<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/Posts5 Cost Effective Marketing Strategies For Small Businesseshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1567/5-cost-effective-marketing-strategies-for-small-businessesBusiness Tips,Marketing,Social MediaTue, 14 Nov 2023 19:43:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 COST EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 14, 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=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/money-management">money management</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/email-marketing">email marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-website">business website</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Sydney Bailey, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing Director</em></span></p> <p>Seasoned business owners know that every industry experiences ebbs and flows. There are times when the phones are constantly ringing and the calendar is packed. On the flip side, there are stretches where work is more scarce. It’s often during the slow seasons where cutting back on expenditures is a natural impulse, but business owners should be careful not to handicap their marketing efforts.</p> <p>Marketing is critical for reaching new clients and keeping your business top-of-mind for your established referral sources, so you should be hesitant to cut your marketing spend when business is down. With that said, there are ways you can be more intentional with your marketing budget. If you find yourself limited on funds, here are a few cost-effective marketing strategies worth exploring. </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Refine Your Communication Skills</span><br /> Standing out from your competition is critical when business slows down. For some owners, explaining to prospective clients exactly what sets their business apart can be difficult. While effective marketing and networking can make your phone ring, it won’t do much good if the person answering the call doesn’t conduct themselves with enough confidence to actually book the job. </p> <p>With this in mind, business owners and office staff should take the time to rehearse their delivery over the phone and in person. Practicing with friends, family, and other trusted confidants can build assurance for business owners who aren’t used to conversing in these environments, and although some personality types may be perfectly comfortable closing a sale, feedback through this process can lead to further improvement and increased closed rates. </p> <p>Closing a sale is a skill that can be acquired and enhanced just like any other. For inspectors, don’t assume that a client understands the process of a standard home inspection. Figure out a way to explain in layman’s terms what you’ll do on the property, how long it will take, and when they can expect their report. Mapping out the experience like this should help establish trust early, and it’ll lead to more jobs! </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Rediscover Email Marketing</span><br /> Email marketing continues to be one of the most effective marketing outreach strategies across all industries, and the great thing about email? It’s free! Review past campaigns and make some updates by refreshing the messaging, think of catchy new subject lines, or try adding a new promotion. </p> <p>One thing to keep in mind with email marketing is that outdated emailing lists can tarnish your email’s sender reputation. This could result in your messages being sent to spam folders. Be sure to regularly update your email list by removing defunct addresses and adding any new ones gained through networking. To learn more about making a great email marketing campaign, read on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/everything-you-need-to-know-to-make-your-next-email-campaign-a-success">right here</a>. </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Try Out a Timely Promotion</span><br /> Speaking of promotions, coupons and discounts are a tried and true way to bring in clients who might be on the fence for a product or service. We understand that the last thing business owners want to do in a slow season is discount their services. However, what’s better? Booking a job at a $50 discount or booking no jobs at all? If business is slower, create urgency by launching a limited-time promotion. </p> <p>If you have a new service, create a campaign explaining its relevance to your local area or tie it to an upcoming holiday. Although business owners should never devalue the importance of their services, promotions with a clear message and an expiration date can work by bringing attention to your lesser-known services. </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Refresh Your Social Media</span><br /> Next, social media is an area that tends to fall off quickly whenever business owners get busy, but building an audience base here can be valuable for reinforcing relationships and generating attention strategically. The other nice thing about managing social media is its cost: posting on social media is another task you can do for practically free! </p> <p>To step up engagement on social media, consider posting pictures of your team on the job or generate an educational infographic about one of your services. Studies show that people connect to a business when they see peoples’ faces, and infographics are known to quickly grab attention. If you’re interested in taking an easy first step, here are some things to consider about <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/upgrading-your-social-media-marketing-with-videos">producing videos</a> for social media. Just don’t get hung up on making every second perfect! Homemade pictures and videos can feel authentic, making your business come across as more trustworthy and approachable. </p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Make Use of Your Satisfied Customers</span><br /> Customers Finally, business owners who have already impressed their customers can rely on their past track record to bring in new clients. In short: call attention to your 5-star reviews! </p> <p>Too many businesses neglect their Google and Facebook business pages, but a high four- or five-star business with tons of reviews instills so much more confidence than a competitor with a low score. Build it into your wrap-up process for every job, and make it easy for clients to leave a review, then re-post those positive reviews on social media and display them on your website. Satisfied customers can become advocates for your company with just a few steps, and luckily, we’ve already discussed <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-strategies-to-get-more-reviews-for-your-small-business">some great ways to get reviews</a> with more consistency!</p> <p><em>There are so many ways to continue marketing for little to no cost - and this list is by no means exhaustive! For more ideas on expanding your marketing strategy, reach out to the <a class="color-secondary" href="”mailto:marketing@npiweb.com”">NPI marketing team</a> today.</em></p> <p><em>Did you know that NPI franchisees benefit from weekly blogs, expert website design, top notch SEO, marvelous email marketing, eye-popping graphic design, and personal one-on-one coaching (just to name a few things)? Learn more about the benefits of franchising with NPI by requesting your <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/Additional%20Images/Authors/author-photos_sydney-01.jpg?ver=K8BsXAplR-IfRPbOmaYoRw%3d%3d" 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">Sydney Bailey, <em>Marketing Director</em></span><br /> Sydney specializes in creative marketing strategy and project management. In her current role, she leads the NPI marketing department in implementing new initiatives to increase business for franchisees in our network. With experience in art direction, public relations, and brand development, she also served as the organization’s in-house graphic and web designer during her first five years with NPI. Sydney continues to support our franchisees on a daily basis with their overall marketing strategy needs.</div> </div> 1567Marketing Insights: The Importance of Finding Your Audiencehttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1559/marketing-insights-the-importance-of-finding-your-audienceMarketing,Social MediaTue, 31 Oct 2023 15:26:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MARKETING INSIGHTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF FINDING YOUR AUDIENCE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 31, 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/money-management">money management</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/linkedin">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/paid-search">paid search</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-website">business website</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Zach Vesper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Senior SEO & Marketing Strategist</em></span></p> <p>Any experienced marketer, when speaking about how to grow a business and reach long-term goals, will preach on how important it is for a business to find its audience. For many business owners, this might sound a little strange. After all, shouldn’t entrepreneurs be looking to find as many clients or customers as possible in order to convert on leads and maximize their sales?</p> <p>Of course this is true! But this doesn’t mean that the best marketing strategy is to speak to everyone all at once. Imagine you’re making a speech in a massive auditorium. For most people, the more people there, the more difficult it will be to capture everyone’s attention. If too many people are there, the audience further in the back will struggle to see you, and even the most expensive sound equipment will start to fail, leaving your message completely unheard to many.</p> <p>In the same way, marketing to a massive audience tends to be expensive, and a business that chooses to market in this manner can often see their message lost, becoming indiscernible as it competes with too many other businesses for attention. Instead of wasting money, time, and energy on expansive marketing, businesses should focus on finding their <em>niche audience</em>.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What is a <em>niche audience</em>?