<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://npifranchise.com/Blog/PostsNational Property Inspections Franchisee Spotlight: Chris Harrhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1572/national-property-inspections-franchisee-spotlight-chris-harrFranchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECIONS FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS HARR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 19, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=inspection-tips">Inspection Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>In our Franchisee Spotlight series, we like to take some time to recognize the efforts of some of our most outstanding franchises. Every year, we partner with new inspectors and seasoned professionals seeking extra support to take their businesses to the next level. While our marketing, technical support, and national accounts all work together for ongoing assistance, we think that one of the most impactful resources our partners gain when joining the NPI family is access to some of the best business owners in the inspection industry.</p> <p>Today’s feature is Chris Harr and his team from <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/harr/">NPI Columbus SE</a>: our 2023 Franchise of the Year. Veterans of the industry, the Harr Team has served Central Ohio since 2002, and in that time, they have established themselves as consummate professionals. They are prime examples of NPI’s core values–Honesty, Integrity, and Professionalism. The Harrs are true mentors, and we’re always excited to see what new strategies their team discovers. With that said, let’s discuss who the Harrs are and what makes them stand out.</p> <p style="margin-top: 30px"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2023/InVision-94.jpg?ver=CA0gI-QrKrc5c-7Ei1_cLQ%3d%3d" width="100%" /><br /> <em>Chris Harr pictured with his sons Jake and Will at the 2023 InVision Conference Awards.</em></p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">NPI Columbus SE & the Harr Family</span><br /> Founded in 2002, NPI Columbus SE has performed over 15,000 residential inspections and over 5,000 commercial inspections as a family unit. Owner Chris Harr founded the operation, but the business grew quickly with his father-in-law Dave, and his sons Tom, Jake, and Will all joining as additional inspectors. Each member of the family adds their own strengths and perspectives to the organization, making a well-oiled machine.</p> <p>The Harrs also make use of a number of different outlets to bolster their marketing efforts. Check out Tom Harr’s <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFzcBukq2b4" target="_blank">video series</a> breaking down the essentials of home inspections for their clients and agents. NPI Columbus SE continues to innovate and offer new services like indoor air quality testing with <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.airadviceforhomes.com/" target="_blank">AirAdvice</a>.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Specialty Services</span><br /> Today, Chris and his team offer a wide array of services starting with buyer’s inspections, seller’s pre-listing inspections, draw inspections for new construction, and <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/harr/builderswarranty">builder's warranty inspections</a> for new homes. In addition to these services, the NPI Columbus SE team is also licensed and trained to perform radon testing, SewerScans, termite inspections (WDO/WDI), and well water potability and quality inspections.</p> <p>One thing that sets the Harr team apart from their competition is their 6-month warranty. Covering electrical systems, interior plumbing systems, HVAC, and appliances, Chris and his team are able to show how much confidence they have in their work while giving their clients additional peace of mind.</p> <p>Chris Harr and his family have been a staple of the NPI family, and we couldn’t be prouder to recognize them with 2023’s Franchise of the Year honor. To learn more about NPI and its legacy of excellence, check out a few <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Testimonials">testimonials</a> from our franchisees! Interested in learning more about franchising with NPI? Request your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today.</p> 1572How To Break Into A Male-Dominated Industry As A Female Entrepreneurhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1571/how-to-break-into-a-male-dominated-industry-as-a-female-entrepreneurBusiness Tips,Franchise,Marketing,Social MediaTue, 12 Dec 2023 20:44:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO BREAK INTO A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 12, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/google">Google</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/facebook">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-website">business website</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>The glass ceiling is a concept that describes an invisible barrier that limits advancement in the workplace for certain groups. For women who look to find a foothold in male-dominated industries, working to overcome stereotypes can make glass ceilings feel very real. The great thing about the glass ceiling metaphor, though, is that glass begs to be shattered.</p> <p>Breaking into a male-dominated industry as a female entrepreneur can feel daunting, but underrepresented voices who build a platform in their industry have an opportunity. They will not only benefit those that follow in their footsteps, creating a more accessible pathway in the future, their unique background and perspectives will also benefit the entire industry.</p> <p>Of course, if finding success in a male-dominated industry was easy then everyone would do it. While every industry has their own unique quirks and obstacles, there are a few considerations that are particularly worth taking into account for female entrepreneurs getting ready to break through.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Find A Functional Support System</span><br /> Reliable contacts are important to establish for anyone entering into any industry, but identifying these people are even more important for women who are looking to establish themselves in a male-dominated industry. First, let’s talk about finding a strong mentor.</p> <p>A mentor is someone with experience in the industry who is willing to impart advice, assist in navigating hurdles (which are inevitable!), and act as an advocate. Ideally, this should be someone who has encountered similar obstacles so, if possible, women should find other women who have found success to act as their mentor. Although male mentors will give invaluable insights on how to grow within the industry (and female entrepreneurs should absolutely seek out male mentors), developing relationships with women who have already walked their path and have direct experience of their unique challenges should be a top priority.</p> <p>Unfortunately, finding a female mentor in a male-dominated industry is by no means easy, and in all likelihood, that single perfect business owner who is capable of answering each and every question along the way won’t exist. This is why we recommend finding a support “system” rather than a single mentor. Network, network, and then network some more to find an ally that knows the industry, then maybe find a female mentor who has found success in a <em>different</em> male-dominated industry, another person who excels at managing a large team, and yet another mentor who is a master on social media</p> <p>Much of advancing in any industry involves getting to know the right people and establishing that reliable network of confidantes and advocates. For women entering a traditionally “male” space, an <em>us vs. them</em> can only distract from the great aid that women <em>and men</em> can provide while establishing a successful business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Disprove Negative Stereotypes</span><br /> Next, one important question that female entrepreneurs have to consider before stepping into a male-dominated industry is this: <em>Why is this industry male-dominated?</em></p> <p>If you struggle to come up with a good answer, this might be a good opportunity to reach out to one of your industry contacts to get their take and perspective. Maybe the industry has just been slow to catch up to modern sensibilities, or something about the industry doesn’t generally appeal to female entrepreneurs, or perhaps there are persistent stereotypes that present an unfair hindrance to success. In the case of this last issue, women can work to dispel stereotypes with a few intentional steps.</p> <p>Let’s start with an example: according to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.pdf" target="_blank">US Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, 1.1% of plumbers were women in 2022 (the most recent available year). Although this profession has one of the most extreme male/female divides, many of the trades are similarly dominated by men, and this has a negative effect on an average person’s perception of competency for people in the trades. Another way to say this might be, if every plumber that a homeowner has ever worked with has been a male, they may have a subconscious assumption that men simply know more about home plumbing systems than women.</p> <p>For a woman who’s looking to open her own plumbing business, it is possible that a prevailing stereotype that makes her seem less competent than she is leads to less business than she would have otherwise gotten. The solution to this problem? To put it simply: prove the stereotype wrong.</p> <p>In the past, this was much more difficult since female entrepreneurs would have to convince clients and customers to give them a shot, do a great job, then hope word-of-mouth spreads enough to get their business humming. Today, there are more opportunities to put one’s skills on display:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Gather Google / Facebook / Yelp Reviews</strong> to put satisfied previous customers’ experiences on display. Clients that hold to a negative stereotype of women in a certain industry will have to adjust their thinking if they find their business has hundreds of glowing reviews and spectacular ratings across the board.<br /> <br /> <em>To learn about review gathering strategies for small businesses, read more <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-strategies-to-get-more-reviews-for-your-small-business">here</a>!</em><br />  </li> <li><strong>Post Video Tutorials</strong> to act as an authority on industry-related topics. Whether hosted on social media or on a business website, videos where prospective clients can hear you speak intelligently about your industry and services and see you exercise your expertise themselves serve as an excellent advocate for your capabilities.<br /> <br /> <em>Did you know that videos can also be a great inclusion in email campaigns? Here are <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/everything-you-need-to-know-to-make-your-next-email-campaign-a-success">a few tips</a> to make your next email marketing campaign a hit.</em><br />  </li> <li><strong>Seize Opportunities to Teach</strong> in front of clients, referral sources, and even industry peers. These situations are, of course, more situations where you can put your skills and knowledge on display, but they are also opportunities to further break down unhelpful stereotypes. Whether at a child’s school career day, at a conference, or at a BNI group meeting, speaking as a representative of your industry in these public settings can work wonders to place yourself as an authority figure and even build your own confidence in your abilities.<br /> <br /> <em>If you’re interested in refining your public speaking skills, take a look at our thoughts on the subject! If you’re interested in refining your public speaking skills, take a look at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-tips-to-improve-public-speaking-as-a-small-business-owner">our thoughts</a> on the subject!</em></li> </ol> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t Change Yourself - Change The Industry</span><br /> Finally, there may be an impulse to act a certain way, or to change behavior in order to fit into the box of what sort of person has succeeded in the industry in the past. For many women, this can be a tempting impulse when entering into a male-dominated industry, but this instinct may not be the best. Just because women haven’t been prevalent in a male dominated industry doesn’t mean they can’t be, and it also doesn’t mean the odds are stacked against them.</p> <p>Innovations that transform industries often come from those with unique backgrounds, or from perspectives that were previously absent from that field. Women that lean on their unique strengths and discover their own way of conducting business are far more likely to find a <em>better</em> way of doing things than if they only emulate what’s been done before. While there is wisdom in sticking to what’s proven to work, having the bravery to try something new is what separates industry leaders from the pack.</p> <p>Taking home inspections as an example, a large portion of the job involves developing relationships and working with real estate agents - a profession that is 66% female (according to the <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.nar.realtor/women-in-real-estate#:~:text=Demographic%20Characteristics%20of%20REALTORS%C2%AE&text=66%20percent%20of%20all%20REALTORS,percent%20of%20sales%20agent%20licensees." target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>). Although property inspectors also skew male, there may be a considerable advantage to women who enter into the home inspection industry due to their own ability to appeal to real estate agents.</p> <p>Whether there are inherent untapped advantages in an industry or opportunities to innovate, women who take on the challenge of breaking into a male dominated industry should do so with great anticipation. Another thing that comes naturally with the breaking of things like glass ceilings: it’s bound to turn heads.