<span class="hide-blog-title">The Franchise Informant</span>A resource for National Property Inspections and Global Property Inspections franchisees, aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals.https://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/PostsNational Property Inspections Franchisee Spotlight: Chris Harrhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1572/national-property-inspections-franchisee-spotlight-chris-harrFranchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECIONS FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS HARR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 19, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>In our Franchisee Spotlight series, we like to take some time to recognize the efforts of some of our most outstanding franchises. Every year, we partner with new inspectors and seasoned professionals seeking extra support to take their businesses to the next level. While our marketing, technical support, and national accounts all work together for ongoing assistance, we think that one of the most impactful resources our partners gain when joining the NPI family is access to some of the best business owners in the inspection industry.</p> <p>Today’s feature is Chris Harr and his team from <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/harr/">NPI Columbus SE</a>: our 2023 Franchise of the Year. Veterans of the industry, the Harr Team has served Central Ohio since 2002, and in that time, they have established themselves as consummate professionals. They are prime examples of NPI’s core values–Honesty, Integrity, and Professionalism. The Harrs are true mentors, and we’re always excited to see what new strategies their team discovers. With that said, let’s discuss who the Harrs are and what makes them stand out.</p> <p style="margin-top: 30px"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2023/InVision-94.jpg?ver=CA0gI-QrKrc5c-7Ei1_cLQ%3d%3d" width="100%" /><br /> <em>Chris Harr pictured with his sons Jake and Will at the 2023 InVision Conference Awards.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">NPI Columbus SE & the Harr Family</span><br /> Founded in 2002, NPI Columbus SE has performed over 15,000 residential inspections and over 5,000 commercial inspections as a family unit. Owner Chris Harr founded the operation, but the business grew quickly with his father-in-law Dave, and his sons Tom, Jake, and Will all joining as additional inspectors. Each member of the family adds their own strengths and perspectives to the organization, making a well-oiled machine.</p> <p>The Harrs also make use of a number of different outlets to bolster their marketing efforts. Check out Tom Harr’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFzcBukq2b4" target="_blank">video series</a> breaking down the essentials of home inspections for their clients and agents. NPI Columbus SE continues to innovate and offer new services like indoor air quality testing with <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.airadviceforhomes.com/" target="_blank">AirAdvice</a>.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Specialty Services</span><br /> Today, Chris and his team offer a wide array of services starting with buyer’s inspections, seller’s pre-listing inspections, draw inspections for new construction, and <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/harr/builderswarranty">builder's warranty inspections</a> for new homes. In addition to these services, the NPI Columbus SE team is also licensed and trained to perform radon testing, SewerScans, termite inspections (WDO/WDI), and well water potability and quality inspections.</p> <p>One thing that sets the Harr team apart from their competition is their 6-month warranty. Covering electrical systems, interior plumbing systems, HVAC, and appliances, Chris and his team are able to show how much confidence they have in their work while giving their clients additional peace of mind.</p> <p>Chris Harr and his family have been a staple of the NPI family, and we couldn’t be prouder to recognize them with 2023’s Franchise of the Year honor. To learn more about NPI and its legacy of excellence, check out a few <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Testimonials">testimonials</a> from our franchisees! Interested in learning more about franchising with NPI? Request your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today.</p> 1572How To Break Into A Male-Dominated Industry As A Female Entrepreneurhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1571/how-to-break-into-a-male-dominated-industry-as-a-female-entrepreneurBusiness Tips,Franchise,Marketing,Social MediaTue, 12 Dec 2023 20:44:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO BREAK INTO A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 12, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/google">Google</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-website">business website</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>The glass ceiling is a concept that describes an invisible barrier that limits advancement in the workplace for certain groups. For women who look to find a foothold in male-dominated industries, working to overcome stereotypes can make glass ceilings feel very real. The great thing about the glass ceiling metaphor, though, is that glass begs to be shattered.</p> <p>Breaking into a male-dominated industry as a female entrepreneur can feel daunting, but underrepresented voices who build a platform in their industry have an opportunity. They will not only benefit those that follow in their footsteps, creating a more accessible pathway in the future, their unique background and perspectives will also benefit the entire industry.</p> <p>Of course, if finding success in a male-dominated industry was easy then everyone would do it. While every industry has their own unique quirks and obstacles, there are a few considerations that are particularly worth taking into account for female entrepreneurs getting ready to break through.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Find A Functional Support System</span><br /> Reliable contacts are important to establish for anyone entering into any industry, but identifying these people are even more important for women who are looking to establish themselves in a male-dominated industry. First, let’s talk about finding a strong mentor.</p> <p>A mentor is someone with experience in the industry who is willing to impart advice, assist in navigating hurdles (which are inevitable!), and act as an advocate. Ideally, this should be someone who has encountered similar obstacles so, if possible, women should find other women who have found success to act as their mentor. Although male mentors will give invaluable insights on how to grow within the industry (and female entrepreneurs should absolutely seek out male mentors), developing relationships with women who have already walked their path and have direct experience of their unique challenges should be a top priority.</p> <p>Unfortunately, finding a female mentor in a male-dominated industry is by no means easy, and in all likelihood, that single perfect business owner who is capable of answering each and every question along the way won’t exist. This is why we recommend finding a support “system” rather than a single mentor. Network, network, and then network some more to find an ally that knows the industry, then maybe find a female mentor who has found success in a <em>different</em> male-dominated industry, another person who excels at managing a large team, and yet another mentor who is a master on social media</p> <p>Much of advancing in any industry involves getting to know the right people and establishing that reliable network of confidantes and advocates. For women entering a traditionally “male” space, an <em>us vs. them</em> can only distract from the great aid that women <em>and men</em> can provide while establishing a successful business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Disprove Negative Stereotypes</span><br /> Next, one important question that female entrepreneurs have to consider before stepping into a male-dominated industry is this: <em>Why is this industry male-dominated?</em></p> <p>If you struggle to come up with a good answer, this might be a good opportunity to reach out to one of your industry contacts to get their take and perspective. Maybe the industry has just been slow to catch up to modern sensibilities, or something about the industry doesn’t generally appeal to female entrepreneurs, or perhaps there are persistent stereotypes that present an unfair hindrance to success. In the case of this last issue, women can work to dispel stereotypes with a few intentional steps.</p> <p>Let’s start with an example: according to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.pdf" target="_blank">US Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, 1.1% of plumbers were women in 2022 (the most recent available year). Although this profession has one of the most extreme male/female divides, many of the trades are similarly dominated by men, and this has a negative effect on an average person’s perception of competency for people in the trades. Another way to say this might be, if every plumber that a homeowner has ever worked with has been a male, they may have a subconscious assumption that men simply know more about home plumbing systems than women.</p> <p>For a woman who’s looking to open her own plumbing business, it is possible that a prevailing stereotype that makes her seem less competent than she is leads to less business than she would have otherwise gotten. The solution to this problem? To put it simply: prove the stereotype wrong.</p> <p>In the past, this was much more difficult since female entrepreneurs would have to convince clients and customers to give them a shot, do a great job, then hope word-of-mouth spreads enough to get their business humming. Today, there are more opportunities to put one’s skills on display:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Gather Google / Facebook / Yelp Reviews</strong> to put satisfied previous customers’ experiences on display. Clients that hold to a negative stereotype of women in a certain industry will have to adjust their thinking if they find their business has hundreds of glowing reviews and spectacular ratings across the board.<br /> <br /> <em>To learn about review gathering strategies for small businesses, read more <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-strategies-to-get-more-reviews-for-your-small-business">here</a>!</em><br />  </li> <li><strong>Post Video Tutorials</strong> to act as an authority on industry-related topics. Whether hosted on social media or on a business website, videos where prospective clients can hear you speak intelligently about your industry and services and see you exercise your expertise themselves serve as an excellent advocate for your capabilities.<br /> <br /> <em>Did you know that videos can also be a great inclusion in email campaigns? Here are <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/everything-you-need-to-know-to-make-your-next-email-campaign-a-success">a few tips</a> to make your next email marketing campaign a hit.</em><br />  </li> <li><strong>Seize Opportunities to Teach</strong> in front of clients, referral sources, and even industry peers. These situations are, of course, more situations where you can put your skills and knowledge on display, but they are also opportunities to further break down unhelpful stereotypes. Whether at a child’s school career day, at a conference, or at a BNI group meeting, speaking as a representative of your industry in these public settings can work wonders to place yourself as an authority figure and even build your own confidence in your abilities.<br /> <br /> <em>If you’re interested in refining your public speaking skills, take a look at our thoughts on the subject! If you’re interested in refining your public speaking skills, take a look at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-tips-to-improve-public-speaking-as-a-small-business-owner">our thoughts</a> on the subject!</em></li> </ol> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t Change Yourself - Change The Industry</span><br /> Finally, there may be an impulse to act a certain way, or to change behavior in order to fit into the box of what sort of person has succeeded in the industry in the past. For many women, this can be a tempting impulse when entering into a male-dominated industry, but this instinct may not be the best. Just because women haven’t been prevalent in a male dominated industry doesn’t mean they can’t be, and it also doesn’t mean the odds are stacked against them.</p> <p>Innovations that transform industries often come from those with unique backgrounds, or from perspectives that were previously absent from that field. Women that lean on their unique strengths and discover their own way of conducting business are far more likely to find a <em>better</em> way of doing things than if they only emulate what’s been done before. While there is wisdom in sticking to what’s proven to work, having the bravery to try something new is what separates industry leaders from the pack.</p> <p>Taking home inspections as an example, a large portion of the job involves developing relationships and working with real estate agents - a profession that is 66% female (according to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nar.realtor/women-in-real-estate#:~:text=Demographic%20Characteristics%20of%20REALTORS%C2%AE&text=66%20percent%20of%20all%20REALTORS,percent%20of%20sales%20agent%20licensees." target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>). Although property inspectors also skew male, there may be a considerable advantage to women who enter into the home inspection industry due to their own ability to appeal to real estate agents.</p> <p>Whether there are inherent untapped advantages in an industry or opportunities to innovate, women who take on the challenge of breaking into a male dominated industry should do so with great anticipation. Another thing that comes naturally with the breaking of things like glass ceilings: it’s bound to turn heads.</p> <p><em>One fantastic benefit of an NPI franchise is access to a nationwide network of mentors and industry professionals with decades of experience and a desire to innovate. To learn more about the benefits of partnering with National Property Inspections, receive your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photos_celeste-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Celeste Black-Harr, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> With a background in customer service and office administration, Celeste joined National Property Inspections, Inc. in 2022. Her experience in customer service is the driving force behind helping all new franchise owners get started and developing those strong business relations! In her daily role as Recruitment Coordinator, Celeste onboards new NPI and GPI franchises from across the United Stated and Canada.</div> </div> 1571Got Your Six: The Veteran’s Guide To Re-Entering The Workforcehttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1558/got-your-six-the-veterans-guide-to-re-entering-the-workforceFranchise,Social MediaTue, 24 Oct 2023 15:19:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">GOT YOUR SIX: THE VETERAN'S GUIDE TO RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 24, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/linkedin">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/veterans">veterans</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Sammi Marcellus, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>Enlisting in the military is a great opportunity for many to learn practical, real-world skills, all while serving their country. With that said, many struggle with making the move from the structure that military life provides, to the seemingly chaotic nature of being a civilian. Finding a career that’s fulfilling while also featuring these same benefits of a position in the military can be a tough ask, but that doesn’t mean veterans should be caught with application paralysis.</p> <p>Veterans looking to find a good job fit for themselves should recognize their strengths and the challenge ahead. To move forward with confidence, here are just a few notes to consider when pursuing the next chapter.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Acclimate to Civilian Life</span><br /> One major struggle that Veterans experience upon transitioning away from the military is their daily schedule. In the military everyone has a specific job and their days are planned out extensively for them, which frees them up to focus solely on their duties rather and reduces the need for self-management. In the majority of civilian workplace settings, this strict schedule is gone, which can be jarring for many to adapt to.