</span><br /> A niche audience is a highly specific audience that consists of people who are uniquely in need of a business’ services or products, usually identified through intensive research as well as a good amount of trial and error. Small businesses that are looking to maximize the value of their advertising budget particularly benefit from identifying their niche audience because it usually translates to more conversions per dollar spent.</p> <p>When targeting a smaller audience, marketers don’t have to keep their messaging as generic in an attempt to avoid alienating parts of their audience. In fact, the action of bringing up information that’s hyper-specific to a niche audience is more likely to be memorable, increasing brand recall, inspiring more engagement, and building overall loyalty.</p> <p>In short, modeling marketing collaterals and campaigns to a specific audience is easier, more effective, and much more likely to leave a long-lasting impact. On the other side of the equation, consider what can happen when advertising reaches an audience that doesn’t find the service relevant to them (such as when men see ads for women’s hair products, or when dog owners see ads for cat food). These situations can lead to some frustration from the unintended audience, and worse, many accidental clicks on your ads from those who aren’t actually interested in what you’re selling. Since the cost of many paid ads are based on the number of clicks you get and not actual leads or conversions, this situation also results in a waste of your ad spend.</p> <p>In many ways, finding a niche audience is the key to effective marketing, but identifying this group can be difficult, requiring plenty of time and a strong understanding of a business’s industry.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How do you find your niche audience?</span><br /> One great way to start identifying your niche audience is to develop an audience “persona,” or the ideal customer for your business. Consider their demographic information, their age range, gender, education, and income level, then get as detailed as possible. Not only does creating this picture allow for a clearer target when writing website copy or designing advertising graphics, many forms of advertising can filter out individuals who don’t fit into these demographics.</p> <p>In addition to this, businesses can use their existing audience to find commonalities based on website and social media analytics. Do your most frequent customers match your “ideal customer”? If not, this could either be because you’ve misidentified your niche audience, or there’s a key group you’ve been overlooking.</p> <p>After completing these two steps, consider what your most direct competition is doing. How do their marketing efforts differ from your own, and what strategies seem to garner the most success? By knowing who they are “speaking” to, businesses can be much more intentional in their marketing, increasing their profits by spending less money and speaking to fewer people.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">How do you market to a niche audience?</span><br /> With a specific audience in mind, generate social media posts, infographics, videos, and other web content tailored for their interests, culture, or humor in particular. When it comes to focusing efforts on social media, businesses should seek to inhabit similar spaces that their niche audience occupies, partnering with other tangential businesses, or possibly influential local creators.</p> <p>With tailored content, expect more reviews and engagement online - then be sure to respond to these interactions and react to feedback. Improving your product or services specifically for this key audience becomes much easier when conversations open up through these channels.</p> <p>One note of warning! Although unlocking a new audience or a key niche audience can be exciting, it’s important that businesses don’t forget to try to branch out from time to time into new audiences. Marketing to a niche audience is important to gain traction, but entrepreneurs can see their business become stagnant if they never break out of their comfort zone. Experimentation and research should always be embraced by business owners looking to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/surefire-strategies-to-increase-your-market-share">increase their market share</a>.</p> <p><em>To further strategize how to start your next campaign, contact your <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">NPI marketing team</a> to get the discussion rolling! Curious about the resources gained when franchising with NPI? Click here to get <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">your free info packet</a>.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/zach-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-152018-130" 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">Zach Vesper, <em>Senior SEO & Marketing Strategist</em></span><br /> Zach brings twelve years of content marketing and nine years of search engine optimization (SEO) experience to the NPI in-house marketing team. His areas of expertise include building marketing plans that increase franchise sales, optimizing web content for search, crafting effective paid search campaigns, reputation management, and content strategy. Zach is always more than happy to answer your questions about all things Google and considers this the most important and enjoyable aspect of his job.</div> </div> 1559Essential 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> 1511Why 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> 1455How To Finance Your New Inspection Franchisehttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1434/how-to-finance-your-new-inspection-franchiseBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 13 Dec 2022 18:33:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO FINANCE YOUR NEW INSPECTION FRANCHISE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 13, 2022 | <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/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>Starting a new business is such an exciting and fulfilling venture, but for many people a lack of confidence in their funding strategy can hold them back from achieving their goals.</p> <p>As with all franchises, an inspection franchise requires a level of initial investment to get started, but you don’t need to wait for a wealthy relative’s inheritance. Depending on your background, there are plenty of worthwhile opportunities that you can consider in order to finance your new business and hit the ground running.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. This article is intended to cover general circumstances and is not directed to any specific individual. I am not a registered financial advisor. To know what options are best for your particular scenario, seek out a financial advice professional.</em></p> <p>With that in mind, let’s discuss some financing opportunities for your new inspection franchise.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Secured Or Unsecured Loans</span><br /> One common route that people looking to franchise end up discussing is the standard Secured or Unsecured Loan route. An easy way to separate these two categories of loans is to identify whether there is collateral being offered up in exchange for the loan.</p> <p>A loan backed by collateral is called a Secured Loan. Collateral can theoretically be any financial asset that a person owns, but in the franchising world, this usually is tied to either real estate or investment securities. Another loan that falls under this category is the Home Equity Loan.</p> <p>Home Equity Loans are a more commonly known loan, also sometimes called a “second mortgage,” that uses the equity built in a home as collateral. Although this sort of loan is a much rarer option in the home inspection franchising industry, it can be a valid option depending on your unique circumstances.</p> <p>On the other side of bank loans, Unsecured Loans are loans that require no collateral. These loans are heavily dependent on personal credit scores and previous debt repayment history. In addition, they typically have considerably higher interest rates than Secured Loans. Still, Unsecured Loans are a common option that many new franchisees take advantage of when setting up their new business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Rollover as Business Startups</span><br /> Another viable option for financing your franchise is a Rollover as Business Startups route, also abbreviated as ROBS. A ROBS involves tapping into a retirement account early and using the funds to start a new business or franchise. The risks with this strategy are obvious, in that most people would prefer not to touch their retirement savings until they have retired. However, some people like having the option to utilize this normally inaccessible source of funds as an investment.</p> <p>It is important to note that drawing from an account like a 401(k) requires operating the associated business as a C corporation. This business setup is more common for larger companies, and therefore might not be a great fit for small business ventures.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">SBA Bank Loans </span><br /> As a final financing option, and if some of the other options discussed here don’t seem to be a great match for your situation, a loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be worth looking into.</p> <p>Contrary to the organization’s name, most loans administered through them tend to be for somewhat larger business ventures (often over $500,000 like in many 7(a) SBA loans). Because this scope doesn’t match up well with the range of a National Property Inspections franchise, prospective franchisees looking to work with an SBA loan should look at their Microloans.</p> <p>The SBA offers these smaller loans that reach their upper limit at $50,000, while averaging closer to $13,000. Although more of our franchisees have preferred other options, the SBA is still an available route for people looking to extend their choices.</p> <p>Choosing to start a new franchise means beginning a thrilling journey. Start with exploring these options to develop a confident franchising plan.</p> <p><em>To learn more about a franchising opportunity with National Property Inspections, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">request a free information packet</a> today. We would also love to speak with you - email our recruitment team at recruitment@npiweb.com.