</p> <p><em>One fantastic benefit of an NPI franchise is access to a nationwide network of mentors and industry professionals with decades of experience and a desire to innovate. To learn more about the benefits of partnering with National Property Inspections, receive your <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photos_celeste-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Celeste Black-Harr, <em>Recruitment Coordinator</em></span><br /> With a background in customer service and office administration, Celeste joined National Property Inspections, Inc. in 2022. Her experience in customer service is the driving force behind helping all new franchise owners get started and developing those strong business relations! In her daily role as Recruitment Coordinator, Celeste onboards new NPI and GPI franchises from across the United Stated and Canada.</div> </div> 1571How to Prepare Your Business for Your Vacationhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1544/how-to-prepare-your-business-for-your-vacationBusiness Tips,Franchise,Social MediaTue, 26 Sep 2023 15:26:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR YOUR VACATION</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 26, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/email-marketing">email marketing</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Michael Trimble, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Content Marketing Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>Small business owners take so much pride in their work, it can be hard to take even a short break. The risk of losing momentum, missing out on business, and potentially damaging valuable relationships keep small business owners from taking a vacation–some go years and years without a break. While these concerns are valid, many may not realize that they are missing out on a necessary reset by forgoing an extended holiday.</p> <p>The truth is everyone needs a physical and emotional break from their work. Plus, new experiences and a broader perspective can provide much-needed creative energy to entrepreneurs. If you’re nervous about how to handle an upcoming vacation, here are a few actions you can take to ensure your break goes off without a hitch!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Notify Your Clients (and Share Your Experience!)</span><br /> If you are your only employee, vacations mean that your business can’t do much without you. To keep any consistent referral sources or clients from being surprised, it can be smart to send out a notification in advance. Whether through an email blast or a few phone calls to associates with established relationships, offering a heads up is sure to be appreciated. This considerate action is just another opportunity to keep your business at the top of your referral sources’ minds.</p> <p>While away, it will also be important to have a clear communication system in place. If you don’t have employees to answer phones or operate the business with a skeleton crew in the meantime, be sure to set an out-of-office email auto-response with an emergency contact. Odds are good that if something catastrophic should happen, it will wait until you’re out of the country (a variation of Murphy’s Law), so although it may be preferable to completely walk away from work, it might also be a good idea to check your work email once a day. If internet and phone access will be spotty or too inconvenient while you’re away, you should at least leave your corporate office’s contact information (if part of a franchise).</p> <p>Frustration sets in if expectations aren’t met or getting in touch becomes too difficult. Most will be understanding if they are aware of a clear return date, or they trust that you will keep to an agreed-upon deadline. On returning, it might be a good idea to share your vacation experience on social media, and maybe share how that time has energized you or inspired you in your business! Curious souls will want to hear more, and you might even book some new business as a result.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Delegate and Automate What You Can</span><br /> Planning a vacation is much easier with an experienced team prepared to step up while you’re gone. As is often the case, the issue here frequently sits with the small business owner and their lack of trust for their employees. Long-time assistants might be more than willing to take over during a leave of absence, but owners who have built their business tend to have trouble letting go of responsibilities.</p> <p>The truth is that vacations are an excellent opportunity to challenge your employees–and yourself! Employees can rise to the occasion, attempt to perform new jobs, then fail and learn so that they become even more valuable to the business down the road. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/from-rookie-to-asset-tips-for-training-new-employees">As we've discussed previously</a>, employees love to be challenged, and many become frustrated if they don’t feel that they are acquiring new skills. Leaving your business in someone else’s hands shows an incredible amount of trust and respect–things that your employees will certainly notice and appreciate.</p> <p>If your business isn’t quite at the multiple employee stage yet, it’s important to find ways to function as much as possible while you’re away. Schedule social media posts out in advance, and maybe <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/everything-you-need-to-know-to-make-your-next-email-campaign-a-success">plan a unique email campaign</a> to launch while you’re catching a wave. Working in advance can mean new business is waiting when you return, or it will at least ensure your online presence doesn’t drop off.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Just Take a Vacation! (Even a Short One)</span><br /> In the end, preparation and theory can only go so far. The best way to understand what your unique small business needs while you’re away is to simply make that commitment, book that ticket, and see what happens. Make note of what went well, whether your communication plans were strong, or if the processes and information you gave your employees were sufficient. Everything is clearer in hindsight, and sometimes the best way to learn is to fail, then do better in the future.</p> <p>To minimize problems, consider planning a shorter vacation first since issues that appear over a couple days will be more easily resolved than larger project mishaps. Even brief outings devoted to spending extra time with family or friends will be invaluable to a business owner’s long-term health and happiness. There will always be excuses to wait until next month, or next year. Allow your team and your business to grow while looking after yourself by planning your next vacation wisely.</p> <p><em>National Property Inspections is built off of over 35 years of industry experience. If you are interested to hear more about what we’ve learned makes a successful home inspection business, start with our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a>. Questions? Talk to our <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:recruitment@npiweb.com">recruitment team</a>!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional%20Images/Authors/author-photo_michael-trimble-01.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Michael Trimble, <em>Content Marketing Coordinator</em></span><br /> A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Michael has a B.A. in International Studies and English. With a background in research and writing, Michael contributes to NPI’s corporate marketing team as a copywriter and content strategist.</div> </div> 1544Beating Burnout: Tips to Keep Your Head Above Water for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Workaholicshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1541/beating-burnout-tips-to-keep-your-head-above-water-for-small-business-owners-entrepreneurs-and-workaholicsBusiness TipsTue, 05 Sep 2023 14:55:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">BEATING BURNOUT: TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND WORKAHOLICS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> September 5, 2023 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts?Category=business-tips">Business Tips</a> | <em class="fa fa-tags"></em> <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>Finding success in the workforce can often take a lot of dedication, commitment, and time. Especially in competitive fields, some can get the notion that any time off is an opportunity for someone else to catch up, or a risk that could lead to losing momentum. With this in mind, it comes as little surprise when those with an entrepreneurial mindset struggle with burnout.</p> <p>Too often, entrepreneurs and small business owners enter into “the grind” without knowing when to take their foot off the gas, leading to a major crash that can be tough to recover from. The good news is that burnout doesn’t have to be an inevitability. With the right mindset and by following the best strategies, burnout doesn’t have to be another hurdle for success and contentment.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Reevaluate Your Daily Schedule</span><br /> A common cause of burnout is taking on too much. Entrepreneurs tend to spread themselves too thin, and they have trouble letting go of responsibilities. The classic mindset of, “If I want to do something right, I’ll do it myself,” also means that delegating more important tasks rarely happens.</p> <p>Having a strong sense of ownership in the workplace (and in life) is a good thing! However, leaders shouldn’t keep their daily schedules packed to the point where they can’t breathe. In small businesses, employees are there to lighten the load and allow for a business owner’s focus to be on the big picture. A valuable exercise is to record how long various tasks take in an average day. This can help you understand what actions are most valuable, and which could potentially be delegated, streamlined, or eliminated.</p> <p>In the same spirit, becoming more organized in general can lower the chaotic energy that often permeates a full schedule. A clean, organized office desk, work vehicle, and toolbox should make basic tasks easier, saving time that could be better used. With a more efficient and smoother work process, owners, entrepreneurs, and workaholics can take time throughout the day to step away from their work (completely). Strong boundaries can be difficult for people who own their own business, but picking a strict time to stop taking calls or answering emails will allow you space to fully walk away from work (physically and mentally).</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Invest in a Support System</span><br /> Long workdays may be the biggest factor that leads to burnout, but perhaps the strongest factor contributing to positive mental health is finding a community. Family, friends, and coworkers or employees can become trusted confidants to turn to when things get tough. One of the worst things to do is suffer in silence, or speak up only when things become unbearable.</p> <p>Finding people that you care about and enjoy being around is so important, but relationships with people in your industry are invaluable due to the relatability they can provide. Mentors and peers can speak to specific struggles on the job and even offer actionable advice on how they conquered their own hurdles. Remember: relationships require an investment. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with your own burnout to reach out–be a resource yourself.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. Take Good Care of Yourself</span><br /> Finally, after looking at how you conduct your business and who you surround yourself with, burnout can be combated by some simple TLC. Ultimately, a person’s life shouldn’t be consumed entirely by their profession, or any single thing. Finding time for hobbies or other interests outside of work to indulge in is key for a consistently healthy mindset. Whether diving into golfing, hiking, listening to a podcast, or following a favorite sports team, the specific activity matters less than the personal enjoyment said activity provides. Find something fun, and make time for it!</p> <p>Mental health and physical health are intimately intertwined as well, so finding a doable exercise routine and following a consistent sleep schedule will pay dividends towards bucking burnout. With that said, don’t avoid rewarding yourself with a favorite drink, snack, or meal from time to time without guilt to celebrate your efforts. Success in the workplace might be better related to a marathon rather than a race. Sustaining a full sprint just isn’t realistic, and those that are too proud to adjust are most likely to push things too far.</p> <p><em>If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, take a break - we give you permission! To learn more about the support a franchise provides, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">contact our recruitment team</a> today. For assistance in marketing or if you’d just like to chat, <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">call or email</a> our marketing team.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1541From Rookie to Asset: Tips for Training New Employeeshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1505/from-rookie-to-asset-tips-for-training-new-employeesBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 16 May 2023 15:56:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">FROM ROOKIE TO ASSET: TIPS FOR TRAINING NEW EMPLOYEES</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> May 16, 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/training">training</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/client-satisfaction">client satisfaction</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/inspection-industry">inspection industry</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npiweb.