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

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

Our first piece of bad news.

Well it was bound to happen. I just got my first bit of bad news. Cynthia Ashley of Sedona Home Watch has had to resign from the Advisory Board. Unfortunately, other responsibilities have left her too little time to serve. We will miss her, and wish her the best of luck.

They say that when one door closes......

We are still looking to add members to the Advisory Board. I would like representation from the northeast, midwest, south, northwest, southwest and west coast. Florida is represented by Chip Sollins and Bob Myers and of course, the southeast by yours truly. If you'd like to be considered, please get in touch with me. There are some perks....

Much Success,

Jack

How is business?

As a Home Watch business owner I am constantly looking for ways to increase business. Advertise more? Advertise differently? Stop advertising altogether? How about my website...is it effective? How do I know if it is or isn't? WHAT IS MY PAGE RANKING? What the heck is a page ranking? Well, as a guy who just launched this organization's website, I can tell you that the more I found out about how this stuff works, the more I knew how much more I needed to know.
Your page ranking means...what page are you on when you look on a search engine (google, yahoo, etc). How close to the top of the heap are you? If you haven't considered this, you are probably losing customers. Actually, you haven't actually lost them, because you never had a shot at their business. They never got to your site, because they never saw it. The NHWA is here to help. Joining will raise your web status! There is no doubt. How do I know? Well, Coastal Carolina Home Watch (my business), is first page all the time on Google. And while we are a sponsored link, how about the fact that the NHWA site did not exist before the first week of September, and it already appears on page 3 or 5 depending on the search engine. As a member, you will be able to link with the NHWA site, and therefore all present and future links associated with this site. For those business that are paying for a sponsored link (and you know how expensive that can be...), your ranking will grow organically (aka...free). We plan on having discussions with the members about this and many other topics that are relevant to our industry.
By the by, I want to reiterate that applying does not mean automatic entry to the NHWA. Our staff needs to verify insurance, applicable licenses, and consumer ratings before membership is granted. Accreditation will be a significant advantage.  Getting the contract when competing against a non-accredited Home Watch company will be a no-brainer.
My last piece of information concerns those of you who are waiting to join. I look at Google Analytics daily. It tell me the amount of clicks...what pages; how many visitors on a given page; how the visitor found the site;
all kinds of information. You can not believe how many inquiries to the member search pages there have been. There are leads that are being held for states not yet represented. What are you waiting for?


Much success,

Jack

Liability Insurance - Is Home Watch being rated correctly?

Even though we are from all over the country, we all share some common problems. Public education, for example. Even after all of these years of repeating myself, there are still people that think Home Watch
is nothing more than "house sitting". As a matter of fact, on Google Adwords, "house sitting" provides a lot of hits to this very site. But I digress. This site is getting a huge response from companies who want to ask about their insurance. There are lot's of questions being asked about the disparity in premiums. I am also being contacted by new companies, and people looking to form new companies. The insurance question is a constant theme. So...what can the NHWA do for your company? What's in it for you? Is is worth the money? The answers are obvious: A lot; A lot more than meets the eye; and Absolutely!
As a unified group, we can more strongly negotiate with industries that we do business with.
Insurance companies being one example. How many of you had to educate your insurance broker and still jump through hoops to secure insurance? I believe that with the amount of Home Watch companies that exist, insurance companies should be able to get a handle on what we do and don't do. They should be able to come up with a symbol for our industry.  What about the Yellow Pages? I am willing to bet that most companies are still being listed under "security". We should rate our own decription, don't you think? Southwest Florida, which is the center of thr  Home Watch universe, has been given a listing for Home Watch.. But for the rest of us, why should we have to hope that a potential customer thinks enough to look under security or guard services or even maintenance?
There are so many reasons to join the National Home Watch Association. Not the least of which is the "Big Picture". Being accredited will separate you from the pack, and give your company the access to more qualified, direct leads. If you've ever looked at what advertising costs (I know I look at my bills every month...), the annual cost is quite a value. FYI - since we launched the website on September 7th, there have been over 900 new visitors to it. Given the fact that only 300 or so companies have been contacted, well do the math. I currently have leads for many states with no representation.

