Category: Business Tips

Elevator Pitches: Marketing Yourself in an Instant

November 17, 2020

By Kimberly Stevens, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing Coach Elevator pitches help business owners provide service highlights in a quick, precise manner, which is perfect for today’s fast-paced flow of information. Whether you’re new to the elevator pitch or just need a refresher, here are some tips for crafting one like a pro. Purpose of an Elevator Pitch The main purpose of an elevator pitch is to grab the attention of prospective clients on the fly. You can use it at the coffee shop, at trade shows or anywhere else where you want to reach more people in less time. Ideally, you want to make your pitch last between 30-60 seconds (around the length of an elevator ride). If you run too long, you’ll lose interest. If you undershoot it, your audience may leave with more questions than answers. Content of Your Pitch The most difficult part of creating an elevator pitch is trying to “trim the fat” in your conversation. You want to be able to cover all the information you need, without feeling as though you’re cramming it together. Some important items to remember when creating your speech are: Ending with a call to action is crucial for engaging the

Eliminating Excuses to Succeed in Business

November 10, 2020

By Adam Kiesel, NPI, Inc.’s Digital Marketing Assistant Stumbles and setbacks are a natural part of business, and everyone will experience them at some point. However, sometimes these failures can dictate future business interactions and expansion plans. The good news is that there are ways for you to overcome your own excuses and achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself. The Impact of Excuses Excuses are essentially mental roadblocks that knock you off of your set course, both in life and in your business. They can stem from either negative past experiences, or the fear of a possible future outcome from a decision made now. No matter where they come from, excuses have a negative impact on your development. Big or small, they could keep you living in a state of fear forever if you don’t acknowledge and try to overcome them. Here are a few common excuses that business owners find themselves using, as well as solutions to prevent feeling “stuck.” “I don’t have the time now.” Not having the extra time to work on new projects is something many new business owners lament at one point or another. While it’s good to stay busy with your work, you

Integrating Google Posts on Your GMB Listing

October 27, 2020

By Zach Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s SEO & Marketing Specialist Your Google My Business listing plays a key role in growing your business, and it’s important to know how to get the most out of it. There are many nuances with a GMB listing, but knowing each aspect will help with converting clicks to clients. One underused feature that Google offers for listings is the “Posts” section. What the Post Feature Does Integrating the Google Posts feature on your listing gives you a more well-rounded business profile. Along with linking to your web page and providing updated hours, posting on your GMB lets clients know what you’re up to. They get a better understanding of the work that you do by seeing it come directly from you. Being able to communicate effectively through Posts acts as an ice-breaker between you and a customer before you even meet. Google Posts + SEO You’ve probably heard how Search Engine Optimization (SEO) contributes to customers finding your business through Google Search. Having the Posts feature enabled on your listing will increase traffic to your site and boost your SEO ranking. Google likes to “reward” those that are active on the site, and posts is

Going Virtual: Why Many are Buying Homes “Blind”

October 21, 2020

By Adam Kiesel, NPI, Inc.’s Digital Marketing Assistant Over the past year, inspectors have adjusted their processes to help ensure client safety and peace of mind. Wearing personal protective equipment and bringing disinfectants to inspections have become commonplace. In addition to precautions taken throughout the inspection process, social distancing measures may still sometimes prevent many agents and clients from opting for an in-person walkthrough to go over report findings. So what does this mean for the future of inspections and how they’re conducted? Read on to learn more. COVID Has Altered BuyingBetween 10-20 percent of Americans under 30 have moved or know someone who has since the pandemic began, either as a direct result of it or due to other circumstances. The housing market remains competitive in many regions, with buyers acting quickly to take advantage of low interest rates. This means that the window of time between the inspection and closing has continued to tighten. More and more employees are also moving to a permanent work-from-home setup, giving them location flexibility. Oftentimes, in this situation, buyers are unable to travel long distances to see a home in person, forcing them to buy “blind.” For inspectors, this makes proper photo

