Tag: entrepreneur

Too Many Red Flags? When to Turn Down a Questionable Client

November 23, 2021

Being a small business owner, it’s important to build a large referral base to avoid stalling out. However, sometimes you’ll have to weed out certain customers that have become a hindrance. It can be hard to turn someone down, especially if you’re new to the industry, but it’s something every business owner has dealt with. Here are some early warning signs that you may think twice about signing on with a customer. They don’t communicate well or at all. You can tell a lot about a person based on their communication style, and it won’t take long to figure them out. It’s usually easier to get an understanding of someone over the phone than it is through text or email. You’ll be able to detect certain tones they use with you and how they’ll treat you should you work together. But even digital conversations can raise some red flags. If they take forever to respond to calls or emails, expect immediate responses from you, or try to reach you at inappropriate times, they might have unrealistic expectations of you. While you want your customers to feel like a priority, it shouldn’t come at the expense of other relationships. They want

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

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

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

FAQ’s About Starting an NPI Franchise

August 3, 2021

By Celeste Black-Harr, NPI, Inc.’s Recruitment Coordinator If you want to become your own boss and take control of your schedule, starting a home inspection franchise could be for you! As a franchisee with National Property Inspections, Inc., you get to run your business how you want and join the entrepreneur sector. But you might have some questions before you begin. “Do I need a construction or technical background?” A common misconception about becoming a home inspector is that you already need years of training and experience in the industry before you can start. However, you don’t have to already be a professional to join! When you become part of the NPI team, we give you the training and knowledge you need to be a successful inspector. Our extensive, hands-on training covers the essentials to give you confidence as an inspector and business owner. And your education doesn’t end when you leave training! “How can I pay for a franchise?” There are several options you have when it comes to financing your NPI franchise. Traditional bank loans are a great place to start, and are relatively easy to apply for. The Small Business Loan Program or SBA in the U.S.

The Millennial Effect: How a Generation is Shaping Commercial Real Estate

July 20, 2021

Throughout the history of commercial real estate, each new workforce cycle has left their mark. Office designs have evolved to meet the needs of workers and help them be successful. Now, Millennials are showcasing their influence and developers are overhauling spaces to follow along. The Millennial Workforce is Big Almost 50 percent of the world’s workers are part of the Millennial generation. Because of this, they’ve been the vocal majority on building designs from offices to multifamily properties. Their uniqueness is often reflected in commercial construction and grows as they do. That means the developers that don’t keep up, are likely left in the dust. So what are some of the features that Millennials have to have in their office buildings? Leaving Behind a Small Impact Environmental change is one of, if not the most important, causes among Millennials. They’re always looking for ways that they can cut energy consumption and try to improve the earth as much as they can. Around half of Millennials are more likely to go with a company that actively works to reduce its carbon footprint. Both inside and outside, there are ways to make your younger tenants–and the environment–happy. Changing out older lights and

When and How to Part Ways with an Employee

May 25, 2021

By David Stamper, NPI, Inc.’s President & CFO As a business owner, you’ll be faced with making tough calls almost every day. Perhaps one of the most challenging of these is having to let an employee go. It’s difficult, and oftentimes uncomfortable to deal with, but it’s a choice that you’re forced to make for the betterment of your business. There could be any number of reasons you have to let someone go from quality of work to personal problems. So how should you go about parting ways with an employee? EvaluationBefore you make a final decision, you should review the employee’s past work and reports. You can also refer to any comments from other employees and even customers to hear secondary opinions and identify any common problems. You might find that the issues started recently and aren’t an overall indicator of their temperament or their work performance. If you find that work has only been slipping recently, it might be more appropriate to speak with an employee directly. There could be some underlying personal issue that’s impacting their work. It’s always best to get your facts straight and then take the next step. Collect Relevant Documents To protect yourself

How Should You Handle Price Shoppers?

May 4, 2021

By Roland Bates, NPI, Inc.’s Founder & CEO Everyone loves to save money where they can. We clip coupons, pinch pennies, and always keep an eye out for a great deal. As a business owner, you’ll more than likely deal with this situation regularly. At first it can be a bit of an annoyance, but as you encounter it more, it turns into frustration. It’s hard to find the right balance between helping clients out and completely undercutting your business. So how should you deal with super savers in your industry? Don’t completely shut them off at first. While you can definitely walk away from a deal that isn’t in your best interest, don’t turn away shoppers right away. Success as a home inspector relies largely on how you treat longtime and prospective clients. Being too brash can give you a negative reputation that could make future clients look somewhere else. Although you may be dealing with your umpteenth price shopper of the day, repeating the same information, it could be their first time speaking directly with an inspector. Keep them talking to understand what their situation is and what they’re looking for. Even if you don’t reach an agreement,

Beating Burnout: Tips to Keep Your Head Above Water for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Workaholics

September 5, 2023

By Kimberly Stevens, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing & Business Coach 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. 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. 1. Reevaluate Your Daily ScheduleA 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. Having a strong sense of ownership in the

