Often times, your company’s ultimate success in the construction industry hinges on the relationships you build. Whether you receive a referral for a $250,000 addition from your good friend, the architect or get the paint colors changed for your customer at the last minute thanks to the rep over at Benjamin Moore whose daughter goes to daycare with your son, your friends in the industry will be there to help make you a success. The opposite is true as well. If you have a negative relationship with an architect, you may not be asked to bid on their customers’ work or if you offend a rep at your cabinet company, they may not bend over backwards to help you. If you assist others, they will, in turn, help you. If you consistently let down subcontractors, fail to follow through with promises or do shoddy work on jobs, word will travel fast through the networks of those affected. Building quality, positive relationships in the construction is imperative to your overall success.
Strategic partnerships, whether they are formal or informal, grow your network and help to make you a more effective businessperson. Are there a handful of subs that you use regularly? Do they, in turn, kick work your way when there are projects they can’t handle alone? You have a strategic partnership. Over the next thirty days, I challenge you to grow your network through strategic partnerships. Investigate businesses near you with whom you have a working relationship (suppliers, subs you use now and again, architects, etc) and see if you can build a strategic partnership. By making an effort to refer business to others and asking them if they know anyone who could use your services, you open the door to a strategic partnership.
Who do you know whose partnership could be a goldmine for you?
These are some interesting partnerships I have seen in just the last year:
The remodeler who specializes in building wine cellars partners, informally, with the specialty wine shop.
The architect partners with the remodeler.
The electrician and plumber align with the general contractor.
The drywall company partners with the painters.
The design build group forges a relationship with the real estate attorney.
It is up to you to take the first step and I encourage you to do it today.
Originally posted by Remodeler's Marketing
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Universal Remodeling Class
Universal Remodeling Education Program
NARI's Universal Remodeling education program will provide you with the tools to sell and conduct remodeling projects that are based on Universal Design principles. These types of projects are attractive not only to those who wish to age-in-place but also families with special needs and families that are forward thinking. You will learn the seven principles of Universal Design, how to interview clients with an understanding and consideration of their special needs, and finally the how-to of building these projects. Enroll now! Participation is limited to the first 15 students. We look forward to "seeing" you in class.
The primary texts included as part of the course materials are Universal Design for the Home: Great-Looking, Great-Living Design for All Ages, Abilities, and Circumstances by Wendy A. Jordan. A spiral bound program book outlining each chapter, along with several supporting references, and a Universal Design video presented by The Ohio State University.
The cost of this program will be $295 for NARI Members and $395 for Non-Members. Course size will be limited to 15 connections to enable active participation by all attendees.
Enrollment for the next two sessions (May 19 and July 14) is open now. Just a reminder, this is a NARI Education Program, not a NARI Certification program. All applications should be faxed or mailed to the NARI office: NARI, 780 Lee St., Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL 60016, Fax (847) 298-9225.
Click here to apply!
NARI's Universal Remodeling education program will provide you with the tools to sell and conduct remodeling projects that are based on Universal Design principles. These types of projects are attractive not only to those who wish to age-in-place but also families with special needs and families that are forward thinking. You will learn the seven principles of Universal Design, how to interview clients with an understanding and consideration of their special needs, and finally the how-to of building these projects. Enroll now! Participation is limited to the first 15 students. We look forward to "seeing" you in class.
The primary texts included as part of the course materials are Universal Design for the Home: Great-Looking, Great-Living Design for All Ages, Abilities, and Circumstances by Wendy A. Jordan. A spiral bound program book outlining each chapter, along with several supporting references, and a Universal Design video presented by The Ohio State University.
The cost of this program will be $295 for NARI Members and $395 for Non-Members. Course size will be limited to 15 connections to enable active participation by all attendees.
Enrollment for the next two sessions (May 19 and July 14) is open now. Just a reminder, this is a NARI Education Program, not a NARI Certification program. All applications should be faxed or mailed to the NARI office: NARI, 780 Lee St., Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL 60016, Fax (847) 298-9225.
Click here to apply!
How Certifications Help In a Down Market
By Dan Taddei, NARI Director of Education
In an era where any person with a truck and a tool belt can try their hand at remodeling, it has become more important than ever for professional remodelers to get certified. Deciding to remodel a home is a big decision for many homeowners. They need to know that the remodeling contractor they choose is a full-time, dedicated professional who has their best interest at heart and follows a strict code of ethics. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) certification program offers this assurance through a comprehensive education, screening and testing program.
“In this down market, homeowners have more choices than ever when selecting a remodeler,” said Paul Zuch, CR, CGB, president of Capital Improvements in Allen, Texas, and NARI vice president. “Contractors who take the initiative to earn certifications in their field of expertise simply put themselves at the top of the list.”
Certification doesn’t take the place of licensing, but in states that don’t require general contracting licenses, a Certified Remodeler designation is an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other remodelers in your area. “It shows your clients that you went above and beyond what’s required to get a certification through a professional association,” said Dale Contant, CR, owner of Atlanta Design/Build in Marietta, Ga.
Only full-time, professional remodeling contractors are eligible for certification by NARI. To be eligible, a NARI member must be in the remodeling industry for at least five years. NARI certification means a remodeler has developed skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice. NARI members can become a Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA), Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR), Green Certified Professional (GCP) and Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC).
Contant said his business has benefited by having a team of certified remodelers on staff, which includes two Certified Remodelers, three Certified Lead Carpenters and one Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler. “We use certifications as a cornerstone to our marketing,” Contant says. “We proudly display our certifications on our Web site, marketing materials and at our home shows. It separates us from other people who don’t have certifications or companies that have only one person who is certified.”