Practicing Proper “Netiquette” in Your Business

October 13, 2020

By Zach Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing SEO & Marketing Specialist Meeting with clients either in-person or digitally is a large part of your daily operations. Now more than ever before, business owners are learning the importance of video conferencing to stay connected. However, there are obvious differences between speaking directly to someone and looking at a computer or phone screen. Here are a few tips for keeping a clear line of communication. Speak Clearly Just like talking to someone face-to-face, speaking clearly through electronic correspondence such as text or email is important. Remember proper sentence structure, and of course correct punctuation. Run-on sentences and random capitalization make it hard to digest what you’re talking about. Although you may not mean to, this can frustrate a customer that’s unable to decipher your message. Before you hit that send button, read over things one last time to catch and correct any errors. Adjust to Your Audience As an inspector, you want to give your clients the best customer service experience possible. That means working to find a solution to their current problems. While your explanation may make sense to you, your clients could be confused. Technical phrasing and wordy emails may find

Importance of Celebrating Business Milestones

October 6, 2020

By David Stamper, NPI, Inc.’s President & CFO Setting and reaching goals are a meaningful part of running a business. Whether they’re days, weeks or even years from now, it’s important to take some time to stop and reflect on your achievements. Although life and business can get hectic, don’t let your milestones simply fade into the background. Why Should You Celebrate? It doesn’t matter if you have a large celebration or a small get together, the key is to take time to acknowledge your progress. Patting yourself on the back might not seem like a valuable part of business management, but it provides you with proof that you’re growing as a company. Some business owners may be shy to draw attention to themselves, but you’re doing something that not many people can say they’ve done. So what kinds of things could you/should you celebrate, and what’s the best way to? Business Anniversaries One easy to remember item you can celebrate is your business’s opening day anniversary. No matter the market or industry that you’re in, it can be difficult to sustain success over a long period of time. You can start out by doing monthly anniversaries and then do

Just a Number: Starting a Successful Franchise at Any Age

September 22, 2020

By Zach Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s SEO and Marketing Specialist Some common characteristics that come to mind when people imagine a successful startup owner are youthful, energetic and academically accomplished. Popular thinking dictates that once you’ve cemented yourself in a career that it’s too late to start something new. However, this evaluation couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need to be a 20-something prodigy to start a business. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of successful entrepreneurs don’t start their business in their early twenties. In fact, studies show that they’re far more likely to be in their early to mid-40s. Older entrepreneurs tend to enjoy a higher rate of success because they have life and career experience on their side. Chances are you yourself have had a few “learning experiences” that have better prepared you for venturing out on your own. What inspires someone older to start a business? A 2020 report by Guidant Financial shows that out of 3,000 small business owners surveyed, almost 87 percent were aged 40 and above. So what is causing the shift from corporate to entrepreneurship for people this age? The answer for most is the fear of letting life pass them

Finding the Right Space for Your Inspection Business

September 15, 2020

By Adam Kiesel, NPI, Inc.’s Digital Marketing Assistant The majority of inspectors just starting out have business operations set up at home to help cut down on overhead costs. But as your business expands and you take on new employees, it might make more sense to set up in a commercial office space that everyone can report to. Check out these tips for finding the right business space for your growing team. Location, Location, Location As you begin your search for a new office, brainstorm several different locations and how they might factor into your day-to-day business flow. You’ll likely find that you want to be based somewhere around the center of your territory for easy access to all your most frequently traveled areas. However, if rent happens to be especially high at the heart of your service area, you’ll likely need to crunch some numbers, namely the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance versus the difference in monthly rent. It’s also a good idea to consider the areas where longstanding employees are based and their proximity to your potential new space. Think of Employees’ Needs Along with keeping in mind the traveling distance for your employees, think of how