</p> <p>Veterans should decide early on whether they’d like to establish a structured schedule for themselves to follow (continuing in that military style) or learn to live with a more free-range routine. Either map out a daily, weekly, monthly schedule, and maybe print these schedules out onto a calendar or personal planner to set up a system that’s easy to follow and visualize, or learn to embrace the chaos. The option that works best will mostly depend upon personality and preference, but making an intentional choice here should be the first step!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Translate Your Experiences</span><br /> After becoming a bit more comfortable with general “civilian life,” a new challenge that veterans will need to tackle is how to market themselves to future employers. The truth is that the majority of civilians have a certain picture of what military life might be like, but odds are that this impression is pretty inaccurate and they will be mostly unaware of the skills and proficiencies that are actually developed throughout the experience. To help tackle these misconceptions, veterans should take away the guesswork from hiring managers!</p> <p>When constructing a resume, veterans can describe their duties and then translate the skills that they learned in these roles in a way that directly relates to the job that they are applying for. Veterans develop so many valuable skills that make them assets in their future companies! To get a better picture of what this process might look like, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/why-veterans-make-amazing-entrepreneurs">here is an example</a> of why Veterans make amazing entrepreneurial workers.</p> <p>Part of nailing an interview is entering with preparation and confidence. Veterans who show hiring managers how their experience in the military translates well to the workplace will have more success at securing the job.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Present Yourself with Intention</span><br /> In the past, a snazzy outfit and clean haircut could do the heavy lifting in making a solid first impression, but now employers have more resources to learn about candidates prior to the interview. If veterans want to present well while looking for their first job outside of the military, they should tidy up their online uniform, just like they’d trim their military attire.</p> <p>While this may seem obvious to some, employers can easily view any public social media profiles. Anything inappropriate activities or jokes published in these areas serve as a persistent negative endorsement that may not accurately reflect your behavior. Polished Facebook and LinkedIn profiles which feature a clean and professional headshot will go a long way in making hiring managers confident, and may be the difference in winning the position.</p> <p>Whether in person or online, candidates should always dress to impress!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Utilize Your Resources!</span><br /> Finally, veterans who are struggling to find their place in the civilian workplace should make use of the many resources at their disposal! Check out the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">VA's website</a> to get started and look at options for career counseling or continued education, or lean on other veterans for advice. In fact, at NPI we believe that we match-up well with veterans, and we value the work ethic and skill sets of veterans so highly that we’ve entered into special partnerships to help them find employment and other work opportunities (hopefully with us!).</p> <p>Businesses love working with veterans, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t tough for veterans to find a great fit. Veterans looking to enter into the civilian workforce are at the beginning of an exciting new journey where they can choose to recreate themselves, and maybe build something new. If you’re interested in learning more about franchising with National Property Inspections, shoot an email to <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:recruitment@npiweb.com">our recruitment team</a> today!</p> <p><em>For more information, request a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a>!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/author-photos-sammi-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Sammi Marcellus, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> A member of the Nebraska Army National Guard since 2017, Sammi assists the NPI recruitment team through building relationships with military veterans who are interested in franchising. Sammi has a background in customer service and is an asset to the NPI corporate team with her ability to relate with active and former military, guiding them through our recruitment process.</div> </div> 1558How Celebrating Holidays on Social Media Can Benefit Your Businesshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1547/how-celebrating-holidays-on-social-media-can-benefit-your-businessMarketing,Social MediaTue, 17 Oct 2023 15:58:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS ON SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 17, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/linkedin">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Stepha Vesper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Senior Marketing Communications Strategist</em></span></p> <p>As your business grows, building an audience online can quickly become a strong stream for new leads and an opportunity to set yourself apart from your competition. In our previous article discussing how to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-take-pictures-that-boost-engagement-for-social-media">use pictures to boost engagement</a> on social media, we talked about how <strong>varied content</strong> is important for businesses that want to improve their performance online. While this is a great goal in theory, coming up with a consistent stream of unique content is tough. That’s why if you haven’t jumped onto the holiday post train yet, now is the time to start!</p> <p>Holiday posts are a great way to capitalize on current events in a way that breaks up your regular social media schedule. For some extra inspiration before the holiday season really kicks into gear, here are some things to consider when it comes to posting during the holidays!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Choose Which Holidays to Highlight</span><br /> Capitalizing on a holiday on social media isn’t as simple as looking at the next one on the calendar and making a graphic to accompany it. Ideally, owners and social media managers should take some time to think about why their business has something to add to the conversation, or whether a particular holiday is relevant to their industry.</p> <p>Most businesses should be able relate their services to the major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, etc.), but it’s also important to identify relevant industry-specific holidays worth shouting out. For example, property inspection companies would be smart to look at Fire Prevention Month, National Radon Action Month, Home Inspection Month, and National Small Business Week all as opportunities to bring attention to add-on services.</p> <p>Before selecting a holiday to share some well wishes or to spread awareness for your business, take some time to consider what message you’re getting across. Does this holiday present your business in a positive light? Does it highlight the value of one of your services? Are you reflecting your brand values? Holiday posting can be a vehicle to drive whatever goal you have in mind for your business. Just be sure not to bombard your audience with too many in close succession (remember: variety).</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Post Something Shareable</span><br /> After identifying which holidays you’d like to celebrate, try to find some time in advance to come up with something custom to share. Pictures, custom graphics, and videos all tend to have much greater engagement compared to some simple text or article link. In particular, if you’re looking to generate content that’s sure to keep your audience’s attention, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/upgrading-your-social-media-marketing-with-videos">videos</a> might be the best option.</p> <p>Holiday posts are also a great time for limited time events, contests, discounts, and giveaways - all of which are very shareable. With every promotion, think about what goal you are trying to accomplish. Perhaps you’re trying to boost your follower count with a giveaway, or maybe you’re looking to increase the amount of Radon inspections you perform throughout the duration of the promotion. Create a sense of urgency and don’t forget to include a CTA (call to action) within your posts to maximize your returns.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Participate in the Festivities</span><br /> Finally, holidays are a great time to get involved on social media, and in your community. Great business owners know how important it is to develop relationships with other businesses in their community, so find a way to celebrate together through a cross-promotional post. Accessing another business’s audience can quickly expand your audience, and the action should benefit both parties.</p> <p>Another way to participate with another business, or simply show yourselves giving back to the community is through a coordinated volunteer event. Many holidays are about giving thanks, showing appreciation, or supporting your fellow man, so consider donating an afternoon to a good cause and then sharing a few pictures of your team at work after the fact. Not only does this humanize your brand and emphasize a focus on your community, it can convince others to do the same.</p> <p><em>Get ready for the holiday season this year by spreading cheer on social media! If you’d like help creating custom graphics for a promotion or holiday, reach out to <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">our marketing team</a>. If you’d like to learn more about how your business could benefit from franchising with NPI, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">contact our recruitment team</a>!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/stepha-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-142624-157" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Stepha Vesper, <em>Senior Marketing Communications Strategist</em></span><br /> Stepha holds two advanced writing degrees and has more than nine years’ experience creating blog articles, PR pitches, emails, website copy, print mailers, social media posts, newsletters, and taglines. Stepha also specializes in marketing training, strategy, and consultation, particularly in the areas of social media and email marketing. Her favorite part of her job at NPI is assisting franchisees with their digital marketing strategies so they reach their goals faster.</div> </div> 1547Getting the Most Out of Networking Eventshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1545/getting-the-most-out-of-networking-eventsBusiness Tips,MarketingTue, 03 Oct 2023 15:31:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">GETTING THE MOST OUT OF NETWORKING EVENTS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 3, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>There’s a lot that goes into growing a small business, between learning the industry, making smart connections, and keeping up with the newest innovations. Naturally, this means that networking events can be a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to get their foot in the door and truly elevate their business. Any time a business owner can get themselves into a room where they are surrounded by other like-minded industry professionals, they have a chance to learn new strategies and techniques that can take their business plan to the next level.</p> <p>Unfortunately, many find networking events to be lacking as they struggle to make meaningful connections. Whether spending time at a convention, giving a presentation, or attending some other industry event, sometimes it can be tough to see immediate returns on your time and energy. If you’re looking for some strategies on how to capitalize best on networking events, give this process a try! In so many ways, successful businesses are built on relationships. Here’s how you can more reliably make a good first impression.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take Some Time to Prepare</span><br /> As with most things, good preparation is the best way to set yourself up for success. When it comes to attending a networking event, this fact is as true as ever. Setting aside time to do research on the keynote speakers, the various vendors sponsoring and attending the event, and possibly looking into other people who might be attending will allow for time to think through who you’d be most interested in meeting. Too many people attend events without any clear goals in mind, making interaction incidental, rather than intentional. Seek out specific people to discuss specific topics with genuine interest, and you won’t find yourself stranded aimlessly by the punch bowl.</p> <p>In this same vein, it can be great to find some time for introspection prior to the event. What are you looking to improve about your business? Are you interested in exploring new add-on services, learning about new technologies, or discovering others’ strategies for breaking into new markets? You may have one question, or you might have a hundred questions in mind! Defining these thoughts beforehand and trying to think of who might be able to answer those questions can be a great start to make your future event even more productive.</p> <p>In addition, it may be valuable to think through a basic introduction for yourself. Some people are extroverted and comfortable enough to speak off the cuff about themselves and their background, but for others, this can feel like an odd, even exhausting experience. Simplifying with a few clear facts that you can explain over a brief period can actually help you make yourself more memorable in the long run. Networking events can mean meeting dozens to hundreds of people at a time. Preparing with a clean and straightforward introduction will make you stand out even more for future encounters.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Arrive Early (When Possible)</span><br /> After properly preparing yourself for the event, consider showing up early. When new to an industry or organization, it can be very difficult to break into established groups as attendees tend to gather with recognized figures. By arriving early, not only are there more opportunities for one-on-one conversations, but there should also be opportunities to chat with speakers and event organizers (both being the sorts of people with plenty of connections and unique perspectives).</p> <p>When speaking at an event yourself, you will likely need to show up early to set up any visual aids or simply to become more familiar with the space. It is during these instances where you should start with some early introductions to become at least somewhat familiar with a few people in the room. Not only does this exercise make public speaking a bit easier (thanks to a couple of additional recognizable faces in the room), but it also means that there will be people to return to later on as touchpoints.</p> <p>Especially at networking events that include multiple break-out sessions wherein it is impossible to attend everything, having people to relay what was missed is a big benefit. Arriving early to events allows the opportunity to meet important people and this one action can set the entire occasion off on the right foot.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Find Your Way Into Conversations</span><br /> Again, for some more extroverted individuals, thinking of things to talk about is no problem at all. However, many people struggle to find a comfortable conversation partner in unfamiliar situations. For navigating your way into active discussions, or simply striking up a new topic of interest with a stranger, there are a few things to keep in mind that can make this process a little more natural.</p> <p>First, try to ask questions. Many can get caught up with talking about themselves, sharing their own experiences, or keeping a discussion centered around their own insights. This tendency is natural, but it isn’t necessarily conducive to growing a relationship. Instead, active listening, then asking genuinely for elaboration is the best way to invite deeper engagement. In addition to this, practicing positive body language is absolutely necessary for strong communication.