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Stepha Vesper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Senior Communications Strategist</em></span></p> <p>In the home inspection industry, it should be every business owner’s goal to expand their team. New employees can expand marketing efforts, allow for more property inspections to be completed in a shorter amount of time, and improve on client satisfaction due to increased efficiency. Both in the case of adding a very first employee and when adding to an already large team, owners cannot overlook their training processes.</p> <p>To build your home inspection team the right way, let’s discuss the importance of training, and review a few tips on how to help transition your new employee into an invaluable contributor to your team.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Highlighting the Importance of Training</span><br /> All business owners understand to a certain extent the value of a solid training process. New employees are an investment, and the quicker that these team members can get up to speed with the rest of the business the better. Business owners are incentivized to make their training processes as quick and efficient as possible in order to get their new partners contributing. Though these goals are understandable, business owners who are only focused on the speed of their training schedules are missing out on plenty of opportunities to strengthen their business.</p> <p>Human resources experts over at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://gethppy.com/employee-turnover/effective-onboarding-strategy-is-vital-for-employee-retention" target="_blank">Hppy</a> point out the importance of the early onboarding period of employment by saying, “...20% of employee turnovers happen [within] the first 45 days.” With smart training techniques, employers can actually reinforce their new employees’ choices to join their team and work towards improving the longevity of their partnership. Additionally, establishing a strong foundation during training is crucial for building a confident and competent employee.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Best Techniques to Get the Most Out of Your Training Process</span></p> <ol> <li><strong>Standardize Your Training Method</strong><br /> In the home inspection industry, the majority of employees fall under the camp of either inspector, or marketer (though those roles can frequently blur together). Regardless of the role, business owners should strive to develop a standardized training process so that every inspector and marketer develops a consistent style that is true to the business’ desired brand. Clients and agents prefer to be surprised as little as possible during an inspection, and it is important to keep in mind that the owner’s job is to ensure their clients’ experiences always meet the expected high standard.<br /> <br /> When developing a custom, standardized training process, business owners can start by outlining the specific skills that they want each position to develop, then select a preferred assessment process that remains consistent between employees. Whether this results in something as formal as a written test where new employees can demonstrate their gained knowledge or a more informal checklist of demonstrated skills within a set period of time, the important piece is that business owners are satisfied with their employees’ skill development speed and overall quality.<br /> <br /> NPI franchisees should contact the <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">NPI marketing team</a> if they would like help developing personalized training materials for their employees!<br />  </li> <li><strong>Incorporate Other Team Members</strong><br /> Integrating a new employee into an existing team’s culture can sometimes be difficult. New team members are usually at a considerable disadvantage socially, due to their lack of familiarity with the rest of the team. However, business owners who delegate parts of training to their existing employees can considerably accelerate this natural social learning curve.<br /> <br /> In addition to an expedited feeling of camaraderie within the team, owners can show their existing employees that they value their expertise and trust their level of knowledge as they share training responsibilities. Of course, stepping back from certain parts can be difficult for owners that want to personally guarantee the quality of their new employee’s training. Owners that trust the foundation of their previous training processes should be able to trust their current employees to take on these types of responsibilities as well.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Outline Clear Goals</strong><br /> A piece of ongoing training that is sometimes ignored is when owners and employees clearly select goals for improvement. Employees that feel challenged are better motivated, and are likely to become more ambitious. Businesses that promote continued growth among their team members should expect a higher level of commitment from their team, especially when those team members participate in selecting those goals.<br /> <br /> For more information on how to use training plans to set employees up for long-term success, check out our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/entrepreneurship-101-how-to-set-your-employees-up-for-success">Entrepreneurship 101</a>.<br />  </li> <li><strong>Gather Feedback</strong><br /> Finally, business owners should always seek feedback once initial training is complete. Ask questions with the intent to improve upon training processes for future employees by asking about the pace of training, the value and time spent on each topic, and the facets of the job that would have benefited from further exploration. Clear communication and trust is the foundation of any employee-employer relationship. By showing a willingness to implement feedback into the company’s policies and procedures will ultimately promote a strong company culture, destined for success.</li> </ol> <p><em>New inspectors that have joined your team can benefit from attending training at NPI’s corporate office in Omaha, and marketing employees can meet for a private meeting with our <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">marketing team</a>. To learn more about how you can benefit from franchising with National Property Inspections, request a <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free info packet</a> and schedule a call with <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:recruiting@npiweb.com">our recruitment team</a> today!</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Authors/author-photo_stepha-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">Stepha Vesper, <em>Senior Communications Strategist</em></span><br /> Stepha has more than five years’ experience in marketing, content creation, SEO and copywriting. Her favorite part of her job is assisting franchisees with their digital marketing strategies so they reach their goals that much faster. When she isn’t at work, Stepha is going on adventures with her husband, Zach, perusing used bookstores, reading or writing.</div> </div> 1505The Secret To Employee Retentionhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1457/the-secret-to-employee-retentionBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 07 Feb 2023 21:24:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE SECRET TO EMPLOYEE RETENTION</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 7, 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/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/training">training</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing & Business Coach</em></span></p> <p>Any good business manager will be able to tell you that the key to real success is a strong team. It is difficult to find a good support system, so when you’ve finally secured reliable partners that perform their jobs well, there is a new challenge to overcome.</p> <p>Employee retention has become more difficult than ever in recent years. In 2021, the “Great Resignation” sent companies scrambling as they attempted to recover from record-high “quit” rates. Standards of workers have raised since then, and PEW researchers cite a laundry list of reasons that employees have decided to leave <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/03/09/majority-of-workers-who-quit-a-job-in-2021-cite-low-pay-no-opportunities-for-advancement-feeling-disrespected/" target="_blank">in a recent study</a>.</p> <p>The secret to keeping your best employees on your team is simple: give them a reason to stay. Understand what your workers want, and show them that working for you is a great way to achieve those goals.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pay Your Employees More </span><br /> The most straight-forward technique to retain employees is to simply pay your workers more to reliably show that their value is recognized and their time is appreciated. This tip likely isn’t a surprise, but business owners should give this option serious consideration when it’s available.</p> <p><a class="color-secondary" href="https://press.roberthalf.com/infographic-job-search-plans-h2-2022" target="_blank">According to a survey</a> performed by recruiting experts at Robert Half, an increase in salary is the number one reason (by a wide margin) why people search for new positions. In fact, 65% of the time, money is the top reason for job changes. Since this is such a common motivator, small business owners should expect to encounter this issue at some point in running their business.</p> <p>Before moving straight to alternatives, consider the value that the employee adds, and the potential cost in time and money that finding a replacement would result in. In businesses where workers develop relationships with clients, consider that losing a key team member could result in a substantial loss of business as well. Money is a strong motivator - be sure to consider what you can budget to help your business succeed.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Limit Micromanagement </span><br /> People want to feel like they are capable and that they are contributing to an overall goal. One sure way to undercut that feeling of confidence is too much micromanagement. If your employees feel like they are working under a microscope, their work is sure to suffer, and they are much more likely to experience higher amounts of stress.</p> <p>Everyone has different management styles, but it is important to understand what your style tells your workers. Micromanagement can make your workers feel as though you don’t trust them, and it can limit their opportunities to prove their knowledge and ability to their peers (and to their boss).</p> <p>Consider affording your best employees extra room to work. The resulting increase in morale may result in improved work and mounting confidence within your team.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Offer Them Growth Opportunities </span><br /> Outside of money, a great motivator for workers is a sense of personal growth. Early on, this is easy to achieve, as new employees are occupied with learning a new field and navigating a new workplace. Issues can arise as these employees fall into a rut and begin to feel as though they have reached their ceiling at a position.</p> <p>Good workers have a desire to excel, to challenge themselves, and to improve. As a good employer, it is your job to provide these new opportunities. Offer new training or new freedoms where your employees can learn a new strategy to elevate their skills. Additionally, you can bring them to conferences or to other meetings where they have opportunities to learn.</p> <p>At National Property Inspections, our corporate team hosts monthly training sessions for franchisees to elevate their home inspection skills and invest further into marketing. Ask your workers what they might want to learn more about or how you can help them achieve their goals.</p> <p><em>Follow these strategies to keep your amazing team together and maybe even elevate their performance moving into the future! If you are looking for more information on how to start a home inspection franchise with National Property Inspections, check out our <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">free information packet here</a>. </em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://www.npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/kim-05.jpg?ver=2019-03-11-150141-657" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Kimberly Stevens, <em>Marketing & Business Coach</em></span><br /> The baby of eight children, Kimberly learned quickly to master the art of communication in order to be heard. She has been with NPI for more than 15 years and is passionate about getting to know our franchisees. Kimberly is a certified marketing and business coach, trainer and speaker, leading training seminars, one-to-one coaching and more. She's a high-energy, fiery red head and an eternal optimist. Her greatest joy is celebrating our franchisees’ victories!</div> </div> 1457Why Veterans Make Amazing Entrepreneurshttps://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> 1455The Signs That Say You’re Ready To Be An Entrepreneurhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1438/the-signs-that-say-youre-ready-to-be-an-entrepreneurBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 20 Dec 2022 15:34:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE SIGNS THAT SAY YOU’RE READY TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 20, 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/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Celeste Black-Harr, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Recruitment Coordinator</em></span></p> <p>With every new year, an extraordinary opportunity presents itself. It’s a time to celebrate family and friends, to celebrate successes, and to remember the struggles you have overcome. But it’s also a time to reflect and reevaluate. Is what you are doing fulfilling? Is it what you imagined yourself doing five years ago?