Originally Posted By: Robert W Newland This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m just getting started on the road to home inspections. After doing a lot of reading (mainly on this board) I’ve learned several things a home inspector should not skimp on, correct me if I’m wrong… 1. Training - I’ve been reading as much as I can on this board and I’m due to start a hands on training class next week. 2. Tools/Reporting software - Currently obtaining various tools recommended by NACHI members and trying to decide on which reporting software to buy (holding off until my training class to see if there are any recommendations.) 3. Marketing - I view this as a biggie. I’ve already registered a domain name and will publish a website as soon as I get my certification(s). Started making contacts with Real estate agents that I know, friends, neighbors, etc., (just to plant a seed), made a rough draft of business cards and brochure. 4. Joining NACHI (I know, this should be #1 ) I’ve passed all the required on-line tests, just need to lick the stamp.
I know there's a lot to do, business lic., insurance etc. I'm getting my ducks in a row now with a target start-up date after the first of the year. Does it sound like I'm on the right track? I value everyone's advice on this board so thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions.
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
Join every single local community group, such as the Moose , Elks, VFW etc.
Wherever you fit in.
I have found, in over just 2 years of being a HI, that it is very important to get involved in your community.
There are a lot of marketing ideas, but this is a sure deal.
Here is another one no one ever talks about. Go to the closest places that have Bingo every day/week, have some fun and get to know the folks.
You can't loose.
Heck you might even win a couple of bucks.
Just another one of my 4000+ nugets Blaine 
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
gporter wrote:
1. Join Nachi
2. Educate yourself
3. Market like a mad man.
I do not care how well you market your self if you do not have the knowledge you will not make it .
We just had another close up in my area. He was a P2P they had free draws for the agents put in your card gave away discount coupons like WOW! he spent a fortune on advertising did ever thing he could to survive but did not have the foundation.
I spend almost nothing on marketing no yellow pages no news paper Charge more then any other inspector with in 100 miles .
Make my own Brochures ( cost about 12 cents ).
My presentation to clients and agents gets me all the business I can handle .
People soon find out the cream rises to the top.
Works for me !!!!!!!
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rcooke wrote:
gporter wrote:
1. Join Nachi
2. Educate yourself
3. Market like a mad man.
I do not care how well you market your self if you do not have the knowledge you will not make it .
We just had another close up in my area. He was a P2P they had free draws for the agents put in your card gave away discount coupons like WOW! he spent a fortune on advertising did ever thing he could to survive but did not have the foundation.
I spend almost nothing on marketing no yellow pages no news paper Charge more then any other inspector with in 100 miles .
Make my own Brochures ( cost about 12 cents ).
My presentation to clients and agents gets me all the business I can handle .
People soon find out the cream rises to the top.
Works for me !!!!!!!
Marketing gets you biz, quality keeps them coming.
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I spent thousands of dollars marketing to Realtors and potential client with little return.
Now, I market to old customers and folks that have lived in a home for 9 to 11 months.
The one year warranty thing.
Since I started doing this I have been booked solid one week in advance.
last week 7 this week 7 and counting.
I offer a $25.00 certificate to all the folks I have done an inspection for. I also offer and give to the Agents a $25.00 gift certificate to use as they wish.
Thank you RR for your help in my promotional materials.
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert W Newland wrote:
Thanks all for the comments.
Gerry, I visited the Atlanta Chapter website earlier today. I'll take your advice and attend meetings. Looking forward to it.
Roy, Thanks for the offer to answer my questions. I'm sure I'll e emailing you soon...whew! , lots of questions. You have a great website too.
My next post will be as a member. If not, you guys are free to eat me alive!
Thanks again,
You might find I and others are some times a little brutal we really do not mean to come across that way
but get so involved with our thoughts and try hard to get the point across .
Please do not take it to heart we all want to help as much as possible .
Remember we all are self employed and are convinced our way is the best .
Originally Posted By: kelliott This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
You might find I and others are some times a little brutal we really do not mean to come across that way....
and mean, disagreeable, hardheaded, bullheaded, stubborn, SOB's who think we're always right. (what'd I miss?) 
But hey, never, never, get between brothers. No matter how hard we scrap on this board, this is a brotherhood of sorts. I have noticed that most of this scrapping is between individuals who eventually get over it, or at least agree to disagree, and the rest of us just read and move on, live and let live. It's kinda like a barroom brawl. If you want to participate get up swinging. But be prepared to take a few hits. If not, just find a table to crawl under, and wait till it's over.
Originally Posted By: Robert W Newland This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for the welcome. As I stated in my last comments, the next time I post it will be as a member…well… I’m officially a NACHI member! Looking forward to learning a lot from everyone.
Originally Posted By: rnewland This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert W Newland wrote:
Thanks for the welcome. As I stated in my last comments, the next time I post it will be as a member.....well... I'm officially a NACHI member! Looking forward to learning a lot from everyone.
Thanks again!
Maybe if I log in it'll show me a s a member 
) I’ve passed all the required on-line tests, just need to lick the stamp.