Portable Sanitation Association International

Association Insight November 30 2016

Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/757158

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 0 of 7

WEEKLY EDITION November 30, 2016 "Man On The Street:" Heard at Nuts and Bolts 2016 The PSAI's Director of Marketing, Rachel Johnson, reflects on how the portable sanitation industry is potentially harming its own image – and how it can be stopped! The PSAI's Nuts and Bolts Educational Conference brought industry professionals together just two weeks ago to discuss plenty of hot topics. One reoccurring conversation that seemed to stand out among the rest was how this industry should be positioned – more specifically, how this Association should paint portable sanitation in a more positive light. With so many professionals focused on the industry's outward facing reputation, it was surprising to hear that many worry more of an internal image issue. Multiple Members of the PSAI have become involved – either by running for election to the PSAI's Board of Directors or various committees – with the specific goal of impacting public opinion. These individuals understand that with the right messages and proper positioning, it is possible that some day the average user won't pass a portable restroom The whole process of implementing a strategic plan to portray a new image for portable sanitation will be a half-hearted effort if those working directly with units feel their position is beneath them or not worthy of appreciation. As the cliché goes, why would anyone respect you if you do not have respect for yourself? Those who are conscious of the PSAI's marketing efforts – such as the EI Committee – hope to evolve a more favorable internal opinion of this industry, while also focusing on impacting the opinions of those who have no immediate investment in portable sanitation. So how do we do this? The solution requires only a few simple adjustments, which some PSAI Member companies may be conscious of already. As an employer, you set the standard for how your employees are treated and perceived. If you treat them with the utmost respect, expect professionalism, and take the time to get to know them individually, the probability that they will treat one another in a similar way – and view one another as respected professionals – increases. If a PRO views his colleague with respect, he will be able to see himself in a similar light. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 and immediately recall a negative experience. And yet, any and all strategic planning can and will be undermined if those who operate the portable restrooms do not see the industry in a more positive way themselves. After speaking with Members, many expressed concern for operators who do not give themselves the respect that they deserve. Many mentioned there are jokes and comments made from operators themselves where it is clear that they do not see dignity in their own position. While individual operators can and undoubtedly do respond to these remarks with encouragement, the lack of pride in an operator's work still exists and needs to be addressed.

Articles in this issue

view archives of Portable Sanitation Association International - Association Insight November 30 2016