NPI Welcomes 12 New Franchise Owners in the First Half of 2023

August 22, 2023

National Property Inspections (NPI), home and commercial property inspection franchisor, is proud to announce the addition of 12 new franchises to their roster since the beginning of the year. Delivering comprehensive property inspections, NPI has a reputation for helping clients make informed investment decisions for over 35 years. With the addition of these new franchises, more customers in the United States will have access to reliable and thorough property inspection services. We’re pleased to welcome the following franchises who will be representing our brands in their local area: “We are thrilled to welcome these new franchises to the NPI family,” said David Stamper, President of National Property Inspections, Inc. “It’s exciting that they will bring our company’s brand, values, and quality inspections to new areas. Having worked closely with all our new franchise owners, I know they’re a great group of people who are driven to succeed. I look forward to watching them grow and reach their personal goals.” Stamper added, “We are excited to see our franchise network continue to grow. Our franchises offer a comprehensive suite of inspection services, including home inspections, commercial property inspections, and specialty services such as radon and mold testing. We look forward to

11 States Taking Action Against Radon

August 15, 2023

By Jon McCreath, NPI, Inc.’s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator Each year, more and more people are becoming aware of the threat that radon poses to families and homeowners. The World Health Organization, along with the most prominent national and international health agencies, have been appropriately banging the drum to increase broad awareness of the odorless, colorless gas (which is now the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, per the CDC). Even in states where radon’s presence is not as prevalent, experts are advising that the gas’ concentration can vary even from house to house. For home inspectors that have not yet invested in radon testing as an outlet for diversification, signs are pointing towards a higher emphasis on the importance of knowing your home’s radon levels. While radon testing can be a valuable service offering anywhere, here are a few regions of particular interest. High Presence in the Midwest and PlainsRadon levels are recorded in the units of “picocuries” per liter (written as pCi/L), perhaps better understood as one-trillionth “curies,” a unit created to measure radioactivity content named after Marie Curie. With radon entering homes through the breakdown of uranium gases in ground soil, the World

An Average Day In The Life Of A Home Inspector

August 1, 2023

By Jon McCreath, NPI, Inc.’s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator There are many aspects of the home inspection industry that draw people into the profession. Entrepreneurs love the opportunity to become their own boss, others will be drawn to the flexibility inherent in the job, and still others are drawn to the unique technologies that are constantly innovating the industry. Professionals transition into the industry every year, but many do so without having a full picture of what life will be like as a home inspector. For those who are interested in making a career change, the best way to start off is by shadowing an active home inspector for a day or two to get a better feel of the lifestyle and nature of work. However, it can be understandably difficult to find someone willing and ready to train potential future competition for themselves. So, to bridge the experience gap, here is a breakdown of what an average day as a home inspector can look like. Disclaimer: Home Inspectors have an inherently flexible job that can be shaped to fit many different lifestyles and preferences. The described daily schedule in this article describes only one home inspector’s experience after

5 Common Interview Answers That Are Red Flags For Hiring Managers

July 25, 2023

By Kimberly Stevens, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing & Business Coach One skill that can be difficult to develop for small business owners is how to recognize red flags when they show up. Red flag interview answers aren’t just bad answers, they are the types of responses that should alert hiring managers that it might be time to move on to the next candidate altogether. All hires are important for small businesses, but nailing those early hires is pivotal when it comes to long-term success. This is why good business owners place so much focus on their early interviews. Entrepreneurs likely don’t have extensive experience with interviewing prior to starting their own businesses, so they often can’t reflect on the early warning signs of lousy employee behavior. While candidates who have a talent for answering interview questions aren’t necessarily always the best people for the job, there are some seemingly innocuous interview answers that should actually be major red flags for hiring managers. But First, A Few Thoughts On Delivery (A Message to Job Seekers)Interviews can, admittedly, feel intense, nerve-wracking, and anxiety-inducing. Although this might add even more pressure onto job seekers, there are a few behaviors related to anxiety that can

Standing Out From the Crowd with Content Marketing

July 18, 2023

By Michael Trimble, NPI, Inc.’s Content Marketing Coordinator Converting leads into actual customers can feel like an uphill battle at times. Business owners are tasked with finding an audience who might use their services, explaining why their service is relevant to that audience’s needs, and then providing enough evidence to prove that their services are more worth their audience’s time and money than the competition’s. Navigating all of these hurdles as one person is daunting, but owners should know that there is a workable solution. Content marketing is the life-blood for every business’ online activity, and more often than not, entrepreneurs that don’t have a good handle on their content marketing tend to have trouble engaging their clients. This is no reason to be intimidated, however. Small business owners have the opportunity to learn the gist of developing a content marketing plan in no time. But first, let’s discuss a few essentials. What is Content Marketing?Every social media post, blog article, infographic, and video tutorial released by a business is a form of content marketing. While content marketing can come in many, many different forms, they all have a shared intention to ultimately promote the use of a business’ products

Conducting Great Interviews as a Small Business Owner

June 27, 2023

By Kimberly Stevens, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing & Business Coach Starting a business is a remarkable accomplishment in itself, but making that first hire might be the most important part of a small business’s track for growth. The amount of time and effort that goes into a brand new hire is considerable, and costs incurred when it goes wrong can feel like a gut punch. But these mistakes can be avoided! Business owners who invest into their interviewing skills can discover potential issues far in advance, and determine which candidates have the perfect complementary skill set they’re looking for. The right candidate will feel like the missing puzzle piece for your business. To identify these partnerships with expertise, there are three important questions to answer during an interview. Does the Candidate Fit the Position?The first determination that a good interviewer needs to uncover is, of course, whether the candidate would have the ability to do the job for which they are applying. Candidates usually come to the table with varied experiences, and often their work history won’t include the exact position that they are applying for. This is where strong preparation from the interviewer comes in. Drilling the position down to