</p> <p>As we all know, only a portion of communication is verbal. Smiling, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and carrying oneself in a relaxed and open manner will all work together to invite connection. Simply by being generous in conversations, and not always looking to see what can immediately be gained from a relationship, entrepreneurs can make more reliable and impactful connections for the future.</p> <p>Finally, the most awkward challenge in networking is how to approach a group of people that are already engaged in a conversation. Tune in to assess whether the conversation is lighthearted, and if it is, stand near the group with a smile and wait for one of them to find the opportune time in the conversation to acknowledge you and introduce themselves. This takes some courage, but if it’s a networking event, people understand that the purpose of the event is to meet and greet. I have implemented this tactic for years and 100% of the time I have been welcomed into the group.</p> <p>The other awkward moment can come when you know you need to work the room, but don't want to be rude by leaving or disengaging from the current conversation. A good rule of thumb is to try to stay in a conversation for about 5 to 10 minutes and then disengage. Consider these options to disengage:</p> <ol> <li><em>Say “It was really nice to meet you! Can I give you two of my business cards: one for you and one for you to give away. And I would love to have two of your cards.” Then excuse yourself to go get a snack or a drink.</em></li> <li><em>Exchange cards and then bring over a contact to introduce who you know would be a good connection for them. After the introduction you can excuse yourself to go get a drink.</em></li> </ol> <p>Navigating networking situations can be tough, but the value gained from these situations cannot be overstated. Use these points as a start, and feel free to <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:kimberly.stevens@npiweb.com">reach out</a> anytime for more advice on representing your business well!</p> <p><em>With National Property Inspections, franchisees gain access to a nationwide network of successful entrepreneurs. For a community to bounce ideas off of, and to learn from those that have made the mistakes so you don’t have to, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">ask about starting your own property inspection franchise</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1545How to Prepare Your Business for Your Vacationhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1544/how-to-prepare-your-business-for-your-vacationBusiness Tips,Franchise,Social MediaTue, 26 Sep 2023 15:26:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR YOUR VACATION</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 26, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/email-marketing">email marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Michael Trimble, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Content Marketing Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>Small business owners take so much pride in their work, it can be hard to take even a short break. The risk of losing momentum, missing out on business, and potentially damaging valuable relationships keep small business owners from taking a vacation–some go years and years without a break. While these concerns are valid, many may not realize that they are missing out on a necessary reset by forgoing an extended holiday.</p> <p>The truth is everyone needs a physical and emotional break from their work. Plus, new experiences and a broader perspective can provide much-needed creative energy to entrepreneurs. If you’re nervous about how to handle an upcoming vacation, here are a few actions you can take to ensure your break goes off without a hitch!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Notify Your Clients (and Share Your Experience!)</span><br /> If you are your only employee, vacations mean that your business can’t do much without you. To keep any consistent referral sources or clients from being surprised, it can be smart to send out a notification in advance. Whether through an email blast or a few phone calls to associates with established relationships, offering a heads up is sure to be appreciated. This considerate action is just another opportunity to keep your business at the top of your referral sources’ minds.</p> <p>While away, it will also be important to have a clear communication system in place. If you don’t have employees to answer phones or operate the business with a skeleton crew in the meantime, be sure to set an out-of-office email auto-response with an emergency contact. Odds are good that if something catastrophic should happen, it will wait until you’re out of the country (a variation of Murphy’s Law), so although it may be preferable to completely walk away from work, it might also be a good idea to check your work email once a day. If internet and phone access will be spotty or too inconvenient while you’re away, you should at least leave your corporate office’s contact information (if part of a franchise).</p> <p>Frustration sets in if expectations aren’t met or getting in touch becomes too difficult. Most will be understanding if they are aware of a clear return date, or they trust that you will keep to an agreed-upon deadline. On returning, it might be a good idea to share your vacation experience on social media, and maybe share how that time has energized you or inspired you in your business! Curious souls will want to hear more, and you might even book some new business as a result.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Delegate and Automate What You Can</span><br /> Planning a vacation is much easier with an experienced team prepared to step up while you’re gone. As is often the case, the issue here frequently sits with the small business owner and their lack of trust for their employees. Long-time assistants might be more than willing to take over during a leave of absence, but owners who have built their business tend to have trouble letting go of responsibilities.</p> <p>The truth is that vacations are an excellent opportunity to challenge your employees–and yourself! Employees can rise to the occasion, attempt to perform new jobs, then fail and learn so that they become even more valuable to the business down the road. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/from-rookie-to-asset-tips-for-training-new-employees">As we've discussed previously</a>, employees love to be challenged, and many become frustrated if they don’t feel that they are acquiring new skills. Leaving your business in someone else’s hands shows an incredible amount of trust and respect–things that your employees will certainly notice and appreciate.</p> <p>If your business isn’t quite at the multiple employee stage yet, it’s important to find ways to function as much as possible while you’re away. Schedule social media posts out in advance, and maybe <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/everything-you-need-to-know-to-make-your-next-email-campaign-a-success">plan a unique email campaign</a> to launch while you’re catching a wave. Working in advance can mean new business is waiting when you return, or it will at least ensure your online presence doesn’t drop off.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Just Take a Vacation! (Even a Short One)</span><br /> In the end, preparation and theory can only go so far. The best way to understand what your unique small business needs while you’re away is to simply make that commitment, book that ticket, and see what happens. Make note of what went well, whether your communication plans were strong, or if the processes and information you gave your employees were sufficient. Everything is clearer in hindsight, and sometimes the best way to learn is to fail, then do better in the future.</p> <p>To minimize problems, consider planning a shorter vacation first since issues that appear over a couple days will be more easily resolved than larger project mishaps. Even brief outings devoted to spending extra time with family or friends will be invaluable to a business owner’s long-term health and happiness. There will always be excuses to wait until next month, or next year. Allow your team and your business to grow while looking after yourself by planning your next vacation wisely.</p> <p><em>National Property Inspections is built off of over 35 years of industry experience. If you are interested to hear more about what we’ve learned makes a successful home inspection business, start with our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a>. Questions? Talk to our <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:recruitment@npiweb.com">recruitment team</a>!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional%20Images/Authors/author-photo_michael-trimble-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Michael Trimble, <em>Content Marketing Coordinator</em></span><br /> A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Michael has a B.A. in International Studies and English. With a background in research and writing, Michael contributes to NPI’s corporate marketing team as a copywriter and content strategist.</div> </div> 1544What to Research Before Becoming a Home Inspectorhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1543/what-to-research-before-becoming-a-home-inspectorBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Sep 2023 15:19:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THINGS TO RESEARCH BEFORE BECOMING A HOME INSPECTOR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 19, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>There are plenty of attributes that draw those with an entrepreneurial spirit into the home inspection space. Whether it’s the opportunity to own a business, innovate within a market, or control a personal schedule, many look to the prospect of being a home inspector as the answer to their career goals. The only issue is that, with the wealth of information there is out on the internet about how to get started as a home inspector, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.</p> <p>Owning a successful home inspection business begins with asking the right questions. How can I be sure that my business will be profitable? What business model should I choose? What hours should I list for my business? No two businesses are the same, and while there isn’t necessarily a cookie-cutter model for success, there are a few places worth starting before getting caught up in the minutiae. With this in mind, here are some important areas of research from which every prospective home inspector would benefit.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Check Out Your State Website</span><br /> The first step of becoming a home inspector should always start with nailing down an area of operation and reviewing that state’s associated requirements. While there is a level of standardization that comes with an average home inspection (see <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm" target="_blank">InterNACHI's Standards of Practice</a>, for example), states vary considerably regarding their own barrier of entry, insurance requirements, background checks, and expectations for continuing education.</p> <p>For example, Texas is one of the states with the most stringent requirements to become a home inspector due to its 154-hour classroom course requirement combined with either 12 months of real estate inspector experience and 200 completed inspections, or with 200 additional approved classroom hours (at the time of writing this article). Meanwhile, there are some states that do not regulate home inspections at all (such as California, Iowa, and Georgia). Committing to starting a new home inspection business without an awareness of the barrier to entry can be a crucial mistake if unprepared to handle the requirements.</p> <p>Though the additional hurdles in some of the more regulated states can seem unfair, those who are willing to work through the extended process are likely to benefit from the experience. For starters, they’ll have a more robust understanding of the industry right from the beginning. For an overview of requirements in your area, take a look at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/State-Regulations" target="_blank">ASHI's interactive map</a> to get started!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take a Survey of the Competition</span><br /> Next up is to look at the existing state of home inspections in the proposed area. Some areas are naturally much more competitive than others, with many different types of inspection teams oversaturating the market. Others might only have a few independents vying for agents’ attention. While it may be more difficult to make a splash in an active market, that shouldn’t be cause to throw in the towel immediately, of course! This is just another area where being prepared is wise, and planning how to differentiate oneself will come a long way.</p> <p>Some markets might have experienced independent inspectors, wherein a new inspector with the support of a franchisor could immediately stand out from the pack. In other areas, there may be a special relationship that a savvy new inspector could use to solidify their initial standing. Regardless, it’s important to have a clear picture of the state of the region early on. <em>For more information on taking a step forward with market research, check out our previous discussion on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/surefire-strategies-to-increase-your-market-share">building market share</a>!</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Understand Your Market Standards</span><br /> Experienced property inspectors know that every home is unique, with their own quirks and challenges. In the same way, different styles of homes require vastly different needs in a home inspection depending on region. In certain regions, older homes with chimneys may be the common, while warmer climates have different heating and cooling standards. Preparing in advance the type of physical requirements involved in home inspection and understanding what the regular day-to-day will entail is crucial.</p> <p>Additionally, many enter into the industry without a clear idea of what their market expects to be charged for a home inspection. While <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/diversification-in-small-business-why-its-important-to-try-new-things">add-on services</a> like radon testing, sewer scope inspections, and mold testing can cause their own price fluctuations, prospective property inspectors would be wise to look into what the average inspector is comfortable charging for a typical home in their area. Projecting realistic profits will allow for a more reasonable plan for growth, a requirement before thinking about any specific business goals.</p> <p>The more market research conducted up front, the better off a home inspector will be, as metrics like the number of real estate agents and brokers in an area, the inventory of homes on the market, and the number of new developments can considerably help direct business and marketing strategies. Becoming as familiar as possible with the realities of one’s personal area is a great way to increase preparedness and confidence for any new business.</p> <p>For more information on the realistic day-to-day of being a home inspector - <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/an-average-day-in-the-life-of-a-home-inspector">here is an idea</a> from someone with first-hand experience.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Consider Your Personal Goals</span><br /> While these external bits of research are paramount to starting off strong in the inspection industry, the final preparatory step before committing ultimately comes from a personal perspective. Determining personal goals for the business, and planning for what the business looks like one year out, five years out, and ten years out falls back on what each person wants to get from the experience.</p> <p>Some are looking to grow their business so that they operate throughout their entire state, planning to hire then take a step back into a more managerial role a few years down the road. Others might be drawn to the industry because of the self-control it allows and the flexible schedule that leaves room for family. Clearly laying out goals and motivations like these are critical, but they aren’t the type of thing that can be discovered through online research.</p> <p>Through this introspection and advanced research, future home inspectors can lay the groundwork for a successful business ahead of time. For more information on how to take the next step in becoming a property inspector, give <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">our recruitment team</a> a call or shoot us an email! We’d be happy to chat.