Greetings and salutations!
I cannot stress the importance of setting realistic goals for your business. As 2012 begins, it is time to look back and evaluate your efforts for the past year. Did you increase your market share? Were you profitable? Are you satisfied with the health and well-being of your company? Be honest...because if you aren't making forward progress, then there must be a reason. As the owner of Coastal Carolina Home Watch, I am constantly analyzing and interpreting how my market is changing, and what I must do to adapt in order to stay relevant. As the Executive Director of the NHWA, I am able to garner feedback and insight from different parts of the country and Canada. While some trends are industry-wide, others may be regional. My point is that while our businesses may be in different parts of the country or continent, we all share common issues that affect how we must conduct business in order to be both successful and ethical. It is essential for us to look objectively at 2011 in order to set our goals for 2012. Sometimes we all need to take a step back and look at where we have been, in order to be more objective about where we are headed.
Much discussion has been had about this website. Are the colors too drab? Are there not enough bells and whistles on it? Is our website successfully expressing our goals to you and those potential Home Watch clients who are viewing it? We at the NHWA have decided that our New Years resolution will be to make some very necessary changes to our website. We feel it's time to create a "members only" section. This will allow us to discuss and share information that will be accessible to Accredited Members of the NHWA only. We will be providing strategies and ideas for programs that will give Members additional support with marketing. For example: Jeremy "Spike" Cohen, the Home Watch industry's leading web guru, has agreed to host a Q and A for members on a monthly basis. He'll answer questions and make suggestions about increasing your page ranking (why some of you are not found on Google until the 10th page), amongst other subjects. Webinars will be presented to NHWA Members on subjects that are suggested by them. Exclusive discount programs and products will be available to Members through the site. You can also expect a new look for the website that will be more pleasing to the eye, in addition to being more informative to the public.
The NHWA can do great things for our industry, but we need to grow the membership. That means you taking the first step. Invest in your company's future by protecting the Home Watch industry from companies who don't do the right thing by their clients. Download the Membership Application, fill it out and get the accreditation process going.
I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
Much success,
Jack
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Friday, December 16, 2011
Why are some Home Watch businesses failing?
Greetings and Happy Holidays!
The NHWA sent out a mailing to 250 Home Watch businesses last week. They were sent to companies that we have contacted in the past about possible membership. I know that a great number of those who received the mailer visited the site afterwards. I have gotten responses from some, nothing from others and, unfortunately, some "return to sender" (approximately 6%). The return to senders are disappointing for a few reasons. Why did these businesses fail? Poor planning and management? Sub-par marketing? Shoddy service? Sadly, we will never know. Of course the question becomes: "How can these closings affect my company?" Huh? What could this have to do with my company? Think about it: based on the quality of work they performed and the way the company closed down affects the reputation of Home Watch in general. And that can affect your company big time! If the failed company didn't live up to their clients' expectations and left them in the lurch, you'd better believe that they have lost confidence in our industry. I have received a few communications from folks this has happened to. The problem is that there are no accredited companies in those areas. When we get inquiries from clients looking for an NHWA member and there are none in their area, we always reach out to any local HW company we can find. Some of you may have even heard from us.
Getting back to possible reasons for these companies failing might certainly be:
I will assure you that becoming an NHWA Member can only help your company. Unless, of course, you wouldn't agree to maintain high ethics and standards. Or choose not to carry proper insurance. In that case, your business would never earn accreditation with the NHWA.
Much success,
Jack
The NHWA sent out a mailing to 250 Home Watch businesses last week. They were sent to companies that we have contacted in the past about possible membership. I know that a great number of those who received the mailer visited the site afterwards. I have gotten responses from some, nothing from others and, unfortunately, some "return to sender" (approximately 6%). The return to senders are disappointing for a few reasons. Why did these businesses fail? Poor planning and management? Sub-par marketing? Shoddy service? Sadly, we will never know. Of course the question becomes: "How can these closings affect my company?" Huh? What could this have to do with my company? Think about it: based on the quality of work they performed and the way the company closed down affects the reputation of Home Watch in general. And that can affect your company big time! If the failed company didn't live up to their clients' expectations and left them in the lurch, you'd better believe that they have lost confidence in our industry. I have received a few communications from folks this has happened to. The problem is that there are no accredited companies in those areas. When we get inquiries from clients looking for an NHWA member and there are none in their area, we always reach out to any local HW company we can find. Some of you may have even heard from us.
