[Derek]

Thank you Francis...your post was a breath of fresh air and common sense..

Those who continue to knock the NCCA can, as you rightly say, do something about it ....

1.   They can join

2.   They can give up some of their precious time to help run it and participate on a voluntary basis.

3.   They can put up with the constant criticism and personal abuse from those who have nothing better to do

Those people who set up the CCA in 1968 were just about the same age as Neil when they started out...they got off their backsides and did something.

I have seen much younger people come and go over the years ...no staying power

I have to admit that the concept of how to run an Association looks easy from outside but if you just stop for a minute (something us old fogies are able to do) you will hopefully see the true logistics of the undertaking... but the again perhaps not.

I am afraid I will have to say to you yet again what I have said on numerous occasions when this issue has arisen...you don't have to join its your choice...no one is forcing you.

Neil's 'old' remark did hit a raw nerve with me....my days are full, my brain is extremely active and I am involved in many other activities both inside and outside of the industry...perhaps a hell of a lot more than the much younger Neil.

I and, I am sure I can speak for other 'oldies', can work just as hard (if not harder) certainly smarter and probably do a better job than a lot of younger technicians.

OK...I have got that lot off my chest I will now go out and do a good days work

[carpetguy]

Morning Old man

Just kidding I suspect I'm the oldest on here a the moment and I know exactly what you mean. I t's a bit like...........Parents boards at school
                     Football coaching , etc etc

Everyone wants it but few will give up their own time, however, it would be nice to think some good will come of this kind of " discussion "

old Rob

[ianharper]

Guys

One very important aspect of business is when a customer complains, or chooses not to use you., they give you a view on your business that if taken positively can benefit your business.

I make it part of my business to ask twice a month to all my maid service clients what they think and use this information to provide a better service.

Recommendation is the life blood of any business. it free and will say much more about you than anything you say yourself.

Respect

Ian Harper

[carpetguy]

Ian

I know what you are saying and we use such systems in our Domicilery Care business................but.....some of these QA, checks can easily become a formality and a chore,

I changed ours, to become " an informal visit " with brief notes taken during a chat with clients, resulting in clients relaxing and feeling happy about the visit, rather than worrying about, form filling.

An analogy, might be.................but it's demanding of time and costs money...........is low cost " to prospect " roadshow, where trade rep's could attend and offer demo's.

Something like this - I think- was being done recently, by Ken Wainwright and was reported on here. So maybe the NCCA is already in the 21st century, in spite of what some might think

[Neil Grainger]

Derek

I Truley ment no offence I was just making a point that most GROUPS are run by older people with more time than younger people. Look at the Football Association run by People in their 70's-80's located at local counites that make all the desicions for all football. So stayed in their ways that they cant move forward.

What is the average age of the Senior NCCA Team?

I was brought up by my Grandparents so have nothing but respect for older people but feel that the young have just as much to offer but Groups just dont allow it to happen. Its a bit like the Golf Club.

I would love to get involved with the NCCA but they would not like some of the idea's that I would like to put forward as stated above and would probably get thrown out.

My First Question would be Different Levels of membership, Its just wrong that I can come on a course have a good memory and be able to pass an exam and be classed as a competent cleaner who is proffessional and get all that comes along with that. They are lieing to the public by using this as a Statement of Professionalism.  Please answer this question for me. This would be easy to do and not add anything to the workload.

If I am wrong please correct me please.

[ianharper]

Carpetguy

one is done by phone
one by letter.

and if there are problems customers go on what we call "red alert" which means site visit every week for four cleans.

I used to have four staff checking as much as possible but had more problems with this than the system we use now. staff don't like being look at over their shoulders so much. we do still if we feel there is a problem do spot checks and the staff known and it keeps them on their toes.

The phone calls are done by one lady that does not have contact with the staff so there are no familiarity issues. and she has a PC at home that is sync though Act to mine, and all i have to do is scroll though the history tab to check each weeks comments. its great when a customer calls me direct and says that she has had a problem for ages. i can quote back all the contact that we have had and the chances she had had to comment.

we found that in the early days that they just needed an excuse to cancel, and the real reason was that that could not afford it any more. strange how people don't like admitting this?

Prospect and customer feed back is a goldmine for any business. I know a carpet cleaner that calls to asks why he did not get the job. takes nerve this. but he knows why and can use this info.

Respect

Ian Harper

[Ian Gourlay]

Neil,

If you want to get involved in something usually all you have to do is volunteer.

