In today’s episode, Eric welcomes Chris Anderson. Chris is the Co-founder and VP of sales at Applause. Eric and Chris discuss the concept of using feedback to improve service quality, and how to motivate technicians to perform better. Topics Include: Providing quality service and feedback (0:29) Employee engagement(3:28) engagement drives performance and growth (6:02) Tracking Google Reviews (11:58) Employee engagement and motivation (17:14) Creating a culture of feedback (20:47) Upselling and c...
Oct 19, 2023•31 min•Ep. 105
Whether customers reach out through phone calls, emails, or social media, a prompt response is essential. In today’s episode, Eric dives into the topic of retention. He gives a sneak peek of an upcoming Bug Bux+ course that will provide a comprehensive guide on how to save customers. Eric discusses the course outline and shares his thoughts on the importance of retention in the pest control industry. Topics Include: Retention efforts should start from the beginning (2:21) Customer experience is ...
Oct 12, 2023•36 min•Ep. 104
Are you prioritizing what matters most in your life and business? In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss how to build deeper connections and set higher goals to achieve a higher level of fulfillment in both your relationships and in your pest control company. Topics include: Focus on your “why” (4:43) Evaluate goals for greater success (9:44) Setting goals and reviewing them regularly (10:53) Leadership is about delegation (19:57) Align goals for greater impact (22:28) Don’t quit, Keep pushi...
Oct 05, 2023•34 min•Ep. 103
A mentor can help you discover the essential steps to establish a trustworthy and reputable brand, paving the way for exponential growth in your pest control company. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Colton Gonzales and Eric Salgado, the owners of Firehouse Pest Control. They discuss the importance of taking action and getting started, even if you don’t have all the knowledge or experience. Topics include: How they got started (2:05) First $400 check from door knocking (3:41) Creating ...
Sep 28, 2023•30 min•Ep. 102
What’s new with Bug Bux+? In today’s episode, Eric welcomes back Hunter Annen, Co-Founder and President of Bug Bux+. Eric and Hunter discuss the courses offered by Bug Bux+ and reflect on the positive feedback they have received from PCOs. Topics Include: Pest control business growth and learning platform (1:57) Feedback from PCOs (6:38) Pest control courses and vendor partnerships (11:06) Building a pest control platform with vendor partnerships (19:27) Streamlining vendor connections for pest ...
Sep 21, 2023•35 min•Ep. 101
In this special 100th episode, Allan and Eric welcome back Mat Rogers, the COO of Lizard SEM. Mat touches on the importance of planning and setting your marketing goals for the following year by focusing on 5 key components. Topics include: Consistency is key to success (2:58) Optimize website for off-season (6:10) Track and monitor marketing data (10:31) Don't overlook digital marketing's impact (17:19) Utilize off-season for strategic marketing (22:05) Tailor your marketing plan to budget (25:...
Sep 14, 2023•34 min•Ep. 100
How often are you doing performance reviews for employees? Which review format is best? Eric answers a question posted by Shane Mantz in the Bugbux Facebook group. "Has anyone implemented an end-of-season, after-action review?" Eric answers the what, how, and why, of performance reviews. Topics include: Where to start (1:50) Technician performance examples (3:07) Using a structured format (12:58) Getting non-performance related feedback (18:34) Teaching your team to self-evaluate (20:15) Ten eas...
Sep 07, 2023•25 min•Ep. 99
Being intentional and proactive in your business is crucial as it allows you to anticipate challenges, explore opportunities, and steer your company toward growth and success. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Caleb Fabry. Caleb is the President of Town and Country Pest Solutions in Rochester NY. Caleb shares his experience of taking over the family business and the trust his parents had in him to make important decisions. Caleb also discusses the benefits and challenges of starting a b...
Aug 31, 2023•35 min•Ep. 98
Where should a PCO start when it comes to lowering customer attrition? In today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook Group. Lowering customer attrition is essential for pest control companies to maintain a strong customer base and drive sustainable growth. In addition, a PCO should have a strong understanding of their gross profits and margins, to identify trends in their company.