Getting back to possible reasons for these companies failing might certainly be:
- Lack of a support system
- Failure to be able to get good advice
- Throwing good money after bad in areas like marketing or products that they thought made sense at the time
- Not adapting to obvious changes in their market
- Bad branding
- Lack of networking
- Insurance troubles
- Less than adequate service
I will assure you that becoming an NHWA Member can only help your company. Unless, of course, you wouldn't agree to maintain high ethics and standards. Or choose not to carry proper insurance. In that case, your business would never earn accreditation with the NHWA.
Much success,
Jack
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Goals for the NHWA
Greetings and salutations to all.
As 2011 winds down, we need to look ahead to the challenges and obstacles facing our industry. Speaking with Members from all over the United States, I am constantly reminded of why the NHWA was formed: To raise standards in the Home Watch industry; to educate the public as to what Home Watch is; and to protect the public from unscrupulous and un- or underinsured companies claiming to be Home Watch professionals. Let's face it ... sooner or later, someone doing Home Watch will mess up and give our industry a black eye. An uninsured service will goof and be liable for damages and not have the means to make things right. As quickly as we (the industry) are growing, we will eventually be scrutinized by some government agency who will look to regulate us.
The NHWA has been researching NAICS codes. These codes are assigned by the U.S. Census Bureau to businesses and industries categorizing what they make or what services they perform. Because our services do not fall into one category, we don't have our own code. Why is this important? Well, for one thing, it explains the disparity in our insurance premiums and, in certain circumstances, in our ability to procure insurance at all. Did you have to jump through hoops when you were starting out? Did you know that a majority of Home Watch services are listed under the government code for "guard, detective and armed car services"? Others are listed under "janitorial services," "farms," "real estate and managers," and the old standby, "non-classified services." I would bet the ranch that there are a lot of Home Watch companies who are paying a lot more for insurance than they should be. I had a long and informative conversation with the Census Bureau in Washington last week. I found out that if we start lobbying for a classification now, it won't even be up for discussion until 2013 for the 2016 new listings. What do we do until this happens?
And then there is something that is a "no-brainer" to me and all the companies I am in contact with. Why are insurance companies not incentivizing all customers who employ Home Watch? If a legitimate service is checking on an empty home, how can that not reduce the chances of an insurance company having to pay out larger and more frequent claims to these homeowners? If there is an issue that can be rectified sooner rather than later, how can this not be worthy of a discount for the homeowner?
These are some of the issues that need to be addressed, issues which if dealt with can not only solidify market share amongst us, but more importantly, add even more credibility and value to what we do. I ask for your help and input in tackling these obstacles, in making things better for all of us. As always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
As 2011 winds down, we need to look ahead to the challenges and obstacles facing our industry. Speaking with Members from all over the United States, I am constantly reminded of why the NHWA was formed: To raise standards in the Home Watch industry; to educate the public as to what Home Watch is; and to protect the public from unscrupulous and un- or underinsured companies claiming to be Home Watch professionals. Let's face it ... sooner or later, someone doing Home Watch will mess up and give our industry a black eye. An uninsured service will goof and be liable for damages and not have the means to make things right. As quickly as we (the industry) are growing, we will eventually be scrutinized by some government agency who will look to regulate us.
