|
IRM Research to Focus on the Wired Home
 NAHB’s Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) has initiated research on how builders and other building professionals can more effectively and profitably collaborate with residential electronic systems contractors (RESC) to create wired homes that meet consumer needs.
The research will be conducted as a joint venture with the Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), an international trade association of companies that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for the home. The research is being conducted as part of this year’s IRM Research Initiative.
The research results will be presented at the 2007 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. in February.
More new home builders are providing home technology integration (HTI) packages to their customers that include Category 5-enhanced data cables, distributed audio and video networks and fiber-optic cables.
Builders are beginning to understand how to best meet the connectivity needs of their customers in the short-term and to anticipate and fulfill their future needs.
The research will focus on understanding RESC's role and the training needed to:
- Design and install effective specifications of basic and enhanced structured wiring packages.
- Use software and other technology to help builders and home owners design home networks, whole house audio, home theaters and security surveillance, and how to effectively integrate these technologies.
- Partner with structured wiring experts.
- Help salespeople educate home owners about ESC capabilities and benefits.
- Create checklists so that builders and home owners “will feel comfortable that the new home is being built to accommodate the latest in communications, entertainment and security technologies."
- Ensure that the technology is user-friendly and will require no lengthy programming on the part of the consumer.
S. Robert August, MIRM, the president and founder of S.Robert August & Company, Inc., a national marketing and public relations firm based in Denver, will oversee the research project for IRM.
Research results will be presented at the builders' show by August, the NAHB Research Center and representatives from CEDIA, who will be on hand to answer questions about the research findings. After the builders' show, results will be made available to the public and NAHB members on NAHB’s Web site, www.nahb.org.
To learn more about the IRM Research Initiative and how to submit proposals, visit www.nahb.org/MIRM. For information about CEDIA, visit www.cedia.net.
 Subscribe to Sales + Marketing Ideas Magazine for Cutting-Edge Information
For additional cutting-edge sales and marketing information, subscribe to NAHB’s Sales + Marketing Ideas Magazine (www.smimagazine.com).
Click here to learn about membership benefits of the National Sales and Marketing Council and the Institute of Residential Marketing.
 Earn Valuable Sales and Marketing Designations Through IRM Programs
The Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) offers four designation programs for sales and marketing professionals:
- The MIRM and CMP designation programs for new home marketing professionals
- The CSP and MCSP designation programs for new home sales professionals
For more information on these designation programs, click here.
Ask an Expert
You also can ask designation holders questions about obtaining a designation, specific courses, case studies and more. "Ask An Expert" is available on the NAHB Web site by clicking here.
 'Sales and Marketing Checklists' Covers the Ins and Outs of New Home Sales
“Sales and Marketing Checklists for Profit-Driven Home Builders,” available through BuilderBooks.com, covers the major steps involved in successful new home sales. Learn the ins and outs of the comprehensive contract, the move-in, warranty service, asking for referrals and a great close. This expanded second edition includes a new chapter on utilizing technology in your marketing and a more extensive chapter on mulitcultural sales.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 Bill Webb, MIRM, Shows You How to Strengthen Your Selling Game
Bill Webb, MIRM, shows you how to strengthen your selling game in “Sweet Success in New Home Sales,” available through BuilderBooks.com. This book provides powerful techniques for selling more homes and making more money while enjoying your professional life.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
|