</p> <p><em><em>Learn more about operating a successful property inspection business by visiting <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog">our blog</a>! Quick questions? Visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/FAQ">our FAQ</a> for answers to some of our more common inquiries.</em></em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photos_celeste-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Celeste Black-Harr, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> With a background in customer service and office administration, Celeste joined National Property Inspections, Inc. in 2022. Her experience in customer service is the driving force behind helping all new franchise owners get started and developing those strong business relations! In her daily role as Recruitment Coordinator, Celeste onboards new NPI and GPI franchises from across the United Stated and Canada.</div> </div> 1543Beating Burnout: Tips to Keep Your Head Above Water for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Workaholicshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1541/beating-burnout-tips-to-keep-your-head-above-water-for-small-business-owners-entrepreneurs-and-workaholicsBusiness TipsTue, 05 Sep 2023 14:55:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">BEATING BURNOUT: TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND WORKAHOLICS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 5, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>Finding success in the workforce can often take a lot of dedication, commitment, and time. Especially in competitive fields, some can get the notion that any time off is an opportunity for someone else to catch up, or a risk that could lead to losing momentum. With this in mind, it comes as little surprise when those with an entrepreneurial mindset struggle with burnout.</p> <p>Too often, entrepreneurs and small business owners enter into “the grind” without knowing when to take their foot off the gas, leading to a major crash that can be tough to recover from. The good news is that burnout doesn’t have to be an inevitability. With the right mindset and by following the best strategies, burnout doesn’t have to be another hurdle for success and contentment.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Reevaluate Your Daily Schedule</span><br /> A common cause of burnout is taking on too much. Entrepreneurs tend to spread themselves too thin, and they have trouble letting go of responsibilities. The classic mindset of, “If I want to do something right, I’ll do it myself,” also means that delegating more important tasks rarely happens.</p> <p>Having a strong sense of ownership in the workplace (and in life) is a good thing! However, leaders shouldn’t keep their daily schedules packed to the point where they can’t breathe. In small businesses, employees are there to lighten the load and allow for a business owner’s focus to be on the big picture. A valuable exercise is to record how long various tasks take in an average day. This can help you understand what actions are most valuable, and which could potentially be delegated, streamlined, or eliminated.</p> <p>In the same spirit, becoming more organized in general can lower the chaotic energy that often permeates a full schedule. A clean, organized office desk, work vehicle, and toolbox should make basic tasks easier, saving time that could be better used. With a more efficient and smoother work process, owners, entrepreneurs, and workaholics can take time throughout the day to step away from their work (completely). Strong boundaries can be difficult for people who own their own business, but picking a strict time to stop taking calls or answering emails will allow you space to fully walk away from work (physically and mentally).</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Invest in a Support System</span><br /> Long workdays may be the biggest factor that leads to burnout, but perhaps the strongest factor contributing to positive mental health is finding a community. Family, friends, and coworkers or employees can become trusted confidants to turn to when things get tough. One of the worst things to do is suffer in silence, or speak up only when things become unbearable.</p> <p>Finding people that you care about and enjoy being around is so important, but relationships with people in your industry are invaluable due to the relatability they can provide. Mentors and peers can speak to specific struggles on the job and even offer actionable advice on how they conquered their own hurdles. Remember: relationships require an investment. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with your own burnout to reach out–be a resource yourself.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Take Good Care of Yourself</span><br /> Finally, after looking at how you conduct your business and who you surround yourself with, burnout can be combated by some simple TLC. Ultimately, a person’s life shouldn’t be consumed entirely by their profession, or any single thing. Finding time for hobbies or other interests outside of work to indulge in is key for a consistently healthy mindset. Whether diving into golfing, hiking, listening to a podcast, or following a favorite sports team, the specific activity matters less than the personal enjoyment said activity provides. Find something fun, and make time for it!</p> <p>Mental health and physical health are intimately intertwined as well, so finding a doable exercise routine and following a consistent sleep schedule will pay dividends towards bucking burnout. With that said, don’t avoid rewarding yourself with a favorite drink, snack, or meal from time to time without guilt to celebrate your efforts. Success in the workplace might be better related to a marathon rather than a race. Sustaining a full sprint just isn’t realistic, and those that are too proud to adjust are most likely to push things too far.</p> <p><em>If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, take a break - we give you permission! To learn more about the support a franchise provides, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">contact our recruitment team</a> today. For assistance in marketing or if you’d just like to chat, <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">call or email</a> our marketing team.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1541NPI Welcomes 12 New Franchise Owners in the First Half of 2023https://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1539/npi-welcomes-12-new-franchise-owners-in-the-first-half-of-2023FranchiseTue, 22 Aug 2023 14:30:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">NPI WELCOMES 12 NEW FRANCHISE OWNERS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2023</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> August 22, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=Franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>National Property Inspections (NPI), home and commercial property inspection franchisor, is proud to announce the addition of 12 new franchises to their roster since the beginning of the year. </p> <p>Delivering comprehensive property inspections, NPI has a reputation for helping clients make informed investment decisions for over 35 years. With the addition of these new franchises, more customers in the United States will have access to reliable and thorough property inspection services. </p> <p>We’re pleased to welcome the following franchises who will be representing our brands in their local area: </p> <ol> <li>David Toscano in Brooksville, Florida </li> <li>Jeremy Pressgrove in Little Rock, Arkansas </li> <li>Greg Pykett in Kennebunk, Maine </li> <li>Steven Johnson in Anchorage, Alaska </li> <li>Michael Sawyer in Hartford, Connecticut </li> <li>Julius Manalo in Corona, California </li> <li>Francois Otis in Pembroke Pines, Florida </li> <li>Jason & Tina Wileman in Medford, Oregon </li> <li>Ramon Rivera in El Paso, Texas </li> <li>Micah Talley in Siloam Spring, Arkansas </li> <li>Marin Sims in Indianapolis, Indiana </li> <li>John Lauture in Stamford, Connecticut </li> </ol> <p>"We are thrilled to welcome these new franchises to the NPI family," said David Stamper, President of National Property Inspections, Inc. “It’s exciting that they will bring our company’s brand, values, and quality inspections to new areas. Having worked closely with all our new franchise owners, I know they’re a great group of people who are driven to succeed. I look forward to watching them grow and reach their personal goals.” </p> <p>Stamper added, "We are excited to see our franchise network continue to grow. Our franchises offer a comprehensive suite of inspection services, including home inspections, commercial property inspections, and specialty services such as radon and mold testing. We look forward to seeing these new franchises expand our reach of services and help more homeowners make informed decisions about their investments.” </p> <p>The NPI franchise opportunity equips business owners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to start their own inspection business. Inspectors come from diverse industries and career paths—from corporate executives to dentistry. Ideal candidates are community-driven, dedicated to education, communicative, and highly motivated to succeed. NPI is also proud to offer a 20% discount on their franchise fee for former military and first responders. </p> <p>To learn more about franchising with National Property Inspections in the United States, please visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com">www.npifranchise.com</a>.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">About National Property Inspections</span><br /> Since 1987, our dedicated team at National Property Inspections, Inc. has been helping thousands of inspectors excel in the property inspection industry. Founded by Roland Bates, NPI is the premier home and commercial inspection franchise opportunity in the United States. We know the business inside and out, and we have the tools and expertise to help you get started on the path to success. Our franchisees are more than property inspectors. They're business owners. For franchisees in our network, we provide the tools to keep you on track with running any aspect of your business. We’re dedicated to your success, and our professional staff is always available to help you with general business topics, inspection questions, marketing projects, and more. For more information, please visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com">www.npifranchise.com</a>.</p> 153911 States Taking Action Against Radonhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1538/11-states-taking-action-against-radonInspection TipsTue, 15 Aug 2023 14:15:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">11 STATES TAKING ACTION AGANIST RADON</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> August 15, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>Each year, more and more people are becoming aware of the threat that radon poses to families and homeowners. The World Health Organization, along with the most prominent national and international health agencies, have been appropriately <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health" target="_blank">banging the drum</a> to increase broad awareness of the odorless, colorless gas (which is now the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm#:~:text=After%20smoking%2C%20radon%20is%20the,rocks%2C%20soil%2C%20and%20water." target="_blank">per the CDC</a>).</p> <p>Even in states where radon’s presence is not as prevalent, experts are advising that the gas’ concentration can vary even from house to house. For home inspectors that have not yet invested in radon testing as an outlet for <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/diversification-in-small-business-why-its-important-to-try-new-things">diversification</a>, signs are pointing towards a higher emphasis on the importance of knowing your home’s radon levels. While radon testing can be a valuable service offering anywhere, here are a few regions of particular interest.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">High Presence in the Midwest and Plains</span><br /> Radon levels are recorded in the units of “picocuries” per liter (written as pCi/L), perhaps better understood as one-trillionth “curies,” a unit created to measure radioactivity content named after Marie Curie. With radon entering homes through the breakdown of uranium gases in ground soil, the World Health Organization considers any reading above 2.7 pCi/L a health concern, and the EPA compels action at anything above 4.0 pCi/L.</p> <p>In states in the midwest like Nebraska, their most populated areas are seeing their highest average levels of radon in homes, with lower story inhabitants facing the most exposure. Per a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.ketv.com/article/new-report-shows-elevated-radon-levels-in-8093-nebraska-counties/42437850" target="_blank">news report</a> in early 2023, Nebraska actually ranks in the three worst states when it comes to radon danger due to glacial movement in its distant past, apparently only better off than Iowa and Minnesota. In a setting where anything above 4.0 pCi/L is a danger, homes in Nebraska’s most populous counties (Washington, Douglas, and Sarpy) recorded radon levels above 100.0 pCi/L.</p> <p>To combat their extremely high radon levels, Minnesota’s homes have been built to be radon-resistant since 2009, featuring either active or passive radon mitigation systems (per <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/radonresistant.html" target="_blank">Minnesota's Department of Health</a>). As home inspectors, ensuring that buyers and their families end up in homes that are safe is a top priority. It is through services like radon testing that homeowners can take their health into their own hands.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">A Concern for Private Wells</span><br /> The most common way that radon gas enters into houses is through cracks in the foundation and other small gaps in areas like basements and garages as uranium breaks down in the soil. However, another concern for many is radon contamination through reliance on private wells for water access. In states where private water wells are common, like New Hampshire, radon can attack homes from multiple angles.</p> <p>According to a study performed by the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/new-maps-show-probability-radon-and-uranium-new-hampshires-groundwater" target="_blank">United States Geological Survey</a>, many areas in New Hampshire, including Canaan, Enfield, Hanover, and Lebanon saw elevated levels of radon and uranium in its ground water. While public water supplies are closely monitored, tested, and treated, around 40% of the state relies on private wells for their own drinking water. For these families, well water potability and quality inspections should be a high priority for ongoing monitoring and defense.</p> <p>One mineral particularly known for its uranium content is granite, so while all homeowners that utilize private wells should be aware of the related risks, the Granite State should take particular notice of these concerns.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Fighting Radon in the Rockies</span><br /> Radon increases the risk of lung cancer for everyone, but for people who also smoke, their likelihood of developing lung cancer while affected by high levels of radon exposure increases tenfold. In states throughout the Rocky Mountains and in the Black Hills, the high presence of natural metamorphic rocks and uranium deposits is consistent with dangerous levels of radon.</p> <p>In January, EPA launched the “<a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-encourages-rocky-mountain-and-great-plains-region-residents-test-your-nest-and" target="_blank">Test Your Nest</a>" campaign for homeowners in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming to highlight a need for radon testing and mitigation in those regions. According to the EPA, these states all have large portions set within “Zone 1” of their national Radon Zones map (which corresponds to the highest potential of average indoor radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L). These natural conditions have led to troubling effects such as lung cancer being Utah’s leading cause of cancer death in the state, despite it having the lowest rate of smoking in the US.</p> <p>Radon action is a real need in the U.S., and home inspectors are the perfect resource to combat this issue. If radon testing isn’t in your repertoire yet, now is the time to make a change.