Aug 24, 2023•34 min•Ep. 97
In today's episode, Eric welcomes Austin Burns. Austin is the director of operations at Burns Pest Elimination. What started as a father and son business in 1983 with 43 customers and one service truck has turned into a $25-million venture for the Burns family. Eric and Austin discuss the importance of finding a unique differentiator in the pest control industry and why building a strong team is crucial for success. Austin also shares the challenges and rewards of running a family business and t...
Aug 17, 2023•35 min•Ep. 96
Creating consistent and genuine recognition can go a long way in motivating technicians. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss ways to keep technicians motivated and committed to providing great service for your pest control company. When you and your technicians share a common objective, they are more likely to work together, collaborate, and support one another in achieving that goal. In addition, offering training and development opportunities for the professional growth of your technici...
Aug 10, 2023•34 min•Ep. 95
In today’s episode, Eric discusses the process of building and maintaining a high-performance inside sales team. Eric provides answers to the 10 most common questions he receives about inside sales, covering topics such as when to create an inside sales department, finding the right candidates, the onboarding process, and compensation plans. If you are looking for a comprehensive how-to guide on creating, developing, and scaling a high-performance inside sales team visit www.bugbuxplus.com for m...
Aug 03, 2023•38 min•Ep. 94
In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the importance of finding a niche for your pest control company. Is it important to research your market and find out where you can find the best ROI to serve your customers? By focusing on a specific niche, you can position your pest control company for long-term success in a competitive market. In addition, by specializing in a niche, you can position yourself as an expert in that particular area. Summary 0:00 Teaser. 2:18 Being a jack of all trades. ...
Jul 27, 2023•25 min•Ep. 93
How are you managing your profits? In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the key strategies and considerations a PCO should make when reinvesting profits in your pest control company. The importance of planning out how to spend your profits will be based on how aggressively you want to grow. Implementing a verified growth plan provides your pest control company with a strategic roadmap to navigate the complexities of growth, minimize risks, and achieve sustainable success.
Jul 20, 2023•28 min•Ep. 92
Google reviews are important for your pest control company, they provide valuable feedback from customers about their experience with your company. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss Google’s rules about prohibited and restricted content. PCOS needs to understand that reviews, photos, and videos must adhere to Google’s policies. These policies aim to ensure that the reviews are helpful, informative, and authentic. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that your busines...
Jul 13, 2023•32 min•Ep. 91
Are you feeling stuck and in need of some guidance to kickstart or scale your pest control company? In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Hunter Annen. Hunter is the President and Co-Founder of Bug Bux+. Allan, Eric, and Hunter discuss all the aspects of the Bug Bux+ platform. This high-quality, professional platform was designed to help PCOs learn from multiple industry experts. Check out www.bugbuxplus.com for more information.
Jul 06, 2023•40 min•Ep. 90
Finding your "Why” is an important step in starting a business and should be the driving force behind your decision to become a pest control owner. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss how PCOs can identify their purpose, by creating a company culture based on the core values, and strengths of the organization. By creating a company culture that reflects your purpose, you can build a business that is meaningful, fulfilling, and successful. Your purpose may evolve over time as you gain new ...
Jun 29, 2023•17 min•Ep. 89
Pest control companies offer a valuable service to their clients by solving a wide range of pest problems. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss the importance of creating a business to solve a problem for your customers. Service businesses, such as a pest control company not only create valuable services for their customers, it also creates jobs and generates revenue for the owner. Stay tuned for part 2 next week to learn more about how PCOs can focus on their “Why” while also building a p...
Jun 22, 2023•27 min•Ep. 88
From marketing campaigns to relationships with vendors, there is a wide range of business aspects a PCO must be patient with, and not expect instant results. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss the top five most important things a pest control owner must be patient with. Patience involves waiting for the results of your hard work, not giving up easily, and understanding that success takes time. Tune in and learn from industry experts for valuable insights.