</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> 1434Pre-Inspection Agreement: Why They're ALWAYS A Must-Havehttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1417/pre-inspection-agreement-why-theyre-always-a-must-haveBusiness Tips,Inspection TipsTue, 01 Nov 2022 20:49:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">PRE-INSPECTION AGREEMENTS: WHY THEY'RE ALWAYS A MUST-HAVE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 1, 2022 | <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=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</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/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>In establishing a successful inspection franchise, there are so many things to worry about. From learning how to best market yourself and your services, to offering the best possible product, new inspectors have plenty of areas that can command their attention. In these moments, it is important not to overlook the standards and the basics of the business. One standard process that you should never skimp out on is the pre-inspection agreement. Let’s review the pre-inspection agreement and its unique importance.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Background</span><br /> A pre-inspection agreement is a standard form which outlines standards, scope of work, and expectations for an upcoming property inspection. There are many reasons why this form has become a stock-standard part of every inspector’s business plan, but of particular note are the liability protections that they provide. Although no inspector intends to find conflict with a client, a disagreement is likely to come up at some point. The pre-inspection agreement is the rule-setter that keeps every inspection fair and clear.</p> <p>Some basic aspects that a pre-inspection agreement describes include:</p> <ul> <li>Home Inspection Fee </li> <li>Inspection Report Due Date </li> <li>Standards of Practice </li> <li>Exclusions </li> <li>Specific Inclusions </li> <li>Liability Limitations</li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Considerations</span><br /> Some inspectors are more strict than others with how they administer and handle their pre-inspection agreements. Some inspectors may proceed with an inspection prior to receiving a signed agreement, then withhold their report until receiving the agreement and payment. However, to practice complete safety in regards to liability risks, inspectors it may be safer to avoid any contact with the specified property up until they have received a pre-inspection agreement.</p> <p>Though franchisees of National Property Inspections receive a standard pre-inspection agreement, all inspectors should consider edits with their region’s, state’s, and even county’s guidelines in mind. Special additions related to climate and natural events, in particular, should be made with respect to the unique needs of an inspector's region (eg. provisions related to earthquakes in California or ocean damage in coastal zones). There are many samples out there available for reference, but it is recommended to retain an attorney to move through an agreement with a fine-toothed comb, crafting something more personalized that covers any unique needs.</p> <p>In addition, a pre-inspection agreement is a requirement by any E&O (Errors & Omissions Liability) or GL (General Liability) insurance partners. Inspectors should submit their pre-inspection agreement to their insurance provider for review, in consideration for any additional edits, additions, or omissions that they might recommend.</p> <p>State regulations can make things easier for inspectors at times, and at other times more restrictive or specific (see New York, New Jersey, or Texas, for example). Be sure to check whether your state is regulated or unregulated, and adjust your agreements accordingly! Though sample agreements can be found in many places, these are generally meant to be used only as references, and would not provide the same amount of protection that a properly edited and vetted agreement would allow.</p> <p>Lastly, it is important not to go too far when considering edits and exclusions. Though pre-inspection agreements are vital to protecting an inspector, an agreement that is too complex, or offers too little consideration for the client can cost an inspector jobs. A well-crafted pre-inspection agreement should be personalized and offer fair protections, but not needlessly complicated.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Conclusion</span><br /> It is common for inspectors to find their own process that works for them. Some are more talkative than others, while others specialize in particular additional services. However, some things are standard for a reason. Protect yourself and your business by crafting an iron-clad pre-inspection agreement, and proceed with caution until you have received a valid signature.</p> <p><em>Inspectors do important work, but when you’re dealing with someone’s home or business and things go wrong, you will not regret doing the appropriate work in advance. To have a team of professionals at your side, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">choose National Property Inspections</a> for your property inspection franchise! </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> 1417Gearing Up for Tax Seasonhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1341/gearing-up-for-tax-seasonBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 01 Feb 2022 17:50:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">GEARING UP FOR TAX SEASON </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 1, 2022 | <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 blog="" href="<a href=" https:="" npifranchise.com="" posts="" small-business="" tag="">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.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>As we head into February, we move one step closer to that all important time of year– tax season. If you let out a small groan every time you hear those words, you certainly aren’t alone. It can be a headache to file taxes and be sure that you do it correctly. A small mistake or simply not getting your return in on time could cost you. Nearly 10 million people each year incorrectly file their income tax form. To avoid being one of that group and paying fines, get a head start!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Know Deadlines </span><br /> To avoid panicking at the last minute and trying to get your taxes in order, make sure you know when you have to file. The dates will vary depending on your business structure and if you use the calendar or fiscal year. </p> <p>In the U.S.: </p> <ul> <li>For non-employee compensation and employee wage documents (1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, W-2 and W-2G), the filing deadline is <strong>January 31</strong>. </li> <li>S corporations and partnerships on a calendar year have a deadline of <strong>March 15</strong>. </li> <li>Corporations must file their calendar year income by <strong>April 18</strong>. </li> <li>Sole proprietors, Maine, and Massachusetts tax forms are due by <strong>April 19</strong>. </li> </ul> <p><em>For more information on your state’s tax deadline, check their tax division website <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p> <p>In Canada: </p> <ul> <li>Partnerships must file by <strong>March 31</strong>. </li> <li>Individuals and sole proprietors must file by <strong>April 30</strong>. </li> <li>If you’re self-employed, you have until <strong>June 15</strong>. </li> </ul> <p><em>More information about Canada’s tax deadlines can be found on <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4070/information-canadian-small-businesses-important-dates-businesses.html" target="_blank">the government website</a>.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Keep Your Receipts </span><br /> Being a business owner means you’ll now incur a variety of expenses. Travel, tools, and additional training are all purchases that you should start tracking. However, holding on to every receipt you get can be a little tedious. To make it a bit easier, opt for an app or tracking software that’ll keep a digital summary.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Separate Work and Leisure </span><br /> The line between personal and professional expenses can be somewhat blurred as a small business owner. Yet, you should try and keep it as clear as possible. It’s common for entrepreneurs to mistakenly itemize something like a lunch out with friends as a business expense on their company card. In addition to making it a hassle figuring out how much you spent on the job, you could find yourself in trouble with the tax collector.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Know Deductions You Qualify For </span><br /> After you’ve parsed out what you can’t write-off, it’s just as important to know what you can. For starters, charitable donations (typically over $250) are a common deductible for business owners. You can also write-off your home office as well, if you <a class="color-secondary" href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/small-business-taxes/the-home-office-deduction/L1RZyYxzv" target="_blank">meet the right criteria</a> (For Canada, follow <a class="color-secondary" href="https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/rules-for-home-offices-6100#:~:text=Claiming%20Business%20Use%20of%20Home,property%20tax%20and%20mortgage%20interest." target="_blank">this link</a>). Don’t forget your travel expenses like gas or lodging as well.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Consider a Tax Firm </span><br /> To ease the stress of tax season, you may find it optimal to hire out to an accounting firm. But before you sign on with one, do some preliminary research on them. Begin by researching what businesses they work with. It’s best to have a diverse firm, and it’s even better if you find one that’s worked with your industry and can more accurately assess your company. You should also check their fee structure so you won’t find yourself being overcharged.</p> <p>This time of year can always be stressful, but a little preparation can make it a lot more relaxing!