Answer the Call

I have a handful of Google alerts set to notify me of recent industry news. Using words and phrases like “porta potty,” “portable restroom” and “portable sanitation” to ping articles and send me emails with those links.

What most often comes in is negative coverage. I see short reports of restrooms set on fire or otherwise vandalized, blown away in severe storms and coverage of backlash within a community over “unsightly” restrooms in areas people think they shouldn’t be.

Recently I stumbled on one that caught my eye because it was a positive success story not unlike what we feature in this magazine. The article told the story of a young PRO fairly new to the industry experiencing significant demand and growth in his area. The man spoke of profits made and why he chose this industry and how much pride he has in what he does. It was refreshing to read and with any luck, he will be up for a future feature in PRO. (I have reached out.)

If we are able to work with him on a story, I plan to ask how the news reporter found him and why he was willing to talk to them about his accomplishments. I know it can be difficult to talk about personal success. It’s a big reason many people shy away from features in PRO when offered the opportunity. They think they don’t have anything to share, or are not comfortable talking about themselves. That just proves that this industry is made up of humble folk, a favorable trait.

Push your boundaries

I strongly encourage you to share your story and knowledge on whatever platform falls into your lap. Obviously I hope that you reach out to us or engage with me if I contact you first. But, whether it’s us here at PRO magazine or a local reporter curious about who you are or how you serviced a particular festival, step outside your comfort zone and chat.

Here’s what’s in it for you:

Talk up the industry. There is too much negativity around portable restrooms. Speaking about how you value cleanliness and service above all else helps the general public learn that this is an industry of hardworking professionals who have been providing this critical service and care about public health. Painting a more positive picture of portable sanitation to anyone you can eases their minds and means they are more likely to hire you for your service with confidence.

Bring vandalism to the forefront. Talk about challenges you face with graffiti and tip-overs. Make people aware that when they use your restroom for things they aren’t intended for, they are not only costing a business thousands, but endangering public health. Ask users to treat the restroom as they would treat their own bathroom; with respect and cleanliness, and encourage them to report to event managers or call your business if they see a restroom that has been tampered with.

Talk about a cause. I love how often it comes up in conversation with PROs that they donate or discount their services for worthy causes. While I know you don’t do it to be noticed, use a platform to speak about things important to you to bring awareness to the bigger picture. Encourage your community to engage in charity events that you are servicing. It’s good for the cause, and you will receive positive feedback from it.

Recognize your team. A happy staff means better business. There is no doubt about it. Commending their efforts in the office is always appreciated, but giving them a public shoutout and singing their praises goes a long way. I’ve been on the receiving end of that, and can personally tell you it’s a moral boost to know that I was appreciated enough to be recognized during a story of success.

You’re the expert

You might not feel like a spokesperson for the portable sanitation industry. But look at it this way, in your hometown, you know more about portable restrooms than anyone else. That local knowledge is exactly what qualifies you to speak on behalf of your industry.

When a reporter calls (or I do!), go ahead and answer. It is much easier than you think, and the payoffs can be huge for both your business and the trade as a whole.

Answering that call provides free publicity, introducing your company to potential customers who realize they need your services and decide to reach out. Every positive interaction helps elevate the reputation of PROs and portable sanitation everywhere. Taking that call is an opportunity to grow your business and build respect for your industry. You’ve got this.