Congratulations! You’ve put in the work to become a Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
The studying and test-taking are behind you, and now you have your official CPO license. It’s time to make your next move, but what is that move?
When you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of pool management, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of, first.
Let’s take a look at the five most important steps to take starting today.
1. Take Care of Legal Requirements
Before you get too far into your Certified Pool Operator next steps, start by getting your legal matters in order.
Branching out and starting a business can be tricky, especially with so much time and paperwork involved. These tips from the Small Business Administration (SBA) can help you stay on the right track.
Some of the key considerations include:
- Naming your business
- Creating a business plan
- Identifying funding opportunities
- Registering your business
- Obtaining required permits and licenses
You may want to meet with a lawyer during this phase. They’ll help ensure you complete everything in full and on time so you can get started as soon as possible. Plus, a business lawyer will be able to make sure your business idea is sound as you prepare to enter the market.
If you miss a key step or fail to complete a required process, then your grand opening could be delayed. This might not be the most glamorous part of owning a pool operator business, but it’s one of the most important ones.
2. Conduct Market Research
If you’re wondering what to do post-CPO, we recommend researching your local area. This is a great way to measure the need for your services. It also helps you see what your competitors are doing.
Some of the top questions to ask during this phase include:
- Roughly how many homeowners have backyard pools in your city?
- What services are your competitors offering?
- How much are your competitors charging?
To stand out, try to think of a key differentiator that can set you apart from the rest. For instance, achieving your online CPO certification is a great way to show customers that you’re committed to offering quality, professional services.
You can conduct online polls, take a deep dive into competitor websites, read local homeowner reports, and contact local real estate agents to learn more about the landscape in your region.
3. Create a Website
If you want to attract future clients and keep your current ones happy, you need an easy way for them to learn about your pool services. This is where a sleek, responsive website comes in.
We consider this one of our CPO license advanced tips because it’s easy to miss in the fast-paced world of pool management. Your day-to-day work won’t involve much time online, but people will be searching for your services that way.
Studies show that 71% of small businesses currently have a website. If you’re stuck in the 29% that don’t, then you could lose a valuable connection tool.
You can create one yourself using no-code website builders as long as you’re confident in your tech abilities. Otherwise, reach out to a digital marketing firm that can take care of the legwork for you. While it might cost a little in the beginning, those upfront costs will be worth it.
4. Invest in Supplies
Our Pool Certification Guide gave you all the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful pool operator. However, you can’t get started until you have the right gear in place!
From cleaning tools like skimmers and nets to heavy-duty items like pumps and vacuums, you may need to stock your business with a variety of equipment.
Some of these pieces can be expensive to procure. You may need to host a few fundraising efforts to help you get started. In addition to in-person events, consider online crowdfunding platforms.
Remember that equipment can vary in price and quality from one manufacturer to the next. Always do your due diligence and research different models before making a purchase of this size. While used gear can save you a little money, it can also be less reliable, so keep that in mind before taking anything from a secondhand source.
5. Get the Word Out
Once everything is taken care of on the back end, it’s time to let others know that you’re open for business! Marketing is one of the most important parts of opening any business, so don’t skip it.
Start by creating a social media presence for your pool operator business. Beyond the basic platforms like Facebook and Instagram, think about branching into LinkedIn, Twitter, and even TikTok to engage with your clients and share critical updates about your operations.
In addition to sharing posts, consider going live on video a few times so viewers can get an up-close look at what you do and how you do it. Remember: You’re the resident expert here, so share helpful tips that your audience needs.
Ideas include:
- How to keep your pool clean
- How to perform seasonal maintenance
- Key safety tips to keep in mind
- The benefits of hiring a CPO for your pool
You can also go old-school and share your business cards in local places like coffee shops and bookstores. Both digital and traditional marketing will be key as you turn your business from an idea into a reality!
You Have Your CPO License: Now What?
Achieving your CPO license is a wonderful way to begin your career as a certified pool operator. However, it’s only the first step in a rewarding career.
Next, it’s time to put your plan into action.
These five steps can help you turn your CPO certification from a piece of paper into a viable, lucrative, and rewarding business. While much of the initial work is technical and laborious, it’s required to get you where you want to be.
We’re dedicated to helping you succeed in every step of your journey. If you’re just starting, you can sign up for a class here!