C'mon you fence sitters......


Much success,


Jack

What's going to happen to REO's?

I don't know how many other Home Watch companies are doing business with lending institutions, but I (Coastal Carolina Home Watch) do. Short sales and foreclosures are income producing opportunities for smart and diligent HW businesses. These properties are generally empty, and almost always in need of some type of "help".  A little mulch, or perhaps a few flowers to give it a little curb appeal. A little paint? A good cleaning? Or even just making sure that there are no bugs running around on the floor, are all income opportunities.  Because I consider Realtors to be my best customers, I joined my local Realtors association as an affiliate.  The information provided by them is incredibly important to my business. More importantly, the networking opportunities are invaluable.
So, now that the top three lenders in SC (my state) have suspended all pending foreclosure proceedings for further review, I have to wonder how I can turn a possible negative into a positive. On one hand, properties that are "on hold" might lead to extended inspections of the property. On the other hand, all needed work might be totally stopped until the mess is sorted out. It is going to be interesting to see. I will keep you posted on how it goes.
FYI - I am amazed at the amount of hits the Association website has been getting. According to Google, over 900 unique (first time) visitors have seen our sight. For those of you who are still on the fence about joining....many states are still not represented on our interactive Member Search page. We at the NHWA are about begin marketing to the second group of potential members. Don't miss the boat on this!

Much success,

Jack

Las Vegas is IN THE HOUSE !!

We'd  like to welcome Las Vegas Home Watchers as the newest member of the National Home Watch Association . Dan and Virginia Kruger started their business back in 2008, and became the leading Home Watch business in Las Vegas. They also provide concierge service. I'll bet they've  had some "interesting" requests.......

The second wave of invitations are going to be sent later this week. It is amazing to see the amount of new home watch businesses that have sprung up just in the last 6 months. Get those applications in to secure your membership.

Much success,

Jack

OK home watchers....it's time.

Hello all,

So every morning I jump onto "Google Analytics" to look at how many people have visited the NHWA site, and every morning I get more excited. The site has had over 500 "unique visitors" since it went live less than a month ago. Here is what blows me away: The NHWA only sent out about 250 letters and 100 emails to companies across the country as a 1st wave marketing. Only 350 or so ...total. If you aren't aware by now, we believe that there are over 1000 companies (or more) doing business. The member search map is up and running, we are being contacted, but we have no companies in most states to recommend yet. I apologize for the map not being up quickly enough, but I made a judgement call to try to keep everything fair with regard to posting new members in overly competetive areas. The bottom line is, there are no more excuses. The overwhelming response from almost all of you has been terrific. I am constantly being told that the NHWA is a great idea that needs to be supported. I know $495 might sound like a lot, but the benefits that it delivers are more than worth it. Think of your advertising dollars. $41.25 per month is an small investment in both your business and the industry as a whole. You, the truly dedicated professionals will set yourself apart from any Tom, Dick or Harry looking to make a fast buck, with no intention of doing the right thing for their customers. Become accredited and instantly make our industry more professional.

Much success to you all.

Jack Luber

National Home Watch Association Blog: OK home watchers....it's time.

National Home Watch Association Blog: OK home watchers....it's time.: "Hello all, So every morning I jump onto 'Google Analytics' to look at how many people have visited the NHWA site, and every morning I get m..."

The NHWA is getting leads...the map is up!

Greetings Home Watchers.

The map is up on our member search page. We have a lot of potential members who are hemming and hawing about joining. The NHWA will only work if you join. I currently have leads in states with no representation. Please call if you have questions. Let's make the National Home Watch Association a formidable group.

Much success,

Jack

Bugs, Bugs and more bugs.....

Greetings to the Home Watchers !

