ViewPoint: Planning For 2001

I can’t believe it’s almost "next year." 2001 sounds so far in the future but in reality it’s only about six weeks away. Fortunately, I have about 75 percent of the stories for next year’s issues planned and assigned so I feel a little ahead of the game.

Are you prepared for the new year? I’d like to think that a majority of you are ready for 2001. I hope that your budgets, goals and strategic plans for the next 12 months are in the works, if they’re not yet complete. If you haven’t finished making plans for next year, now is a good time to do so. These winter months provide an ideal opportunity for PCOs to catch up on missed time from the busy season.

Check out Richard Kramer’s column this month on page 65. There he talks about what a company could (should?) do during the slower winter months to benefit itself later on down the road. Kramer suggests that PCOs take this time to work on training, attend conferences and prepare their equipment for the busy season (all great suggestions, in my opinion).

One great training tool to take advantage of is featured this month in the form of PCT’s cover story, "Ants Vs. Roaches." The story was written by first-time PCT contributor Robert Kopanic Jr. and it discusses recent bait innovations and how baiting for cockroaches varies dramatically from baiting for ants. Give those in your office a chance to read this article and see what tips they can pick up for practical use at their accounts.

In addition, we’ve included something extra in this month’s issue of PCT. Bound into the November issue between pages 22 and 23 is the "PCT Online User’s Guide." This 12-page pocket guide explains how PCT’s new website works, what features it includes and what’s in store for the site in the months ahead.

"MyPCT," offering the power of personalization, includes several dynamic sections. MyPCT enables PCOs to schedule their own personal appointments and meetings on an online calendar, to monitor their personalized stock portfolio and the chance to create their own MSDS label book, among many new and updated features.

In addition to the MyPCT features, visitors can read online-only features, daily pest control-related news and the latest in new products from various manufacturers serving the industry.

Take out the guide and use it today. It’s a step-by-step opportunity to learn about the industry’s latest innovations via the Internet. Technology in the pest control industry is changing every day. Here’s your chance to get (and stay) up to date.