Pest managers attend Pest Controllers Academy refresher

On 5 April the group met again to review the progress they had made since the earlier meeting. Perhaps the most visible change had been implemented by Rickie Browning of Bournemouth-based Prevent Pest Control. Rickie had taken to heart the message of clear and strong branding – since last October he had rebranded his business, updated his website and clearly visible for all to see was his shiny new van strategically placed outside the main entrance. Well done Rickie!

Also new since the previous Academy meeting is the launch ofPestmagazine and thePest+news service.

However, since the previous meeting, the world economic climate has substantially shifted. Course leader, Ross Smith from Mindshelf, said: “Delegates should not fear the current recession – now is an ideal time to refocus your business – to be flexible and to take on new ideas. He who dares, wins.”

To help all those in business, Ross has come up with his six ‘Rules for Recessionaries’.

1. Create a lot of perceived value at not much cost i.e. add value
2. Revitalise your brand, language and image. Refresh, renew and rejoice
3. Look at your business through the eyes of your customer – do not become complacent
4. Be an authority in what you do – provide as much evidence of this as possible
5. Develop ‘zero cost’ added value to your proposition
6. Banish “we have always done it this way” thinking

Plans are afoot to run another Pest Controllers Academy this autumn.

Watch out for the dates, put aside the time and go.

Rickie Browning shows-off his new logo and van

Ross Smith (above) tells the delegates not to be afraid of a recessionary climate