</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> 1341Another Dollar: How to Save Money While Growing Your Businesshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1336/another-dollar-how-to-save-money-while-growing-your-businessBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 18 Jan 2022 19:11:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">ANOTHER DOLLAR: HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHILE GROWING YOUR BUSINESS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 18, 2022 | <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/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <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/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By David Stamper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s President & CFO</em></span></p> <p>Correctly managing your finances is necessary to be a successful business owner, yet it isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Close to 80 percent of entrepreneurs fail due to poor money management. If you’ve never owned your own business before, you might have a million questions about how much to save and what’s the best use of your money. Luckily, you can get things sorted out with a few tips.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Common signs you have a money problem. </span><br /> Figuring out that you’ve got a problem with your accounting will help you know the right steps to take. You’ll know right away when you run into a cash flow issue. If you’re struggling to pay for your expenses and finding that you’re dipping into your savings, you're probably hemorrhaging cash faster than is sustainable. When you first start out, you might not turn a major profit as you get set up. But the important thing is to not let yourself get behind in accounting for every dollar that comes in and goes out.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t try to outrun your spending. </span><br /> At first, the simple solution to not having enough money coming in is trying anything to increase your revenue. This isn’t a great strategy for long-term success, however. You should instead look at what you’re spending your money on. See what your biggest bills are and organize them by dollar amount. (It can help to use a program like <a class="color-secondary" href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/manage-your-household-budget-in-excel-6b30a89b-b5ff-4cfe-944f-a389a40c3174" target="_blank">Microsoft Excel</a> to track your expenses easily). Once you have all your expenses in front of you, it’ll also be easier to find those unnecessary things you’re spending on. For instance, maybe you signed up for a free trial months ago that rolled over into a paid subscription. Sorting out these one-offs will make your budget clearer and get you started saving!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Plan for the spending you haven’t done. </span><br /> Nobody can accurately predict the future, but you can make yourself better prepared for it. Using your budget, figure out what your fixed expenses are. These are those costs that don’t vary much month to month. Adding them together will let you know how much you have to spend monthly. Then factor in other expenses that you typically spend on that might not always be the same. Things like gas, credit card fees, and other costs are some of the most common. When you have your monthly overhead tallied up, you’ll see how much is left over for savings and unexpected costs.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Keep up with your money management habits. </span><br /> The best thing you can do for your business is not let your budgeting fall behind. Stay on top of tracking all the dollars that flow through your business to be a more effective entrepreneur. Look over your monthly budget and see if you stuck to it or maybe veered off course a bit. If you do get off track, don’t worry! Just get back to following your plan and get your money back in line. Then when it comes to the end of the year, you’ll get the full picture of your spending habits. Just one change to your business can make all the difference!</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> 1336Business Resolutions for 2022https://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1333/business-resolutions-for-2022Business Tips,Franchise,Inspection Tips,MarketingTue, 11 Jan 2022 19:51:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS FOR 2022</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 11, 2022 | <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=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</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/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</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>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI Inc.'s Marketing Coach</em></span></p> <p>As we enter a new year, we look forward to new opportunities. About a quarter of people make a resolution to improve themselves in the new year. However, less than ten percent of those individuals will actually follow through on their goals. Here are some simple resolutions you can make as an entrepreneur to grow yourself and your business!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Keep Learning </span><br /> <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/what-makes-a-successful-home-inspector">One trait that every successful business owner has in common</a> is that they never stop being a student. You can always find new ways to better yourself and make your business operate more effectively. This year, make it a habit to continue your education. This can be in the form of attending conferences, talking to fellow inspectors, and following news updates. Listening to audiobooks or podcasts is another easy way to get useful information. You can play them all day in your car through your phone!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Clean Your Email List </span><br /> <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/2021s-best-email-marketing-tips">Email marketing</a> is a highly effective way to stay in contact with your customers and reach out to new ones. But if you haven’t updated your mailing list in a while, you might not be seeing the results you want. Kickoff 2022 by reviewing your email list and revisiting your email marketing strategy. Having a clean list will reduce the amount of bounces you have, giving you a better email score. You might also need to add newer agents in your area.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Cut Down Stress </span><br /> Stress and anxiety about the future can be difficult to deal with as you run your business. They can trip up your confidence, making it hard to focus on your goals. This year, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/building-self-confidence-to-better-your-business">focus on building your belief in yourself</a>! By taking just a few minutes out of your day, you’ll be able to clear your mind and be a more efficient leader. Don’t spend your energy focusing on things you can’t control. Having a positive mental attitude will help you accomplish many things over the next 12 months!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Adapt and Overcome </span><br /> “Going with the flow” sometimes isn’t as easy as it seems. We want things to go a certain way and when they don’t, we get frustrated (another contributor of stress). <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/being-flexible-in-your-small-business">Being more flexible should be on your list of business resolutions</a>. Flexibility includes a variety of different aspects. Adjusting your schedule to accommodate a customer, working with your employees, and upgrading to new technology and processes are just a few of the ways flexibility will help you grow your business. You’ll be better prepared to deal with the unexpected!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Start Streamlining </span><br /> Just because you’ve done something a certain way for an extended period of time doesn’t mean there isn’t room to improve. Creating more effective business processes can take you a long way in the new year. Automation in particular is a key piece of any business that’ll help cut back on your daily responsibilities. Whether it’s scheduling appointments or working your social media, having an automatic process will make your business run more smoothly. It might also be good to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/keys-to-writing-a-quality-inspection-report">revisit your inspection writing</a> and see if there’s anything you can clean up. Saving yourself time now will end up making you more money in the future!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t Stray from Your Goals </span><br /> Staying committed to your goals gets tougher as the year rolls on. Avoid that regret at the end of the year by <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/stop-yourself-from-getting-distracted-in-business">keeping yourself focused and staying on track</a>! Try to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/foolproof-tips-for-keeping-your-small-business-organized">stay organized</a>, and resist getting distracted by the things you can’t control. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/a-look-back-how-examining-your-business-periodically-can-help-you-grow">Periodically looking back</a> at your goals will help you get back on course to accomplishing what you set out to do. At the end of the year, you’ll be happy with where you finished compared to where you started!</p> <p><em>Interested in starting your own NPI franchise? <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">Click here</a> for more information.</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> 1333Pricing Your Services the Right Wayhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1327/pricing-your-services-the-right-wayBusiness Tips,MarketingTue, 14 Dec 2021 17:56:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">PRICING YOUR SERVICES THE RIGHT WAY </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 14, 2021 | <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=marketing">Marketing</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <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/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing Coach</em></span></p> <p>Finding the right price for the services you provide can be pretty tricky. Set them too high, and your customers will look elsewhere. But price them too low, and you might find it hard to break even. If you’re a new business owner, you might be stuck in a gray area about the best way to set prices.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Research is Your Best Friend </span><br /> The best way to figure out what’s a reasonable amount to charge is to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/why-its-smart-to-keep-an-eye-on-your-competition">check out other businesses near you</a>. Look at their websites and see if they have their pricing listed. You can also look at what other services they add and any deals they offer. Just a little bit of leg work will prove to be valuable as you get up and running.