New Detailers Association

[SoCalB6]

In the IT business, there are MCSE and PMP certifications to name a few.



Then the "associations" come in from those mailing lists and try to collect $500 a piece per year so you can receive yet another newsletter with dribble on it. Anyone read the misery on TechRepublic forums?



The certs have been totally abused by sharks who learned how to exploit free education grants to minorities from the government. They scour the streets for qualified applicants, have them sign the grant, then dump them in a 5 day class to learn how to create AD accounts and set up DNS all with no charge to the student. Suddenly their social security number is pounded when the "grant" didn't cover the 100% tuition of the "school". Here comes the collection agency to the rescue, and some poor kids credit is ruined.



In my office, we used to call the candidates that had MCSE status listed on their resumes as their key attribute, MCSG's. - Microsoft Certified Security Guards.



As for PMP's - A certified Burger King Process Handbook Writer.





Just be completely aware of what the certs are worth and what an association is going to do for you. If you are good, you need NONE OF THIS.

I was going to add this to my previous post as an edit, but you took the words from me



Referrals, don't need much else...

 

[Showroom Shine]

Well, I bit the bullet and payed my $50. I have yet to hear from these people. IF I don't hear something by Tuesday of next week I will file a complaint with the BBB and US Attorney Generals Office. Then they wonder why we don't join these freaking BS associations. I'm pissed! Thing of it is WE Detailers don't need them. They need US. I learned another good ,lesson here. The next time they will have to pass a law to make me join! OH it's the IDA!! :grrr

Just went out to get my mail. I have a certificate for my $50 that says I'm a member of the International Detailers Association. Whatever that means. I don't see any benefits. I hope you all have heard me!

 

[imported_Detailing Technology]

When something is new or unknown, but needed, hiring manager and consumers dont know how to qualify.



Hence the rush on Cisco and Microsoft certifications in the late 90's. No hiring manager knew how to interview or qualify the person doing the work. Hence, the certification! Lazy hiring managers would ask for certified candidates hoping that this somehow made them knowledgeable enough to complete the tasks the company needed done.

After the hiring managers were burnt enough, this fell off.





These certifications and associations are intended to comfort or ease the hiring/buying process for the needy unknowing.



So do I think there is a need for a detailing association? No.



Think of the size of the NADA (National Association of Auto Dealers) and the breadth of services they provide. People and dealers still get burned every single minute on cars. But here is some valuable data for the used car guys that I like to read: http://www.nada.com/b2b/moreinfo/2008_12_mu.pdf?s=KbFaJO-135253663-7640



What data is of value specifically to a detailer, can you collect and provide?

What classes / testing / certifications would be of value and where would you hold them?



Most important - How will you let the entire USA know the value you offer as an association and make them hungry to only use an XYZ certified detailer?





First objective of an association should be to get the ear of the consumer. Then worry about lining up the detailers. If someone calls a detailer for a correction and asks, "Are you XYZ certified"? You can bet that detailer will find your XYZ certification program and send you $50.

 

[Relaited]

I think the industry does need some sort of an organization to help elevate the industry standards.



Personally, I have a low opinion of the industry. Sure there are some good detailers, and even fewer that combine that with good business skills.



I talk to Cities all the time, and they have an even lower opinion of our industry than I do. And for that you should be nervous.



I think a strong industry Association, that can generate credibility, is important for the future of our industry.



Somehow, we need to weed out the folks that can come in for short money, grab a bucket & hose and call themselves a professional detailer.



And for that, I think one needs to be prepared to give more than they get, and there in lies the challenge.



in my opinion.



-jim

 

[imported_Jakerooni]

Why did this get brought up after 5 years??? Do people not even look at dates anymore? There are associations out there that require ZERO cash involvement from it's members. (as it should be) To pay someone is like the blind leading the deaf. Retarded and pointless. I mean seriously how is paying them going to help you or your business out?? It simply won't

 

[imported_shine]

jdoria - you bring up some good points about the whole certification IT world. Certifications are one thing, real world, hands-on experience is another. The certifications will get the interview but then you have to start answering real questions during the interview that will determine if you get the job or not.



