How to overcome 4 big challenges that hold you back

Owning a pest control company is rewarding, but it’s not easy. Most owners start out in the truck, working hard to serve customers and grow their businesses. But as your company grows, new challenges appear that can slow your progress or leave you feeling stuck. After coaching dozens of pest control business owners, I see the same four issues pop up again and again:

1. Not knowing what to do next

In the early days, running on hustle and instinct works. But if you’ve been in business a few years and still feel like you’re “winging it,” that’s a problem. Without a clear plan, it’s hard to know which services are profitable, where to invest marketing dollars, or which hires to make next. Nothing stalls growth faster than a leader without a plan. Taking time for strategic planning — quarterly or annually — will help you clarify your next steps and keep your business moving forward.

2. Leading people instead of bossing people

You probably didn’t start your pest control company because you wanted to manage people, but eventually, you need a team to grow. With people come challenges, such as tech calloffs, customer service representative burnout, personality clashes and culture drift.

The key is to lead, not boss. Bosses give orders. Leaders coach, inspire and develop their team.
▶ Invest in your own growth: Read, take classes or hire a coach.
▶ Involve yourself in the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or your state association to learn from other leaders.
▶ Focus on developing your team; when they grow, your business grows, too.

3. Time limitations

If you end most days exhausted and can’t name three things you accomplished, you have a time management problem. Many owners stay buried in routing, complaints and administration because they don’t delegate.
Here’s how to take control of your time:
▶ Focus on your Top 3 priorities each day.
▶ Delegate tasks and trust your team as you train and coach them.
▶ Use weekly staff meetings
and key performance indicators (KPIs) to keep your team aligned and accountable.
▶ Block time for quarterly planning to step out of the daily grind and work on the business, not just in it.

4. Isolation

Being the owner can feel lonely. You’re the one making all the decisions, but who do you lean on for advice?

Breaking isolation is critical for growth.
▶ Attend NPMA, state and local industry conferences.
▶ Join a mastermind or peer group.
▶ Work with a coach who can help you see blind spots and hold you accountable.

Spencer Bachman is a second-generation pest management professional, and owner of the Pest Control Business Coach consulting firm based in Canton, Ga. You can reach her at Sheri@PestControlBusinessCoach.com.