Originally Posted By: rray
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Okay, Igor, back to ride-alongs, then.
I would not take someone local on a ride-along because that reveals my trade secrets about how I do business. Now what I will say is what everyone says:
Be friendly.
Treat your Clients with respect and do a great job for them.
I would also say, contrary to what many, many home inspectors say, treat all Realtors with respect. But I say that because I'm also not afraid to say that I market to Realtors. They are the target market at this point in time and I realize that and don't have a problem with it, other than the fact that I wish I could make a viable living by marketing to the people who pay me. Alas. . . .
Now the rest of what I do to market my company at the inspection stays with me and those I hire. That's the way it is. I do realize that an employee could leave and open his own company. But that's simply a cost of doing business in America because while they are learning everything they can about my business, I am also making money off of them. That's as it should be. I would make no money off of a ride-along; it would simply be gratis advice and training on my part. I cannot condone that, just can't. Sorry. It's the way I feel.
I certainly would not ask my local competitors to let me ride along. Now when I get to the East Coast, I would thoroughly enjoy going out on an inspection with Joe, Joe, Joe, or Jeff. I feel like I've connected with them and think I would simply enjoy visiting with them. And if I could contribute to an inspection while I was visiting, I think that would be great. And I wouldn't even demand to be paid. Alas, as Igor said, my posts are too long. . . .
Margarita time!
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Home inspections. . . .
One home at a time.
