Print This Article			Print All Articles			Email the Editor

The Best Paying Non-Job I Ever Had

I am a board member of our local association with succession to a leadership position in place, chair of our local Remodelors™ Council, a member on three other committees, a trustee on the national Remodelors™ Council and the current chair of the Remodelors™ Council Public Affairs Committee. Those who know how involved I am often ask, “How can you afford to put so much time into the association?” My answer: “It’s the best paying non-job I ever had!”

Value Comes From Participation

The networking and business connections I’ve made because of my involvement have improved my business operations beyond measure. The input, advice, feedback and tips I’ve received from all levels of the association are much greater than I could ever purchase through consultants or otherwise.

Locally, the business referrals we’ve received are a major source of our leads. What’s more, these leads are generally very good because they come from another "pro" in the industry who is often highly regarded. In addition, my involvement in committees, home shows, community projects and similar gatherings feed into the pipeline that has become a major portion of our business volume.

The training, both in structured classes and by way of advice, is also a huge asset. It’s refreshing to know that, instead of constantly “reinventing the wheel,” there are always people within the association who have been down the road you’re traveling. At every turn you can find someone to relate to and, perhaps, show you a short cut or help you avoid a (costly) detour.

NAHB Members Are Willing to Share, Help and Encourage

What’s really amazing is that, even though we’re all in the same business, there’s not the vicious competition you might expect. Everyone is more than willing to share, help, encourage. In a business largely without formal “schooling,” there’s something reassuring (which only helps your actions and operations) about the advice and commendations you receive from respected members of your industry.

All this is available for the nominal price of membership. I can think of no other place, business or otherwise, where the same return on investment is available. But there is one obligation you need to fulfill — you have to participate!

NAHB and the Remodelors™ Council are full of resources and people to help us all succeed. And, often, you don’t even have to ask. Just participate and the rest is almost like osmosis. That’s because every member wants every other member to succeed, which, in turn, ensures a stronger, more productive, influential and powerful organization.

I’m just sorry I didn’t take this "job" earlier in my career. Of course, had I done so, I’d be insufferably successful and obnoxiously present at too many venues. If or when the time comes to make choices and cut expenses, I know that my membership and membership activities will be the last to go. The payback is just too valuable to give up.

go to top