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Flat Rate by Square Footage </span><br /> One of the common pricing strategies among inspectors is a set dollar amount based on the property’s size. This system is mainly used for residential properties that aren’t as extensive as larger commercial jobs. You can start at the lowest size you commonly inspect and increase by a certain range to the largest. This helps ensure that you’ll get paid enough for the job. It also makes it easy for potential customers to compare you to your competitors. They’ll know exactly how much they’ll have to pay and see if they’re getting the best price available.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Quoted Prices </span><br /> Quoting clients for an inspection can be good if you don’t want to box yourself in at a set amount. You’re able to more accurately price the inspection, which helps you and the client. When giving a quote, you’ll also learn more about the property from the start. Location, age, and size are just a few additional pieces of information that give you a better idea of the job. </p> <ul> <li><strong>Travel: </strong>If you cover a large territory, traveling to different locations is a regular part of operating your business. When setting your prices, take into account travel expenses such as fuel, possible lodging, and time away from other jobs. </li> <li><strong>Age:</strong> Age can also be a factor in an inspection. Older buildings can be full of hidden deficiencies and potential dangers such as asbestos. Since you’re taking on more risk, you should be properly compensated. </li> <li><strong>Size: </strong>Commercial properties, especially, can be unique in size and scope. You may price a hotel differently from a warehouse, as it has more individual rooms.</li> </ul> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Remember You’re the Expert </span><br /> When it comes to pricing, always remember that you’re the professional in this situation. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-should-you-handle-price-shoppers">Some people may try to negotiate your prices</a> because they don’t understand the benefits of what you’re providing. Don’t let this frustrate you. You definitely don’t want the client to feel nickel and dimed, but you need to value yourself and what you’re providing. The right customer will understand that investing a bit into their inspection now will prevent costly repairs later.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">You’re Not Alone–Pricing is Challenging </span><br /> The good news is that you aren’t the first person to wrestle with this dilemma. Nearly every business owner has had to get over the obstacle of competitively pricing themselves in their market. Even some established inspectors have dealt with adjusting their prices to keep up with different fluctuations. Knowing that someone else has been in your shoes means there are lots of people you can reach out to. Don’t feel like you have to figure it all out by yourself!</p> <p><em>Questions about pricing your business? Reach out to Coach Kimberly!</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> 1327Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Inspection Toolshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1324/why-you-shouldnt-neglect-your-inspection-toolsBusiness Tips,Inspection Tips,MarketingTue, 07 Dec 2021 14:48:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WHY YOU SHOULDN’T NEGLECT YOUR INSPECTION TOOLS </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 7, 2021 | <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=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <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/money-management">money management</a></p> <p>As an inspector, you have a variety of different tools to help you do your job. Drones, electrical outlet testers, gas sniffers, and more all give you the information you need to educate your client. But with so many different pieces, it’s not uncommon for equipment to malfunction.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What Can Happen </span><br /> The most obvious answer to what’ll happen if you don’t maintain your equipment is that it simply won't work correctly, if at all. If this happens to you in the field, you can find yourself stuck in a tight spot. You’ll either have to scramble to replace the broken tool or reschedule the inspection. Perhaps the worst outcome is that you mark a component incorrectly on your report. This can lead you into a wormhole of liability and result in a costly payout and possible lost business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Do Your Research Beforehand </span><br /> To avoid having to constantly repair your equipment, look into the best tools for the job beforehand. There are lots of different brands on the market, and each has their own set of pros and cons. If you belong to an inspector message board, see what others have asked about. Read reviews on the products prior to purchasing them, and see if they offer any sort of warranty coverage for the tools. This way you know you’ll be compensated in case something goes wrong and you can’t use the tool anymore.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Properly Budget for Quality Tools </span><br /> You should think of the tools you buy as a major business investment. That means saving up and budgeting so that you purchase high-quality equipment. Trying to save a few bucks could mean running into frequent issues and frustrations. Plus, paying a bit more for a certain model may get you additional features to help you do a more thorough job. You also might save money on the backend by not having to constantly repair or update equipment, as good tools last longer. If you can’t get something high-quality right away, it might be best to buy an emergency backup of a cheaper version.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Keep Everything in Working Condition </span><br /> When you buy a tool that’s designed to last, it’s easy to let your routine maintenance on it lapse. Just because it’s durable doesn’t mean something can’t still go wrong. Periodically, test that your equipment is still operating correctly. Check a few times to help calibrate readings and to catch an error you might have missed previously. If something does pop up, refer to the tool’s operating manual or reach out to their customer service department. This is where having a backup can come in handy in case you find the tool isn’t usable and you can’t get a replacement in time.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Use Your Tools as Marketing Leverage </span><br /> One underrated part about having quality tools is that you can market it to your clients! You can showcase the items you use and explain what sort of coverage they get if they choose you. They’ll know they’re getting a professional and will have peace of mind in their decision.</p> <p>Having accurate tools is important in any industry, so you shouldn’t take it lightly. With proper research and continual maintenance, you can protect yourself and your reputation. Having the best equipment can set you apart from your competition as well. It’s one small thing that makes all the difference!</p> <p><em>Questions about the right tools for the job? Contact Jon McCreath at <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:jon.mccreath@npiweb.com">jon.mccreath@npiweb.com</a>.</em></p> 1324Staying Covered: Choosing an Insurance Providerhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1277/staying-covered-choosing-an-insurance-providerBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 17 Aug 2021 15:15:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">STAYING COVERED: CHOOSING AN INSURANCE PROVIDER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> August 17, 2021 | <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=inspection-tips">Inspection 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/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Bill Erickson, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Executive Vice President</em></span></p> <p>With so many insurance plans and providers, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds when shopping for coverage for your business. On the surface they can seem almost identical, with “almost” being the operative word. But as you look closer at what each provider offers, you’ll notice differences in their claims process, payouts, and the extent of their coverage.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t Make a Million-Dollar Mistake </span><br /> Shocking statistic time: it’s estimated that nearly 40 percent of small business owners don’t have insurance! Having any coverage at all can help you avoid being a statistic. That said, it’s crucial to vet an insurance company before you commit. The smallest difference in coverage can result in paying out a mountain of cash in claims and legal fees. And in turn, inspecting before you get insurance or letting it lapse is also a major risk, as you’ll be subjecting yourself to hefty fines and possible lawsuits. While it can be overwhelming, try to think of insurance as your friend and not your enemy.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Understand the Types of Insurance </span><br /> Along with the array of providers, there’s a variety of insurance policies as well. </p> <ol> <li><strong>Errors and Omissions (E&O)</strong> protects against the full cost of a claim for consulting services such as home inspectors, lawyers, and financial advisors. </li> <li><strong>Health, disability, and life </strong></li> <li><strong>Workers compensation </strong>helps in case an injury causes an employee to miss time on the job. </li> <li><strong>Business interruption</strong> will protect you in case something like a natural disaster keeps you from conducting business. </li> </ol> <p>These are just a few of the policies you can choose from when signing up for insurance.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Determine What You’ll Need </span><br /> You more than likely won’t need every type of coverage. (You don’t necessarily have to carry workers compensation if you don’t have any employees.) You can always add a policy when you need it, so you won’t be paying more than you need till the coverage potentially applies to you. If you’re ever unsure about what a policy includes, don’t hesitate to ask your agent or Bill Erickson (<a href="mailto:bill.erickson@npiweb.com">bill.erickson@npiweb.com</a>) at the home office to see if you might benefit from it.