Hello everyone
We have some significant developments going on and you can expect to get quite a few messages over the next couple of weeks.
At this time, I would like to announce the following 3 items:
1. We need to create our formal STANDARDS COMMITTEE.
Because our reputation as a whole is so important to each and every one of us we need to maintain very high standards of professionalism. Our reputation will gain attention and contribute to driving business to you.
In order to do this, we...
... mandate that all restoration pros are licensed (when required by their state)
... are insured
... sign a commitment to professional integrity
... maintain a good reputation in the industry
... adhere to quality standards of practice
We need to form a Standards Committee from amongst our group. The committee will do a couple of things...
... Help draft the Quality Standards of Practice
... Fairly and judiciously determine appropriate action should any complaints be filed against anyone in our group.
If you elect to become a committee member, you will be listed and linked on StonePro Solutions and you can state on your own bio/about/services pages in your site that you are a committee member. I do not expect this to be a very time consuming effort, but I would like only those serious about it to participate. Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested.
2. STONECARE CENTRAL As you probably know, the company has gone through significant changes. The net result to all of the Partners is that services and benefits are increased.
As you probably also know, M3 Technologies has now taken over Stonecare Central. The online store is going through major changes though. There will actualy be 2 sites in the next couple of weeks --one for consumers with stonecare products and one for Pros. I will keep you posted. But, in the meantime, if you need anything, chances are it's available through Stonecare Central at Partner discount even if it is not showing in the online store. The selection of diamonds, machines, tools, etc. is far greater than what it was previously, but if you need something, you're probably better off calling. (Call the number on
stonecarecentral.com -- 800-342-4533). Also, we need to make sure SCC has what you need. The private label products have been developed and some last minute details are being worked out, so you will be able to get products at great prices. Please communicate with us about what needs to be available for you.
3. MARKET SLOTS In order to best meet our overall goals we have redesigned our Market Slots for Partners. Rather than the limited areas we had defined previously, the Market Slots (territories) are much larger but generally speaking our Market Slots we will allow 1 Partner for every 1.5 million population. This is for Stone Restoration Partners, Tile & Grout Renewal, and Fabricators. There is no limit to how many people can be listed in Maintenance.
We really need to generate revenues so we can advertise you guys the way we want. In order to do this we need to start getting stricter about the way we do things. As of right now all Stone Restoration Partners that also provide Tile and Grout Renewal services are listed for free in the Tile and Grout Renewal listings. We're only going to allow this through the end of May. Beginning June 1st if you want to be a Certified Stone and Tile PRO in multiple categories, you will have to pay the Partner/listing fee for each.
I will be getting with each one of you regarding your ad in
stoneandtilepros.com. The new format will allow for a lot of advertising space and info.
We are in the midst of some significant redesigns and promotion campaigns. Our goal is to maximize traffic to
www.stoneandtilepros.com and to your respective sites and we are developing / implementing great resources to do this. Check in periodically to see the changes.