NARI certifications can be challenging to obtain because remodelers are required to study material from several resources and must pass a comprehensive exam. This is different from other association designation programs that simply require you attend the classes, and everyone passes the open discussion test.
“I’m most proud of earning my NARI Certified Remodeler designation,” Zuch said. “One thing remodelers understand is that anything worth having takes hard work and must be earned. NARI certification programs are not easy to obtain, but once earned, they will be valued and promoted.”
Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process demanding. “Getting certified is not a cake-walk,” Contant said. “It’s detailed, not easy or cheap.” NARI certified remodelers have been reviewed by the NARI Certification Board, which looks at a remodeler’s years of hands-on experience, industry training, involvement in continuing education, technical skills, practices in business management and community service.
Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to 12 weeks studying in preparation for a one-day written exam. The exams cover critical subject areas, such as business management practices, building codes and construction law, plans and specifications, safe and proper use of tools and equipment, and specialized skills. Once they gain certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual recertification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry-related programs.
NARI national and the local chapters do a good job of promoting the benefits of working with certified professionals via Web sites, print ads, radio, home shows, remodeled home tours and other venues, but the education shouldn’t stop there. Certified remodelers should spend time educating their potential clients about those benefits as well. NARI provides its members helpful promotional fliers that discuss what a certified contractor is and the benefits to homeowners that choose to work with them.
Once you acquire a project, certifications can also help a remodeler to command a higher rate for their work. “We get more than your average company because we have certified people on staff, but that also comes with a higher sense of quality that people expect,” Contant said. “It shows that we have services, warranties, systems and procedures in
In an era where any person with a truck and a tool belt can try their hand at remodeling, it has become more important than ever for professional remodelers to get certified. Deciding to remodel a home is a big decision for many homeowners. They need to know that the remodeling contractor they choose is a full-time, dedicated professional who has their best interest at heart and follows a strict code of ethics. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) certification program offers this assurance through a comprehensive education, screening and testing program.
“In this down market, homeowners have more choices than ever when selecting a remodeler,” said Paul Zuch, CR, CGB, president of Capital Improvements in Allen, Texas, and NARI vice president. “Contractors who take the initiative to earn certifications in their field of expertise simply put themselves at the top of the list.”
Certification doesn’t take the place of licensing, but in states that don’t require general contracting licenses, a Certified Remodeler designation is an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other remodelers in your area. “It shows your clients that you went above and beyond what’s required to get a certification through a professional association,” said Dale Contant, CR, owner of Atlanta Design/Build in Marietta, Ga.
Only full-time, professional remodeling contractors are eligible for certification by NARI. To be eligible, a NARI member must be in the remodeling industry for at least five years. NARI certification means a remodeler has developed skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice. NARI members can become a Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA), Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR), Green Certified Professional (GCP) and Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC).
Contant said his business has benefited by having a team of certified remodelers on staff, which includes two Certified Remodelers, three Certified Lead Carpenters and one Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler. “We use certifications as a cornerstone to our marketing,” Contant says. “We proudly display our certifications on our Web site, marketing materials and at our home shows. It separates us from other people who don’t have certifications or companies that have only one person who is certified.”
NARI certifications can be challenging to obtain because remodelers are required to study material from several resources and must pass a comprehensive exam. This is different from other association designation programs that simply require you attend the classes, and everyone passes the open discussion test.
“I’m most proud of earning my NARI Certified Remodeler designation,” Zuch said. “One thing remodelers understand is that anything worth having takes hard work and must be earned. NARI certification programs are not easy to obtain, but once earned, they will be valued and promoted.”
Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process demanding. “Getting certified is not a cake-walk,” Contant said. “It’s detailed, not easy or cheap.” NARI certified remodelers have been reviewed by the NARI Certification Board, which looks at a remodeler’s years of hands-on experience, industry training, involvement in continuing education, technical skills, practices in business management and community service.
Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to 12 weeks studying in preparation for a one-day written exam. The exams cover critical subject areas, such as business management practices, building codes and construction law, plans and specifications, safe and proper use of tools and equipment, and specialized skills. Once they gain certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual recertification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry-related programs.
NARI national and the local chapters do a good job of promoting the benefits of working with certified professionals via Web sites, print ads, radio, home shows, remodeled home tours and other venues, but the education shouldn’t stop there. Certified remodelers should spend time educating their potential clients about those benefits as well. NARI provides its members helpful promotional fliers that discuss what a certified contractor is and the benefits to homeowners that choose to work with them.
Once you acquire a project, certifications can also help a remodeler to command a higher rate for their work. “We get more than your average company because we have certified people on staff, but that also comes with a higher sense of quality that people expect,” Contant said. “It shows that we have services, warranties, systems and procedures in
Monday, April 6, 2009
Separate Yourself From The Ordinary
In tough economic times like these you need to separate yourself from the "rest" of the remodelers. How can you do this? By becoming a NARI certified remodeler
NARI's Core Purpose is to advance and promote the remodeling industry's professionalism, product & vital public purpose.
Learn more about NARI
Hear what NARI members have to say about the value of joining.
Learn the value of choosing a NARI remodeling contractor to do your remodeling job.
NARI helps homeowners create their own success stories
NARI's Core Purpose is to advance and promote the remodeling industry's professionalism, product & vital public purpose.
Learn more about NARI
Hear what NARI members have to say about the value of joining.
Learn the value of choosing a NARI remodeling contractor to do your remodeling job.
NARI helps homeowners create their own success stories
Why use a NARI Remodeler?
Thinking about remodeling? View these videos to learn more about why using NARI remodelers is the right choice for you.
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