The NHWA has been researching NAICS codes. These codes are assigned by the U.S. Census Bureau to businesses and industries categorizing what they make or what services they perform. Because our services do not fall into one category, we don't have our own code. Why is this important? Well, for one thing, it explains the disparity in our insurance premiums and, in certain circumstances, in our ability to procure insurance at all. Did you have to jump through hoops when you were starting out? Did you know that a majority of Home Watch services are listed under the government code for "guard, detective and armed car services"? Others are listed under "janitorial services," "farms," "real estate and managers," and the old standby, "non-classified services." I would bet the ranch that there are a lot of Home Watch companies who are paying a lot more for insurance than they should be. I had a long and informative conversation with the Census Bureau in Washington last week. I found out that if we start lobbying for a classification now, it won't even be up for discussion until 2013 for the 2016 new listings. What do we do until this happens?
And then there is something that is a "no-brainer" to me and all the companies I am in contact with. Why are insurance companies not incentivizing all customers who employ Home Watch? If a legitimate service is checking on an empty home, how can that not reduce the chances of an insurance company having to pay out larger and more frequent claims to these homeowners? If there is an issue that can be rectified sooner rather than later, how can this not be worthy of a discount for the homeowner?
These are some of the issues that need to be addressed, issues which if dealt with can not only solidify market share amongst us, but more importantly, add even more credibility and value to what we do. I ask for your help and input in tackling these obstacles, in making things better for all of us. As always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
Friday, November 11, 2011
Things won't change unless you change them!
Greetings and salutations!
It's that time of the year again. The malls are crowded, the shoppers get stressed, and I try to figure out what gifts to get my wife that she won't return. Every year I try to start early so I don't drive myself crazy the day before the holiday. My expectations of succeeding are not very good. Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.” What the heck does he know? Evidently, a whole lot. Sure, luck does smile on us once in a while. But someone else (I'm not sure who) said, "Luck is the result of good planning and creative design."
Where am I going with this? Why the quotes and platitudes? I'll tell you why. Because nothing changes for the good without our own actions and planning. Let's face it. Times are tough, and they don't look like they are going to get better anytime soon. Home Watch businesses from around the country tell me that some clients are cutting back on their services because of the economy. Unfortunate, but not unexpected. As long as you hold onto their "basic services" (i.e., Home Watch itself), things will be all right. Stick with them and don't get negative. With economic conditions as they are, it's time to figure out how to expand your client base. Yeah, I know ... Duh! But I am talking about the potential clients who may not even realize the benefits of your service. They are out there, and in order for your business to grow and stay healthy, you have got to find them. You need to explain how your business will help them, and then sell the value and benefits to them. It's easy to fall into the trap of waiting for things to get better. I assure you that it is the wrong move ... for you and your business.
Take a positive step. Join the NHWA and start a conversation that could lead to a lot more business. We are currently represented in 15 states and are about to add more. Add credibility while raising your stature. Take advantage of web traffic and qualified leads sent directly to your website. Help us to help you. I'll leave you with one more little saying that I'll never forget:
"When you're green, you grow. When you're ripe, you rot."
As always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
It's that time of the year again. The malls are crowded, the shoppers get stressed, and I try to figure out what gifts to get my wife that she won't return. Every year I try to start early so I don't drive myself crazy the day before the holiday. My expectations of succeeding are not very good. Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.” What the heck does he know? Evidently, a whole lot. Sure, luck does smile on us once in a while. But someone else (I'm not sure who) said, "Luck is the result of good planning and creative design."
Where am I going with this? Why the quotes and platitudes? I'll tell you why. Because nothing changes for the good without our own actions and planning. Let's face it. Times are tough, and they don't look like they are going to get better anytime soon. Home Watch businesses from around the country tell me that some clients are cutting back on their services because of the economy. Unfortunate, but not unexpected. As long as you hold onto their "basic services" (i.e., Home Watch itself), things will be all right. Stick with them and don't get negative. With economic conditions as they are, it's time to figure out how to expand your client base. Yeah, I know ... Duh! But I am talking about the potential clients who may not even realize the benefits of your service. They are out there, and in order for your business to grow and stay healthy, you have got to find them. You need to explain how your business will help them, and then sell the value and benefits to them. It's easy to fall into the trap of waiting for things to get better. I assure you that it is the wrong move ... for you and your business.