Jun 15, 2023•26 min•Ep. 87
In today’s episode, Allan and Eric talk about a few mistakes they have made with their pest control company. They discuss the importance of reframing mistakes as a learning experience and they highlight stories of how they have turned their mistakes into valuable lessons. As a PCO, taking ownership when making mistakes is a sign of accountability and responsibility, which can help build trust and credibility in personal and professional relationships.
Jun 08, 2023•27 min•Ep. 86
Tune in to this episode and catch Allan and Eric as they share their top five strategies for distinguishing your company from others. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer a question posted in the Bug Bux Facebook Group: How to differentiate your company from competitors in a meaningful way? They discuss the importance of creating a personal connection not only with your customers but also with your employees. As a PCO, it's crucial to remember your core foundational strengths, and values, a...
Jun 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 85
This episode offers expert insights and actionable tips to help you effectively market and grow your pest control company. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome back Mat Rogers for the 5th time on the podcast. Mat is the COO of Lizard SEM. Mat talks about Local Service Ads, which are Google's paid advertising platform that helps local businesses to connect with potential customers in their area. The variables that determine an LSA's ranking include the business's proximity to the searcher's...
May 25, 2023•37 min•Ep. 84
In today’s episode, Eric welcomes Josh Zuniga back to the show. Josh is the owner of Zunex Pest Control. Josh not only experienced tremendous success in door-to-door sales, he also took that knowledge and started his own pest control company. Josh advises that young PCOs should focus on their strengths and outsource their weaknesses to be successful. This episode is filled with valuable insights that can aid you in attaining your goals as a pest control owner.
May 18, 2023•35 min•Ep. 83
In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss valuable insights on how to determine which aspects of your pest control company should be centralized or decentralized. A centralized approach to running your company can help optimize efficiency and productivity, allowing individuals to work together more effectively towards a common goal. By listening to this episode, you can gain a better understanding of how to structure your business for success and achieve your long-term goals.
May 11, 2023•18 min•Ep. 82
In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss how PCO’s can safeguard their profitability by having a strategic price increase plan. Although implementing price increases can be intimidating, it is a necessary measure to optimize profits and secure the longevity of your pest control company.
May 04, 2023•27 min•Ep. 81
In today’s episode, Allan and Eric talk about ways a PCO can scale their company while keeping a healthy work-life balance. It is important to be intentional with your time and prioritize what matters most to you. Maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life both at work and outside of work helps reduce stress, improve mental, and physical health, and increase overall well-being.
Apr 27, 2023•23 min•Ep. 80
In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the must-do’s for your pest control company. Taking into account the various factors involved, this episode emphasizes the critical measures that all PCOs must undertake. To run your business successfully you'll need the proper insurance, effective bookkeeping practices, correct operating licenses, safety procedures, proper business entities, and more! Don't miss this must do list and the breakdown of all the reasons why!
Apr 20, 2023•25 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, Eric Bassett provides a comprehensive recap of a few recent podcast episodes. Episode 75 is all about protecting your existing customer base from door knockers from other companies. In episode 76, Eric highlights key topics of various questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group. This is a recap episode you won't want to miss.
Apr 13, 2023•21 min•Ep. 78
In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome back Craig Shetterly. Craig is the mastermind behind Contatto Marketing, a revolutionary contact marketing firm. With his expertise in directly reaching out to potential customers and business owners, Craig unleashes a goldmine of strategies that can help pest control companies boost their commercial sales and build unbreakable bonds with their customers. Get ready to take your business to the next level with Craig's insider insights.
Apr 06, 2023•39 min•Ep. 77
In today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook Group. They share insights on how pest control companies can effectively communicate the value of their services to customers. In addition, they explain the importance of setting an accurate price point, as well as establishing Q1 growth goals for recurring revenue.
Mar 30, 2023•32 min•Ep. 76