</p> <p>There are many reasons why people decide to make a change in their career goals, whether it is dissatisfaction with falling into the status quo or a desire to build something that they can pass on to their family. Big opportunities could be on the horizon! Here are a few signs that 2023 is the year to start your own business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">You Want To Take Control </span><br /> A standard position as an employee has its own perks. Safety and consistency are big motivating factors to anyone looking for a new job, and without being “the boss,” there are stressors that employees completely avoid. With that being said, the investment of time and experience that you have built up might not get utilized to its full extent in a standard 9-to-5 position.</p> <p>Entrepreneurs have the freedom to devote their time and energy into what they believe will be most beneficial. With a small business, you are no longer beholden to a boss that micromanages your work and sets your attention on building a business that isn’t your own. If this frustration sounds familiar, you are not alone. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.guidantfinancial.com/small-business-trends/" target="_blank">From research conducted by small business financier Guidant Financial</a>, in 2022, 48% of small business owners were primarily motivated by the prospect of being their own boss when starting their businesses.</p> <p>There is a concept known as “golden handcuffs,” referring to talented people that are trapped in well-paying jobs because of a fear that they will lose the consistent income. With a National Property Inspections franchise, the top 10 percent earners make over $550,000 a year. Some people are born to be leaders, and others are born to be followers. Entrepreneurship naturally draws in people with that more aggressive, confident personality type. If the flexibility and empowerment that only come with full control in their careers sounds appealing, entrepreneurship might be the answer for you.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">You Are An Innovator </span><br /> Employers are always looking for dynamic members for their team that can provide new solutions and outside-of-the-box thinking on new projects. Some people have a natural knack for this type of thinking, but it can be developed through either a familiarity with the industry or a unique passion. While outside-of-the-box thinking is fantastic in any line of work, this is a huge asset as an entrepreneur.</p> <p>The life of an entrepreneur is a life of competition and adaptation. Entrepreneurs are not afraid to take educated risks and try something new, examining what has worked within the industry in the past and thinking of ways that it could be done better. That sort of mindset is vital in a competitive market, and in an environment where you have to introduce a new brand.</p> <p>There is a balance that should be highlighted here, however, between starting from scratch with everything and using strategies that are proven to work. It can be easy to get bogged down with the minutiae as a small business owner, but entrepreneurs who are interested in learning about what has already worked in their industry may be interested in franchising. With franchising, small business owners have the freedom to innovate while having a support system to advise them on areas that their knowledge is lacking.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">You Know The Importance Of Networking </span><br /> While we’re on the subject, another natural asset that franchising provides for new entrepreneurs is a catalog of contacts filled with other industry professionals. While entrepreneurs are confident in their own abilities and they know how well they can innovate their field, they also know the value of learning from people who have been in their position in the past.</p> <p>Mentors and peers are invaluable when starting a small business. If a revenue stream has slowed or a proven strategy is suddenly stalling your business, you will need contacts that you can rely on to provide advice. With a National Property Inspections franchise, franchisees have access to over 200 industry professionals working across North America. The importance of access to expertise and experience like this cannot be overstated for new business owners.</p> <p>Both extroverts and introverts can succeed as entrepreneurs, but regardless of your natural tendencies, small business owners need to recognize the value of making new connections and building their network of industry professionals.</p> <p><em>If you have some of these traits, this could be the first sign that tells you 2023 is the year to make the leap! If you are interested in starting a home inspection franchise, our team at NPI would love to speak with you. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">Request a free info packet today to get started</a>.</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> 1438How To Invest In Marketing When Things Get Slowhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1431/how-to-invest-in-marketing-when-things-get-slowBusiness Tips,Franchise,Marketing,Social MediaTue, 06 Dec 2022 19:11:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">HOW TO INVEST IN MARKETING WHEN THINGS GET SLOW</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> December 6, 2022 | <em class="fa fa-folder-open"></em> <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=franchise">Franchise</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=Marketing">Marketing</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=Business-Tips">Business Tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts?Category=social-media">Social Media</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/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Sydney Bailey, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Director of Marketing</em></span></p> <p>Across industries, entrepreneurs will find times in their business when things seem to be going great. There is no shortage in clients or work, and operating their business dominates their attention to the point where marketing can fall down on their list of priorities. This becomes an issue when business, inevitably, slows down. That constant train of phone calls and appointments begins to clear up, and as an ambitious business person, you don’t want to lose out on that hard-earned momentum. So, what do you do?</p> <p>Especially in seasonal industries that are particularly influenced by the ever-changing real estate market, slowing business marks a perfect time to invest your time <em>(and money) </em>in marketing.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Make Networking a Priority </span><br /> The best thing you can do when things get slow is get out and meet new people! With each new introduction, you’ll meet a new potential client. With each office you visit, you could start a new long-standing relationship.</p> <p>If you haven’t already, join your local BNI group or any local hotspot for REALTORS® and industry specialists for potential referrals. In short, look for any opportunity to build your business’s contact list. Get connected with new people and continue investing in your already-established industry relationships.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Recommit Yourself to Social Media </span><br /> This may not come as a surprise, but social media is the most common marketing tool to get neglected by small businesses. Don’t make this mistake. As time goes on, more people are relying on social media for recommendations; and for small businesses, social media is no longer optional if you want to maximize your client base. If your social media has been ignored in the past, slower business periods can provide a great opportunity to recommit yourself to your presence online.</p> <p>Whether increased automation is feasible or you are interested in strengthening your presence with more personalized content, social media is a perfect <em>(and free)</em> way to increase your interaction with your client-base and build relationships with your referring agents. Social media needs to be a part of your marketing strategy if it isn’t already, and if it is, take the time now to check in on how you could utilize your social media even better!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Review Your Search Engine Optimization </span><br /> In the information age, discoverability is of utmost importance. With National Property Inspections, franchisees receive the benefit of a multifaceted Search Engine Optimization( SEO) strategy. Each local market is unique, but there are always plenty of new opportunities to update and enrich your SEO. As a part of the NPI family, you benefit from your dedicated team of SEO experts on the Marketing Team. <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">Reach out to us anytime</a> for an SEO review, and we’ll collaborate with you for the best targeting options and website changes designed to improve your Google ranking in your local area.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Plan Your Next Email Marketing Campaign </span><br /> Slow markets are the best time to find out just <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/everything-you-need-to-know-to-make-your-next-email-campaign-a-success">how beneficial email marketing can be</a>. If you haven’t done an email marketing campaign yet (or if it’s been awhile), it might be a good idea to use your spare time to plan a campaign. Review your previous campaigns to see which ones got the most traction and had the best click-through rates. NPI’s email marketing specialists have years of testing experience. To know what works and what doesn’t, set up a meeting with your corporate marketing team to start planning your next email outreach.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Improve Your Product </span><br /> When business slows, we understand how easy it can be to get disheartened. Every industry experiences an ebb and flow of activity. One strong option that small business owners can take when they experience downtime is to invest in themselves and combat any defeatist mindsets.</p> <p>Additional training and services for your business provide new material for you to market. Pick up a new book on running small businesses or <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/5-podcasts-to-grow-your-small-business">try out an industry podcast</a>. Use your downtime wisely so that when business picks up, you have a leg up on your competition. There is always something you can be doing to set yourself up for success.</p> <p><em>As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your corporate marketing team with any questions or ideas to support your business–it’s what we’re here for! Your National Property Inspections marketing team is invested in your success. Give us a call or email us anytime: <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com">marketing@npiweb.com</a></em></p> <p><em>With National Property Inspections, you get access to a team of marketing experts that helps your great work get noticed in your area. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/learn-more">Request a free info packet today</a> to learn more about franchising with NPI! </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_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>Director of Marketing</em></span><br /> Sydney specializes in creative marketing strategy. In her current role, she leads the marketing department in implementing new initiatives to increase business for NPI and GPI franchisees. With experience in brand development, public relations, project management, and art direction, she also serves as NPI's in-house graphic and web designer. Sydney supports our franchisees on a daily basis with all of their print and digital design needs. Have an idea about a new campaign? Sydney will turn it into a reality!</div> </div> 14315 Podcasts to Grow Your Small Businesshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1416/5-podcasts-to-grow-your-small-businessBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection Tips,Marketing,Social MediaTue, 25 Oct 2022 20:27:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 PODCASTS TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> October 25, 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>, <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=social-media">Social Media</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/digital-marketing">digital marketing</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/motivation">motivation</a></p> <p>As a National Property Inspections franchise owner, you are one part inspector, one part marketer, one part entrepreneur. Needless to say, there can be a lot on your plate. To stay on top of the competition and to become the best leader in your industry, it might be valuable to find a podcast to help you on your way. Today, experts are freely offering their years of experience and personal stories to listeners through an easily consumable medium. Here are a few podcasts that could help you grow your inspection business!</p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://www.nachi.org/podcast.htm" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/internachi.png?ver=g6ieL5tTXwUeOTO0AwUawA%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. Home Inspector Podcast by InterNACHI</span><br /> <strong>Average length:</strong> 1-5 minutes, with an occasional “webinar” podcast that can be between 1 and 3 hours.<br /> <strong>Releases:</strong> Twice a day every weekday.