By Kimberly Stevens, NPI, Inc.’s Marketing & Business Coach

Property inspectors come from all different backgrounds and walks of life. Whether they’re a veteran looking for a good way to apply their skills in a new chapter of their life or a tradesman interested in branching out into a new field, each inspector has their own take on how to make a successful business. However, one experience that ties so many of them together is that (at least when starting out) they’re likely going to be a one-man show.

Before business picks up, this might be a sustainable option. However, as owners simultaneously act as an inspector, a marketer, a networker, a graphic designer, and maybe even a web developer all at the same time, the realization will eventually set in. Maybe growth will be easier with a little help.

Note: Hiring for the first time is a choice that needs to be made very carefully since the wrong choice can be a major time sink and monetary loss. Analyze your data and financials, consult with your CPA or bookkeeper, and check with your business coach first if you have one. Determine whether you have enough cash flow and a steady stream of business to support a hire before pulling the trigger.

Finding the right match for your first hire can be incredibly tough, but there are some key traits and talents to look for, depending on your unique situation. Nailing that first addition to the team is an important step for growth, so let’s discuss who to look for, and specifically what will make that first hire great.

Marketers: To Bring You More Business

Inspectors tend to split their time early on between performing inspections, right writing reports, and doing the marketing they need to do in order to get those jobs in the first place. Hiring someone who can put their full attention into marketing can take this huge responsibility off an inspector’s plate, allowing them to focus on doing what likely brought them to the industry in the first place.

We’ve already discussed the top traits to look for in a marketer, but to summarize, marketers thrive in the inspection industry when they are outgoing, organized, and self-sufficient. People who love investing in new relationships and jump at new opportunities tend to shine in this in-person marketing role.

Finding someone who excels as a marketer is important because, while business owners will certainly start off as the “face” of the company, their lead marketer can often take on that role as well. Of course visiting real estate offices and open houses isn’t the only task that marketers can do to help an inspection business. Finding traction as a social media warrior on Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok can also have a powerful impact.

Note: Many inspectors wait too long to hire a marketer because they do not feel like they have enough business. With the right marketing specialist on your team, their efforts should bring in new jobs that will increase the business’ overall revenue and help pay for their time. NPI franchisees can lean on their business development coach to confirm when the time is right!

If possible, try to find a marketer that can come on part-time to start out, with the option to transition over to full-time hours as the business grows. Also, marketers in the property inspection industry should be comfortable interacting with women as 66% of all REALTORS are women according to the National Association of REALTORS. This is partially why so many marketers also tend to be women!

Inspector Helpers: To Boost Your Output

The best first hire could actually be an “inspector helper” instead!

For those unfamiliar with the term, an inspector helper is a position known throughout the industry that could be equated to an inspector’s assistant or inspector-in-training. These individuals are not licensed, usually with minimal to no experience in inspections, and their duties are limited to accompanying a lead inspector on-site, performing various tasks that improve efficiency.

These team members can start out as seasonal or part-time employees with the intention to transition into a full-time role, becoming appropriately licensed based on state requirements (see more about your state’s licensing requirements over at ISN). This may be a smart first hire for owners who enjoy the marketing and networking activities enough that they are interested in transitioning over to that role full-time.

Entrepreneurs with vision and an interest in reaching long-term goals often opt for this direction in their first hire so that they can personally train their future lead inspector, then own the networking and business development position themselves. With the right personality and skill set, this route can be the perfect pathway to success for a growing home inspection business.

Office Managers: To Refine Your Processes

Now that we’ve discussed the two potential first hires that can bring more business to a property inspection company and boost efficiency, let’s discuss how to build the team further! While an office manager would be an unwise first hire in the vast majority of situations, adding a team member who can answer phones and coordinate inspection assignments for a larger team will vastly improve a business’ overall efficiency.

Some business owners may struggle when it’s time to finally pass the phones off to someone else, but others will jump at the opportunity. Still, it’s important not to underestimate what makes a good office manager. The best office managers have great organizational skills, the ability to learn and understand the business’ menu of services (both primary and ancillary), and they also need to be able to sell callers on which services they need.

In the inspection business, the average homeowner or buyer who calls for a quote likely will not understand the benefits of including a sewer line scan or a radon test in their inspection. An owner/inspector will be able to ask the right questions to determine whether an ancillary service is relevant to bring up to a caller, and should also be able to explain their importance. The best office managers should be able to step into that role with enough knowledge so that the sales flow doesn’t miss a beat.

Note: Practicing sales scripts which include key points and benefits regarding various services can make fielding calls much easier and sound more natural. NPI franchisees can contact their coaching and marketing teams for one-on-one practice and further insights. Learn more about the benefits gained from franchising with NPI right here.

Building a large inspection team greatly expands what you can do, but it all starts with finding that first fantastic employee. If you’re a solo inspector interested in scaling your business, building revenue, and maybe eventually selling to one of your employees, a business partner, or a child, franchising could be the answer you’re looking for!

With our coaching specialists, technical support staff, full marketing team, and nationwide network of experienced inspectors and business owners, National Property Inspections is your key resource for taking your business to the next level. Get your free info packet and contact our recruitment team to get the conversation started today.