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.
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.
National Membership Day — April 26
The recruitment efforts of each and every member on National Membership Day, April 26, are vital in ensuring its success. Contact your local Membership Chair to find out where you can help the most.
Get a 5% Discount From AT&T Wireless
NAHB members can take advantage of a 5% discount on monthly cellular services from AT&T Wireless. Qualified charges for discounts include one-time charges for wireless service activation, conversion and rate plan changes, monthly wireless access, home wireless airtime charges, roaming airtime charges incurred in AT&T Wireless markets, charges for billing detail and charges for additional features such as voice mail.
For information on activating new AT&T Wireless Services call 888-444-4410; be sure to mention code 50001515 and your NAHB membership.
If you have existing AT&T Wireless Services and would like to start receiving the 5% discount, call 800-459-6524, mention code 50001515 and mention your NAHB membership. Or visit the AT&T Wireless Web site at www.attws.com/specials/wap.
For the most up-to-date details on the Member Advantage discount program and all of the participating companies, go to http://memberadvantage.nahb.org.
Or visit www.nahb.org to explore the full range of benefits associated with membership in your local, state and national home builders associations.
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