</p> <p>As inspectors, a great starting point podcast is the Home Inspector Podcast by InterNACHI. The majority of releases are extremely short, sometimes with no introduction at all. These topics briefly explain how to perform a specific task relating to property inspections. The Home Inspector Podcast is a great option for inspectors looking to brush up on their knowledge or looking for quick, easy review material.</p> <p>The webinar releases are obviously much longer and seem to be direct uploads of online classes and presentations. These webinars are clearly not made with the podcast medium in mind, as the speakers frequently reference visual aids that are not available to listeners. However, the content is still valuable beyond these disconnects. For a podcast relating directly to the practice of property inspections, the Home Inspector Podcast by InterNACHI is the best option.</p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://www.everyonehatesmarketers.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/everyone-hates-marketers.jpg?ver=3EefflrEATPsULS26VrH-A%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. Everyone Hates Marketers</span><br /> <strong>Average length: </strong>15 minutes to 1 hour.<br /> <strong>Releases: </strong>Formerly weekly, though there has been a pause since mid-July 2022.</p> <p>Introducing every episode with “Bonjour, bonjour and welcome,” listeners don’t have to wait very long to get to know this podcast’s host Louis Grenier. A seasoned marketer and marketing consultant, Louis Grenier presents his interview-based show as a no-nonsense, actionable podcast aimed at delivering marketing advice that can reach across industries and cultures. In each episode, it is clear that Grenier is looking to pull easily digestible tips that his audience can actually use in their businesses. And, yes, he is french.</p> <p>Louis Grenier has a dry sense of humor and a mind for efficiency in his podcast. As a small warning, there is some light language on occasion, though there is nothing prominent enough to dissuade people from giving the podcast a try. Unfortunately, the show seems to have taken a bit of a hiatus while Grenier has been focusing on an online marketing education and coaching program.</p> <p>From the knowledgeable guests, to the wide range of valuable marketing information, this is a fantastic podcast for anyone looking to improve their overall marketing skills. Seriously, give this one a try. </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://100mba.net/show/" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/100-mba.PNG?ver=YmbqtgD8a4H8QpjZssvoMg%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. The $100 MBA Show</span><br /> <strong>Average length:</strong> 15 minutes.<br /> <strong>Releases: </strong>One every weekday.</p> <p>Omar Zenhom, co-founder of Webinar Ninja, hosts this regular, quick, and focused show, along with an occasional long-form interview focused around general business advice. Topics can range widely from things like preventing burnout, to the value of UTM links on your company website. The main throughline is the short episode length and the focus on a single, practical tip.</p> <p>While it may be worth mentioning that the first 3 minutes or so of an already short podcast is taken up by the introduction, self promotion, and maybe a sponsor, this podcast is another solid choice for business advice. In particular, this podcast might interest people looking for a consistent, short show to add to their daily routine.</p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://vandeeb.com/podcast/" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/van-deeb.jpeg?ver=oRuYUoLnqEdLeh5inz1geg%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. The Van Deeb Podcast</span><br /> <strong>Average length: </strong>20-30 minutes.<br /> <strong>Releases:</strong> Once a month.</p> <p>The eponymous Van Deeb is a motivational speaker who provides advice mostly related to personal development and inspiration. With a lengthy sales background, Deeb’s advice sometimes draws on this perspective and how to present yourself in social scenarios. One strength of this show is the statistical backing he brings to statements on overall cultural trends. These additions instill confidence in the listener, and strengthen Deeb’s credibility.</p> <p>The Van Deeb Podcast is a good show for small business owners managing a team of employees. With this podcast, there is a wealth of advice on running a positive workplace, showing appreciation, and retaining employees. Although he does have an occasional guest, the majority of episodes consist of Van Deeb diving into a particular subject on his own. </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"><a href="https://www.marieforleo.com/podcast" target="_blank"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/Additional Images/Podcasts/marie-forleo.jpg?ver=-DwTgn4A3oqxisrraziTwQ%3d%3d" width="350px" /></a></div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. The Marie Forleo Podcast</span><br /> <strong>Average length: </strong>Varies anywhere from 5 minutes to 65 minutes.<br /> <strong>Releases: </strong>Once a week.</p> <p>Marie Forleo is an author, business owner, and life coach lauded as a thought leader for the next generation by Oprah Winfrey. Forleo’s podcast is modeled primarily around an interview-based format where she finds innovative thinkers or industry specialists who can bring their unique perspective on a few detailed subjects. Industry leaders guest to promote a book or service of theirs while speaking on marketing, business, or lifestyle-related topics.</p> <p>A particularly dynamic figure among women, Marie Forleo is a charismatic, positive speaker with a wealth of experience and connections in the business world. This show is a great generalist podcast that should appeal to a wide range of listeners. Often, Marie branches out from business talk, widening the scope of the discussion into ethics and lifestyle philosophy. </p> <p> </p> <p><em>This list is by no means exhaustive. What is your go-to podcast that has helped your business? Email <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto:marketing@npiweb.com"> or share your recommendations on NPI’s private Facebook group!</a></em></p> 1416Entrepreneurship 101: How to be an Effective Leaderhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1399/entrepreneurship-101-how-to-be-an-effective-leaderBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 12 Jul 2022 20:03:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101: HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LEADER</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> July 12, 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/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/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>As a National Property Inspections franchise owner, you’re so much more than just an inspector. You’re an office manager, a marketing coordinator, an accountant, a boss, a mentor, and a teacher—just to name a few. In our Entrepreneurship 101 series, we’ll cover leadership traits and tips specific to running a successful inspection empire. As part of a national network, your resources as an NPI inspector are plentiful, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned about effective leadership in our industry.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Lead By Example</span><br /> Although it may sound cliché, it’s important to align your business goals with your mindset. Even if you’re currently a one-man show and don’t have plans to hire in the near future, getting into a leadership mindset will help you elevate your thinking to that of a boss. After all, being a leader is not about being front and center. True leadership comes in the form of behind-the-scenes hard work and dedication.</p> <p>To be successful in your business, it’s vital to have goals set for where you want to see yourself in the next year, along with a plan of action for how you hope to achieve your goals. In the pursuit of your goals, it’s helpful to document clear landmarks of progress along the way. This can help you gain insight—are you trending in the right direction? Don’t hesitate to check in with yourself and the Marketing Team to see how you’re performing, especially after a newly implemented change in your business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Make Your Mission Clear</span><br /> All businesses whether big or small have some sort of mission statement. In its simplest terms, a mission statement is basically why you exist as a company. What do you offer that’s better? How do your customers benefit from the relationship? These are just a couple of things to think about when creating a mission statement.</p> <p>Not only will this be one of the first things customers see, but it is also the ruler by which they measure you. Exceed, and they’ll be pleased. Fall short, and they’ll wonder why you ever chose it. So as you start your business, come up with your own mission statement and strive live up to it. Those around you will take notice.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Do the Work</span><br /> Where one really becomes the leader of the pack is by doing the work required to see the results desired. This doesn’t mean limiting yourself to only performing inspections. This suggests doing the full array of tasks required to get to your goal on a consistent basis. This work may include:</p> <p>• Attending networking events<br /> • Staying up-to-date on industry trends<br /> • Keeping up with your various social media platforms<br /> • Regularly checking in on your competition</p> <p>If you find yourself struggling to keep up with the continuous growth of your business or the tasks associated with doing so, it may be time to hire. You can’t always achieve big goals alone! And that brings us to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/entrepreneurship-101-how-to-hire-right-the-first-time">Entrepreneurship 101 Part II: Hiring Right the First Time</a>. Check in next week for our best tips on how to nail the interview—as the interviewer.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Join the NPI Network of Leaders</span><br /> With business ownership comes a lot of newly acquired responsibility. This can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With NPI, you’ll have plentiful resources and fellow neighboring inspectors on your side rooting for you to perform well. Our professional support staff knows what it takes to build an inspection empire. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Franchise-Package/Franchise-Benefits">Visit our website</a> for more information.</p> 1399Win at Business by Investing in Yourselfhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1390/win-at-business-by-investing-in-yourselfBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 07 Jun 2022 19:50:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">WIN AT BUSINESS BY INVESTING IN YOURSELF</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 7, 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/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/motivation">motivation</a></p> <p>The month of June is Professional Wellness Month. In honor of this occasion, your family here at the NPI headquarters want to make sure that you have everything you need to succeed, professionally and personally. With the spotlight on professional wellness, it’s important to check in with yourself and your employees to identify any areas of improvement for your business. Likewise, it’s also valuable to take an honest personal inventory of yourself to see what areas of development you may be lacking in. Although a self-assessment can feel daunting, it’s critical to avoid being stagnant in any area of your life. Life is to be lived in a manner of constant evolution, as dormancy breeds bad personal habits and business practices.</p> <p>Implementing changes that need to be made as a result of your self-reflection and business assessments can at first seem overwhelming. While it’s hard to make a lot of improvements at once, it’s good to have a strategy for implementation in place for future enhancements to your business and for yourself. These changes don’t have to be drastic in nature to make a huge difference to your lifestyle and brand.</p> <p>Lifestyle changes that you can implement can be as small as purchasing an ergonomic chair for report-writing sessions and as grand a gesture as creating an entirely new workflow and schedule for yourself. If you acknowledge that you are at a place in life where change is necessary, but feel that the tasks are too great to conquer, it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Likewise, any lasting changes you choose to undertake won’t happen overnight.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Self-Assessments</span><br /> If you’re stuck trying to figure out where to begin, a helpful starting point is self-assessments (and no, I don’t mean the one’s located in your standard teen magazine to determine what color best suits you). Self-assessments have come a long way from the ones of yesteryear. By utilizing self-assessments in the correct way, you can find out a lot about your personality type, what makes you tick, the style of manager/owner you are versus the one you are capable of being, and many other details about your personality type.</p> <p>At NPI, we use <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc" target="_blank">the DiSC personality test</a>. DiSC is a short but efficient quiz that will help determine how you measure up in the areas of dominance, influence, conscientiousness, and steadiness (DiSC). For this test, the participant simply chooses one word out of a grouping that most closely represents their personality and one word that descriptively is their polar opposite. Once this information has been calculated, you will be able to determine which areas of your life and business need a little work. A detailed listing of your strengths will also be notated in this section in recognition of the things that you already excel at. With this test, you will be able to gain further understanding of yourself and make any needed changes from there.