</p> <p><em>NPI knows the importance of action against radon. That’s why we provide resources for our franchisees to offer the best radon testing in the industry. To learn more about how NPI offers support for ancillary services, talk to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">our recruitment team</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 15385 Common Interview Answers That Are Red Flags For Hiring Managershttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1520/5-common-interview-answers-that-are-red-flags-for-hiring-managersBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 25 Jul 2023 19:37:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 COMMON INTERVIEW ANSWERS THAT ARE RED FLAGS FOR HIRING MANAGERS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> July 25, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>One skill that can be difficult to develop for small business owners is how to recognize red flags when they show up. Red flag interview answers aren’t just bad answers, they are the types of responses that should alert hiring managers that it might be time to move on to the next candidate altogether. All hires are important for small businesses, but nailing those early hires is pivotal when it comes to long-term success. This is why good business owners place so much focus on their early interviews.</p> <p>Entrepreneurs likely don’t have extensive experience with interviewing prior to starting their own businesses, so they often can’t reflect on the early warning signs of lousy employee behavior. While candidates who have a talent for answering interview questions aren’t necessarily always the best people for the job, there are some seemingly innocuous interview answers that should actually be major red flags for hiring managers.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">But First, A Few Thoughts On Delivery (A Message to Job Seekers)</span><br /> Interviews can, admittedly, feel intense, nerve-wracking, and anxiety-inducing. Although this might add even more pressure onto job seekers, there are a few behaviors related to anxiety that can start an interview off on the wrong foot, regardless of what answers are given. For example, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, and an overuse of filler words like “um,” “so,” and “like” can give off the impression of a lack of confidence or preparation (even if that isn’t true).</p> <p>If a candidate displays behavior consistent with a lack of self esteem, this can be particularly troublesome. It’s important for workers (and people in general) to find peace and self assurance in their own skin. Unfortunately, employees that struggle with self esteem can be somewhat inconsistent in how they relate to each other, and how they conduct themselves in their work.</p> <p><em>Great questions to better understand a candidate’s self perception include: How do you receive criticism? How do you respond to adversity? How do you self regulate?</em></p> <p>It may be easier said than done, but job seekers should make it a goal to calm their nerves as much as possible prior to their interview in order to display their most natural self. Good interviewers should be able to look past obvious signs of nerves, but many will walk away from a tense interview largely remembering the mood in the room and the candidate’s energy over their actual answers. With that said, here are a few red flag answers hiring managers should be watching out for:</p> <ol> <li><strong><em>“I don’t know.”</em></strong><br /> During job interviews, it isn’t uncommon to stump a candidate from time to time. Specific questions related to the position may be more difficult to answer, and it should be expected that some candidates will have to think through their answers on the spot. On the other hand, some questions are common in interviews and are designed to simply get a candidate talking so that hiring managers can gain better insight on their personalities.<br /> <br /> Depending on the question, “I don’t know” can mean that the candidate didn’t show up prepared for the interview. When responding to a “stumper” question in this fashion, this could be an indication that the candidate struggles to improvise. Context is key, but business owners looking to expand their team should be wary of candidates who seem unprepared or uninterested.<br />  </li> <li><strong><em>“I can be a bit of a perfectionist.”</em></strong><br /> <strong><em></em></strong>Asking a candidate about their biggest weaknesses is an important moment during an interview since their answer reveals so much. Through their answer, hiring managers can gauge whether their candidates are self aware, whether they have enough humility to admit that they have faults, and they can also learn more about what kind of interview they are about to have.<br /> <br /> Talking about a biggest weakness is very common in interviews, which means there are many well-known “fake answers” for this question. “I care too much,” and “I work too hard” aren’t as effective as they maybe once were because they are looked upon as dodging the question (even if they happen to be true). Hiring managers should listen for answers that are unique and honest, and then wait for candidates to explain how they have worked to overcome those weaknesses. Good candidates should be willing to be authentic during their interviews.<br />  </li> <li><strong><em>“I discuss that in my resume.”</em></strong><br /> Referencing a professional resume is okay to do during interviews, but candidates that point to theirs too often without expanding on the information should cause hiring managers to pause. Interviewers should always prepare for their interviews by reviewing their candidates’ resumes. Questions that point towards past experiences should aim to provide further insight on the jobs or roles.<br /> <br /> Candidates that avoid speaking much about their previous positions could suggest an exaggeration of their role with that organization, or it might point towards a lack of patience. Again, some questions can be used to simply get the candidate talking and to build rapport, which is crucial for success in small businesses.<br />  </li> <li><strong><em>“My previous coworkers and I didn’t see eye to eye.”</em></strong><br /> Speaking of discussing previous positions, hiring managers should always make note of how candidates are willing to speak about their previous coworkers or bosses. Depending on how critically they speak about these experiences can indicate anything from them having a poor attitude, to them struggling to take accountability for their own missteps. Leaving a previous position can be similar to a bad break-up, so hiring managers should also take note of how invested their candidates still seem with their previous positions.<br /> <br /> Maturity, accountability, and dependability are all traits that make for great colleagues. Small business owners should be looking to hire future business partners more than subordinates, so these positive traits are essential to seek out.<br />  </li> <li><strong><em>“I saw the job ad and thought this position looked interesting.”</em></strong><br /> Of course, candidates should think that the job opening for which they are applying is interesting, but if that is as far as they are willing to go when talking about why they are pursuing the position, hiring managers should be cautious. The best candidates will be enthusiastic about their job opportunity and should be able to speak about how it will help them achieve their specific career goals. Answering these types of questions too simply or vaguely suggests a lack of interest or investment. Disinterested and uninvested workers are sure to move on quickly to opportunities that better align with their goals.<br /> <br /> Small business owners should remember that some candidates might seem perfect, with ideal expertise and a valuable skill set. However, if they aren’t engaged and committed to the business, they might not be the best hire. Small businesses have less room to make unsuccessful hires considering the substantial time and money investment that accompanies the hiring process. It’s better to hire someone who truly wants the job, rather than someone who just considers the position the best option for now.</li> </ol> <p><em><br /> If you are looking to hire, contact the <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">marketing team</a> for more information on candidates in your area! Interested in opening your own inspection business? Learn more by receiving a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1520Conducting Great Interviews as a Small Business Ownerhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1518/conducting-great-interviews-as-a-small-business-ownerBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 27 Jun 2023 19:21:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">CONDUCTING GREAT INTERVIEWS AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 27, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hiring">Hiring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>Starting a business is a remarkable accomplishment in itself, but making that first hire might be the most important part of a small business’s track for growth. The amount of time and effort that goes into a brand new hire is considerable, and costs incurred when it goes wrong can feel like a gut punch. But these mistakes can be avoided! Business owners who invest into their interviewing skills can discover potential issues far in advance, and determine which candidates have the perfect complementary skill set they’re looking for.</p> <p>The right candidate will feel like the missing puzzle piece for your business. To identify these partnerships with expertise, there are three important questions to answer during an interview.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Does the Candidate Fit the Position?</span><br /> The first determination that a good interviewer needs to uncover is, of course, whether the candidate would have the ability to do the job for which they are applying. Candidates usually come to the table with varied experiences, and often their work history won’t include the exact position that they are applying for. This is where strong preparation from the interviewer comes in.</p> <p>Drilling the position down to specific common responsibilities and duties is a good start, then compare those recurring tasks to the candidate’s work history to find any crossover in advance. These acts of preparation should inform the interviewer of which questions to ask and which details they need to clarify. No two interviews should be the same, and even candidates applying for the same role will require some flexibility from the interviewer to best determine fitness for the role.</p> <p><strong>Questions that help answer this prompt:</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>“What are your areas of expertise?”</em></li> <li><em>“What were your primary responsibilities in your previous position?”</em></li> <li><em>“What are some of your biggest strengths?” </em></li> <li><em>“What are some of your biggest weaknesses?”</em><br />  </li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Does the Candidate Fit the Company Culture?</span><br /> After getting an idea of how well a candidate fits a job’s position, interviewers should set their focus on whether the candidate and company culture are a match. Every company is run differently, and even if a candidate is a great fit for the position, culture clashes will lead to issues in the future.</p> <p>Starting with management preferences, many people prefer minimal supervision, but a small business owner has a natural duty to ensure a certain level of quality within their organization since it is their own reputation at stake. Understand your own management style, then compare this to the candidate’s stated preferences and the ways that they describe their relationships with previous bosses and supervisors. Personal stories have the most potential to clarify the extent that a candidate’s management preferences might affect their job performance.</p> <p>Next, interviewers should get an idea of the candidate’s personality and communication styles to get an idea of how easily it will be for them to mesh with the current team (or just the owner if this is the first hire). Luckily, learning about a candidate’s personality should come easily through conversation. Many people have to battle anxiety during a job interview, and although it can be useful to see how a candidate operates under pressure, finding a way to ease their nerves will provide a more accurate impression of their personality.</p> <p>Through answering this prompt, interviews should try to get a feel for things like their candidate’s maturity and ethical mindset if possible. Employees that take accountability and know how to confront adversity can be hard to come by, and they are the types of workers that will make owners wonder how they ever survived alone. Learn more about establishing a strong company culture <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/4-ways-to-create-a-positive-work-culture-for-your-small-business">here</a>!</p> <p><strong>Questions that help answer this prompt:</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>“Can you think of a time when you could have done something better at your previous job?”</em></li> <li><em>“Do you prefer working alone, or with a team?” </em></li> <li><em>“Can you tell me about your experience working on group projects?”</em></li> <li><em>“Can you think of a time when things didn’t go as planned in your previous position, and you needed to adjust?”</em></li> <li><em>“Can you give me an example of a difficult obstacle in your life, and how you overcame it?”</em><br />  </li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Does the Company Fit the Candidate?</span><br /> A candidate can be perfect for the job, and they can even fit in well with a company, but if a position doesn’t line up with the candidate’s expectations or goals then a long-term partnership isn’t likely to last. Interviewers should try to gauge the candidate’s overall excitement for the position (i.e. Is this a career step, or just another job?), and determine whether the company can offer the growth opportunities they might be looking for. Some jobs are good for “right now,” and others are good for the foreseeable future - interviewers need to find out which way their candidates view the position.</p> <p>The other angle that business owners need to consider is often overlooked, but critical to a successful hire. Small businesses, especially early on, can be much more demanding than other jobs. Candidates need to have a clear picture of what sort of time commitment is in store for them so that they can determine whether the flexibility of the role fits their needs. A positive work-life balance can be difficult to manage, and business owners shouldn’t expect an employee to persist in a job that doesn’t match their needs.</p> <p><strong>Questions that help answer this prompt:</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>“Where do you see yourself in five years?”</em></li> <li><em>“What are your long-term career goals?”</em></li> <li><em>“What is your ideal schedule?”</em><br />  </li> </ul> <p><em>Strong interview skills can ensure employees and small business owners start off on the right foot. To learn <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/when-is-the-right-time-to-hire">when to hire</a>, or how to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/from-rookie-to-asset-tips-for-training-new-employees">orient a new employee onto your team</a>, check out our previous articles! To learn more about starting your very own home inspection franchise, request a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1518How to Communicate More Effectively with Clientshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1513/how-to-communicate-more-effectively-with-clientsBusiness Tips,MarketingTue, 20 Jun 2023 18:56:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH CLIENTS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 20, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>Running a successful service-based business requires a significant amount of technical skill and knowledge. As such, the sorts of people that tend to be drawn to these industries tend to have a highly analytical disposition and a preference for structure and detail. In the property inspection industry, these traits are particularly beneficial since missing little details can lead to big problems down the road (and part of why we’ve found <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/why-veterans-make-amazing-entrepreneurs">veterans are such great home inspectors</a>).