Yes you do get organizations where Fred has been president for 25 years etc

But remember if you push Fred are you prepared to do it for a period of years.

It can take over your life. And hit your profits and wallet.

Or you just do not do anything and the organization is in worse position than when Fred was in charge.

[Neil Grainger]

Ian

Going to do just that. Have just written aletter for the NCCA asking if I can get involved. Going to try and put my money where my mouth is.

Cheers

Neil

[Derek]

Neil

If that is the case then my comments have not fell upon stony ground...well done.

I would say that currently the average age of the Directors of the NCCA is between thirty and forty years ...when I left the Board the average dropped

As a Director of the NCCA for many years I have been privy to most of what has transpired and there have been many ideas that have been discussed...many have been implimented whilst others have fallen by the wayside usually for a good reason.

The NCCA have in the last year been putting in place various things to take the Association forward ...this will mean some major changes ..so watch the press. As I am no longer a Director I am not aware of any timescale of events so I am unable to discuss them further.

A few years ago there were two elderly gentlemen on the NCCA Board who were both in their eighties...their minds were as sharp as razors and if I am as alert at that age I will be more than happy...I am working on it.

Steady on Rob...I take issue with you too....I reckon that there are a good few older carpet cleaners posting on the forums than yourself....so you don't get your medal just yet. 

[carpetguy]

Damn !!!!!!

My only claim to fame, shot down

[Ken Wainwright]

As requested, please find the NCCA Mission Statement as below.

NCCA Mission Statement

The mission of the NCCA is to be the independent voice of the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry in the United Kingdom.

To set and promote high standards and ethics.

To promote excellence through continuous education and training.


To act as a central conduit in the exchange of information between all segments of the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry in order to enhance product quality, value and service to the customer.

To be the authorative source of information and the guardian of industry standards.


Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Neil Grainger]

Hi Ken

Thanks for that.

Could please give me your view on the suggestion of membership grading.

cheers

Neil

[Kinver_Clean]

I am 65 in May and have just filled out my pension claim form! I now am taking life a little easier- I try to work 4 days a week, but I find I am putting as much in 4 days as 5--

If you want to change something dont sit on the doorstep and moan! If everyone who wants the Ncca to do more for its members joined then it would be easier to afford the cash for more publicity etc  etc.

Trevor  Mem no 763

[Ken Wainwright]

You're welcome Neil

We have discussed graded technicians at Board Level. These discussions are confidential

Watch this space.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Buster Ingram]

There you go Neil you have it from the horses mouth or is it an eye.  Wink Wink

[Neil Grainger]

Dave

Its my major bug bear about the NCCA and as soon as it comes in I will join.

No problem with Egg on my face jst wanted to put my point accross from the way I see it, If I am misguided then shoot me down I have not problem with that.

Are you still building your Truckmounts for people to buy, I was going to buy John Flynns sometime ago. The machines look great.

Cheers

Neil

[the red carpet]

Craig p, has got one for sale on e-bay

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

with fourms like this and others its so easy these days to lisen and see what people are saying and what they want out of something like the NCCA its ok them comeing on here saying this and that but how do we know if its getting took on borad ?

ok some will say join and find out  ect ect ect well thats ok,  ive seen loads of people do this , put alot of time in helping  things like the NCCA  only to find out three years later theres no change  so i can see why people are holding back like myself

i know how hard it is putting a show on (road show) as me and 12 of my friends do it every year for 5000 people all weekend !

but why cant the NCCA do say four road shows one year and aks people to come and join in a mini agm ? it would nt cost a lot at all they could get the hall sponsored by say " clean it up " they would be the only traders there and have the cleaners ( us) pay £5  useing pay pal for the cost of food befour the event is due

this way getting to know the  numbers on how many would turn up this way they could lisen and talk back too non members,  takeing  notes from non members  instead of giveing the sales bit at shows like i have seen them do

would make people feel a little better about joining im sure

[Derek]

The Roadshows are not hard sell but informative...they are sponsored by NCCA Associate members who are given an opportunity to do a presentation ..this presentation is on a topic selected by the NCCA to ensure that it isn't a hard sell event.

The Roadshows do go around the Country ...so that's that one out of the way..

Neil...when the new NCCA grading systeme comes in there will obviously have to be exclusions....anyone with their surname beginning with a 'G'

[Neil Grainger]

Derek

Can I ask Why, what have I done?

Cheers

Neil