my customers, I work hard to not only appear professional ,but I have the literature and knowledge to back it up.I don't just show up looking nice with a bunch of before/after pics,I have a binder full of info sheets from reliable sources that I share with my customers.I don't want it ever said by a customer that I have made up anything to gain a job,I want the job because I have done my research and can back it up with facts.
I have seem some great strides in the last year for the PWNA.Efforts that not only have helped promote the Org. but the industry as a whole in a positive light.I always offer the PWNA as an avenue for the new guys I talk with.I don't tell them they don't need it or it's a waste of money etc.If they feel the PWNA is an option for their company they have the info.
I just no longer care who is or isn't a member,I'll treat all the same if they will extend the same courtesy to me the way you always have.Again,I'm equal opportunity,if others play nice with me ,I'll play nice also.
CaroliProWash said:
As I understand it,I am not considered professional enough.Sorry I'm just not good at sugar coating things.I try to be honest and that doesn't please all of the people all of the time.
I will always be available to help anyone whom asks,I just may not do it out in the open as much as in the past.
Everett
Member
Scott,
If we can stop for one second and try to have a nice discussion about this I believe we will find a lot of common ground. The first is about a "legit" company. Being in the PWNA or any other organization may not have a single thing to do with being "legit." This is where we have common ground, if someone stated that "you are not legit if you are not a member", then they are wrong. That person either misspoke or does not represent the rest of the organization.
I do not know where you are going with the "professionalism" piece. Again, being in the PWNA does not make a professional. Being in any organization does not make someone "professional." I will say that it in a lot of our marketing of the PWNA we are using this term. It is no different than any adjective you use about your company in promoting your business. Make no mistake though, we ARE NOT saying that if you are not a member you are not a professional.
I have a lot of friends and contractors I do business with and refer work to that are not PWNA members. I even have business owners in my own group who are not PWNA members. What I do not understand is why people continue to find fault with a group who is basically giving an honest effort to further the industry with volunteer time and effort. Should we not all agree that the PWNA or any other organization may not be the best fit for us, but that does not mean that it is "bad" or "wrong." The Power Wash Network provides a service to the industry by educating and helping contractors across the country get information that will hopefully make them more successful. I can say that this is a good thing and the people that help contribute to that are performing a good service. The people here may or may not be PWNA members(or BBB, Chamber of Commerce, BOMA, or any other organization members) but because we choose different roads does not mean that one is bad and one is good. There can be more than one "good." It simply means one is good for me and one is good for you. This to me is common ground. I do agree that you and I have always been courteous to each other, thank you.
If we can stop for one second and try to have a nice discussion about this I believe we will find a lot of common ground. The first is about a "legit" company. Being in the PWNA or any other organization may not have a single thing to do with being "legit." This is where we have common ground, if someone stated that "you are not legit if you are not a member", then they are wrong. That person either misspoke or does not represent the rest of the organization.
I do not know where you are going with the "professionalism" piece. Again, being in the PWNA does not make a professional. Being in any organization does not make someone "professional." I will say that it in a lot of our marketing of the PWNA we are using this term. It is no different than any adjective you use about your company in promoting your business. Make no mistake though, we ARE NOT saying that if you are not a member you are not a professional.
I have a lot of friends and contractors I do business with and refer work to that are not PWNA members. I even have business owners in my own group who are not PWNA members. What I do not understand is why people continue to find fault with a group who is basically giving an honest effort to further the industry with volunteer time and effort. Should we not all agree that the PWNA or any other organization may not be the best fit for us, but that does not mean that it is "bad" or "wrong." The Power Wash Network provides a service to the industry by educating and helping contractors across the country get information that will hopefully make them more successful. I can say that this is a good thing and the people that help contribute to that are performing a good service. The people here may or may not be PWNA members(or BBB, Chamber of Commerce, BOMA, or any other organization members) but because we choose different roads does not mean that one is bad and one is good. There can be more than one "good." It simply means one is good for me and one is good for you. This to me is common ground. I do agree that you and I have always been courteous to each other, thank you.