¶ Intro to the Episode
Hello and welcome to this Get Flushed short. I'm Pete. Today's question is, as a restroom operator, should I join an industry association? I was very careful in my choice of words when I scripted this episode. I don't want to make out that I'm either for or against any particular associations, organizations or governing bodies. If you type in a Google search or hit the restroom pages on social media, you'll no doubt come across several major players in this space.
In North America, it's the Portable Sanitation Association International Europe has portable sanitation Europe and Africa has the association of mobile and Portable Sanitation Africa. In addition to those, there are various different higher industry or rental industry associations worldwide. Most of these organisations are subscription based, meaning that you have to pay to join them.
They all share knowledge and information and they're all dedicated to raising standards across the portable restroom industry. Now, I'm not a fan of compulsory or statutory standards unless they're supported by rigorous compliance as well as punitive measures for those who breach them or fail to maintain them. See, I'd much rather work in an environment that's driven by innovation than regulation.
Otherwise, the good people spend their time, effort and money raising the bar, only to be undercut by those who are more commercially driven or perhaps just plain unscrupulous.
¶ The Value of Industry Associations
That said, there can be a tremendous amount of value in joining an industry association.
¶ Making Connections and Resources
Their resources are plentiful and the opportunity to network is absolutely immense. By all means, sign up, join in a few events, take a look at the resources they offer. You might decide it's not for you. The cost can be a factor and some of the content may not suit the way things are done in your part of the world.
¶ Final Thoughts on Joining Associations
But pumpers on the whole tend to be open and friendly people. They're passionate about what they do and they're usually willing to share their advice. Plus, it always pays to have friends. That's all for today.
¶ Outro
I've been Pete and this has been a Get Flushed short.