Bad economy...good for business?

Huh? What are you talking about? Has Jack finally lost it? Well the short answer is ...yes, I have lost it. But that's a totally different story. How can a bad economy be good for our industry? How can't it be? When the economy slows, property needs more attention. That is a fact. I saw an article in the paper today about extended unemployment benefits are almost done. Less disposable income can lead to less visits to a second home, or shorter vacations by business people, leaving properties unoccupied for a longer time. More maintenance by service providers will be needed. Homes that aren't selling present an excellent opportunity for clean-ups and repair jobs. Crime may rise. Who knows.....

There is a possibility that more "companies" will not be able to afford the insurance they say they carry. That being said, your competition may not be bonded and insured. You as a member of the NHWA must maintain all applicable insurances to become and remain a member. The seal of the NHWA guarantees it. So when a potential client checks out your website and asks about what your membership means, you can say with pride that you are a member. Let us help reinforce trust with your clients. Lets separate the serious HW companies from the un/under insured, the trained from the untrained, the "legitimate" from the illegitimate. You get the point.

A shout out to New Jersey and Massachusetts, your applications are being worked on. To our friend from Crystal River, Florida...be well. Oh and go "Big Blue".

I look forward to your applications.

Good luck and much success,

Jack

Marketing to Potential Members

It's a curious thing that the web hits continue to come at a pace of 20 per day on average. Google Analytics shows that most hits are first time inquiries. The NHWA is getting customer inquiries from all over the country and they are searching for members in lot's of different areas. Why haven't you joined yet? What are you waiting for? We are ready to begin marketing to the next 300 or so potential members. I believe that your hesitation in joining the National Home Watch Association might be a mistake. When business is slow...that is the time to step up your marketing. Think outside the box. Let us know how we can help.

Wishing you much success,


Jack

The people have spoken...so now what?

The good news: Those damn political commercials are done. Well, for the next 6 months or so. The bad news: Nothing will be resolved until the new Congress gets settled in. I for one, am not all that hopeful that the new Congress is going to wave a magic wand, and all will be wonderful again. As the eternal optimist, I am usually a "glass half full" kind of guy. So despite my negativity I want to look at the positives for the Home Watch industry.

Some Positives

1. Foreclosure and REO opportunities - Be smart and get a share of this market.
2. Bad Economy = Higher Crime Rate - A double edged sword, true. But the need for our services are definitely increasing.
3. Less visits by homeowners - Empty homes mean increased visits, and probably more maintenance jobs.

Some Negatives

1. Bad Economy = Less Disposable Income - The big one. Trumps everything else, right? Wrong! Don't kid yourselves Home Watchers...we are all salespeople. And..."Selling starts when the customer says no."
2. Less advertising dollars available - Better wise up with those ad dollars, 'cause that money goes quick!
3. Fewer people are controlling my income - What? Why? How? You need to look at the big picture. Identify more income opportunities.

        Business people are like sharks. We have to keep moving and feeding or else we will succumb. I remember a saying from my sales days. It was"When you're green you grow...when you're ripe, you rot".  I don't care if you are the "Big Dog" in town, or you are just starting out. Never forget that phrase. Becoming a member of the National Home Watch Association will keep you growing. The NHWA will not only give you ideas and keep you fresh, but will also serve as a forum to gain information from people just like you from all over the country. Think about that. What a concept...sharing information.

I believe in the NHWA's mission and goals. I think that most of you do also. Those of you who don't...you probably wouldn't be accredited anyway. The rest of you...get in on this. Don't wait. $40 bucks a month ($495) gets you a direct link to your site from the NHWA website. Take a look at your page rankings. If you aren't on the first couple of pages....forget about it. Customers stop looking after page 3. Let us show you how to raise your profile on the Internet. I guarantee it.

Wishing you much success,

Jack