Avid A Vision In Design

By Scott Lee McElyea

Over the last several years, the housing industry has become more and more unstable. However, even in the most challenging of economic times, the home builders that maximize all of their networking resources and skills are the ones that will not only survive when business is challenging, but thrive into the future.

Creating a lucrative network is much easier than you might think. Join trade associations such as the National Association of Home Builders.  Most of the members in this association will be your competition, however, this association will give your business credibility, while also giving you key insight as to what your competition is doing. Other networking opportunities include business groups like the Chamber of Commerce or the Small Business Association.

Think outside of the box. What type of organizations are your potential buyers joining? In what community groups are they active? In what groups are your employees and friends involved?

Networking is all about who you know, and in turn, who knows you.  It thrives on the power of a referral.  Make sure that all of your contacts know exactly what you do, and make sure you understand exactly what they do.  Businesses that network effectively are those that share their customers with their contacts.  For example, you have a customer that is looking for a landscaper and you refer them to someone within your network. Not only will your customer appreciate your guidance, but the landscaper will reciprocate the favor in the future in hopes of maintaining a strong referral relationship.

Networking is the least expensive form of marketing, yet it yields the highest return.  Many of your competitors are overlooking this valuable tool. Take advantage of their negligence and begin strengthening your network now.

About Scott Lee McElyea

Scott Lee McElyea is a Senior Designer and Autodesk Specialist for AVID Home Studios. His favorite style of house plans would be either Craftsman, or Arts and Crafts. Both styles lead themselves easily to smaller, efficient design without losing details. Scott can be reached at 1-888-280-AVID or scottmcelyea @ avid home studios.com.

Tags: home builder, home building

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 at 10:11 am and is filed under Marketing.
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