From a business standpoint, the advantages and rewards are similar: the knowledge you acquire in a specific area of business helps give you an edge over your competitors. You have the opportunity to hear it from someone who’s “been there, done that,” to engage in a one-on-one dialogue, to ask specific questions and hear examples that can be applied to your business and to establish information resources you can consult in the future. The relationships you form while pursuing a designation can help you continue in your business endeavors. I believe the value of networking is one of the most underestimated advantages of participating in the activities of your home builders association.
The marketing opportunities are boundless. Every businessperson recognizes the need to leverage any investment in time or money for a maximum return. You can use your new credentials as a tool to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area, to express your commitment to the industry, to capitalize on the recognition you receive and more. You can now be the voice of an authoritative expert, and may very well find yourself fielding calls and questions from magazines, newspapers, civic groups or just curious consumers. All of that can help you establish credibility.
All in all, the value of earning a designation goes far beyond the day or two you spend in the classroom. It’s the personal growth, the professional knowledge and expertise, the networking that often lasts for an entire career and the satisfaction that you’ve taken steps to improve your performance. It’s no small coincidence that when you read success stories, or read trade publications, that the people who are featured there always seem to have some initials after their name, a designation indicative of their business success.
In recognition of this and much more, NAHB has announced that February is “National Designation Month.” Watch NAHB’s Web site for special events and a listing of classes. By educating — and continuing to educate — its members, NAHB works hard to assure its own continued success and excellence.
Greg Miedema, CGR, CAPS, is president of Dakota Builders in Tucson, AZ. He is chair and founder of his local Remodelors™ Council, a member of the NAHB Remodelors™ Council Board of Trustees and currently serves as the chairman of the Remodelors™ Council Public Affairs Committee. The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) has named Dakota Builders, Inc. Remodelor of the Year in 1998, 1999 and 2000. For more information, send him an e-mail.
BuilderBooks.com Offers Publications for Remodelers
BuilderBooks.com offers a variety of publications about remodeling. To view or puchase these publications online, click here, or call 800-223-2665 to order by phone.
University of Housing Offers Courses and Designation Programs
The NAHB University of Housing offers a variety of business management courses and professional designation programs that set builders and remodelers apart from the competition. For a complete list of current offerings, click here.
Make Your Connection With www.nahb.org
Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.
Log in today to register for educational seminars, meetings and networking events; find important economic and housing data; and learn the latest developments in NAHB’s efforts to promote housing. It’s all available to you 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Member Log In" button to get started.
If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.
[ Go to Top ]