NBN Online for the week of February 13, 2006

The More We Bring to NAHB, the More NAHB Works for Us

NAHB is an association that is driven and directed by its members.

And its true value lies in the interaction of the members — our networking, resource sharing and information exchange.

Given that this is our association, let’s understand how an increase in membership benefits all of us and why it’s in our best interest to actively and constantly recruit.

For instance, how many times have you stepped back and thought to yourself that you’re the only one involved in a particular issue or activity? Or that you seem to get more calls for help than anyone else? More calls than you can handle or have time for.

One good way to spread the load is to recruit your fellow members into action.

Let them know the benefits of participating in a particular project or course of action — what successes you’ve had as a result and how your experiences have enriched your business or personal endeavors.

Don’t Just Share the Load, Bring in New Members, Too

I know — I mean I really know — that each and every person reading this can point to trades, vendors, suppliers or business associates with whom they work, either occasionally or on a regular basis, who are not members.

That being the case, why not share the load with brand new team members? Don’t only recruit them to help with the job at hand, convince them to join your local association, too. 

No, you don’t have to do it alone, but you do have to be willing to ask for help. And that includes “creating your own help” by recruiting non-members.

Have You Ever…?

Have you ever wondered why there aren’t as many people at (insert the meeting or event of your choice here) as there used to be?

When was the last time you took a minute — and it truly only takes a minute — to remind a fellow member of a particular event — or gasp! — invite a guest to attend that event with you?

Okay, maybe it will take several prodding invitations before you can get a guest or fellow member to attend. But that isn’t too much effort, considering how much you will benefit eventually. After all, you’re ultimately helping yourself.

Also, have you ever read newspaper or magazine articles or seen reports on TV demonstrating the “strength” of NAHB and the association’s impact?

It is up to us — as business owners, as ambassadors for our industry — to reach each and every person with member companies with the message that are important to this association. It will only make us stronger and enable us to have an even larger impact on government at all levels, and in the communities where we do business.

Remember, it’s in our best interest to recruit — to recruit fellow members into action and to recruit non-members into becoming members.

Think of what NAHB has accomplished throughout the last year. 2005 was truly a great year by any measure.

Now, think of how much more NAHB could accomplish this year if every member got involved and each and every member recruited just one new member. Can you envision what could be accomplished if we all did these two simple tasks?

I can. And to me, the year looks really positive, productive and powerful.

Nation's Building News Correspondent Greg Miedema, CGR, CAPS, is president of Dakota Builders in Tucson, Ariz. 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, 2000 and 2003. For more information, send him an e-mail.

'How to Find a Professional Remodeler' Available at BuilderBooks.com

BuilderBooks.com offers a variety of other publications about remodeling. To view or puchase these publications online, click here, or call 800-223-2665 to order.

The NAHB University of Housing Offers Designation Programs for Remodelers