Why Downtime Can Benefit You and Your Business

September 8, 2020

By Stepha Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing Communications Specialist It’s no secret: running your own business can get hectic, especially during busy season. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the task of prioritizing all that needs completed each day, especially when so many things are equally important. Then, before you know it, despite your best efforts to stay ahead, you can quickly fall behind on work. So what can you do to help yourself not just accomplish necessary tasks, but exceed your own expectations? Schedule daily downtime. If you’re so focused on the daily grind that you literally need a downtime tutorial, we get it. And we have you covered. The Benefits of Pre-Planned Downtime While there are benefits to experiencing unexpected downtime, it can still be a headache to deal with. That is why having a pre-planned downtime is a better choice, so that you can prepare ahead of time. Daily downtime is a great way to keep you from expending all your energy, and helps you get through the day. You can refocus your attention on your business and you’ll feel more motivated. You’ll be able to get caught up on all those little projects you’ve been putting off,

Why it’s Smart to Keep an Eye on Your Competition

September 1, 2020

By Zach Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s SEO and Marketing Specialist There are countless ways to educate yourself as a business owner. With books, classes, online materials and networking groups, options abound for every busy schedule and personality type. One other important means of learning that doesn’t often get lumped in with the list above is studying your competition–and it may just be the most worthwhile of all. The insight you might gain just through the power of observation can help you avoid certain missteps and grow your business that much faster. Here’s what to look for when it comes to analyzing your competitors. Recognize the Good Without Ripping it Off We’ve all seen a business concept done exceptionally well and said to ourselves, “I wish I would have thought of that!” Remember, there are always new ways to put your own spin on an idea and make it entirely your own, if not even better. Never resort to copying another’s idea verbatim, but notice what you like and look ahead. How could your own business benefit from a stellar marketing campaign or a revamped inspection package? Rather than get stuck in an endless loop of comparing your business to a competitor,

Should You Use TikTok to Market Your Inspections?

October 12, 2021

By Stepha Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing Communications Specialist If you’re already active on social media or know someone who is, chances are that you’ve heard of the hit social media app TikTok. The video-sharing app boasts 689 million active users worldwide, and pulls in more than one billion video views a day. While it started out with a mainly younger audience, TikTok has attracted people from all different ages and industries. TikTok Fast Facts TikTok has been around for a little over five years, but it really started taking off in 2018. Users can upload videos ranging from a few seconds to three minutes about any topic they’d like. Whether you’re sharing your favorite recipe or your classic movie collection, eye-catching material can take off and reach thousands of other users. The main base of TikTok’s users are younger, mostly in the pre-teen to early twenties demographic. Average users can spend up to an hour on the app each day scrolling through content. In their Q4 in 2019, TikTok saw over 300 percent revenue growth as the billion-dollar company continues to expand. Real Estate and TikTok Because of TikTok’s rising popularity, many businesses are using it as another marketing tool.

Two Weeks’ Notice: Making the Leap from Employee to Business Owner

October 5, 2021

By Celeste Black-Harr, NPI, Inc.’s Recruitment Coordinator Going from your current job to starting your own NPI franchise is both an exciting and delicate process. If you’ve thought about making the leap to being your own boss, you may have a rough draft of your exit strategy already. But there are certain steps that you should include to make sure you cover all your bases before you leave. Here’s what you need to know. Begin to save money to supplement your income. In the months leading up to your departure, start setting aside funds in a business savings account. It’ll take a bit before your new business is fully up and running, and there’ll be some costs you’ll incur as well. You want to be sure that you’re covered and able to support yourself until your franchise becomes your main income source. Creating a budget and a billing schedule will help you save smarter. Figure out what you already spend on, what the essentials are, what you could possibly cut down on for a short time, and what’s left over to stretch your income even further. You should also discuss with your financial planner how you can save without putting

Allowing Clients on Inspections: A Do or Taboo?

