Each month, Jeff and Terri Wigley draw upon 22 years’ portable sanitation experience to answer your pressing questions in At Your Service. Take a moment for yourself this winter to pause and review the questions from At Your Service and then click through to find Jeff and Terri’s answers. You might find a thing or two to add to your 2024 business plan. Happy New Year!
January
Question: We are starting a company. Thanks in part to PRO Magazine, we have researched the industry, attended the WWETT Show, done financial analysis, worked with our local bank and obtained legal counsel concerning state and local rules and regulations. Now all we need is a name. What are your thoughts and suggestions on naming a company?
Find the answer in You’ve Chosen a Business Name. Now Make Sure It’s Unique!
February
Question: We have learned of a small company in our community that recently suffered a cyberattack. Apparently, their business was severely impacted by this situation. What are some measures that we can take in order to protect our business from cyberattacks?
Find the answer in Data Security Should Top Your 2023 To-Do List
March
In our portable sanitation company, particularly in the early days of operation, we were often blindsided by some issues we had failed to focus on. From paying attention to our facility to properly maintaining office equipment to preparing for our busy season, we seemed to be addressing these items in a reactive manner as opposed to being proactive.
Our solution was to designate the month of March for “spring cleaning.” During this month we addressed a variety of tasks that typically need to be done on an annual basis. This particular month made sense to us as this is the time of the year that the weather, the time change and the event season transitioned.
Read more in This Checklist Gets You Ready For the Busy Season
April
Question: Our company is located in an area where both forest fires and flooding are prevalent. Recently, we referenced a previous “At Your Service” column and registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the System for Award Management in the Disaster Response Registry. We also now have an account on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website.
What types of equipment should we consider buying to get more involved in this type of work?
Find the answer in Tips to Organize Your Inventory for Disaster Relief
May
Question: Our company has been in constant search for employees over the last two years. We have heard that trade schools may be an option. Could you provide some information about these organizations and suggest ways in which we could recruit their graduates?
Find the answer in Where Is Your Next Great Employee Coming From?
June
Question: We are located in southern Texas and the intense heat presents a challenge for our customers as well as to our company in terms of providing exceptional customer service. Over the years, we have read articles, watched presentations and participated in roundtable discussions concerning winter servicing. Could you please discuss summer servicing?
Find the answer in Curbing Complaints Over Smelly Summer Units
July
Question: We have been in the portable sanitation business for seven years. Starting from scratch we are now well-established in our community. We are interested in diversifying our business into other areas, but we would like an overview of the factors we should take into consideration before entering another market. What are your thoughts?
Find the answer in Would You Like Fries With That Burger?
August
Question: We want to expand our portable restroom operation and we would like to know more about fencing and barricades. Can you give us an overview of these products and suggestions as to how to get started?
Find the answer in Is Fencing a Good Fit For Your Portable Sanitation Company?
September
Question: We are interested in ensuring that all our equipment can be both tracked and secured in the field. What suggestions do you have for us?
Find the answer in Track and Secure Your Equipment to Prevent Costly Losses
October
Question: We have several competitors with actual physical locations in our area in addition to several brokers that advertise that they serve our marketplace. What are some general tips and strategies for dealing with competitors?
Find the answer in The Competition is Bad-Mouthing You?
November
Question: We have heard both good and bad about the use of artificial intelligence in business. We are rather skeptical and leery of AI right now. Are there any uses of AI that would be of benefit to our small company today?
Find the answer in Think of AI as a Valued Office Assistant
December
Question: Our company values safety and safety training. In a recent analysis of our safety program, we concluded that as far as fire extinguishers are concerned, we merely make sure that we have them and that they are inspected annually. Could you please share information and suggestions on putting additional emphasis on fire extinguisher safety?
Find the answer in Don’t Forget Fire Extinguisher Safety For Your Restroom Business
