The NHWA is ready to hit the ground running in 2011!

Greetings and salutations to all!

I am very excited about 2011. I truly am. The launch of the NHWA in late 2010 has given us a head start in building the organization this coming year. As I have been mentioning, the website response has been phenomenal. It has far exceeded our expectations.(Florida inquiries are averaging over 300 per month)  More exciting than that, is the fact that we have had inquiries from over 100 potential members. The exciting thing about that is that we have only reached out to about 300 Home Watch businesses. That means 1 of 3 has checked in. We are also getting inquiries from many companies that we had not contacted. And not surprisingly, many people looking to start up new businesses want to know how we can help.

I needn't remind anyone how tough times are. I understand how tight funds are. Our customers are in the same boat. They need to have total confidence in us, as we are advocates for them in their absence. This is the time to increase: credibility; market share; knowledge and ultimately ...your bottom line. As we continue to research potential members, I am having to go to page 15 or higher of Google listings to find them. Joining the NHWA will bring these companies up where they belong. On the first page. The cost of membership ($495), amounts to about $40 per month. A very sound investment for your business.

Look for upgrades to the site, and lots of information in the coming month.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Jack

Have a terrific and safe holiday.

The Staff at the National Home Watch Association and I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday. We look forward to 2011 as the year for our organization grows as expected. We realize that trying to launch this time of the year makes it more difficult for prospective members to join. This is probably one of the home watch industry's busier times. I am however,  still looking to fill customer requests for Massachusetts, Washington, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and NJ.

Please keeping reading my blog because there are some issues that need to be talked about. Any suggestions for topics are greatly appreciated.

Best wishes and much success in 2011.

Jack & Staff

Hard numbers from Google Analytics

Numbers don't lie. 
I appreciate all of the inquiries from potential members. I appreciate the fact that the NHWA is a new and unproven entity. I understand that people don't like to be the "first" when it comes to joining things. It's only natural. I, however, don't go along with such conservative thinking. How can I? Not only did I move to a different state to start a Home Watch business in South Carolina. I made a life changing decision and took a chance. I did my research, but it was a major gamble. People weren't familiar with the Home Watch concept in the Myrtle Beach area. I needed a home watch service, but there was no one to help me with my vacation condo. So I gambled on my idea, and formed Coastal Carolina Home Watch. I've seen other companies try to start up and fail...quickly. I have heard about poor service and ethics of some of these "failed" enterprises. Let's face it...if it was that easy, everyone would be doing it. Those short timers can cause irreperable damage to our industry.

So why form the National Home Watch Association?
Doesn't it make sense that the "real"  Home Watchers who are dedicated to doing the right thing by their customers, should be able to set themselves apart from the pack? What about our having a uniied voice for our industry? Or having the ability to share ideas and experiences with other accredited business? What about being represented on a website that will not only reinforce who we are and what we do...but also gives potential clients a direct link to your website?  The NHWA promises to be a presence that will help grow not only the industry as a whole, but also grow accredited businesses.

Some HARD numbers from the NHWA website.

Since the website was launched in mid September 2010 it has had:

• 2170 visits  
• 1860 or 86% unique (first time) visitors
• 171 different sources brought visitors to the site
• Requests for information on member companies from 43 different states (including 356 for Florida alone!)
• 57 requests for new business start - ups
• 79 pages were viewed 9916 times

If you want to grow your business - join!
If you want people to FIND your website - join!
If you are looking to increase your income - join!
If you are looking to set YOUR company apart - join!

We can't grow without you.


Best wishes and much success.


Jack

Hello Canada !

Hello Canada! It looks like our neighbors to the north would like to be eligible for membership. From Vancouver to Nova Scotia, we have been getting inquiries. Seems that there are a lot of snowbirds (along with a lot of geese) heading south that need their places cared for up there. So I am officially opening membership up to Canada, and will add to the map as needed.
I have also been getting questions about the dates for the 2011 National Convention. The feasibility of a convention this coming year will depend on membership size. The more...the more likely. So let's build this membership. There is no time like now to get your paperwork in to us.

Much success,
   
Jack

Phoenix AZ and Cape Cod

The National Home Watch Association needs members from these areas. Inquiries from potential customers are coming in and we need accredited business to recommend. Also, inquiries from South Florida and the Tampa area are coming in steadily. What are you waiting for? Join today and start getting your share of the leads. Oh...and how about those Giants?

Much success,

Jack

Just because it's December....

Greeting and salutations to all of you. It's that time of the year again, when our thoughts and minds shift to shopping, eating, and of course family. It is a wonderful time of the year, whether you are celebrating Christmas, Chanukah or Kwaanza, because it reminds us that we are all a part of something much bigger than ourselves and our day to day existence.
It is also the time of year that I ask everyone to pay attention to handicapped parking spaces. As the primary caregiver for a wife afflicted with MS, I am constantly amazed by people who use these spaces, and then proceed to walk for a mile and a half in a mall. I was at a food store yesterday where I watched two young girls park in a handicapped accessible space, and practically skipped into the food store. They were obviously fine, but were taking advantage of the placard hanging from the rearview mirror. People are given temporary placards for an injury (that has healed), and continue to use them as if they still needed the space. Handicapped accessible spots are wider than regular spaces. They allow disabled people to get into wheelchairs and scooters. Please think hard before using one of these spaces. Ok...off the soapbox!
For those of you with Home Watch businesses, don't let the holidays interfere with your marketing and sales. A lot of customers may want to put off making a decision until after the holidays, but that reasoning may be flawed. More people travel to visit relatives and go on vacation during the season. Are you offering short term deals? Are you offering gift certificates? Have you pulled back your advertising? As an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association, you will have the opportunity to share ideas and ask questions of many successful business people who have lots of experience and answers. Get connected, and help us build the awareness of Home Watch while you are building your company and its reputation.Just because it's December doesn't mean we aren't needed. We are needed even more than usual.


Much success and safe shopping!

Jack