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Experts' Corner: Advice for 2016
Every year, Builder Partnerships turns to its service providers and other partners for their predictions and suggestions for 2016. This group includes some of the most experience experts in the home building industry. You can count on the fact that what they have their eyes on will be important for home builders in the upcoming year.
If you're curious, here are the predictions from previous years:
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 Proceed with Caution
I am concerned that homebuilders are not paying attention to many of the caution signs in the general economy as we transition to 2016. Housing has been showing signs of weakness during the latter half of 2015. I am not forecasting another housing recession like I had in 2005, but I am recommending builders pay attention to the economic indicators, read my monthly housing bulletin posted to our website, and don't get overly aggressive. There are a lot of mixed signals in the economy right now. In planning for 2016 establish a realistic business plan; then bracket it with an optimistic plan and a pessimistic plan. Develop the plans by quarter so you can move from one plan to the next based on the direction the industry and your company is moving.
Chuck Shinn, Builder Partnerships
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 Discipline
The greatest plans, the best goals will just stay plans and goals without the discipline to carry them through. American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments." As you start 2016 with goals for a new great year, focus on the discipline that will be required to accomplish your goals!
Emma Shinn, Builder Partnerships
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 HD Service
Evolving consumer attitudes require "HD Service." Clearer, faster and more proactive than ever before. Engineering the home buying experience from end to end pays big dividends in reduced conflicts and increased sales.
Carol Smith, Home Address
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 Softer Lines and Color
Look for a softening of straight lines as well as color, and bring the outdoors in with lots of windows and natural elements like quartz crystals, wood and greenery. Remember, the kitchen is still king so pay extra attention to your islands, lighting, counters and cabinetry.
Lita Dirks, Lita Dirks & Co.
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 Promote Home Ownership
The idea that you should own a home is no longer accepted as gospel. Builders need to promote the benefits of home ownership as much as they need to promote themselves.
Mark Mitchell, Wizard Strategy
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 Strong Customer Service
There is extraordinary value in supporting a strong customer service team. A service-minded company focus can positively impact your bottom line. Conversely, a lack of customer service can negatively affect a builder's profits and really damage his reputation. Excellent customer service creates loyalty, customer support and works as its own marketing tool.
Roger Langford, Professional Warranty Service Corp.
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 Work on Your Business
One of the simplest, best ways to transform your business in 2016 is to:
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- Set aside an afternoon to clearly define 3 to 5 things that are NOT functioning smoothly
- For each problem you identify, brainstorm 2 to 3 ways to resolve it
- Establish WHO will be responsible for implementing each solution, WHEN it will be implemented, and HOW you'll know if you've solved the problem
Diane Gilson, InfoPlus Accounting
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 Strategic Vision
To produce and maintain a competitive advantage, work on your strategic vision. Align who you are, what you stand for, your values, guiding principles and what you do different and better than other homebuilders in your marketplace. As competition for sales and talent increases your business narratives in this domain will have to be more effective, strategic and competitive.
David Haifleigh, The Future Works
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 Give Back
In 2015, homebuilders across North America added more than 23,000 families to those served through microeconomics by "building locally to fight poverty globally" through Homes for Hope. Perry Bigelow, president of Bigelow Homes said, "$150,000 creates 6,000 entrepreneurial jobs and economic vitality for over 40,000 people." When asked about the effects Homes for Hope has had on his trade partners, Brent Stoltzfus president of EG Stoltzfus said, "It's cooperation among competitors, and it sends a really good message from our industry."
Jack McNulty, Homes for Hope
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Builder Partnerships at IBS
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Celebrate Builder Partnerships' 10th Anniversary at our IBS Reception
11th Annual Builder Partnerships Reception
January 18, 2016
5:30 - 8:00 pm
Embassy Suites Convention Center, Las Vegas
The night before IBS opens, the place to gather is at the Builder Partnerships Annual reception. Every year, hundreds of builders, manufacturers and friends gather to catch up with old friends and prime the pump for the big show.
Space is limited so RSVP early and get your name on the list.
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Live Events
11th Annual Networking Reception at IBS
Jan. 18, 2016 5:30-7:00pm PT Las Vegas
The Builder Partnerships Networking reception provides a great environment where you can catch up with old friends and freely interact with others in the homebuilding industry to develop relationships even before IBS begins.
For more information, click here.
Purchasing, Estimating and Job Costing
Feb. 10-12, 2016
Atlanta
Purchasing, Estimating and Job Costing is a comprehensive seminar designed to improve profitability through a more accurate and effective estimating and purchasing department. Good estimating and purchasing is critical to obtaining superior profitability, and can increase your bottom line by as much as 5%. Our goal is to provide a wide range of tools that attendees can use to realize results immediately upon return to their companies.
For more information, click here.
Superintendent's Job: Front Line Manager
Feb. 18-20, 2016 Atlanta
The Superintendent's Job - Front Line Manager is designed as an interactive experience to help your team improve job site management techniques. It will provide the necessary tools to increase overall profitability and customer satisfaction through a strong focus on building the house right the first time: on quality, on budget, and on time.
For more information, click here.
Managing for Profit
March 2-4, 2016 Atlanta
Managing for Profit is an intensive seminar designed to put you on track to improved profitability. Loaded with valuable insight on management techniques specific to home building companies, this seminar will provide tools you can use to realize improved results across the entire organization. Systems, procedures and forms will be demonstrated so you can begin using concepts learned immediately upon return to your company.
For more information, click here.
For the Complete list of events, click here |
Builder Partnerships
Builder Partnerships is a member organization focused on providing management training and support to help builders improve their performance and profit. Currently we represents approximately 550 builders in the United States and Canada who have projected about 75,000 homes built collectively this year. With over 75 manufacturer and service providers associated with our group, Builder Partnerships also manages highly competitive rebate and incentive programs and works to strengthen relationships between builders, manufacturers and other service providers in the home building industry. For more information, visit www.builderpartnerships.com
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