How To Be Successful At Networking

As a member of the Texas Builder Marketing Group, I have found that networking has increased my business more than I can even begin to understand. Here are my secrets to success when interacting with my fellow peers in and out, of the Texas Builder Marketing Group:Be Interested
When you are at a networking event, or any other time for that matter, be genuinely interested in the person to whom you are talking with. This is the best way in the world to get someone’s attention. Don't be one of those people with wandering eyes looking for your next contact; connect deeply with the person in front of you. If you will do this one thing you will have better results than most of the people out there.

Be Interesting

Just as above, when you are doing the talking, it isn't about you; it is about the other person. You should not be trying to sell your wares at a networking event; you should be trying to build relationships. Talk about interesting things you have done. Are you a skydiver? Did you just get back from an amazing trip? Do you have an interesting hobby? Try to engage the other person on a personal level rather than a business level, once you have them interested in YOU, the business deals will come naturally.

Remember Names

It has been said that the sweetest sound to a person's ears is their own name. Learn it, use it, and remember it. The best way to remember someone’s name is to use it immediately. Once they have given you there name use it as often as possible in the next few sentences to cement it into your memory, and always ask for it again if you forget it.

Remember Dates

This is an important one; if at all possible find out people's birthdays. Put these dates on your calendar and when the day comes, call them or email them and wish them a Happy Birthday. Most of the time you will be one of the few that do that day, and if you call them early you might even be the first! If you want to go even further, send them a note or card a couple days before as that will even be more rare.

Always Remember

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

Jim White JR.
PremRock Drywall Services
Jim@premrock.com

(Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimkimmons/)

Green Green, Ain’t Going Away…

Yep, “green” is here to stay. In the home building industry, as any of in the others – clothing, groceries, manufacturing, etc. – “green” comes in varying “shades”. It’s critical for all of us in the Home Building Industry to qualify our customers and clients very early in the sales process. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a skilled trade’s person, supplier, distributor, designer, builder or realtor – all have to understand right away what the green level is of our customer.
After all, they are depending on us as industry professionals to know what their expectations are and then produce that product or service that meets that expectation. In all areas of the construction industry, there are many products that claim to be green that don’t really qualify. Since little has been established in the way of industry standards in many areas, the appliance industry is pretty straightforward.

The government initiated the Energy Star program back in 1992 for the home appliance industry. Those products that meet the ever increasing energy use goals, earn the energy star seal. That assures everyone that these products are among the most efficient available in terms of energy consumption. (Not all appliance categories are rated – ranges & ovens for example aren’t because the energy consumption difference is negligible across all the brands manufactured).

So, selecting the specific model of an appliance on a showroom floor and measuring the shade of it’s shade of green compared to others you’re considering is pretty easy. If your client is really serious about being a deep shade of green though, what about the manufacturer that produced that product? If it’s important to them, it should be important to you.



I’m proud to say that - Sub Zero/Wolf was green before “green was cool”! In fact, back in 2007 Sub Zero/ Wolf was ranked #6 in the world by the Image Power Green Brands Survey among the top ten green companies. We earned that rank for more reasons than I’ll go into here, but just a few are; all of our products are manufactured in the continental US (no big carbon foot print), we use recycled materials wherever possible (i.e. -in our stainless steel and all “plastics” products) going in and then recycle all the waste materials, we produce no waste water at the point of manufacture, and finally, we build a refrigeration product that’s engineered to preserve food longer – eliminating half of the annual food waste for the average American family!
So, understand the shade of green your customer is seeking, then match that up with your products and/or services. When you do that, you’ll enjoy more of the other green we’re all interested in – the greenback!

Larry Campbell
Sub Zero / Wolf
2615 E. Beltline
Carrollton, TX 75006
Lcampbell@subzero-wolfsc.com

Welcome

This is the first of the Texas Builder Marketing Groups Weekly blogs. I was given the honor of "Kicking off" this new addition to our overall mission "to provide information and education to North Texas Home Builders to improve the quality of their product and their bottom lines".

We will be publishing a weekly blog and will be rotating the author and content. So you will get 15 different blogs and then we will start the rotation all over again.

These are some of the brightest and most successful sales people in the industry, with products that are top tier. You are fortunate to be on the list.

This organization was started in April 2004 by Tom Sadler, Larry Campbell and myself. It has grown into a powerful force in the industry and our young "new additions" over the last few years have taken us to a new level.

I am sure you will enjoy the blogs that will be coming your way. Call any of us with questions or comments. 2009 was a tough year but 2010 has the earmarks of a much better one for our industry in North Texas.