</p> <p>While these traits are beneficial on the technical side of inspecting, they can sometimes come at the cost of being a good, empathetic communicator. Property inspectors have to communicate with a lot of people, so owners who might struggle in conversations with clients would be wise to invest in some introspection. To get started with upgrading your interpersonal skills, let’s take a look at the basic pillars of client communication in business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Prioritize Clarity Early</span><br /> When coordinating a home inspection, it is crucial to establish an open line of communication early between the inspector and client. A significant amount of negative reviews or otherwise dissatisfied client experiences can be traced back to misunderstandings, assumptions, and a lack of clarity. Perhaps a client thought that a home inspection warranty covered something that it doesn’t, or maybe the scope of the inspection didn’t fully match their expectations. These issues are ultimately avoidable by reconsidering the approach of initial conversations.</p> <p>Property inspectors have a specialized knowledge of homes and the standards of their industry - two areas where their clients will be at a considerable disadvantage. Inspectors who are able to simply explain their process and outline expectations while maintaining a respectful demeanor can work to ensure there are no surprises in store for their clients. Good communicators will also ask questions in pursuit of clarity. The risk of annoying a client early on for repeating themselves will be worth it if the job is then completed within the established expectations.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pay Attention To Tone</span><br /> The natural risk that comes with simplifying language for a client’s benefit, however, is the potential of coming off as condescending. All relationships should have a baseline of respect, and professional relationships are no different. Even if a business’ services are performed perfectly and ahead of schedule, employing the wrong tone can leave a client feeling dissatisfied.</p> <p>A “know-it-all” tone can leave a client thinking their inspector is too cold or intimidating, potentially leading them to avoid asking questions or seeking necessary clarification. On the other end of the spectrum, employing a tone too casual can leave an impression that an inspection isn’t being taken seriously. Becoming sensitive to your personal tone tendencies can provide valuable insight into client reactions, and lead to stronger, deeper long-term relationships.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Build Relationships Along the Way</span><br /> With these points in mind, small business owners can be better equipped to invest in the relationships that will lead to leads and future business. Business owners who have seen success in the home inspection industry will agree - the ability to build relationships and then manage them with professionalism is the key to breaking through.</p> <p>One way to improve relationship development is to practice active listening. According to studies conducted by <a class="color-secondary" href="https://hbr.org/1957/09/listening-to-people" target="_blank">Florida State University and Michigan State University</a>, people forget one-half to one-third of things they learn after only eight hours. Participating in a conversation by asking questions and verbally or physically acknowledging important information not only improves retention, but it will encourage clients. Showing that you understand what is being said, and proving that you are listening is a practice sure to enrich all kinds of relationships.</p> <p><em>Learn more about <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/giving-a-memorable-presentation-as-a-small-business-owner">improving your public speaking</a> in our previous blog! Every NPI franchisee receives personalized marketing coaching so that they can fit their communication style to their clients. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">Get your free info packet today</a> for more information on franchising with National Property Inspections!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1513Surefire Strategies To Increase Your Market Sharehttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1512/surefire-strategies-to-increase-your-market-shareBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 13 Jun 2023 18:52:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">SUREFIRE STRATEGIES TO INCREASE YOUR MARKET SHARE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 13, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By David Stamper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s President & CFO</em></span></p> <p>Running a small business is a lot of responsibility to take on. Owners need to not only become experts in their field and in their industry, but they also need to stay up to date on key market research if they want their business to succeed. When it comes to building your small business and tracking market research, there are few concerns that outrank your business’ market share.</p> <p>Market share is, simply put, a percentage of your business’ earnings compared to the total business done within your market over a particular period of time. While a business owner’s goal should always be to build their business’ percentage of market share, there are many benefits to tracking direct competitors’ market share as well. To learn more about how to build your market share, let’s review some strategies on how to get started.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Perform a Competitive Analysis</span><br /> The first step to increase your market share should be to gain an awareness of your business’ position in your market compared to your competitors. Although it may be difficult to find hard numbers that break down your competitors’ exact market share, you should be able to check a few key factors for comparison. For this exercise to be worthwhile, take some time to select the most important areas that determine your business’ success in your area, and then identify your main competitors.</p> <p>Direct competitors, which are the businesses that perform the same service as yours, can be broken down by which services they provide, their prices, their marketing strategy, and their online reputation. By doing this, opportunities for growth can become obvious. High demand services that might not be offered, like radon testing or sewer scopes, could be added into your current service offerings. In addition, increasing your presence on Facebook or LinkedIn when your competitors might be inactive is another opportunity to increase your business’ reach.</p> <p>Market research is important for businesses that are looking to grow and remain competitive. Remember that these examples for comparison are by no means exhaustive. Take the time to determine which aspects of your competition would be most valuable for investigation considering your unique market situation. Lastly, it’s crucial to be as honest as possible during these comparative exercises. Remember, the more areas where you find your business coming up short of expectations, the more opportunities you have to advance.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Invest in Existing Clients</span><br /> After performing a competitive analysis, it may be tempting to immediately implement a litany of changes in order to take advantage of gaps in your area’s service standards. While these changes are sure to benefit your business, established relationships are usually the source of the majority of “transactions” across industries. From a sales perspective, entrepreneurial news professionals at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.business.com/articles/returning-customers-spend-67-more-than-new-customers-keep-your-customers-coming-back-with-a-recurring-revenue-sales-model/" target="_blank">Business.com</a> report that, “...current customers spend 67% more on average than those who are new to your business.” In the property inspection industry, this means that long-standing relationships with agents should always be a focus for inspectors.</p> <p>Loyal agents and clients can develop into spokespeople citing your professionalism and quality of service, winning powerful leads and referrals. These trusted associates can also be reliable sources for trends in your region regarding what services are being asked for, and which practices are ineffective. Advocating for yourself is a good practice, but nothing builds credibility better than external endorsements.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Perform Acquisitions When Possible</span><br /> Businesses will naturally build relationships over time, they will make mistakes, and they will have their own breakthroughs. Growing a business’ slice of their region’s revenue is usually a gradual process that doesn’t dramatically change in a short amount of time. However, there is one strategy that can have a radical immediate impact on a business’ market share: acquisitions.</p> <p>Since the home inspection industry is particularly driven by relationships, high value inspectors that leave a company and strike out on their own, or join another business are likely to bring agents along with them. With this in mind, business owners should recognize the value that their employees provide, and prepare for opportunities to acquire other experienced, active inspectors into their team.</p> <p>This strategy can occur through purchasing a competitor’s business outright, absorbing their key employees into an existing team; or through hiring new team members after another business’ owner retires or otherwise moves away from the industry. In these situations, building your new team’s rapport can be difficult. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/4-ways-to-create-a-positive-work-culture-for-your-small-business">Strong work culture</a> starts with open communication - be ready to learn from what made their previous business successful, and incorporate those techniques into your own business!</p> <p><em>To learn more about using social media to boost your business profile, check out <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-strengthen-engagement-on-social-media-through-storytelling">this previous topic on storytelling</a>! If you’d like to learn more about how franchising with NPI can set your home inspection business up for success, get your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/david-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">David Stamper, <em>President & CFO</em></span><br /> NPI Inc.'s President and Chief Financial Officer David Stamper holds a B.S. in Accounting and Mathematics from Buena Vista University and currently manages day-to-day business activities, performs the company’s accounting functions, coordinates software development and assists with long-term planning. In addition to his management duties, David also helps train and mentor new franchisees and provides business management support for current franchise owners.</div> </div> 1512Essential Steps For Setting Your Home Inspection Business Up For Successhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1511/essential-steps-for-setting-your-home-inspection-business-up-for-successBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 06 Jun 2023 18:45:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR SETTING YOUR HOME INSPECTION BUSINESS UP FOR SUCCESS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 6, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>Becoming a home inspector is a great profession that allows for incredible flexibility and the potential for impressive profits, but many enter into the industry unprepared and uninformed. Starting a home inspection business requires an investment of both time and money, and too many start up while missing key details that cause their businesses to stagnate or even fold prematurely.</p> <p>Don’t let a lack of research end your entrepreneurship dreams before you’ve started! Avoid these pitfalls, and your home inspection business has the opportunity to meet its potential.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Understand the Profession</span><br /> Although this may sound surprising, one of the most common mistakes that new home inspection business owners make when setting up their business is that they do not fully understand what the job entails. Business owners who start out inspecting homes themselves need to be aware of the physical nature of home inspections, for example.</p> <p>To examine roofs, home inspectors should expect to carry and maneuver ladders, as well as climb up and down them on a regular basis. Additionally, inspectors should feel comfortable with navigating attics and crawl spaces. Some newer technologies such as drones and crawl bots enable those who might be otherwise physically limited, but these tools incur additional costs and training.</p> <p>Many new home inspectors gloss over the initial fact-finding phase of what being a home inspector is actually like on a day to day basis, mostly looking forward to becoming their own boss and dictating their own schedule instead. The best thing that hopeful business owners can do to start their journey is to find a reliable home inspector mentor (ideally in their area) whom they can learn from.</p> <p>Naturally, the next hurdle with finding a mentor is that most people aren’t interested in training up their potential competition. Even if they are willing to share the basics, successful existing inspectors are likely to keep their hard-earned business-building strategies closer to the vest. In these situations, there really is no replacing a franchise model. New franchisee home inspectors have access to a national network of experienced, successful business owners who are far more willing to share their advice, marketing strategies, and stories of how they first “got their foot in the door.”</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Write a Detailed Business Plan</span><br /> Gaining a solid understanding of the business may take some time, but once this is accomplished, the next step is to project forward and assemble a realistic business plan, or in other words, a detailed written document that breaks down how, specifically, a business is expected to make money.</p> <p>Every business has startup costs, so owners should plan to itemize anticipated expenses, revenue expectations, and top line revenue growth. In addition, owners should dictate when (or if) they plan on hiring in the future, and what role they plan to have after one year, five years, ten years, etc. Having a network of support is important for success, so incorporating family members into business plans can hasten growth. Alternatively, partnerships can be a fruitful option, though agreements would need to be made regarding business structure and liability-sharing plans.</p> <p>Trusted advisors that business owners should ensure they identify through this set-up phase are their attorney for reviewing legal documents, and their accountant to review their business plan. When establishing their business as a franchise, a business owner’s support system and access to advisors rapidly increases. Though the amount of attention can vary between franchisors, National Property Inspections’ marketing team, national accounts team, and full corporate staff prides themselves on their accessibility.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Get Equipped to Succeed</span><br /> With an understanding of the profession, a fleshed-out business plan in hand, and a strong support team in place, business owners should be ready to put their plan into action. Licensing and training should be completed as soon as possible to ensure competency and compliance with state standards, and the actual <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/the-tools-that-make-a-property-inspector">tools required to complete an inspection</a> should also be acquired.</p> <p>Of particular note, any home inspector who considers forgoing their E & O Insurance or General Liability Insurance should rethink their plans. Insurance isn’t a suggested expense, it is necessary for any successful home inspection business. These plans are not only for a business’ protection, but they provide vital peace-of-mind for clients as well.</p> <p>Finally, every business needs a potent marketing plan to succeed. This includes (but is not limited to) <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-keeping-your-website-fresh-will-boost-your-small-business">an eye-catching website built with SEO in mind</a>, professionally-designed marketing materials (such as brochures, business cards, and flyers), and branded shirts and vehicle signage. These items ensure that your business is recognized as legitimate and trustworthy, and without them, standing out from the competition becomes a task of its own.