Share What You Know

Connecting with other companies on social media is a way to share information and elevate the industry

Do you have a friend in the drain cleaning industry? Another drain technician or business owner, someone who you can bounce ideas off of, get equipment recommendations from, and talk to about your business goals?

It’s so beneficial to have someone you trust for these types of conversations — and if that person is in your industry, dealing with the same types of problems you face, they can provide you with insight that even the most well-meaning layperson just can’t offer.

Any good friend can listen to you vent about a customer who won’t pay their bill and hash out something that’s been bothering you, but if that person isn’t also out there jetting drainlines and inspecting laterals they probably won’t truly understand the challenges you face. Any topic on the technical side of things will be out of their wheelhouse. But your drain cleaner buddy who just bought the new jetter you’ve been eyeing can be a valuable resource.

If you’re in a small market, you might not want to get too chummy with your direct competitor — throwing business each other’s way once in a while is one thing, but discussing new equipment or a service you want to add might be pushing it if you’re talking to the only other service company in town.

Instagram and Facebook are both tools you can use to connect to the industry at large. Social media can have its downsides, but it’s also a great way to reach out and learn from people you wouldn’t necessarily ever meet or have access to “in real life.”

I’ve heard firsthand from a couple drain cleaners who use Instagram to reach both customers and others in the industry. They use videos to take their customers along on jobs, showcase the work they do and how they solved problems for others. It’s a great marketing tool. You won’t find a better, more easily accessible way to show a prospective customer how you can help them than by showing a video of you solving a similar problem for someone else. Providing visual proof that you can do the same for them is well worth the time it takes to create a short video.

Instagram is also a great tool to connect with others in the industry. The drain cleaners I’ve talked to about this all mention how great it is to talk to others across the country, and sometimes even from other countries. They ask each other questions and give advice, sharing information that they probably couldn’t get from a competitor in their area.

I love to hear about the collaboration and camaraderie. That friendliness and willingness to help each other out makes individuals better at their jobs and also works to elevate the industry as a whole.

That’s what we’re doing here at Cleaner, too — helping you connect to the rest of the industry. It’s good to be in it with you.

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. 



Discussion

Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. Comments are moderated before being posted.