Cordially,


Martin A. Brady, CLU, ChFC, MSFS
Financial Planner
Stevens Financial Group
15851 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1000
Addison, TX 75001
214-866-2118- Direct Line
972-499-1137- Fax

The Texas Builder Marketing Group gets educated on "The Social Media Revolution"

Times have changed and so has the way many of us are doing business! In mid December, the Texas Builder Marketing Group decided to organize an educational class to help each of its members become more versed in the social media world. Marc Kleinmann with Clixify.com was our guest speaker for the day, and man did he get us pumped up! He started the class with this video below found on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8



Well, Marc went on to teach about many different topics but the one I found most important was about branding yourself! Branding yourself and your company on these Social Media Platforms like; Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, etc. becomes a very effective way to market yourself to future customers. Now days, people turn to the computer to find products and services. What does that mean? Well if you or your company don't have a presence, than more than likely you will lose out to those who do! Lets face it, we Google, we facebook, why? Well we get instant answers at our fingertips. For example, if I was going to try out a new product, I would Google the company, read the reviews, ask my facebook friends and then I would make up my mind if this product is right for me. Remember, this all just happened with a few clicks of the mouse. Oh and don't forget I did all this without contacting anybody from this products company!!! Wow...crazy huh!
Business is changing and The Texas Builder Marketing Company is changing with it! So find our members on Facebook, youtube, LinkedIn, twitter and friends us! Networking has never been as easy as it is now!!
Wesley Scott
Archways And Ceilings Made Easy
http://www.texasbuildermarketing.com/

Active Networking Groups = Proven Results

Being a member of the Texas Builder Marketing Group has made a significant impact on my business. Not only have I developed relationships with many successful individuals, I have increased my networking capabilities and homebuilding knowledge since I have been participating with the Texas Builder Marketing Group (TBMG). www.texasbuildermarketing.com

Since being active member, the TBMG has taught me the most valuable way to market one and ones business is to surround oneself with a core team of individuals working to market each other. Why is this so important? Well we all know that the number one way to acquire a new construction job is to get oneself in front of the builder or purchasing manager. Not an easy task when making cold calls or randomly stopping by a jobsite! To get in front of these key figures, it always helps to know someone who is actively working with this prospective customer. With a market as large as the DFW area it is impossible to be in the right place at the right time every time. Now imagine having hundreds of people in the right place at the right time working to market you. This is something that has become core in my day to day activities. Each day I have the opportunity to market one of my fellow colleagues to a building professional. .

How do we market each member for referrals? Well, the best way is to study and understand what your fellow member’s trade/products are. The best way to accomplish this is simple, sit down with them, get to know them, tour there facility, learn the tips and insights of his or hers sales pitch, and more importantly trust and have respect for your fellow member. You can’t sell or refer a member if you don’t believe in the product/trade yourself! This is why the Texas Builder Marketing Group ensures that all of its members have been adequately researched, and discussed amongst fellow peers before being voted into the group. The TBMG members are exemplary in their particular field of expertises and all are knowledgeable about the homebuilding industry.

Another perk of being a member of the TBMG is you will always see a familiar face when attending builder functions, luncheons, and networking events.

Why is this a perk? Well the reason most people attend these networking functions is to seek potential customers and to establish trusted contacts, but more often than not, these people often struggle just to get a hand shake, let alone get an opportunity to present themselves.

The Texas Builder Marketing Group removes this barrier by allowing its members to actively share there customers and prospective customers with one another. With the doors wide open for networking, members have an opportunity to present themselves with out being tuned out, turned away or just plain ignored. It always helps to know the right person! Hint hint...TBMG members are those people!!

So Remember! Every moment of the day has an opportunity for networking. Take advantage of smart networking opportunities and you will see the results. I guarantee it!

Jim White CGP
PremRock Drywall Services
P-214-251-6374
F-214-550-6909
jim@premrock.com
www.premrock.com

Introducing the Texas Builder Marketing Group

Who are we? and What do we do?

Well the Texas Builder Marketing Group represents the gathering of some of the most active associates in the homebuilding industry. The group was organized for the purpose of providing information, education and networking opportunities to builders, including both HBA members who already know most of these fellow-members well, but also other builders active in the local marketplace.


How do you join? and what does it take to be a Texas Builder Marketing Group Member?

Each member of the group was nominated by his fellow peers to join the group and each represents a different sector of the homebuilding industry. During their monthly meetings, members of the Texas Builder Marketing group share leads and opportunities, discuss industry issues affecting their businesses and plan the group’s ongoing special events. The goal is for each member to share their knowledge and learn from their peers in order to provide the best customer service possible by being informed and keeping their customers informed.

Lets Meet the Members



Martin A. Brady CLU,ChFC,MSFS has been in the financial services profession for over 30 years and specializes in impartial, unbiased, fee-based financial planning. He deals primarily with owners of closely-held businesses and their executives and salespeople. One of his primary markets is the residential construction industry. The firm he represents, Stevens Financial Group, has offices in Dallas and Ft Worth and is a member of both the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association and The HBA of Greater Dallas.