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Office Evaluations </span><br /> Asking your employees to complete office evaluations is a good way to gain insight about how you’re performing as a leader. The easiest way to set up these assessments is with short, five-minute surveys. These surveys can be completed anonymously and can be sent directly to your employee’s phones. These types of evaluations are different from the DiSC assessments in that instead of selecting a word that most closely resembles the climate of your business, a number from one to five is selected on the agreeability of a series of statements. If you get more results back from your employees that are three and below, that’s a strong indicator that some changes need to be made to your business model.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Customer Reviews</span><br /> Another crucial viewpoint to obtain is that of your customers. Ensure that you’re requesting feedback from every inspection client. To automate this process, consider signing on for the Marketing Tech Suite with NPI. After every inspection you perform, a text message and an email will be sent to your customer to request they leave you an online review. You can also acquire feedback by asking for Yelp reviews in person upon completion of the inspection. This information combined with the self-assessments and office evaluations will provide a clearer view of how your business is perceived overall and what strengths you already possess to make improvements.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take Baby Steps</span><br /> According to Pippa Lally, a research psychologist from the University College London, it takes 66 days on average to completely form a new habit (as opposed to the myth that the “standard” is 21 days). Therefore, it is essential to be patient but persistent with yourself about changes you hope to achieve in your business and on a personal front. Afterall, your competition is not with your NPI neighbors, it’s with the person in the mirror.</p> <p>With NPI you have a community of support from your fellow franchisees, which is what makes us different from other inspection companies. If you ever find yourself at a deficit, remember you have a wealth of resources available to you from your knowledgeable fellow inspectors to our training instructors, marketing and sales teams.</p> 13905 Ways to Know It’s Time to Hirehttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1378/5-ways-to-know-its-time-to-hireBusiness TipsTue, 10 May 2022 15:02:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">5 WAYS TO KNOW IT’S TIME TO HIRE</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> May 10, 2022 | <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/business-tips">business tips</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a></p> <p>Short of starting your inspection company, hiring your first employee is the biggest step you’ll take as a small business owner. It can be tough to know who to hire, but surprisingly, it can be even tougher to know when to hire. Here are a few telltale signs it’s time to make a plan and make the move to grow your team.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">1. You’re turning down work.</span><br /> You’ve poured your energy into building relationships and expanding your network, and now all that hard work is paying off in spades: you’re booked out for a couple of weeks! If this scenario sounds familiar, remember that this is only the start of the busiest season for us inspectors. You’re going to want a team member who can help you book more inspections and share the workload.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">2. You have an exciting opportunity to expand your services.</span><br /> The perfect opportunity for a new add-on service has presented itself, and anytime you mention it to others working in your local real estate market, they get just as excited as you. That rare untapped need has been identified, and it’s time to spring into action. But as bookkeeper/marketer/inspector/report-writer, (I could go on!), you’re already feeling pulled in too many directions. A new hire can either head up your new department, or they can take on some of your tasks so you can focus on expanding your services.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">3. You’re letting daily tasks fall by the wayside.</span><br /> Speaking of being pulled in multiple directions . . . When those little, but highly necessary details start slipping into oblivion, you know you’re in danger of burning out at best and losing clients at worst. If you find yourself cutting a corner here or there at one inspection to rush to the next, or you give yourself a few extra hours more than originally promised to send a report, it’s time to hire. If you find that you don’t have time to market anymore, it’s time to hire.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">4. Your numbers are stagnating.</span><br /> For the vast majority of us, the goal year over year is growth. If your yearly numbers are barely climbing or worse, not climbing at all, the key to bumping up your profits may be hiring your first employee. The saying, “You have to spend money to make money” is an old adage for a reason. Statistics show that an engaged and productive employee can boost profitability by 21 percent!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">5. You’re not getting enough rest.</span><br /> There’s no shame in needing rest, and we don’t just mean sleep. More than half of people in the workforce feel like they can’t “unplug” at the end of the day. If you’re a one-man show, that impulse can be never-ending. If you’re short on weekly family time and you’re starting to forget what your hobbies are, you need a break. And when’s the last time you took a vacation? Hire an employee you can trust, and you can keep your business running smoothly while you enjoy some much-needed leisure time.</p> <p><em>Whether you’re ready to make your first or your tenth hire, reach out to Coach Kimberly Stevens at <a class="color-secondary" href="mailto: kimberly.stevens@npiweb.com">kimberly.stevens@npiweb.com</a>. She can help you find, vet, and hire the right person for your team!</em></p> 1378National Property Inspections Franchisee Spotlight: Cory Andersonhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1375/national-property-inspections-franchisee-spotlight-cory-andersonBusiness Tips,Franchise,Inspection TipsTue, 19 Apr 2022 19:13:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: CORY ANDERSON</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 19, 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>, <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/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/news">news</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/small-business">small business</a></p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2022/Cory_Anderson.jpg?ver=1xLjhFkpN0Cs9iHLoV1RGg%3d%3d" style="margin: 0px 0 25px 0" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"> <p>National Property Inspections’ Franchisee Spotlight recognizes our most innovative and successful NPI and GPI franchises. By sharing their stories, helpful tips and lessons learned, every franchisee can learn what it takes to grow their business. We're proud to feature our reigning 2021 Franchise of the Year, Cory Anderson of <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/knoxville" target="_blank">NPI East Tennessee</a>.</p> <p>After purchasing an existing franchise in 2017 in Knoxville, TN, Cory and his team have been on an upward trajectory that's landed him in the top four percent of our organization. He’s also recently expanded to cover both Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities area.</p> </div> </div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Tell us about yourself! What was your previous career, and how did you come to NPI?</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory Anderson:</span> I have an agricultural technology degree from the University of Tennessee and worked in the agricultural field for about 7 years prior to coming to NPI. During my agricultural career, my wife and I purchased multiple rental homes and loved learning about and investing in real estate. Our home inspector was Steve Hancock, who started the original NPI Knoxville franchise in 1995. </p> <p>During our last inspection with Steve, he announced that he would be retiring and told us that we would need to find another inspector. After many conversations over coffee and lunch, I convinced Steve to continue working for a year and train me with the understanding that I would buy his business. When the year was up, Steve officially retired and left me the business.</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6"> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What are some tips you would tell other inspectors who are looking to make their first hire? </span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory:</span> I made my first hire about 6 months after I purchased the franchise. I would recommend hiring based on character and not concentrating so much on experience. I look for qualities like good listener, good grammar, kindness, curiosity, patience, good morals and ethics, etc. Also, think about the qualities that make a good inspector (attention to detail, good communicator, honesty) and make sure your new hire fits these characteristics.</p> </div> <div class="col-sm-6"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/2022/knoxville-02.jpg?ver=fSZV0snxCJCFWnHn-nqIkg%3d%3d" style="margin: 0px 0 25px 0" width="100%" /></div> </div> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What’s been your most lucrative add-on service? What have you found to be the most successful way to upsell this service? </span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory:</span> Currently, our most lucrative add-on service is radon testing. We add a clause to our pre-inspection agreement explaining the importance of radon testing and require the customer’s initial on that portion before the pre-inspection agreement can be officially signed. This gets them thinking that radon may be a larger issue than they thought, and this system has drastically increased the number of radon inspections we now conduct.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">What do you enjoy most about the home inspection industry? </span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">Cory:</span> I really like the fact that we are helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their life on a daily basis. I also like the fact that home inspection is a relatively young industry. I feel like the sky is the limit in what we can do as home inspection business owners. I enjoy thinking ahead, trying to come up with different services to add, and thinking of better ways of doing what we're already doing. I think a home inspection business is an extremely good investment that has a very bright future ahead.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>Thank you, Cory, for taking the time to share your business tips and philosophies! Your dedication to your fellow inspectors and willingness to share your secrets to success earned you your much-deserved 2021 Franchise of the Year award. We look forward to seeing what's next for <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npiweb.com/knoxville" target="_blank">NPI East Tennessee</a>!</em></p> 13757 Tips to Lower Your Stresshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1361/7-tips-to-lower-your-stressBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 22 Mar 2022 15:30:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">7 TIPS TO LOWER YOUR STRESS </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 22, 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/motivation">motivation</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/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Kimberly Stevens, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Marketing Coach</em></span></p> <p>Dealing with the everyday challenges of running your own business can result in high stress levels. In order to keep yourself and your business healthy, you should always be actively trying to reduce your stress. Here are some ways you can keep your cool as you operate your business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Figure out what’s stressing you. </span><br /> The first step in treating your stress is identifying what’s making you feel overwhelmed. Take a step back and look at everything you have to deal with in a day. Make a note of everything that makes you feel like you’re stretched thin. Knowing what’s causing your stress will help you develop better techniques to deal with it. You might even start to feel more relaxed just by pinpointing your stressors.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Build a more solid schedule. </span><br /> It may be easier said than done to create a concrete schedule as an entrepreneur. You could have a client schedule a meeting last minute or maybe that “quick” project ends up taking longer than you thought. While you can’t predict the unexpected, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/foolproof-tips-for-keeping-your-small-business-organized">developing a schedule</a> around your typical day will help manage your stress. If you find it hard to nail down a daily work routine, try to plan day by day. This will give you a better idea of what you need to accomplish and limit the amount of surprises you deal with.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Find what’s working for you. </span><br /> Always feeling like you’re not doing enough can be a big contributor to your stress. <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/navigating-difficult-times-in-your-business">Maybe you’ve had a string of bad business luck</a> recently, and that’s made you frustrated. Don’t worry— a lot of business owners have been in the same boat as you. But focusing on the negatives all the time can hinder your growth. As you make a list of what isn’t working, make a list of what is. Counting your wins will reveal that things may be going better than you thought and allow you to take a deep breath and relax.