Dignity of the Septic Guy: Part One

Dignity of the Septic Guy: Part One
The value you bring to a job site with quality products and services ultimately determines a homeowner’s perception. If you show up on time, looking clean and professional, you earn their respect.

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There’s a lot of industry humor in the onsite line of work. The one that I like best is, “The more it flows, the better we eat.” 

But, the truth is, when it comes to the cost of installing, repairing, replacing, managing or maintaining a septic system for a property owner, the humor comes to an abrupt halt. The joking and laughter ends when you provide your quote or hand over the bill. 

This is the come-to-Jesus moment when clients must face reality. Naturally, a homeowner’s mind races as he evaluates how much he values your products and services. 

A homeowner will make an on-the-spot analysis of what your system includes and how it measures up to other systems and how your price compares to some of your competitors. 

However, always remember that an important aspect of this value determination is you. Your dignity — or lack thereof — becomes one of the items considered, either consciously or subconsciously, by a homeowner. 

Dignity means being worthy and valued by others, ultimately, self-respect. 

Keep these suggestions in mind to enhance the homeowner’s perception of the onsite industry and your own self-esteem:

  • Clear, comprehensive paperwork
  • Clean, neat appearance
  • Consistency between the logo/name on the equipment, on the business card, on the paperwork
  • Equipment in good, well-kept shape
  • Professional appearance and attitude of each employee at the job site
  • All legal and monetary aspects thoroughly covered, etc. 

Years ago achieving these might have meant raising the bar for an installer. But today, customers expect you to be professional and ensure the job site is organized and clean. 

The value you bring to a job site with quality products and services ultimately determines a homeowner’s perception. If you show up on time, looking clean and professional, you earn their respect. That, in turn, enhances your self-respect and dignity. 

When you sell or install an upgraded septic system, the homeowner gets more of what he really wants — a dependable, long-lasting system. You make more money and increase your self-esteem. It’s a win-win. 

In part two, we’ll look at ways we can give value to our clients. 

About the Author
Frank Aguirre owns Septic Systems Express, a system design and inspection company located in San Antonio, Texas. Contact him at 210/275-7866 or via email at frank@septicsystemsexpress.com.

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