</p> <p>Admittedly, there is a lot to juggle when setting up a new home inspection business - but business owners don’t have to go it alone! National Property Inspections is an established brand, built on a reputation tracing back to 1987. To learn more about what a home inspection franchise can mean for your business plan, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">get a free info packet</a> today!</p> <p><em>Our recruitment team is always available to talk through what a relationship with NPI can mean for you. Send an <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:recruitment@npiweb.com">email</a>, or schedule a call to learn more.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photos_celeste-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Celeste Black-Harr, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> With a background in customer service and office administration, Celeste joined National Property Inspections, Inc. in 2022. Her experience in customer service is the driving force behind helping all new franchise owners get started and developing those strong business relations! In her daily role as Recruitment Coordinator, Celeste onboards new NPI and GPI franchises from across the United Stated and Canada.</div> </div> 1511Diversification In Small Business: Why It’s Important To Try New Thingshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1503/diversification-in-small-business-why-its-important-to-try-new-thingsBusiness TipsTue, 02 May 2023 15:25:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">DIVERSIFICATION IN SMALL BUSINESS: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO TRY NEW THINGS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> May 2, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrpreneur">entrpreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Chris Bates, <em>Vice President of Sales & Development</em></span></p> <p>When entering into a new industry or starting a small business, sometimes it can take time to find your footing. It’s important to learn the business, establish relationships in your area, and refine your service quality, but sometimes breaking through can still be difficult.</p> <p>With that said, one of the most frequent mistakes business owners make when they’re slow is avoiding trying new things. Opportunities frequently come knocking at the door, but a fear of losing what little market share they have, or concerns related to their ability to recoup from an unsuccessful investment too often lead to inaction.</p> <p>One of the biggest benefits of owning a franchise is access to a network of industry professionals who are plugged into the latest trends, technology, and business strategies that can help you pull ahead of your competition. Additional add-on services and opportunities to access new leads come up every day. The only way to guarantee that things stay slow in your business is to refuse these new opportunities.</p> <p>If you find yourself stagnating in your business, then the time is right to take action. Whether you’re busy and looking to expand or you want to ensure longevity in your business, the time is now to diversify.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What is a Diversification Strategy?</span><br /> The term “Diversification Strategy” is more commonly associated with larger businesses or enterprises looking to expand on their market share internationally or through launching a new product. With that said, small business owners would be remiss if they chose to ignore the benefits that come with developing their own diversification strategy.</p> <p>Diversification strategies for small business refers to any strategy that involves trying something new with the goal of either accessing a new market or expanding on their existing products. The best diversification strategies build upon existing services or products rather than distract from already successful ventures.</p> <p>Expanding on an existing business is a great way to see progress. Every small business owner wants to see tangible progress in their business, of course, but it can be tough to determine the best way to take a step forward. Diversification is risky and can result in a loss of overall capital when a service or strategy is untested. It’s key to determine the best time to pursue diversification.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">When is the Best Time to Diversify?</span><br /> There are a few instances that indicate the time is right to diversify a small business. When operating in a market that is particularly saturated, entrepreneurs should look at a diversification strategy in order to grow or risk stagnation.</p> <p>Investing in an expansion into nearby regions or areas where your services aren’t as available is always a good idea if you have the ability to meet that market need. As an inspector, this can mean finding new ways to establish relationships with a new office, or unaccessed community. This can also mean coordinating with a franchisor to actually expand upon your existing territory.</p> <p>Additionally, when a new service that adds value to your business becomes available, business owners that incorporate that service into their business model have the opportunity to further differentiate themselves from their competition.</p> <p>To put it simply, the best time to diversify is always.</p> <p>The more a business diversifies, the less a failed venture will damage their business. Entrepreneurs should look to deeply investigate any new service or product before adding it into their business, but turning down opportunities to elevate their business is not the best path to success.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How Should I Diversify as a Property Inspector?</span><br /> According to a recent study from the home repair estimate software provider <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.repairpricer.com/how-much-does-a-home-inspection-cost/" target="_blank">RepairPricer</a>, home inspectors are benefiting greatly from offering additional services on top of their standard home inspections. By offering radon testing, mold testing, termite or pest inspections, and sewer scopes as additional services, home inspectors can establish themselves as a one-stop shop in the eyes of their agents and clients. Agents that know one home inspector offers everything that they need will prefer them over needing to coordinate with multiple people’s schedules.</p> <p>Another way to look at this is that a home inspector optimizes the value of their time by offering additional services. Time in the truck, commuting between jobs is time lost that could have been spent marketing or performing another job. To put it simply, a home inspector can benefit the most from performing as many services as possible at a single location.</p> <p>Another great way to grow that is related to “diversification” is through expanding your targeted territory footprint, or <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/when-is-the-right-time-to-hire">through hiring</a>. If you’re seeing success in your defined service territory, expansion through additional territory purchase is a great way to expand your reach into new communities. Any opportunity to put yourself and your business in front of new people is an opportunity to access an untapped market.</p> <p>Find opportunities to meet new people, deliver presentations, and participate in new events! Your business will benefit from a willingness to try new things and from making wise decisions based on those new experiences.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How Do I Figure Out What Works?</span><br /> There are times that diversification strategies can feel like guess work, but this doesn’t need to be the case. Whenever possible, link up with other successful professionals in your industry and learn what has worked from them (and what hasn’t worked). Although different situations and regions ensure that businesses will never have an identical path towards success, the best resource for new advances in the industry will always be other professionals in the industry.</p> <p>To find success in diversifying your business, meet other industry professionals, research new services and technologies, and most importantly: don’t be afraid to try new things. The best way to give your business longevity and adaptability is to expand your options and services. If you’re interested in making your business last, maybe today is the day you should ask yourself, “Can I afford not to diversify?”</p> <p><em>National Property Inspections is a brand built on 35 years of experience and success. To learn more about how you can benefit from franchising with NPI and joining a national network of property inspection experts, get in touch with <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">our recruitment team</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photos_chris-bates-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Chris Bates, <em>Vice President of Sales & Development</em></span><br /> Chris works with national and regional companies within the NPI National Accounts department. With account coordination, he refers inspections to our franchisees and tracks the progress and completion of assignments to our client's satisfaction. Additionally, he applies his training and field experience by providing technical support services to franchisees as needed.</div> </div> 1503Giving A Memorable Presentation As A Small Business Ownerhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1484/giving-a-memorable-presentation-as-a-small-business-ownerBusiness Tips,MarketingTue, 04 Apr 2023 14:27:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">GIVING A MEMORABLE PRESENTATION AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 4, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing Coach</em></span></p> <p>Small business owners need to learn how to advocate on their own behalf and demonstrate their knowledge in many different venues. With success and expertise comes opportunities to share specialized knowledge with peers in their industry and related fields. Although public speaking may not come naturally to many business owners, presentations are fantastic opportunities to network and present themselves as masters of their craft.</p> <p>We’ve already covered some tips on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-tips-to-improve-public-speaking-as-a-small-business-owner">how to improve public speaking as a small business owner</a>, but there are many more strategies presenters should employ to make their speeches, classes, or demos more <em><strong>memorable</strong></em>. In most settings, business owners have a lot that they are trying to accomplish during their presentations. Not only are they trying to provide value to their audience by educating on their chosen topic, but their overall goal is also to leave a lasting impression that will convert their audience members into paying customers. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a newbie, here are a few things to consider to help take your presentation to the next level.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Reduce Distractions (Through Preparation)</span><br /> The most effective presentations are done by passionate experts in their field. New technologies, such as animations or sound effects, can be exciting to incorporate into presentations, but when they become too distracting to either the presenter or the audience, they ultimately detract from the experience.</p> <p>As the presenter, it’s important to reduce anything that could cause a disruption. Prepare a bottle of water (and a backup) so that the presentation isn’t paused by a sudden dry throat, and show up a bit early to become familiar with the overall space. If lighting in the room is too dim or the setup is challenging to work with, it’s better not to be surprised. Most details can be easily adjusted in advance.</p> <p>With the audience in mind, eliminating these personal distractions is the best way for any speaker to convey confidence and enthusiasm. When working with a PowerPoint presentation, it can be useful to clearly outline the presentation from the beginning using an “Objectives” or “Introduction” slide. Identify clear goals, emphasize the relevance that the topic at hand has with the audience, and then wrap things up by pointing back to those goals. Organizational techniques like these are key to effectively directing your audience’s attention in the right direction.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take Advantage of Visual Aids</span><br /> The power of images cannot be understated when it comes to giving an impactful presentation. Reporters at The Guardian speak on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/dec/18/pictures-trigger-memories-faster-than-words-neuroscientist" target="_blank">this well known phenomenon</a> by writing, “A picture can trigger a buried memory and recall a precise moment in time much more rapidly than words.” The common practice of presentations has been to accompany points with associated images to better build a long-term association in the audience.</p> <p>The majority of time, this means using a PowerPoint to bolster a presentation. While PowerPoints can be greatly beneficial, there are a few pitfalls that presenters should avoid. Firstly, slides that are too busy visually or too text-heavy are more difficult to digest. Simplify slides to intentionally direct the audience to a specific point. In the same vein, never read directly from a slide! This directs attention away from the speaker and creates an unfortunate disconnect.</p> <p>Images are powerful tools—but don’t feel forced to indulge in technology! Physical examples can be more memorable than slides on a screen, and video or audio examples are utilized less often than they should. When using any technology to aid a presentation, always do a runthrough beforehand to work out any technical issues. Technology will fail often, so strong presenters should be prepared to move forward without it when necessary.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Engage the Audience with Interaction</span><br /> With distractions eliminated and images carefully selected as a solid backdrop, the best presentations should implement some audience interaction into the mix. Presenters should adjust to the audience and recognize what level of interaction they’re comfortable with, but personal participation is the best way to get engagement with your subject matter.</p> <p>Solid ways to promote engagement are to open a presentation by polling the audience and leaving room for them to ask any questions. If an audience member feels that they can change the direction of a presentation to suit their needs, they are more likely to participate.</p> <p>If a presenter is familiar and comfortable enough with their topic, spontaneous anecdotes and stories can be the final ingredient that takes a presentation to the next level. But use this strategy with caution! Anecdotes that don’t clearly tie back into the topic can cause frustration, and too many tangents will surely muddy any overall goals.</p> <p><em>National Property Inspections’ network of professional property inspectors have a bevy of experience presenting on areas of their expertise. If you’re interested in drawing from decades upon decades of real estate, commercial property, and residential inspection experience, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">learn more</a> about franchising with NPI today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1484When Is The Right Time To Hire?https://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1465/when-is-the-right-time-to-hireBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 21 Feb 2023 15:16:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO HIRE?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 21, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth, </a><a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management, </a><a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>Every small business owner or entrepreneur needs to develop a system for conducting business that works for them. For some, this comes naturally! They know the right things to say, they’ve connected with the right people, and they know how to develop relationships. For others, their business has to be built up through plenty of trial and error.</p> <p>Running a small business solo can be incredibly rewarding—at the same time, incredibly demanding. The best way to handle these mounting demands (and to manage your sanity) is to finally expand your team. With a co-pilot at your side, your small business can reach new heights and expand beyond what you ever imagined! But when do you know the time is right to hire?