What is There in For Me?

If you're a small waste company business owner, particularly as a Baby Boomer owner with decades of direct experience, you've seen the industry evolve.

You started behind the wheel of a truck, and now you’re steering the entire company.
You’ve navigated changes in regulations, technology, and societal expectations.

But have you considered how you communicate your company’s value in this age where outcomes are paramount to your customers?

Let me share why and how your business should articulate the afterlife of the waste you haul and the benefits transparency can yield for your company’s reputation and bottom line.

Demonstrating Recycling Capability Creates Value

Think about your fleet of trucks and the hands of your employees sorting through the materials you collect daily.

When you demonstrate that your company isn’t just hauling junk to a landfill but is instead segregating and recycling a substantial portion, you aren’t merely disposing of waste; you're contributing to a circular economy.

Baby Boomers like yourself, at the helm of waste management companies, you know your business like the back of your hand. But it's not just about knowing it yourself, it's about sharing that knowledge — the outcomes.

When you communicate that your small waste company has the capability to recycle the largest amount of waste collected, you're not just providing a service, you're providing a sustainable solution.

This is where the magic of marketing, a concept that might seem foreign or unnecessary for a straightforward industry like waste management, comes into play. By showcasing your company’s recycling prowess, you create an additional layer of value for your customers, who are increasingly environmentally conscious.

Raw Materials from Waste: Closing the Loop

Now, let’s dig deeper into what happens after the segregation. When the raw materials from the waste collected are sold to recycling companies, which then sell them to manufacturers for new products, you’re closing the loop. It’s a narrative that isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about economic efficiency and innovation.

By transparently showcasing these processes, you affirm that your company isn’t simply involved in waste management but is an integral part of a system that preserves the environment and resources. This isn’t just feel-good jargon; it’s a strong, marketable point that distinguishes your services from the competition.

To effectively communicate these processes, you must first understand the intricate details of where and how the materials are recycled and then be able to articulate these processes to your customers in a clear, compelling manner. This is what marketing is all about.

When crafting your message, speak in terms of value.
Remember, the ‘What is there in for me?’ question isn't selfish; it’s foundational to business transactions. Your customers are asking this question.

Action Steps to Take

Here are concrete steps to showcase the outcomes of your company’s practices:

• Educate Your Team: Ensure that your employees understand the value of what they do beyond the daily grind. Their pride in their work will reflect in customer interactions.

• Document the Journey: Use photographs, videos, and infographics to show the lifecycle of the materials you collect. Visual storytelling is powerful, even for waste management.

• Leverage Social Media: Share these visuals and stories on platforms that your clients frequent. Yes, even Baby Boomers are scrolling through Facebook and LinkedIn for industry news.

• Publish Articles: Write or commission informative articles explaining the environmental and economic impact of your recycling efforts. Host these on your website or share them through industry publications.

• Use Data: Back up your stories with data. How much material did you divert from landfills this year? How many trees were saved as a result? Numbers speak volumes.

• Client Testimonials: Share stories from clients who have chosen your company because of your sustainable practices. Let their satisfaction market your service.

In conclusion, the question 'What is there in for me?' is one that your company can answer with confidence and clarity. By communicating the outcomes of your waste management processes, you not only build trust and loyalty with your current clients but also attract new ones who value environmental stewardship.

Be the Change!

Sam
Waste Management Expert

Founder of M4W - Marketing4Waste

#recycling #wastemanagement #outcomes #junkremovals