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Compare All Factors </span><br /> Don’t focus solely on the policies that each company has to offer. Look at the prices of each to see who has better rates for the same coverage. How long have they been in business? Do they appear professional? What does their claims process look like? You should also pay attention to how responsive they are and how they treat you as a customer.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">See What Others Have to Say </span><br /> Before you finally sign off on an insurance provider, find out what other customers have said about them. You can gain a lot of insight into a business based off of their reviews. A company’s track record is a good indicator of how they’ll work with you. Google and the Better Business Bureau are two of the best places to look for reviews. You can also ask the company for a few clients to call for testimonials, or quiz your fellow inspectors who may have experience with the provider.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Local vs. National Companies </span><br /> Should you go with a local company or a national brand? The honest answer to this is: whichever is best for you! A local company may not have the same depth as a national one, but there can be other positives. You may have the opportunity to get acquainted with the agents as you do business and enjoy the benefit of standing out as a person rather than a policy. Plus, if you need to meet in person, it can be nice to have an office nearby. Meanwhile, a national company will have a larger team that can cut down your wait time. They could also offer different policy bundles at a slightly better rate than a local branch. In the end, after you've weighed all the other factors, you should go with the company that you feel most confident in.</p> <p><em>Have more questions about insuring your franchise? Contact Bill Erickson at <a href="mailto:bill.erickson@npiweb.com">Bill.Erickson@npiweb.com</a>.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/bill-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-13-110700-887" 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">Bill Erickson, <em>Executive Vice President</em></span><br /> With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and sales management, Bill has created many of the NPI diversified marketing programs. On a daily basis, Bill handles customer relations and provides marketing training and support to franchisees. Outside of NPI, Bill and his wife, Julie, enjoy entertaining friends and family at their 1890’s Victorian Queen Anne home where there always seems to be another renovation project underway.</div> </div> 1277Preparing Your Small Business for Retirementhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1212/preparing-your-small-business-for-retirementBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 16 Mar 2021 15:23:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">PREPARING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS FOR RETIREMENT </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 16, 2021 | <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/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Roland Bates, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Founder & CEO</em></span></p> <p>If you’ve started thinking about retiring from your small business, congratulations! Building a company from the ground up takes years of hard work and is a major accomplishment. Transferring ownership is a lengthy process and can be made more complicated without a definitive course of action.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Picking the Right Time </span><br /> You’ve probably thought about the day when you decide to walk away from your business. But that day may move closer or further away depending on a multitude of factors. Although it’s difficult to lock down a definitive date, here are some things to keep in mind to know when the time is right: </p> <ul> <li>You’ve reached the goals you set for yourself as an entrepreneur. </li> <li>You’re financially ready and have saved enough to support your retirement. </li> <li>You’ve reached a certain age or aren’t physically able to continue the workload. </li> <li>You want to spend more time with your family. </li> <li>You have goals outside of work that you’d like to pursue. <br />  </li> </ul> <p>Whatever your reasoning, it’s all about what feels best for you and your situation.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Devise an Exit Plan </span><br /> To make sure that you’re ready for the day when you step aside, begin the process as soon as possible. Envision how things will look like after you’ve retired and what your goals are when you leave. Do you have a family member you’d like to pass the torch to, are you handing it off to an employee, or are you selling to another business owner? What if something such as a health problem causes you to retire sooner than expected? While you can’t know exactly what the future holds for you, creating a strategy today will help you be better prepared for tomorrow.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Know the Value of Your Business </span><br /> Having an idea about your business’s value is key when mapping out your retirement plan. Your business might be priceless to you, but overestimating its worth is as bad as underestimating it. You could be in for a shock if you’ve based your retirement on getting top dollar from selling your business and then find out you’ve overshot the price point. Getting your business appraised will give you better insight to help you increase your business’s value and ultimately, optimize it for selling. Remember that your business is your biggest asset, and keeping track of its valuation is important.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Consider the “Attractiveness” for Buyers </span><br /> Not only is it essential to know the worth of your business from a bank’s viewpoint, you also need to consider its worth through the eyes of a buyer. A buyer will be visualizing what they want to turn their new acquisition into just like you will be. Some of the things they’ll be taking into account are: </p> <ul> <li>Brand strength/recognition </li> <li>Opportunity for growth </li> <li>Growth consistency </li> <li>Strong business/client relationships </li> <li>Finances </li> <li>Additional resources <br />  </li> </ul> <p>Being in the buyer’s shoes so to speak gives you direction on what to try and improve upon before finalizing a sale. You’ll be making your business more enticing for a buyer and increasing its value by putting in the extra work.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Be a Friend Until the End </span><br /> When you get everything finalized for your retirement, your job still isn’t quite over. You won’t be going to work in the same way you did before, but there are some last housekeeping items you should plan on completing. Don’t just rush out the door as soon as the check clears. Be available to assist the new owner(s) as they get set up and get started. You’ve been the one to build relationships with your customers and other businesses, and someone they don’t know may make them wary. Help put their nervousness at ease by assuring they’re still going to get the same quality from the new management. Nobody knows your business and the people in it better than you. Taking the time to train and pour into the new proprietor(s) will help them succeed, and it’s a small gesture of goodwill.</p> <p><em>If you’re ready to start planning for retirement from your NPI franchise, contact Bill Erickson at 800-333-9807, ext. 19.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/roland-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-14-124843-363" 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">Roland Bates, <em>Founder & CEO</em></span><br /> Roland Bates manages the day-to-day operations of National Property Inspections, Inc. and devotes his time to planning long-term goals for the business. He also works hands-on with new franchise owners, training them on industry practices and business management. Roland’s high energy, willingness to work hard and optimistic outlook are the cornerstones of NPI’s success. His easy manner and family attitude inspire a friendly, upbeat atmosphere within the company.</div> </div> 1212Expanding Your Business With Add-On Serviceshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/927/expanding-your-business-with-add-on-servicesBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 02 Feb 2021 21:13:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH ADD-ON SERVICES</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 2, 2021 | <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>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">security</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Jon McCreath, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator</em></span></p> <p>Additional services can be a strong source of income for a home inspection business. They set you apart from your competition and can be a great value to your customers. If you’ve been interested in adding on services to your business, there are a few things to take into account before starting.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What to Offer </span><br /> There’s an extensive list to choose from when it comes to add-on services. The good news is you don’t need to master them all. Not all of them will serve your customer’s needs, but having a solid number of choices to pick from is a good starting point. Some examples of services you can provide are: </p> <p>• Pool and Spa<br /> • Radon<br /> • WDO<br /> • Infrared<br /> • Mold</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Determining Demand </span><br /> Before you fully dive into new services, you need to know how popular they are for your market. This might take a bit of research. For starters, you can always ask your agents about what services they see requested the most. Your ability to offer what they most require can translate into an increase in referrals. Second, customer feedback is a great primary source. Keep your ears open for problems you commonly hear about and pay attention to reviews. Lastly, if you notice your competition is offering various add-ons, you’ll want to consider offering those same services--and more.