September 28, 2021

By Jon McCreath, NPI, Inc.’s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator If you ask an inspector their thoughts on allowing clients to follow along on inspections, chances are that you’ll get one of two different answers. One camp will say that it’s necessary for clients to be present, while the other will argue that it can create more headaches for you. You might have even run into this conundrum yourself trying to decide where you stand on allowing visitors on inspections. So which route should you take? Weighing the Pros First, let’s start by taking a look at the benefits of allowing clients to tag along. Home inspectors can be criticized for their work because not everyone understands it. Sometimes a customer gets confused because of how an item is described in a report or you didn’t inspect something they think you should. Allowing a buyer to come with you on the job can help clarify the scope of your inspection. They’ll see what it is you do and how you do it, giving them the knowledge to better understand your final report. This can also help prevent allegations of you damaging the home during your inspection. Weighing the Cons Now

What Does It Take to Become a Young Entrepreneur?

September 21, 2021

By Sammi Marcellus, NPI, Inc.’s Recruitment Coordinator More and more, younger generations are breaking apart from the traditional workforce to go out on their own. Nearly 30 percent of millenials own a small business, and 20 percent of them rely on it as their main income source. Have you thought about venturing out on your own? Here are our best tips for young entrepreneurs. While entrepreneurship may be intimidating, it’s also extremely rewarding. Ask Yourself: What Do You Want? Before starting your own business, decide what you want to accomplish. Perhaps it’s getting more free time. Or you might not enjoy office life and sitting behind a desk all day. Maybe it’s simply the prospect of making more money. Whatever your reason, it’s important you have your goals figured out before you begin your business venture. Don’t Think You’re Too Young Like we mentioned earlier, more millenials and even Gen Zers are walking away from the office to do their own thing. But one phrase often uttered by doubters could hold you back: “You’re too young.” Don’t think of it as an obstacle, but rather an advantage! Some of the best success stories come from young business owners that utilized

What Your Marketing Team Offers

September 14, 2021

By Sydney Arp, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing Specialist & Designer As NPI and GPI franchisees, you have access to more resources and materials than your independently-owned competitors, and one of the best assets (we may be biased) is your very own dedicated marketing team. You don’t have to worry about vetting a company and spending thousands on questionable marketing tactics. You already have the qualified professionals you need in Omaha, and we are solely dedicated to your success. So, what exactly does your marketing team do for you? Custom ContentNo request is too big or too small! From digital pieces that you can post on social media to brochures or fliers that you can have locally printed, your NPI marketing team will bring your idea to life. Maybe you want to leave your customers something to remember you by and increase your referrals. A custom ‘Homeowner’s Booklet,’ complete with repair estimates, maintenance checklists, and review links, is a great added value! (Contact our team to see a sample booklet.) If you want to raise awareness about a giveaway you’re doing, some well-written copy and eye-catching graphics will get the job done. Your options are virtually endless, so don’t hesitate to reach

How Recording Inspections Could Help You

September 7, 2021

By Jon McCreath, NPI, Inc.’s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator When you think of the professions that utilize video cameras, home inspections might be far down on the list. Emergency services, loggers, and bartenders can be seen wearing cameras to record their shifts. Even cyclists and other motorists have found that cameras are useful, especially for insurance purposes. So, how do they make sense in the home inspection industry? Controlling Risk as Much as Possible There are different forms of risk you have to try and control as an inspector. Scammers, personal injury, and legal action are just a few of the common risks you might come across. Of course you can’t completely erase risk, but taking the right steps greatly lowers it. Making sure that you have the right insurance provider is just one step that goes a long way in protecting you. Now, inspectors are finding that recording inspections is helping in instances where further details are needed. Visuals in Report WritingThere’s no doubt that photos in a report are necessary to have. Whether it’s for your own notes or to point out a defect, they give a clearer picture of what’s going on. Maybe you’ve had to