Take a positive step. Join the NHWA and start a conversation that could lead to a lot more business. We are currently represented in 15 states and are about to add more. Add credibility while raising your stature. Take advantage of web traffic and qualified leads sent directly to your website. Help us to help you. I'll leave you with one more little saying that I'll never forget:
"When you're green, you grow. When you're ripe, you rot."
As always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
It's been too long...
Yeah, I know, it's been a while since I last blogged. It's true. I have been very busy with my own company's business as well as the NHWA. There is a lot going on. We are set to announce newly accredited members in North Carolina and Alaska. I am also working closely with a gentleman from Florida who is launching a very exciting concept in the Home Watch industry (more to come in the near future). And then there is Skip Williams of Columbia, SC, who is busy tweaking his Home Watch software program (with Coastal Carolina Home Watch testing the prototype) even as you read this blog. The exciting thing about this software is that Home Watch companies will be able to integrate this into their current bookkeeping software. Your inspectors will be able to operate the system with a smartphone or iPad. That will cut down on unnecessary and redundant paperwork and possible costly mistakes that are lost in translation. The bottom line is that things are heating up at the NHWA. When will you get your company on board? If you haven't given it that much thought, you need to know just how much our industry is booming. New companies are popping up all over.
What will separate you from the other guy? What will show your current and future customers that you are different and worth your fees? Accreditation. We continue to receive inquiries from people all over the country looking for "accredited" businesses in their area. It's time to be that business. Get involved in helping us raise standards and ethics in the industry of which we are all a part.
Thanks for reading. And as always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
What will separate you from the other guy? What will show your current and future customers that you are different and worth your fees? Accreditation. We continue to receive inquiries from people all over the country looking for "accredited" businesses in their area. It's time to be that business. Get involved in helping us raise standards and ethics in the industry of which we are all a part.
Thanks for reading. And as always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The NHWA welcomes Seasons Home Watch of Lake Minnetonka, MN
Greetings and salutations.
Welcome aboard. We are here for you.
 |
| Jeff and Rebecca Anderson |
In other news...the most talked-about concern continues to be liability insurance. I ask all members and mentorees to send us information (both good and bad) about your experiences with insurance brokers and insurance providers. As a matter of fact, I urge you all to share anything you feel is pertinent to our industry. We need to know what issues you are facing out there. Either make comments on the blog or email me at jack@nationalhomewatchassociation.org. If you make us aware of these issues, we can use our strength and begin to act as an association. There is strength in numbers, and as we grow we can look to effect change that will benefit both the client and the Industry.
As always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Let's talk about the upcoming season ... And, we welcome Home Inspections Plus of Sarasota, FL.
Greetings and salutations.
Are you ready for the new season that is now upon us? I know that I am. Depending on where you are, you are readying for your major Home Watch season to either begin or end. Some of us are lucky enough to have clients to service year round. Sorry, did I say lucky? There are those who will tell you that luck is nothing more than the result of good planning. I tend to agree. Let's face it: Those who anticipate and prepare for things to come are certainly more easily able to capitalize on opportunities that present themselves. Yeah, I know...easier said than done. But being a professional Home Watch company gives you many opportunities to offer many different services to your clients. What are they, you ask? That is completely up to you. But I will tell you that being both astute and imaginative will answer that question. At the NHWA, we are committed to bringing our members new ideas by sharing our successes and failures with each other. I always try to learn from my failures and share them with members. If sharing my experiences helps someone else avoid making the same mistakes that I made, then good can come from them. I also believe that just because an idea may not work out, it was not necessarily a bad idea. It may not have been marketed or implemented incorrectly. Maybe the timing was wrong. We, as members of the NHWA, have the opportunity to share with each other and bounce ideas around. It only makes sense. So if you haven't joined yet: Do it already and join the conversation.
I have been waiting to blog about our newest member in Florida because I wanted a nice bio and picture from them. The problem is...well, they've been so busy with their business that they haven't had time to get them to me. I have them now, so here we go:
As always I wish you
Much success,
Jack
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