johnny said:
Dear Celeste,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you are a new power wash business owner/operator. Being new (we've all been there), so many unnecessary things become important to you. The more experience you gain the more you realize that things you thought necessary really aren't. You learn efficiency and focus through repetition and trial and error.
Being a member of an organization will not make you a success. Dan S and others of us have been in business for years without seeming to need the power washer organization. It works for him and others not being a member. We are successful in spite of it, you might say.
The association does not have as good a track record of success as Dan and others have. New members join and are hot for it and then their companies suddenly vaporize, they are no more. I have read it time and again. Go back to the beginning of this board and wonder where are they now.
None of us is so naive to think the association can represent us, or keep our interest for more than the time it takes to read and write on these bulletin boards. $ucce$$ful businesses focus on what we do best and leave the memberships to those with more time on their hands than work!
I will exit stage left with Dan S and those other 64.
Johnny,
I don't think our inexperience or longevity in business has anything to do with whether members of an INDUSTRY feel the need for an organization to represent our collective interests. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe this thread specifically means the PWNA....I believe the poll was if one felt as if an organization could benefit the business.
Yes, we are members of PWNA, we are members of our local Homebuilders Association. Do I
push the PWNA as far as soliciting new members, not really. Am I going to use my affiliation as a tool for my "new" business - absolutely. We have gotten jobs because our affiliations have lended credibility to our business. WE know that it hasn't given us any further knowledge than going to kindergarten, but it has opened doors that have let us use the experience we've gained through working.
I have tried not to imply that any organization is for everyone - my favorite analogy is to look at any affiliation as a tool. Some will buy a tool and use it for what they bought it for because it works for them. Some buy it and aren't happy with it so they don't use it. Some buy it, think it needs some extra work and try to take it apart and fix it.
I only believe an organization is a tool for building your business - IF you feel you need it. The only point I was trying to make in my earlier post was that, if you've never used the tool, how can you judge how it will work for you? If you're successful without it - that's wonderful, congratulations and more power to you for doing it.
As far as having more time on my hands than work....using the bbs, participating in organizations, networking, advertising.....is my part of the work. I personally do not care for the getting wet, muddy, cold, stinky and all of the other lovely adjectives that go along with playing with the big squirtgun!
I'm not trying to be confrontational in any way - I'm only trying to point out that there are other views - not one is always right.
Celeste