</p> <p>Here are a few signs that say you should hire sooner rather than later.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Your Are Turning Down New Business</span><br /> This one may seem obvious, but if you’re reaching the point where you can’t keep up with the demands of your business, you need to make a hire asap. Successful entrepreneurs should be able to anticipate this situation and be able to make their hires before they reach their breaking point. However, sometimes business can accelerate beyond expectations at an unexpected pace.</p> <p>With any new hire, be sure to look ahead! If your business tends to pick up and slow down, plan on some recurring tasks your new hire would be responsible for if business slows down in the future. Consider which complementary tasks they might excel in, and how they can help your business continue to grow!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Your Are Bogged Down With Daily Tasks</span><br /> As a small business owner, you’ve developed a unique set of skills that set yourself on the track for success. When you start to consider bringing on a new employee (or your first employee), you should be careful that you’re doing it for the right reasons. While you may be busy, consider what type of “busy” you are.</p> <p>Often, small business owners can get caught up with highly-specialized tasks that are unique to their particular skills. Other times, these entrepreneurs see their day taken up with time-consuming tasks that could be easily picked up by someone else. As home inspectors, only you have the specialized training to perform an inspection and generate a detailed report. Additionally, any relationships that you’ve built up as a small business owner cannot be easily passed on to a new employee. Always consider the effort that would be required to train a new employee to take over specialized skills before committing to a new hire.</p> <p>On the other hand, if your time as a small business owner is being taken up by clerical tasks, bookkeeping, or other easily transferable tasks, hiring someone in an assistant or secretarial position may be beneficial. Time that was once taken up with these repetitive tasks could be redirected towards building new relationships or adding new services that could grow your business!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. You Know Your Strengths (And Your Weaknesses)</span><br /> A sign of a strong leader is someone who has a good understanding of where they excel and where they don’t. Business owners should always be improving upon their leadership skills, but sometimes it can be worthwhile to bring on a partner who possesses a complementary skillset. In the home inspection industry, inspectors tend to have great detail-oriented strengths that result in ideal experiences for clients. But, sometimes they could benefit from a more outgoing relationship-building expert.</p> <p>Find people who are advocates for your business growth. A great team member brings something new to the table that you can use to expand your services or enhance what you’re already doing.</p> <p>With these considerations in mind, ask yourself again: Is now the time to expand my team? If you’re interested in hiring and looking for leads, feel free to reach out to your NPI corporate office to see if anyone in your area has inquired about pursuing a career in the inspection industry.</p> <p><em>If you would like to learn more about why now is a great time to start your own home inspection franchise, collect your free info packet <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">here</a>! If you're interested in employment in the home inspection industry, submit your application to work for one of our established franchise locations <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/careers" target="_blank">with the form on this page</a>.</em></p> 1465How Time Management Can Unlock Your Hidden Potentialhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1456/how-time-management-can-unlock-your-hidden-potentialBusiness TipsTue, 31 Jan 2023 21:14:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TIME MANAGEMENT CAN UNLOCK YOUR HIDDEN POTENTIAL</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 31, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>Small business owners have a lot on their plate. As a home inspector, for example, owners are frequently one part inspector, one part marketer, one part continuing education instructor, and one part bookkeeper (just to name a few responsibilities). Naturally, it can be easy to feel spread thin at times, with different tasks and projects constantly vying for attention. To survive, small business owners need to learn how to become organized and manage their time well - it’s as simple as that. Still, building your time management capability is a constant process. Reconsider these strategies to improve how you run your business and raise the ceiling of your potential.</p> <p><strong>Why Should You Improve Your Time Management?</strong><br /> For some people, the benefits of improved time management are obvious. They might struggle to meet deadlines and frequently double-book their meetings. Still others might feel that they have a system they like in place - they just have too much to do! However advanced your time management skills might be, there is always room for improvement and evaluation.</p> <p>Through a frequent time management “self audit” you have the opportunity to improve your productivity at work. By cutting down on tasks that drain your time and attention, your efficiency and quality of work have the potential to upgrade - leaving yourself more time allotted for things that matter and less time stressing over things that don’t. This could mean more time with the family, recreational activities, or even worthwhile projects that allow you to invest time back into your business..  </p> <p>To get started, consider these tested strategies to improve your workflow.  </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Assess How You Currently Spend Your Time</span><br /> Take an average day (or week) and track what tasks demand your attention. Divide your day up into easily trackable chunks (15-30 minutes), and plan to be surprised. Very often, our time is eaten up by tedious, unimportant tasks that could be optimized or reimagined to improve efficiency.</p> <p>During this step, it is also important to be honest with yourself. If your time is often drained with phone calls, long lunches, or time surfing the web, track yourself accurately to get a full picture of how your time is spent. Breaks aren’t necessarily a waste of time. According to researchers at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk/foundations-for-success/importance-of-taking-breaks-and-having-other-interests/#:~:text=Taking%20breaks%20has%20been%20shown,and%20cardiovascular%20disease%20%5B2%5D." target="_blank">The Wellbeing Thesis</a> through the University of Derby in the UK, breaks are important for recovering from stress and can improve overall performance.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Prioritize (and Re-Prioritize) Your Recurring Tasks</span><br /> With a self assessment out of the way, you should have all the information you need to restructure your day. Chances are, some tasks that need more attention likely aren’t given the time they need, while others are taking up more room than they deserve. A powerful tool can be something called the Eisenhower Matrix.</p> <p>An organization system developed by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Eisenhower Matrix is a method of sorting tasks based on importance and urgency. All tasks deemed both “urgent” and “important” should take your attention first. Restructure your day so that these vital tasks are completed in a timely manner. Tasks that are “urgent” but not “important” should be delegated if possible, and tasks that are “important” but not “urgent” should be scheduled immediately. Finally, tasks that are neither “urgent” nor “important” should be either discarded or set aside. </p> <p>Whether you use this method or another, determine which tasks will most directly help you reach your goals, and then plan to tackle them accordingly. </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Check Your Progress</span><br /> With your days restructured, continue to check in on your current workflow to see how things can be improved. Planning ahead, keeping a strict calendar, and following a daily to-do list can be additional aids that help people stick to their plans. Ultimately the aids that work best will depend on a person’s individual personality and tastes. Ideally, an optimized schedule should feel natural and is built out of developing better habits.</p> <p>As an additional tip, consider checking in on the <em>condition </em>of your work space. A chaotic, disorganized space can build up quicker than expected, and the result can be unnecessary stress and anxiety. Take the time to organize your space to reduce unneeded distractions.</p> <p><em>Every National Property Inspections franchise comes with access to a team of experts that have experienced what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to running an inspection business. Never hesitate to reach out to your corporate team for advice, and remember to join the private group on Facebook to get in on the conversation!  </em></p> <p><em>If you are interested in starting your own home inspection business, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/FAQ">click here</a> to learn more about what it’s like to franchise with NPI. Request your free information packet <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">here</a>! </em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/jon-blog-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Jon McCreath, <em>Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span><br /> A former NPI franchise owner and real estate agent, Jon joined the NPI corporate team in 2019. With his inspection expertise and foundation in classroom instruction, Jon teaches and mentors new franchisees during their two-week training course in Omaha. He also handles technical support calls during and after office hours and guides franchisees through the state licensing process.</div> </div> 1456Why Veterans Make Amazing Entrepreneurshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1455/why-veterans-make-amazing-entrepreneursBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 24 Jan 2023 21:07:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WHY VETERANS MAKE AMAZING ENTREPRENEURS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 24, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/veterans">veterans</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Sammi Marcellus, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>Veterans returning home from duty have a lot of opportunities open for them, but it can understandably be difficult to find one’s place after such a big change. As entrepreneurs and business owners, veterans have a long history of success. From Phil Knight at Nike to Gordon Logan at Sport Clips, veterans clearly have the capability to reach remarkable heights in their own business ventures, but it can be difficult to figure out how to start.</p> <p>At National Property Inspections, we have seen first-hand how veterans excel in the field of home inspections. Many of our top producers are veterans, and we love working with new franchisees who have gained the fundamental skills that military training instills. Here are a few reasons why veterans make amazing entrepreneurs and home inspectors.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Veterans Are Versatile </span><br /> Whether through serving in a unit or through the foundational training that all military professionals receive, we have seen that veterans possess an amazing level of versatility. As an inspector and a small business owner, our franchisees learn not only the technical skills to inspect a property, but how to market themselves, manage their finances, and even lead a team of their own.</p> <p>In particular, we have found that military training develops an extraordinary ability to learn and adapt. As you run your own business, there will undoubtedly be a few facets that require branching out into a new field outside your comfort zone. Veterans have a proven track record to lean on their strengths and discover unique ways to tackle the variable problems that come with entrepreneurship.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Veterans Do A “Complete” Job </span><br /> Depending on their field of service, veterans may have had to make choices that could drastically affect the well-being of their partner or their team as a whole. Because of this, veterans tend to not cut corners.</p> <p>This quality is highly sought after for a home inspector. In developing a report, (depending on the agreed upon scale and scope of the job) inspectors need to provide a full breakdown of a home’s key systems. Missing a detail here can lead to costly repercussions for homeowners, making a thorough inspection highly valuable.</p> <p>On top of this, veterans tend to do the little things well, between treating their clients with respect, working efficiently, and being responsive to messages. These qualities should lead to satisfied clients and plenty of opportunities for positive reviews, which will help their businesses grow even more!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Veterans Do Well Under Pressure </span><br /> It’s no secret that running a business can, at times, be more like a marathon than a sprint. There will be busy seasons, and there will be slower seasons. To be successful, good entrepreneurs know how to adapt to their market when things change, and they also know how to persevere when pressure mounts. Again, this is a quality where veterans excel.</p> <p>Through military training, veterans have gained the sought-after skill of remaining cool under pressure. Anyone can lay out a business plan. It takes someone special to see their plan through, even when facing periods of adversity where others might be tempted to quit. Veterans tend to have that ability to widen their scope and keep overall goals in mind.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">The Hurdle For Veterans </span><br /> We have seen time and time again that veterans tend to have traits that lead them to become remarkable home inspectors. However, there are those that have noticed a newer hurdle facing veterans today.</p> <p>According to reporters at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.inc.com/magazine/201610/kimberly-weisul/missing-veteran-owned-businesses.html" target="_blank"> Inc magazine</a>, there has been a new discrepancy found in veteran-owned small businesses of late. After veterans returned from World War II, nearly 50% turned to entrepreneurship. For veterans after Sept. 11, 2001, however, only 4.5% have become entrepreneurs. Why the stark difference? Reporters from <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/01/04/what-happens-when-veteran-entrepreneurs-get-the-funding-and-support-they-need/?sh=3164414e1795" target="_blank"> Forbes</a> suggest it is a perceived lack of capital.</p> <p>As they explain, veterans have been more likely to pursue other career goals due to a lack of education about their funding opportunities. Contrary to this belief, though, there are many organizations dedicated to assisting veteran entrepreneurs and veteran-owned businesses. At National Property Inspections, we love working with veterans! We offer our own discount for a franchise, and can direct you on financing opportunities.</p> <p><em>20% of NPI franchises are veteran-owned. If you are a veteran interested in learning more about how to start your own home inspection franchise, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">get in contact with our recruitment team today</a>! Check out our testimonial below from U.S. Army veteran and NPI business owner Blake Evans.</em></p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9" style="margin-bottom: 30px"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k_KocZEy9o0"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/author-photos-sammi-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Sammi Marcellus, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> A member of the Nebraska Army National Guard since 2017, Sammi assists the NPI recruitment team through building relationships with military veterans who are interested in franchising. Sammi has a background in customer service and is an asset to the NPI corporate team with her ability to relate with active and former military, guiding them through our recruitment process.</div> </div> 1455