[eco freindly. peoples champion ron .sherlock]

some time ago i mentioned that customers dont really understand what you mean when you put letters after your name , such as member of ----- guild of master craftsmen etc, i was as usual ridiculed . but having for the last 3 weeks put dip, hyp after my name on the profile , noy one person on this forum has asked what it means. the point i make it really does not matter to what accredited society u belong to . it means very little to a customer. they dont ring you because of what you belong to. right or wrong

[Fintan_Coll]

There are people who like to put letters like ABICSc after their names, probably makes them feel important as if it were an OBE or something like that. I suppose if it makes them feel good then why not.

[mark_roberts]

Sherlock your dead wrong.

I have customers ring me BECAUSE I'm in the NCCA as they percieve me to be a better cleaner than the next company.

I do agree that putting letters after your name even if your a doctor or similar professional is a bit lacking in your confidence and who you think you are.  Were all the same just some have more brains than others.

Mark

[eco freindly. peoples champion ron .sherlock]

mark maybe you are right. but what does it mean

[therapist]

MORE BRAINS THAN OTHERS

What are you suggesting Mr Roberts?

If you think that being a card carrier, or certificate holder makes you brainier.........think again.

The number of people I've personally encountered, who have certificates or diplomas even degrees, but  are completely lacking in PRACTICAL ABILITY OR COMMONSENSE AND UNABLE TO CHANGE ADEQUATELY is frightening.

Just because someone has attended half a dozen courses and joined an organisation does'nt make them a better carpet cleaner, or whatever.

THEY COULD BE UTTERLY USELESS

Wheras, another PRACTICALLY GIFTED individual who uses his COMMON SENSE and reads insructions and experiments a bit with products and equipment might be the most gifted and knowledgable c/c you will ever meet

Have a nice day

r m


   

[therapist]

I should qualify, that I am actually in favour of training and think that, perhaps there is an opportunity right here on this board for like minded people to put together a programne of practical training for your industry.

The training could be carried out by recognised instructors or manufacturers or specialists from the many disciplines within the industry and I would suggest that, should such a venture get off the ground.......everyone would have to attend the courses from the most basic introductory course to restoration etc

By taking control, you can set the standards and parameters even setting a national standard in conjunction with insurance companies

No I'm not volunteering, as I'm in my 62nd year and backing out of the c/c industry

There are plenty of talented individuals here who have the knowledge and ability to do this

best wishes

r m

[LTT Leathercare]

I think you might find that the National Flood School have already started a similar training plan with their Frontline Programme. 
I think that being a member of a recognised Trade Association is now what the public are looking for as there have been so many problems with 'cowboys'. 

We were at the recent BBC Good Homes Show with the Association of Master Upholsterers and I think that this increased sales as the public felt confident that we were members.

Regards
Judy

[Karl Wildey]

If you employed the services of a gas fitter, bricklayer, tarmac layer, electrician, painter and decorator etc, How do you choose?

Instead of thinking about how people look at us, reverse this situation and look at your own behaviour in the past.
Would you employer the services of someone in a beat up van, no sign writing and who smelt funny.
What about a fick through y/p or thomsons, would you ring the company with the letters and logos, or the cheap and cheerful ad. (the way the call is handled will have another deciding factor on your choice).

[Dave_Lee]

Therapist,
You mention about a practically gifted CCwho uses his common sense, could be a better CC than someone who has attended all the training course. How about the guy has attended the training courses and is also practically gifted, surely that is an even better cenario.
I believe the courses you are in favour of already exist within the IICRC, and are already available.
Dave.

[therapist]

Can't disagree with anything you say Dave, was just making two points;-

Being a member of ......whatever guarantees nothing in terms of quality, or standards.

The people who use this board, mostly have a desire to progress........their business, their knowledge, or other peoples knowledge

What the industry needs, if it wishes to raise it's profile and credibility in the public eye, is an easily recognised and memorable logo, associated with a recognisable standard.

The letters IICRC are completely meaningless to the public, just as Woolsafe, NCCA, etc carry little weight  "with the general public"

When a logo is included in advertising it seems to attract more attention and enquiries,eg.
The Guild of master Craftsmen......which has no credibility in my experience but, the public perception is different.

As already stated, none of this will affect my life having passed my 60th birthday but it could affect yours

So........... Approved.....Master.....Registered, or whatever.

Follow the marketing guru's thinking and get the attention grabbing words in front of your public.

if you don't, they will just go to what they perceive to be the market leader.

rm

[gwrightson]

Sherlock, I did actually notice the letters after your name
 didnt take much notice though. i just thought they stood for dippy hippy,
 same as i didnt take much notice of your tips!!!!, or your foot notes
 geoff

[eco freindly. peoples champion ron .sherlock]

thanks geoff you seemed to take enough notice to reply,from the dippy hippy,