Every sweeping contractor I’ve ever talked to since I became part of the power sweeping industry in 1988 would like to make more money. However, those who have become very successful have merged talk with action. In this column I’ll discuss two major paths to increasing your company’s bottom line: education and aggregation.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” Who would disagree; however, the question becomes how to do that? Fortunately, there are many ways to gain education via the mistakes of others. Belonging to professional organizations in your community is a great way to access general business knowledge while, at the same time, making valuable, local contacts that can provide new business along with their insights.
Even better can be education via working with others in your own industry. Consider going to tradeshows like NPE, or joining WSA where we offer nearly 100 profiles — most with included audio podcasts — with successful sweeping contractors around the US, as well as a collection of over 200 articles written to help sweeping contractors improve. WSA Members also receive an information email update every two weeks with the latest info we’ve learned.
Now, on to aggregation: Whenever possible, quit buying goods and services by yourself, or in a ‘one-sy, two-sy’ fashion. Search out local and regional organizations that buy similar products to the ones you use and need. By purchasing along with others you can gain significant discounts, ones that will more than make up for any membership fees that may be required. For example, at WSA we currently offer 18 different discount programs, including several from sweeper manufacturers on the parts you use every day.
Also, try to purchase in larger amounts and ask for corresponding discounts. Through aggregated buying power and education you’ll find you can increase your bottom line profits significantly.
If you have any questions about any aspects of the above information, feel free to contact me via email sent to [email protected].