Watching the "Today Show" this morning grabbed my attention. STINK bugs. Not just bed bugs. Stink bugs are infesting different areas of the country. These funky little fellows look "prehistoric" and stink like dirty socks when squished or threatened. There are various ways to treat for them, including new caulking around windows. I'd love if the National Home Watch Association could make a recommendation on how to solve or control this problem. Lets hear from some companies around the country.

Good luck and much success...

Jack

Sponsored link from Google

Hello All.

I hope that everyone is doing well. First of all, I would like to congratulate and welcome Wanda Rogers of Allegiant Property Watch for becoming our first accredited member of the National Home Watch Association from the Great State of California. I believe that California is going to be the next boom state for home watch. As of now, Florida is the center of the home watch universe. There is a lot of competition in that state. I wonder how the NHWA will affect the non-members. How much credibility will it lend to our members? This is the thrust of the marketing side of the NHWA. The sponsored site appears at the top of the home watch category. It disappears after a certain number of clicks on the ad. Many people have said that they haven't seen it, but I assure you that it does appear. I ask again that you do not click on it as it costs the Association per click through, and because of the daily budget....we should leave it for prospective customers to use.

Please let me know how the real estate and new housing markets are in your area. Not all areas are as bad as others. I plan on discussing ideas on new income opportunities for good and bad markets.

Good luck and much success to you all.

Jack

Press Release in your local paper

Hello all. I want to remind you to please supply us with a picture and name of the newspaper you'd like contacted about your membership in the National Home Watch Association. The NHWA will send info about you and your business to your local business section for publication.

Keep those applications coming!

All the best.

Jack

Wow! The National Home Watch Association is off and running!

Thanks to all of the Home Watch business owners who have responded to their invitations to join the National Home Watch Association. From California to New England (and of course Florida), the response has been phenomenal.

The big question has been "How do I join the NHWA?". It's simple. Go to the "Member Benefits" page. At the bottom is a link to download the NHWA application. Fill out the form and send it in with the required information and a check or credit card payment. We will verify the info, and if everything is in order....You get accredited.

Remember that your website will be linked with http://www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org/  Your companies info and contact information will also be displayed. You, as an accredited member, will receive qualified referrals from our site. Because the NHWA site will be a "sponsored"link, it will be displayed prominently on Google. This will raise your page ranking everytime you get a hit through it from a customer.  You'll also get lot's of information and ideas on how to increase your bottom line while growing your business.  For a more detailed breakdown of the Benefits we offer our members, go to our Benefits Page.

Please feel free to let us know if you have questions. Be the first in your area to join the National Home Watch Association.

Watch on!

Jack

Welcome to the National Home Watch Association's first blog !

Well, it has taken over a year to get it all together, but we are happy to say that the NHWA is a GO!  We want to thank everyone for visiting the new website, and we do hope that your becoming an accredited member will be a rewarding and very positive experience. This organization will be a powerful tool for you and your business on many different levels.

As of this moment we are waiting for Google to post the website as a sponsored link which will be prominently placed on the "search results" page for "Home Watch". Members, please click on the regular listing on Google as it is free. It is important to remember that clicking through on the  sponsored link cost the organization money. It will have a limit per day, so we need to save it for the people searching for your business.  So please save the link as an icon on your desktop, bookmark it,  or put it in "My Favorites". Clicking through the regular way is not a problem at all, and please remember the .org designation.

The Home Watch Member Search will be up and running very shortly. This will allow customers to be linked directly to your company's own website. As an accredited member, you will be receiving qualified leads that will have been re-educated as to the importance of Home Watch. Being a member will also give you a leg up on the competition, because of your certification. 

Our blog will contain thoughts and information that might affect the Home Watch industry. Please feel free to participate and add your thoughts.

Please feel free to email me at jack@nationalhomewatchassociation.org
 with any questions.

Thanks again for reading my blog.

Jack

Welcome to Our Blog!

Hi Everyone and welcome to the Official Blog of the National Home Watch Association.  This blog will be updated regularly with information about Home Watch Service, our Accredited Members, and many more exciting things.

Stay Tuned!