2021’s Best Email Marketing Tips

August 31, 2021

By Stepha Vesper, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing Communications Specialist The first email blast may have been sent in 1978, but it’s still as important as ever to your 2021 marketing plan. This still-groovy medium just keeps evolving! Here are the top four trends for email marketing in 2021 that will carry us well into 2022. 1. Know When to Make it PersonalFor years, statistics have proven that emails with personalized subject lines and greetings tend to perform well. In fact, they’re roughly 26 percent more likely to be opened than non-personalized emails. But this year, marketers are upping the ante—hyper-personalized emails are becoming the new norm. And the good news is that you may already be sending them! Hyper-personalization relies on list segmentation to create smaller groups of contacts that have certain specific criteria in common. This could be location, behavior (such as having opened another email), office name, or purchase history. When you hyper-personalize, you’re not just inserting their first name, you’re looking to fulfill a specific need with a message that speaks directly to their situation. 2. Text-Only Emails Are Having a MomentThis trend is surprising! Text-only emails that contain hardly any imagery at all are gaining traction recently.

Demand for Commercial Inspectors Growing Rapidly

August 24, 2021

By Sammi Marcellus, NPI, Inc.’s Recruitment Coordinator Following the partial collapse of the Surfside condo in Florida, more attention than before has been on the safety of commercial buildings. Coastal states especially are keeping a close eye on miles of waterfront property, most of which is almost half a century old. Some of the newer buildings were built before the Great Recession and tend to have more errors due to being rushed. With the increase in commercial inspections and new inspection laws, the demand for commercial inspectors has grown as well. More buildings are exchanging hands. Covid-19 forced the commercial real estate sector to shift drastically. Many offices moved remotely, shopping centers downsized, and restaurants had to relocate in an effort to recoup financial losses. As restrictions have eased back and places open back up, many are trying to get back to life before. Similar to the housing market, commercial buildings are exchanging hands quickly. All of those buildings being bought and sold going unchecked has raised concerns about how protected the people living in them will be. Coastal hotspots reexamining inspection laws. The state of Florida requires buildings to be recertified every 40 years, but there’s been a push

Staying Covered: Choosing an Insurance Provider

August 17, 2021

By Bill Erickson, NPI, Inc.’s Executive Vice President With so many insurance plans and providers, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds when shopping for coverage for your business. On the surface they can seem almost identical, with “almost” being the operative word. But as you look closer at what each provider offers, you’ll notice differences in their claims process, payouts, and the extent of their coverage. Don’t Make a Million-Dollar Mistake Shocking statistic time: it’s estimated that nearly 40 percent of small business owners don’t have insurance! Having any coverage at all can help you avoid being a statistic. That said, it’s crucial to vet an insurance company before you commit. The smallest difference in coverage can result in paying out a mountain of cash in claims and legal fees. And in turn, inspecting before you get insurance or letting it lapse is also a major risk, as you’ll be subjecting yourself to hefty fines and possible lawsuits. While it can be overwhelming, try to think of insurance as your friend and not your enemy. Understand the Types of Insurance Along with the array of providers, there’s a variety of insurance policies as well. These are just a

That’s a Wrap! Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Marketing Success

August 10, 2021

By Sydney Arp, NPI, Inc.’s Designer and Marketing Specialist Vehicle advertising can generate between 30,000 and 80,000 impressions a day, and up to 95 percent of consumers tend to absorb vehicle messaging above other types of ads. That’s a lot of potential eyes on you! Now that you’re a traveling billboard for your business, you’ll want to make sure you get an eye-catching design that’ll resonate with potential clients long after the light turns green. So, what makes a highly effective vehicle wrap? A Clean, Uncluttered Design A clean design with cohesive elements is key to a successful truck wrap. We encourage you to get as creative as you like, but always remember that when it comes to vehicle signage, less is more. You should only include essential information, such as the NPI or GPI logo, your phone number, and your website. While not a hard and fast rule, it’s also never a bad idea to include imagery of a home so viewers understand you’re in the real estate industry with one quick glance. Since our logo clearly communicates that you’re a property inspector, it’s not necessary to include your full list of services. In fact, most inspectors keep it