I should have my MCSA/MCSE and a slew of ComTIA certs within the year...time will tell what that will do for me.

 

[Relaited]

Yo Jakerooni,



Wow, your posts are often quite negative. My momma did not raise a dummy, I can see the dates, comments still as relevant as today.



Professional Detailers are most often very poor business people, so I am not surprised many do not see the value.



-jim

 

[imported_Jakerooni]

My post are not negitive they are very blunt and to the point. (goes with being where I'm from I'm told) I don't single out and down people but I don't sugercoat obvious questions.I won't put a nice spin on it just to save someone's feelings. I don't get why people say I'm negitive. I'm actually one of the nicer and more helpful people you'd ever meet IRL. I don't think most people would do very well in Flint. It's not negitive to be blunt and to the point. I've never understood the whole "Be nice for the sake of being nice" routine. Seems like such a waste of time to me. If it calls for a nice response so be it. If something so stupidly obvious needs pointed out well... I have a loud mouth I guess.

 

[Banacheq]

My post are not negitive they are very blunt and to the point. (goes with being where I'm from I'm told)

I think antagonistic, confrontational, or disparaging would be a better way to describe most of your responses that I've read.

I don't single out and down people...

You don't? Wouldn't the response "Why did this get brought up after 5 years??? Do people not even look at dates anymore?" be singling out the person who revived the thread and presuming they've done so unwittingly? How about the quote below regarding all the people who have joined associations and paid to do so who are also apparently retarded? How is that not "singling out" or "downing people"? If you want to be taken seriously, you need to cut out the disparaging remarks.

There are associations out there that require ZERO cash involvement from it's members. (as it should be) To pay someone is like the blind leading the deaf. Retarded and pointless. I mean seriously how is paying them going to help you or your business out?? It simply won't

... I don't sugercoat obvious questions.I won't put a nice spin on it just to save someone's feelings. I don't get why people say I'm negitive... ... It's not negitive to be blunt and to the point. I've never understood the whole "Be nice for the sake of being nice" routine. Seems like such a waste of time to me. If it calls for a nice response so be it.

I wholeheartedly believe that you're being sincere in the quote above and that you don't get it. The art of conversation can be tricky and many people who don't give their wording careful consideration can easily find themselves coming off as rude or disdainful. However, I think this is more of a case of being just outright insulting. Maybe the fact that you're getting this feedback from multiple sources is an indication that maybe, MAYBE, you should look into taking a different approach to your responses.

If something so stupidly obvious needs pointed out well... I have a loud mouth I guess.

I sometimes can't help but point out the "stupidly obvious" either.

 

[Scottwax]

Professional Detailers are most often very poor business people, so I am not surprised many do not see the value.



-jim

So far, there has been no value that I can perceive from any of the detailing associations that have quickly come and gone.

 

[Relaited]

If anyone has an expectation that for $50 you would get this whole big bunch of value ... I suggest one stop sniffing the carnauba.



Specifically, in the beginning, one should ask … what can I do for the Association?



Otherwise, point made ... industry is a bunch of technicians, lacking in appropriate business skills.



Honestly, I question the viability of a Detailing Association ... not because of the Association, but because of the industry



IMHO



-jim

 

[Scottwax]

If anyone has an expectation that for $50 you would get this whole big bunch of value ... I suggest one stop sniffing the carnauba.



Specifically, in the beginning, one should ask … what can I do for the Association?



Otherwise, point made ... industry is a bunch of technicians, lacking in appropriate business skills.



Honestly, I question the viability of a Detailing Association ... not because of the Association, but because of the industry



IMHO



-jim

I was a member of the PDA in the mid 90s. All my money got me was a news letter about stuff I should already know. Nothing about group insurance or any real certification ever materialized.

 

[Flashtime]

How about if DavidB started charging for membership here?!