Trade/Builders Associations

**Jeremy** · 02-17-2012, 08:17 PM

I'm trying to help get my company a little more leverage against the competition. I've noticed that almost none of the other smaller operations around me are members of any type of association or peer group, or at least they don't advertise it.

I've already submitted an application to the BIA of my county, but want to get involved with other groups for the networking, marketing and education. What are you guys involved with that is worth while? I do remodeling, additions, general contracting. I'm not a new home builder.

**Andyd11** · 02-18-2012, 08:11 AM

Jeremy,

Find a local NARI chapter. I find it very valuable. There are great educational opportunities and at least in our chapter the other members are willing to help each other out.
Remodeler's Advantage is another resource that may help.

**James Eggert** · 02-18-2012, 08:11 AM

Is BIA the organization where there is a weekly meeting and each member is a specific business, for instance you're the only remodeler, someone is a designer, someone is insurance, etc?? If so there has been discussions about these, so do a search.

As to other organizations, I do lean toward NAHB as a good place for networking and education. Any work you get would be a bonus, but it takes awhile for that to happen.

Joining the Woodworkers Club of America to get a membership card for your wallet is not the way to go :-)

**wyattg** · 02-18-2012, 11:11 AM

Jeremy the MD Home Builders Assoc. is having their Builders Mart show on Mar 20 in Timonimum, MD. It's a good show with great free food with the ticket.

**Dancing Dan** · 02-18-2012, 01:19 PM

What's your motivation, Jeremy? If it's PR, you have to figure out what your clients care about. Being a member of NAHB of NARI, or being certified in something or other may help, but not necessarily.

If you want educational opportunities, being a member might help, but so might some courses at the community college.

If you just want to look better, it might be better to focus on your marketing and sales tools.

And if you want a different clientele, it might be advertising or reaching out to architects, designers, showrooms, etc.

So - the first step is what are you trying to achieve?

**Jeremy** · 02-18-2012, 02:47 PM

Andy - There doesn't seem to be a NARI chapter in my area.

James - Membership in BIA of Lancaster County gets me membership in PA Builders Assn and NAHB. Both of my former employers were members of the BIA and we would attend a couple of events a year with them, but I was there as an employee so my perspective was a little different than it is now as a business owner. There is a builders show in March at F&M college in Lancaster for BIA members that is very well attended by homeowners. I don't have any more room in my wallet with my Handyman Club, Hunting Club, Fishing Club, Checkers Club and Shoppers Club cards. So thanks for that idea.

Wyatt - Thanks for the heads up on the Timonium show. That is a little out of my operating area. Is that builders on display for homeowners or is it just for builders?

Dan - My motivation is to get more involved and network with others in and around the trades. I am working on a possible business spin-off that would greatly benefit by being able to get in front of others involved directly and indirectly with all areas of construction. I think that those who take the time to get involved with professional organizations are naturally more inclined to offer assistance to others who take that same interest in their businesses.

I want to be more than just a guy with tools, and head in more of a business oriented direction. It may be that I can add some letters to my business cards or whatever, but it is still more than most of my competition is doing.

**jimAKAblue** · 02-18-2012, 07:03 PM

Jeremy, the extra letters will look good to your retail customers but they won't impress other professionals, unless of course, they are also into the association thing and interested in it. I was never impressed with our local associations but then again, I'm not a schmoozing type.

I did benefit greatly by being a member because I could get good group rates on my Worker's comp. Furthermore, they had a pay as you go (monthly) system. I liked that.

If you are selling to the general public, you probably would benefit from BBB membership and/or Angie's list.

**LIHR50** · 02-18-2012, 09:58 PM

Your best trade relationships are those you cultivate on your own, those you work with on a regular basis through your projects.

Those who probably benefit from those trade associations, and need those acronyms are the players who target the masses. It's gives them a degree of instant credibility in their advertisements. But that credibility is only perceived by people who are dazzled by letters and symbols after names.

**jimAKAblue** · 02-19-2012, 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by LIHR50

and need those acronyms are the players who target the masses. It's gives them a degree of instant credibility in their advertisements. But that credibility is only perceived by people who are dazzled by letters and symbols after names.

That's exactly why we do it. I don't believe that the BBB rating is worth anything but after I lost too many jobs because I didn't have one, I paid. Most people will look at the BBB logo and just accept that you are "one of the chosen".

**wyattg** · 02-19-2012, 08:41 AM

Wyatt - Thanks for the heads up on the Timonium show. That is a little out of my operating area. Is that builders on display for homeowners or is it just for builders.

Jeremy it is a show for vendors to show their stuff to home builders, but it does get some home owners. Not as big as the home builders show in FL, but you get to meet the reps. that serve this area. Here is a link for the show http://www.buildermart.org/index.html

**Andyd11** · 02-19-2012, 10:45 AM

In all honesty it's not really about acronyms or letters after my name. Really the consumer doesn't really know about NARI or the NAHB, they still need to be educated.
I find it helpful in keeping up on current trends and legislation. Also trying run a better and more profitable business

**Greg Di** · 02-19-2012, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Andyd11

Jeremy,

Find a local NARI chapter. I find it very valuable. There are great educational opportunities and at least in our chapter the other members are willing to help each other out.
Remodeler's Advantage is another resource that may help.

I didn't know you were here, Andy. Go figure!

**ThingOfBeauty** · 02-19-2012, 08:24 PM

Are you hoping to learn more about running your business?
Or meet potential clients?

**Jeremy** · 02-19-2012, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by ThingOfBeauty

Are you hoping to learn more about running your business?
Or meet potential clients?

Running my business, peer interaction, education, marketing (mainly for a related spin-off business). Also, like Andy mentioned, to keep up with legislation and code changes.

**Andyd11** · 02-20-2012, 05:50 AM

everyonce and a while I lurk. It's been a slow forum

Thread: Trade/Builders Associations

Thread Tools

Display