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take a break. </span><br /> Stepping away for a bit as a small business owner is incredibly hard to do. If you’re not working, chances are you’re not making money. However, focusing your energy on something that isn’t working might be costing you money as well. Taking even a short break from your business will allow you to refocus and refresh. Getting burned out is not uncommon and is one of the main reasons entrepreneurs fail. You don’t need a months-long vacation, just <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/why-downtime-can-benefit-you-and-your-business">a day or two away from the hecticness of work</a> will make you a better owner.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t try to do everything. </span><br /> Similar to taking time away, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/too-many-red-flags-when-to-turn-down-a-questionable-client">saying “no” to clients</a> as a business owner isn’t easy. You want positive referrals to keep growing and sometimes that comes at the cost of your own time. Taking on more than you can handle will result in your overall quality of work slipping. Know when you’re spreading yourself too thin and step away. <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-hire-employees-and-help-them-succeed1">If you have a team</a>, spreading the work around will keep business coming in while lightening your load.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Have someone to fall back on. </span><br /> Feeling like you’re navigating the business world by yourself is definitely stressful. To combat this, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/the-benefits-of-a-strong-support-system-in-business">build out your own support system</a>. A support system will help you feel more connected and allow you to discuss your business with someone. It can be your friends and family, or fellow business owners in your industry or community. Whomever you choose for your group, they should help motivate you.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Adjust your own mindset. </span><br /> Your own outlook at the current situation is perhaps the biggest stressor. It’s easy to get down on yourself or panic when you aren’t doing as well as you think you should. Keeping a positive mental outlook will turn down your stress levels. <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/building-self-confidence-to-better-your-business">Start by building confidence in yourself</a> and form the belief that you can accomplish your goals. Practice this daily, and you’ll soon retrain your brain!</p> <p>As an NPI or GPI franchisee, you get unlimited access to our full-time Marketing & Business Coach Kimberly Stevens. <a href="mailto:kimberly.stevens@npiweb.com">Contact Coach Kimberly</a> for more lifestyle and entrepreneur tips to improve your business skills!</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> 1361Properly Incentivizing Your Employees for Growthhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1354/properly-incentivizing-your-employees-for-growthBusiness TipsTue, 01 Mar 2022 16:53:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">PROPERLY INCENTIVIZING YOUR EMPLOYEES FOR GROWTH </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> March 1, 2022 | <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/hiring">hiring</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/training">training</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></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By David Stamper, <em>NPI, Inc.'s President & CFO</em></span></p> <p>Your employees are the most valuable asset you have for your business. And the more motivated they are, the more productive they’ll be to help grow your business. Here are some ways you can incentivize your employees.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Why Incentivizing is Important </span><br /> Properly rewarding your employees for their hard work is important for a number of reasons. First, it makes them feel like they are a valued member of the company. Employees that feel they are needed are more likely to contribute. That willingness to contribute also leads to better teamwork and collaboration. Overall, there’s sure to be a boost in morale when your employees feel as if they’re valued members of the team.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pay Benefits </span><br /> Money is a common incentive most business owners use. It can motivate both newer and longer tenured employees. You of course want to give adequate bonuses based on how long an employee has worked for you, quality of work, and likelihood they’ll stay with you. You can use either a one-time bonus or bump their salary permanently. If you can afford it, doing these annually will further motivate employees.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Vacation Time </span><br /> As much as we may love our job, it’s nice to take a few days off periodically to recharge. Offering additional days off on top of your standard vacation time says that you recognize an employee that’s gone above and beyond. Employees that take time off are reported to be happier and more effective in the workplace. (You may even find taking more time off yourself will make you a better leader!)</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Awards and Recognitions </span><br /> Employee of the month photos and gold watches are a bit antiquated, but public recognition is still very important. Being praised in front of their peers shows your workers that they’re a valued member and you appreciate all they do. You can also show your appreciation by taking them to a one-on-one dinner or other outing. Adding a personalized note thanking them for their work along with an award is sure to show your gratitude.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Training</span><br /> Chances are your employees work for you because they have an interest in the industry. One way you can incentivize them is by further teaching them about your business. You might work with them personally, pay for continuing education classes or certifications, or send them on business retreats. They’ll gain invaluable knowledge that can serve them in the future.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Miscellaneous Gifts </span><br /> Along with incentives based around your business, fun gifts also give your employees something to work for. They can be anything from tickets to a game, gift cards to their favorite store, or anything else you think they’d enjoy. You can also let the employee choose what they want for a gift so they’ll be sure to enjoy it.</p> <p>Your employees do a lot to keep your business running, and it’s only right they be recognized for it. Taking the time to say thank you will further motivate them to keep doing a good job!</p> <p><em>For more advice on managing employees, reach out to the home office staff at 800-333-9807.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/david-05.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <div class="col-sm-9"><span class="emphasis-secondary" style="font-size: 130%">About the Author</span><br /> <span class="emphasis-primary">David Stamper, <em>President & CFO</em></span><br /> NPI Inc.'s President and Chief Financial Officer David Stamper holds a B.S. in Accounting and Mathematics from Buena Vista University and currently manages day-to-day business activities, performs the company’s accounting functions, coordinates software development and assists with long-term planning. In addition to his management duties, David also helps train and mentor new franchisees and provides business management support for current franchise owners.</div> </div> 1354The Hidden Benefits of Starting Your Own Businesshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1351/the-hidden-benefits-of-starting-your-own-businessBusiness Tips,FranchiseTue, 22 Feb 2022 15:14:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> February 22, 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/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/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/networking">networking</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>There are many clear incentives to starting your own business. More free time, no pressure from a boss, and being able to make more money are just a few of the benefits that attract people the most. But there are other pros to venturing out on your own as well. Here are some of the added benefits to running your own business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Build your own self confidence. </span><br /> You may find that as you start to grow your business, you’ll also start growing as a person. You’ll have to break out of your comfort zone a bit and strengthen your belief in your own abilities. It’s easy to doubt if you’ll be successful, but the more you improve, the bigger boost you’ll give yourself. Soon you might notice that speaking to new people or trying new strategies isn’t as scary as before. Your clients will also notice how confident you are, and they’ll be impressed by it!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Make new connections. </span><br /> Going on your own sometimes means leaving your old social circles. But that’s not always a bad thing. Soon, you’ll start meeting new people, whether they be clients or fellow business owners. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/the-benefits-of-a-strong-support-system-in-business">Building a strong support system</a> has been shown to make people more successful compared to those who fly solo. You’ll gain new insight and advice on the best ways to keep moving forward and sustain your success. You can end up making new friendships that’ll last a lifetime!</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Inspire those around you. </span><br /> Within the new groups that you join and even to some of your old ones, you might become someone people look up to. Carving your own path isn’t easy, and your fellow entrepreneurs are sure to recognize this. Your family and friends may also start to notice the dedication you’ve put towards your business and how well it’s paid off for you. It could inspire them to go after something they’ve been wanting to do for a long time, too. Being a role model for others is another way to build your own confidence.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Help your community. </span><br /> A small business does more than just benefit you as an owner. You also help by investing back into your community. You support other local businesses when you partner up with them. You can also help create an employment opportunity for others interested in your industry.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Work with your family. </span><br /> Not only do you get to spend more of your time with your loved ones, but you also have the opportunity to involve them with your business! <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/tips-for-running-a-successful-family-business">Working with your family</a> can be very beneficial since they act as your built-in support group. You don’t have to spend time searching for employees that may not end up being the right fit. And when the time comes for you to retire, you have the option to pass your business on to your family members.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Discover a hidden passion. </span><br /> Going in a new direction may reveal a passion that you never noticed before. You’ll become more motivated and of course, happier. When you hit hard times in your business, having your family by your side can help push you forward.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Request Your Free Info Kit Today </span><br /> At NPI, we’re continuously aiming to improve our offerings and extend the catalog of services we provide to our existing franchisees. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npifranchise.com/learn-more">Request your free information kit today</a> and get one step closer to being your own boss as a National Property Inspections franchise owner!</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> 1351Stop Yourself from Getting Distracted in Businesshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1256/stop-yourself-from-getting-distracted-in-businessBusiness TipsTue, 29 Jun 2021 14:01:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">STOP YOURSELF FROM GETTING DISTRACTED IN BUSINESS</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 29, 2021 | <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/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/time-management">time management</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Adam Kiesel, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Digital Marketing Assistant</em></span></p> <p>One main benefit of becoming a small business owner is breaking free of the typical corporate structure. You set your own hours, make the important decisions, and continuously choose which direction you’ll head in next. However, these benefits can also quickly become challenges. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to get sidetracked and feel as though you’re stagnating. Focus on what really matters with these tips:</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Begin by recognizing the distractions. </span><br /> First, you have to recognize what’s taking up your time. While you’re going about your day, try to be more aware of what you’re doing and where your thoughts tend to take you. You might be surprised about the things that tend to steal your energy and attention. From scrolling through your phone to speculating about the reason for an unreturned email, there’s always something readily available to distract us from a goal. If you need to, write these down, along with how long or how often you tend to do them. Then be sure to note which of these is something you personally have control over. For example, you can limit mindless scrolling, but you can’t control whether someone gets back to you in a timely manner or not, just your own thought patterns related to their behavior.