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Getting Certified </span><br /> The next step to getting your add-on services in full swing is making sure you have the right certifications. Different states and territories have varying regulations on what you need to do to complete training. Costs for courses and time for completion will also differ, which is something you’ll have to account for. You’ll have to stay up to date on new practices and renew your certifications every so often. If you get a badge or some other sort of decoration, they can be a great marketing tool on your site, flyers, and brochures.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Added Revenue </span><br /> A big attraction to proposing add-ons to your clients is of course the extra income that can come with them. If you do a dozen radon inspections each month for around $100, that’s $1,200 more that you’re bringing in! The more services you add, the greater your chance to generate more money and grow your business. Having more money saved up definitely comes in handy when your business slows down. <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/why-its-important-to-diversify-your-business1">Diversifying your income</a> allows you to keep strong momentum in your business and make it more well-rounded.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Drive Home Your Skills </span><br /> Promoting a diverse skill set shows you’re an expert in your field, which gives customers the confidence that you’re the best choice for the job. Home-inspecting is all about helping people make the right purchasing decision, and add-ons only bolster that by giving your customers the information they need to cover all their bases and stay safe and happy. Add-on services aren’t just about making more money, they can also create great relationships between you and your clients.</p> <p><em>Interested in adding ancillary services to your résumé? Contact the home office to learn more about the process of getting certified at 800.333.9807, ext. 33.</em></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> 927What Does It Mean to Reach Your Goals?https://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/34/what-does-it-mean-to-reach-your-goalsBusiness TipsWed, 16 Jan 2019 16:25:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REACH YOUR GOALS?</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> January 16, 2019 | <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/motivation">motivation</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/networking">networking</a></p> <p class="emphasis-primary"><em>By Kimberly Stevens</em></p> <p>If you’re researching franchise opportunities, there’s likely some aspect of your life that you’re looking to improve. Whether it’s work-life balance, dissatisfaction with your current employer or a desire to learn a new skill, you’re ready to pursue a different path. But what does going for your goals actually look like? Here are our best tips for facing the challenges that come with stepping out of your comfort zone and moving toward a life you can live with passion.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Embrace the intimidating moments.</span><br /> As humans, anytime we step outside our comfort zone, we instantly want to leap right back into it. For better or worse, it’s just the way we’re wired. This doesn’t mean that our instincts are insurmountable, it just means that doing anything new, like pursuing a new career, is going to take mindfulness and an extra shot of courage. We won’t beat around the bush: you’ll probably experience several intimidating moments as you prepare to start your new business. Pushing through means understanding that it’s all part of the process and trusting that the rewards are far more satisfying than the challenges are scary.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Love your family and friends.</span><br /> We often use the word, “venturing,” when we describe going into business for oneself. Venturing has a lot of connotations, including endeavoring, investing, adventuring and exploring. Often, it’s implied that we’re venturing alone, but that’s simply not the case. There’s no better time to lean on your family and friends than when you’re starting a new business. In fact, we recommend making the most important people in your life your inspiration for success. They’ll be there to keep you accountable and cheer you on through the wins and the challenges.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Work hard and smart.</span><br /> What are you a total natural at and how can you apply these skills to your business? Identify your strengths, make a plan that plays to them in as many ways as possible and attack it! We all have our areas of weakness, too, of course, but working smarter means focusing on the positives and working harder than you’ve ever worked. We promise, it won’t even feel like work. The satisfaction of doing it for yourself makes the experience more personally rewarding than any work you might be completing at the behest of someone else.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Ask for help from a mentor.</span><br /> Finding a mentor is one of those organic processes that’s difficult to make happen based on want or need alone. But chances are, you have someone in your life that’s already mentoring you subtly; it might just be up to you to make it more official. For example, maybe your friend owns a small business, and you’ve had some really great conversations about marketing lately. Why not see if they’re willing to have a standing lunch or coffee meeting with you just to catch up and talk business? Or, you can of course always reach out to our Omaha staff for guidance with any aspect of your home inspection business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Set measurable, motivating goals.</span><br /> Last, but not least, take an honest look at your goals. Sometimes success isn’t necessarily contingent upon the work we put in, but goals themselves. If your goals aren’t a) attainable b) measurable in some way and c) personally exciting for you, it’s easy to see why we might never reach them. Pay attention to what motivates you, since the things that motivate us are also those things we tend to be able to commit to. Does your goal get your pulse racing or fill you with a sense of urgency and determination? If so, you’ve probably found the perfect achievement to pursue.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Start a home inspection business with National Property Inspections.</span><br /> Are you interesting in starting a home and commercial property inspection business? Visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npifranchise.com/">npifranchise.com</a> for more information, or call 1-800-333-9807.</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="http://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> 34How to Finance Your NPI Franchisehttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/37/how-to-finance-your-npi-franchiseBusiness Tips,FranchiseThu, 20 Dec 2018 16:51:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO FINANCE YOUR NPI FRANCHISE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 20, 2018 | <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/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Sammi Marcellus, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>You’ve talked to an NPI franchise sales rep, read through the FDD and decided that you want to start a home inspection franchise. There’s one snag in the plan, though: start-up capital. Before you get discouraged, you should know that there are plenty of options out there to finance your business. It takes some searching to find the one that will work for you, but we’re here to help! Here are some of the best ways to get a loan that’ll get your new franchise up and running.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Traditional Bank Loan</span><br /> This is the first place entrepreneurs who are just starting out go to secure financing, and works well in the right situation. The ideal bank to request a loan from is one you already do business with—they’ll have a ready-made financial history to work from, which can shorten the process.</p> <p>If the bank you’re working with offers small business loan options, they’ll ask you to fill out a loan application, which can sound daunting if you’ve never encountered one before. Don’t sweat it, though—you’ll just have to have certain information regarding your business, including the legal structure, what services you’re selling, and personal financial information to ensure you’re in good standing with your state (ie., that you’ve been paying your taxes).</p> <p>The most important thing is to have realistic expectations about your odds of being funded with a traditional bank loan. Recently, banks have been wary about lending money to small businesses, so if you’re denied here, don’t give up!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">SBA Loan</span><br /> If you find you can’t get funding from a traditional bank or credit union, your next stop should be the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Program. The SBA helps entrepreneurs find financial support from a select group of lenders by backing the loans they administer—this extra level of security provided by the Federal government reduces risk for lenders and helps you access capital.</p> <p>SBA loans do come with a few hoops to jump through, but they can be very worth it. For instance, you may be required to attend education courses as a condition of the loan, but SBA loans also come with perks like lower down payments and lower interest rates.</p> <p>To be eligible for an SBA loan, you must be legally registered as a “for-profit” business, plan to operate in the U.S., and have invested your own time or money in getting your business off the ground.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">HELOC</span><br /> Homeowners can often find a source of business financing through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC differs from a standard home equity loan—instead of a lump sum upfront, HELOC works like a credit card with a revolving balance. You pay the outstanding balance on your line of credit monthly, with a variable interest rate.</p> <p>Interest rates on a HELOC tend to be lower than loans from other sources, and as long as your home has risen in value, it’s easier to open a line of credit than borrow from another type of lender.