Larry Campbell has been in the appliance and related industries (including the remodeling business) since 1969. He managed Jarrell Appliance from 1999 through 2007 (recipients of the 2004 Greater Dallas Home Builders Association (HBA) Associate of the Year Award). Currently, he’s in charge of Builder Sales Development for Sub Zero/Wolf. He’s been active in the HBA since his return to the Dallas area in September of 1999 serving as Treasurer as well as chair for multiple committees. He also serves as a director for The Texas Association of Builders (TAB).



Duffy Frazier has been in the insulation business since 1979 and been a sales representative for Williams Insulation since 1989. Williams is owned by MASCO, a multi-billion dollar publicly traded corporation, and offers all types of insulation, including fiberglass, foam, and sprayed. In addition, Williams offer metal fireplaces, gutters, Tyvek housewrap, central vac system and personal escape and rescue ladders.





Gary Hubbard has been employed by Acme Brick Company since 1973. He is a 17-time winner of Acme’s President’s Club Award. Gary has served on various HBA boards since 1976.








Chris Ludwig has been with BMC West for 11 years, specializing in millwork for high-end custom homes. Chris sells custom entries, exterior and interior doors, moldings, stair parts, columns, and other specialty trim items. Chris enjoys consulting one-on-one in the field with builders, architects and designers. He has served as the HBA Metro East president in 2006, on the Metro East board, and the Dallas HBA big board. Chris was the Metro East division “Associate of the Year” three years in a row.




Kevin McLain has been associated with the homebuilding industry for over 28 years. He is a Senior Account Manager for DOW Chemical’s Building Solutions division, representing Syrofoam® insulation and Weather mate™ housewraps and barrier solutions. He is a member of the HBA of Greater Dallas, the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association and the HBA of Greater Austin.





Tom Sadler President of Executive Press has been involved in the building industry since the early 70's. Executive Press is a full service printing company servicing the building industry since 1997. Executive Press utilizes soy based inks and recycled paper as a commitment to be an environmentally friendly company. We help builders and suppliers in the building industry with their marketing materials and web site design and hosting. If you are looking for someone who understands the building industry call Executive Press.




John Sasseen With over 30 years of window experience with Pella, John purchased the North Texas distributor in 2001 and relocated to the Dallas area. Pella Texas Inc supplies a full offering of Pella windows and doors for both residential new construction, remodeling, and commercial applications with sales representatives dedicated to each segment of the industry. Pella also supports the sales with a dedicated service team. With a brand that is "Viewed to be the Best" Pella Texas is ready to serve all of your window needs.



Wesley Scott has been associated with the homebuilding industry for the last four years. He is one of the founders and principals of Arch-Tek (Archways and Ceilings Made Easy), a company that specializes in providing wood framing arches to the homebuilding industry. His products include; groin vaults, dome ceilings, barrel vaults, cove ceilings, and arch-kits. As the Vice President of Sales for Arch-Tek, he is a member of the HBA of Greater Dallas where Arch-Tek won the 2006 Vesta Award for Outstanding Customer Service.



Steve Smirnis has been involved in publishing for the homebuilding industry for over 15 years, working for a large North American publishing company before founding Building SAVVY Magazine in 2002. He has served on the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association Board of Directors for many years and is also an active member of the Greater Dallas Home Builders Association.





Geanie Vaughan ALA, CGA, CGP, was involved in commercial construction new business development for eight years before beginning her career in the residential building industry. She started in lighting for residential homes for Fred Lee 13 years ago in Atlanta before moving to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area 10 years ago. Geanie is the Marketing/Sales Manager for Lee Lighting in the Texas region. She has been on the Dallas Board of Directors and the Texas Association Board of Directors for the past 5 years. She has been named the Associate of the Year for TAB, Dallas HBA, and Greater Fort Worth BA. Geanie has also earned McSam and Vesta awards and is actively involved in various divisions and councils, as well as various charities.


Verrushka Verveckken founded DFW Interiors in 2003. With over 20 years experience in the building supply and furniture industries, Verruschka has established DFW Interiors as a leading authority on vanity product quality, design and production. She has currently designed the only ADA furniture style vanity on the market. Having graduated from the University of North Texas with her BBA in Marketing and being a Licensed Real Estate Broker, she is also a member of the Greater Dallas HBA, Texas Association of Builders, the National Home Builders Association and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.


Jim White CGP has played an active role in the new home industry for over 12 years. He began his career selling and installing home theater, alarm, and home networking systems throughout the Dallas area, and later joining the drywall industry. Returning to Dallas in 2008 after franchising to the Houston area, Jim is continuing his passion for residential and commercial drywall. He is an active member of DISCA and the HBA of greater Dallas. The company he is representing is PremRock Drywall, the first certified Green drywall contractor in the DFW area. PremRock has been serving the élite of Texas for over 10 years. Specializing in the most difficult & in demand finishes, including Level 5 slick wall, custom hand trowel, true Venetian plasters, & more!


Delfino Trejo Full service roofing company specializing on turn-key installation of metal, tile, synthetic or natural slate, and asphalt composition shingles over sloped roofs, as well as torch-down, EPDM, and TPO systems over flat roofs.