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Don’t compare your business to others. </span><br /> A mistake that new business owners make is shifting the focus from their business to a competitor’s. It’s important to <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/why-its-smart-to-keep-an-eye-on-your-competition">know the difference</a> between learning from a successful competitor and thinking you won’t be able to achieve the same. Don’t simply use their success to highlight your own setbacks. Find the right balance and soon you’ll notice a change in how you approach running your business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Know when you’re being purposeful and when you’re operating on autopilot. </span><br /> Generally speaking, routines are a good thing. In fact, the word, “routine,” probably first brings to mind a morning regimen, workout schedule, or report-writing approach. However, it’s important to keep in mind that routines can arise around not-so-healthy situations as well, especially when it comes to thought patterns and reactions. If you’re a non-confrontational person whose autopilot behavior is avoiding a potentially unpleasant interaction, make the purposeful decision to address it head-on instead. Let’s say an agent stands you up for a meeting over coffee and you unexpectedly run into them at an open house just a week later. Instead of assuming you’ve lost your chance with them already and heading right back out the door, go up to them and let them know you missed them. This is a purposeful behavior that cuts your autopilot reaction off at the pass, and it also happens to be the one course of action that could net you that meeting in the end.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Set and follow working hours. </span><br /> Working independently means that you are in control of your time. You get to decide when you want to start and end your day, and even your work week. Creating a work schedule is the easy part, but sticking to it is where you can run into issues. You more than likely will start off working in a home office as you build your business. Not having a physical separation between your work and home can cause you to blur the lines mentally. You can easily become distracted by family, maintenance tasks, or the allure of relaxing on the couch. Even if you don’t have a home office, try to find a secluded place where you can devote your full attention to business.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Take a break when you need to. </span><br /> As previously mentioned, burnout is one of the main reasons that small businesses quickly fail. While you should work hard during your set business hours, it’s perfectly fine to step back every so often. Taking a small break during the day lets your brain reset so that you can refocus yourself. You’ll be more aware of what you’re doing, letting you identify distractions easier. Get up from the desk for a couple minutes, grab something to eat or drink, stretch or do whatever else you need to wake back up. Remember to track your breaks, ensuring that you’re still making the most out of your day.</p> <p> </p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-3"><img src="https://npifranchise.com/Portals/npicorp2/Assets/Blog/adam-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">Adam Kiesel, <em>Digital Marketing Assistant</em></span><br /> Adam's responsibilities on the NPI, Inc. Marketing Team include content creation for our websites, blogs and social media accounts. He also works on informational items to be sent to current and prospective franchisees. Adam joined the staff at NPI in 2020.</div> </div> 1256Making Your Business Stand Out Against a Large Competitorhttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1244/making-your-business-stand-out-against-a-large-competitorBusiness Tips,MarketingTue, 01 Jun 2021 16:32:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">MAKING YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT AGAINST A LARGE COMPETITOR</span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> June 1, 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/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/motivation">motivation</a></p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">By Bill Erickson, <em>NPI, Inc.'s Executive Vice President</em></span></p> <p>As a small business owner, you’ll be going up against competition of all sizes as you work to grow and achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself. While you might have the confidence that you can take on companies closer to your size, it can be intimidating to try and tackle a larger, more established firm. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from the challenge completely. Here’s what you can do to take on the “giants” in your industry.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Get Your Name Out </span><br /> An easy way that you can get started with growing your business is getting your name out to as many potential clients as you can. Attend open houses, stop by real estate offices, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/4-quick-tips-for-making-the-most-of-small-business-social-media">work your social media profiles</a>, and give out fliers or business cards advertising your name and company. For instance, a great way to spread the word about your new franchise is to attend community events. You’ll make lots of new connections and people will get to know you on a more personable level. Putting a face to your name helps break the ice with clients so that they’ll be more likely to remember you.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Give the Best Customer Service </span><br /> Once you’ve built up a strong network of potential clients, the challenge then becomes working to keep them coming back to you. Giving a wide range of services at the best value is only one part to creating return customers. In addition to what you offer, customers remember how you treat them. One negative experience could be cause enough for them to look somewhere else for their needs. Remember to treat everyone as an individual and not just another paycheck.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Build Your Reputation </span><br /> In addition to giving great customer service, you need to start tracking the responses you get from clients. Word of mouth is one way to reach more customers, but <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-online-reputation-management">online reviews</a> go one step further. People can rate your business and comment on what they like or dislike about it. When someone searches up your business, they’ll easily be able to see what they can expect working with you. Work to gather as many reviews as you can to help build your reputation, and draw in more clients.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Be Efficient </span><br /> The most valuable asset to anyone is their time, and time efficiency is something you’ll need to balance as an entrepreneur. You can catapult yourself to the front by offering quicker turnaround times to your customers than maybe your competition can. Customers will notice how you value them and remember that when considering working with you later. But it’s important to note the difference between efficiency and rushing. If you go too fast, it can lead to errors and overall sloppy work. Your customers won't care how fast you completed a job, only that you got it incorrect. Develop a working rhythm in your business to increase your productivity.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Duplicate Yourself </span><br /> One attraction of larger businesses is the size of their staff. They’re able to handle more accounts and deal with issues customers may have. You definitely don’t need a large staff, but simply adding a few workers can give you a boost. <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/how-to-hire-employees-and-help-them-succeed1">Look for employees</a> that have ambition, are responsible, and are easily coachable. They’ll understand your goals and want to help you and your business succeed. Duplicating your values in another worker will cut down on variations in your service, giving your customers the peace of mind that they know what they’re getting.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Have Confidence </span><br /> Above all, being confident in yourself that you can compete with large companies is half the battle. It may be slow going at first, but believing in yourself and staying consistent will get you the momentum you need. Continually push yourself each day, and you’ll start to take off before you know it!</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="emphasis-primary">Interested in starting your own NPI franchise? Contact us today. </span><br /> National Property Inspections has the tools to help you succeed in the property inspection business. Give us a call today at 402-333-9807 to learn more!</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> 1244Building Self-Confidence to Better Your Businesshttps://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/PostId/1227/building-self-confidence-to-better-your-businessBusiness Tips,MarketingTue, 20 Apr 2021 17:58:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1;">BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE TO BETTER YOUR BUSINESS </span></strong></span><br /> <em class="fa fa-calendar"></em> April 20, 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/motivation">motivation</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/business-growth">business growth</a>, <a href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/Tag/entrepreneur">entrepreneur</a></p> <p>“Confidence is key.” This is a phrase often quoted by the best in their field, from star athletes to business leaders. Reaching your goals often starts by forming a strong mental fortitude and believing you can accomplish anything. Yet if you tend to be more reserved and always second-guess yourself, it’s hard to develop that confidence.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Recognize what makes you worried. </span><br /> To instill confidence in yourself, you have to start by recognizing what makes you nervous. It could be trying out a new marketing approach, performing an inspection for a new client that could lead to future referrals, or simply getting your feet wet as a rookie business owner. Situations like these are definitely stressful and can cause you to freeze up, debating with yourself what direction to go. If this happens to you frequently, then it’s time to work on bettering your mentality to charge ahead. Identify the situations that make you feel uneasy and what worries you the most.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Control what you can control. </span><br /> The fear of the unknown is something that everyone will experience at least once in their lifetime. Intimidation about making the wrong move can cause you to not make a move at all. The best thing that you can do to overcome this feeling is to focus on the things that you have control over. This way you’ll build that sense of empowerment that you’re in the driver’s seat of your own fate. Work on the little things day by day and you’ll soon feel less stressed about what lies ahead for you. No one can completely control what the future holds, but using this trick won’t make it seem so daunting.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Use setbacks as teaching moments. </span><br /> Sometimes learning things the hard way can be the best way, though it can be slightly frustrating. It’s easy to let a setback anger you and dwell on it for far too long, but that’ll only hurt you in the long run. Take a step back during moments like these and think to yourself how you can use it to your advantage. Over time you’ll become less stressed about coming up short and you’ll boost your confidence. You’ll learn what works and what doesn’t for your business to avoid sitting on a decision for too long.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Trust your knowledge and training. </span><br /> As a home inspector, you’ve had to undergo hours of technical training. Combining this training with your real-world experience can build belief in your ability to complete any task. Even in new situations, you might be able to find parallels to something that you’ve done before. Don’t become overwhelmed when you find yourself in uncharted waters. Take a moment to recall your training and use it as your safety net. A tip to remember: always keep up with your education and <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/the-benefits-of-a-strong-support-system-in-business">don’t hesitate to ask for help</a> to make you a more confident and effective business owner.</p> <p><span class="emphasis-secondary">Pat yourself on the back. </span><br /> There’s no better feeling than tackling a problem that seemed impossible at the start. That sense of accomplishment you get is hard to contain-- so don’t! Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn every once in a while. Pumping yourself up can supercharge your self-confidence and take down those mental barriers you had built up for so long. Whether it’s a monetary goal, landing a big client, or anything else you have set for yourself, <a class="color-secondary" href="https://npifranchise.com/Blog/Posts/importance-of-celebrating-business-milestones">set aside time to celebrate</a>.</p> <p><em>If you’re interested in starting your own NPI franchise, you can request a free, no-obligation info packet at <a class="color-secondary" href="https://www.npifranchise.com/">npifranchise.com</a>.</em></p> 1227