</p> <p>The power of a HELOC for starting a business comes from having a relatively stable interest rate and increasing home values, which is another way to say that HELOCs are best used in a strong economy.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">401k Business Financing</span><br /> You can use your retirement savings to start your business. By utilizing your eligible 401k, you can avoid the headache of an interest-bearing loan and start off debt-free. This helps your business get up to speed and turning a profit faster. There are other benefits to this method, as well—using funds from your 401k doesn’t trigger tax penalties or fees, you won’t need collateral to secure your funding, and it’s a relatively fast way to access your capital (around 3 weeks in most cases).</p> <p>The downside to 401k business financing is that it can be complicated to set up. You’ll likely need the help of your financial advisor to make sure every step is followed correctly.</p> <p><strong>Keep in mind</strong>: National Property Inspections, Inc. isn’t a lender or financial advisor, so we recommend doing your research to find the lending option that’s right for you. We work with a wide variety of lenders that have been very successful in securing funding for our franchisees, so if you’re not sure the best way to go, contact us to discuss your options. We’ll put you on the right path to funding your franchise!</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Ready to start your home inspection business with National Property Inspections?</span><br /> Visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npifranchise.com/">npifranchise.com</a> for more information, or call 1-800-333-9807, ex. 24.</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> 37How to Hire Great Employeeshttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/55/how-to-hire-great-employeesBusiness TipsWed, 27 Dec 2017 18:49:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO HIRE GREAT EMPLOYEES</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 27, 2017 | <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/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Roland Bates, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Founder & CEO</em></span></p> <p>Great training. Great opportunity. Great compensation. They don’t mean much if you don’t start with a good hire. It surprises me how little time and effort many small business owners put into finding and training good employees. Can you imagine our NPI/GPI franchisees hiring an inspector and then finding out they don’t have a valid driver’s license, won’t go in crawl spaces or are afraid to climb ladders? Or can’t spell “GFI,” let alone know what it is?</p> <p>Growing a successful business requires having great employees. National Property Inspections, Inc. helps its franchisees with their hiring needs in several ways. We help them to know when to hire, what positions to fill, where to find those people, how to train them, how to compensate them, how to supervise them and if necessary, how to discipline them. We help our franchisees learn to be good bosses. And without the proper training, not everyone is a good boss. If you haven’t learned how to be a good boss, it can lead to employee turnover, which is disruptive to any business. We are here to help our NPI/GPI franchisees from start to finish. We don’t want them to learn hiring lessons the hard way.</p> <p>Relative to hiring, NPI offers phone or video conferencing, webinars, written guidelines and more so franchisees can do their own hiring and training locally. Or if they prefer, they may send their employees to NPI’s corporate training center in Omaha. We can help train inspectors to better prepare employees to obtain their licensing. Or we can help train sales and marketing people so they can return home and help franchisees build their businesses.</p> <p>NPI/GPI franchisees are taught how to interview, where to interview, given sample questions to ask during an interview, and how the all-important Rule of 3 applies, increasing their chances of making good hires.</p> <p>The nature of an NPI/GPI inspection business revolves around hiring for four basic positions. Having a job description for each position and understanding how each position plays a vital role in the business is extremely important. Hiring good employees turns the franchise into a business and adds value to the business when the franchisee decides to sell or retire.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">In closing and points to ponder:</span><br /> Why do I want to hire an employee(s)?</p> <ul> <li>I'm busy, I'm turning down work.</li> <li>Circumstances warrant it.</li> <li>Hiring is part of my plan.</li> <li>Where do I find good employees?</li> <li>What key positions pertain to my business?</li> <li>Should I hire someone just like me?</li> <li>What is the Rule of 3?</li> <li>How do I train and compensate my employees?</li> <li>What are non-compete agreements and do they pertain to my business?</li> <li>How do employees add value to my business?</li> </ul> <p>It’s our job at National Property Inspections, Inc. to help you with the answers to those questions and more.</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/roland-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-14-124843-363" 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">Roland Bates, <em>Founder & CEO</em></span><br /> Roland Bates assists in managing the day-to-day operations of National Property Inspections, Inc. and devotes his time to planning long-term goals for the business. He also works hands-on with new franchise owners, training them on industry practices and business management. Roland’s high energy, willingness to work hard and optimistic outlook are the cornerstones of NPI’s success. His easy manner and family attitude inspire a friendly, upbeat atmosphere within the company.</div> </div> 555 Ways A Commercial Property Inspection Will Help You Save (And Even Earn) More Moneyhttps://www.npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/60/5-ways-a-commercial-property-inspection-will-help-you-save-and-even-earn-more-moneyBusiness TipsWed, 08 Nov 2017 19:49:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 WAYS A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTION WILL HELP YOU SAVE (AND EVEN EARN) MORE MONEY</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> November 8, 2017 | <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> T<a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/money-management">money management</a>/p></p> <p class="emphasis-primary"><em>By Kenn Garder</em></p> <p>As a commercial investor, you want to feel confident about your property’s value and earning potential. The key to smart buying? Ordering a commercial property inspection. Here are five ways commercial inspections can save you from hidden costs while allowing for maximum return on investment:</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Predicts future property earnings.</span><br /> An inspection could tell you what sort of profit you can expect from your investment. Physical aspects of a building are a large part of the financial reports that are prepared to predict the property’s future revenue stream. This examination process is called “due diligence,” and it’s just one of many services your property inspector offers during the acquisition process.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Checks for damage from previous tenants.</span><br /> Most property sellers don’t disclose superficial damage or structural problems outright during a sale. For property buyers, a pre-purchase inspection will ensure you won’t be caught off-guard by surprise repair costs down the road. And for current property managers, research shows 1 in 4 occupants shouldn’t receive their security deposit back due to significant property damage. A post-occupancy inspection will help legitimize any decision you make about a tenant’s deposit.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Reduces insurance claims.</span><br /> According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average property insurance claim is $9,779 with an owner filing at least one claim every nine years. Getting a full report from a commercial inspector every few years will help you gauge the condition of your structure, roof, plumbing, and more, saving you the headache and financial burden of finding out after it’s too late.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Closes a sale.</span><br /> More often than not, inspections are required for getting a commercial real estate loan. Inspection findings often give you the advantage of creating a lucrative loan package in which you, the buyer, have the power. In addition, presenting a property inspection to potential tenants can easily seal the deal on your contract. An inspection report communicates the safety of your building and your reliability as a landlord.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. Secures well-being of tenants.</span><br /> We all know that safety is top priority. Happy, healthy tenants always result in better business. Investing in a full property inspection upfront can help you enjoy more opportunities and profitable partnerships down the road.</p> <p>Only 5% of inspection companies prioritize commercial real estate, and National Property Inspections is one of them. Let us give you peace of mind when it comes to your property. NPI’s inspectors are equipped with the specialized knowledge, experience and expertise to prepare a complete report for your commercial property investment.</p> <p>With offices in 49 states, NPI has local licensed inspectors available to assist you with your commercial property needs. To find a commercial inspector near you, visit <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npicommercial.com/">npicommercial.com</a> or call our National Accounts Department at 1-800-333-9807 ext. 30.</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="http://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kenn-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-12-141618-667" 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">Kenn Garder, <em>National Accounts Manager</em></span><br /> As manager of the NPI National Accounts department, Kenn guides our clients throughout the commercial inspection process. He serves as the central point of contact for our national clients. Kenn also provides residential and commercial technical support for our inspectors. He teaches the commercial inspection segment of the NPI training program. Kenn has been with NPI since 2006.</div> </div> 60