Login

USERNAME
PASSWORD

Become a Registered Guest Login Help Lost Password?

Strength in numbers 

I remember when I first joined PLANET’s legacy association, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, almost 10 years ago. It came at the recommendation of an industry colleague, Bill Gordon. Bill thought that I would benefit from membership. Little did I know exactly how true Bill’s statement would be. I’m grateful that Bill took the time to tell me about membership in a national association, as it has made all the difference in my business over the years. 

Now, you have an opportunity to be a PLANET Membership Ambassador.

By now, most of you have probably heard about PLANET’s GROW the NETWORK – JOIN the NETWORK campaign. The campaign kicked off July 1 and will continue through the end of this year. This exciting promotion is designed to encourage PLANET members to recruit new Green Industry Service Provider (GISP) members. The promotion rules go like this: For every new GISP member accepted for membership and whose dues are received by PLANET, the referring member will receive one $25 American Express gift card and one entry into a grand prize drawing for a flat screen television.

Now that’s a pretty good deal. An even better deal, though, is what growing our membership will do for all PLANET members and the green industry. More members give PLANET the ability to provide even more resources for members, to have a stronger voice on important legislative issues, and to create an even larger network and community of industry professionals with similar goals in mind. In a word, or in several words, by helping grow membership, you’re helping PLANET deliver on three of the five goals of the PLANET Promise: deliver unparalleled value to PLANET members, advance marketplace recognition, and influence through proactive advocacy.

So how do you go about selling PLANET to your peers? How do I go about it? First, I identify who I think would be a good member — someone who is interested in professionalism, someone who understands the importance of education and certification, and someone who wants to grow his or her business. Then, I would invite them to join me at a PLANET event such as the Green Industry Conference, October 22–25, 2008, in Louisville, Kentucky. When they attend this conference, they will immediately realize why they should be part of our group.

Even more important than these selling tips is the enthusiasm I outwardly show for being a PLANET member. I’m not bashful about sharing my PLANET experience and telling peers how this organization, its networking opportunities, and its resources have benefited my career and business.

When you think about it, how much easier can you make $25 than to simply relate an experience or two to an industry friend? Your friend will benefit, you will benefit, PLANET will benefit, and so will an industry that will have an even stronger voice. There truly is strength in numbers. And you can become part of an industry colleague’s story, just like Bill Gordon is part of mine.


Jason Cupp, CLP
PLANET President

 

---