HBWeekly

Texas Quarterly Residential Construction Report Q1-2017

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Erika Carruth

In the first quarter of 2017, Texas was ahead of last year by 6% in new residential construction, and Houston is leading the way.

This week is the week of quarterly reviews. Most recently we explored the state of new residential construction in the Atlanta area, and today we are reviewing the steady increase in housing starts across the Lone Star State. With more than 16,100 housing starts in the first quarter 2017, Texas experienced a 6% increase in residential construction in comparison to Q1-2016. Out of the four top metro areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Houston had 6,675 housing starts on file with HBW in the first quarter of this year, ranking it #1 for total new permits. Houston remains just about on track with 2016 for new construction activity as it experienced a small 1% increase in the first quarter.

TX New Resid. Construction Permit Totals – Q1 2016 vs. 2017

Having a greater gain on 2016, Dallas had a 9% increase in housing starts in Q1-2017; with 5,152 housing starts, Dallas ranked second highest for total new residential construction permits. While housing starts and home value have been increasing in Dallas year-after-year for the last five years or so, the early stats on housing starts are already showing signs that the Dallas area is tracking to be ahead of 2016. Last year, Dallas also held the greatest number of permits for homes valued over $500k, and the pattern at the start of 2017 reflects the same increase in higher value residential construction.

While Austin ranked third highest for total residential construction permits in the first quarter, it carried the greatest year-over-year increase in housing starts. With a 16% increase in new permits, there were nearly 2,800 housing starts in the Austin area in Q1-2017. Travis County held the highest concentration of starts (1,546 permits) of any Austin-area county. And while all counties in Austin reflected year-over-year increases ranging from 9%-35%, Hays County is starting out with the greatest amount of growth in residential construction being 35% ahead of the previous year.

In San Antonio, new residential construction is holding tight and very much in line with last year. As of the first quarter, San Antonio was on target with a 1% increase in housing starts resulting in more than 1,500 new permits in the HBW database. Bexar County had a 9% year-over-year increase in residential construction with more than 700 housing starts in the first quarter. On the other side of the coin is Comal County; with 500 housing starts in Q1-2017, Comal has some catching up to do in order to be steady with 2016 as it is currently behind by 21%. While off to a slow start, Comal County has consistently exhibited growth every year over the last five years, and there is still plenty of time for gains in construction permitting activity.

Across the state, the top five counties with the highest concentration of new construction were in Houston, Dallas and Austin. In Houston, Harris County was positioned at the top of the stack with 3,571 housing starts in the first quarter, an 8% increase in comparison to Q1-2016. Coming in next highest was Collin County (Dallas area); with a 10% year-over-year increase in housing starts, there were more than 1,650 new residential construction permits in Comal County for Q1. Just behind and holding in a close third, Travis County (Austin) had nearly 1,550 housing starts in the first quarter, pushing it ahead of 2016 by 17%. Here is a closer look at the top five counties for total permits in Texas:

TX Top 5 Counties for Resid. Construction – Q1 2016 vs. 2017

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures for Texas residential construction was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Atlanta Residential Construction 1st Quarter Review

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Erika Carruth

With more than 5,300 housing starts in the first quarter of 2017, most of the metro Atlanta area is on an upswing since the start of the year.

Atlanta and its surrounding counties are off to a stellar start in 2017. In Q1, metro Atlanta and surrounding areas have experienced a 6% increase in housing starts in comparison to 2016, and some of its larger counties (i.e. Fulton and Cobb) had year-over-year (Q1) increases ranging from 20% to more than 40%.

While Gwinnett County had the greatest number of housing starts (825 permits) in comparison to other metro Atlanta counties, it has some catching up to do when looking at 2016. In Q1, Gwinnett is slightly behind, reflecting a 6% decrease in new residential construction in comparison to the same time last year. That being stated, there is still plenty of time to catch up or even surpass previous figures.

One area that is ahead and ranked second highest for total permits is Fulton County. Along with being Georgia’s most populous county and the only county with over one million inhabitants, Fulton is ahead of 2016 by 20%, having nearly 600 new permits on file with HBW in Q1 alone. The area had been on an upward growing trend in new residential construction from 2012 to 2015, and while 2016 reflected a drop in housing starts, the first quarter of this year is showing signs of recovery.

One county that is not off to an advanced start but still carries a higher concentration of new permits is Forsyth County. While the area had more than 550 housing starts in the first quarter of this year, it has experienced just about a 30% decrease in residential construction activity in comparison to the start of 2016. As previously mentioned, there is still plenty of time left in the year to see if the decrease is a pattern or just a slower quarter for the county.

Atlanta Top 5 Counties for Total Permits – 2016 vs. 2017

When shifting our perspective from totals to overall growth, a few other Georgia counties come on to our radar, such as Newton County. While on the smaller side for population and density, Newton County has been increasing in residential activity over the last five years, and in Q1 it had the highest increase in new permits of any county reviewed. With an 87% increase in residential construction in comparison to Q1-2016, there were more than 100 housing starts on file for the quarter.

Another noteworthy county for growth is Cobb. With 377 housing starts in Q1, Cobb County is ahead of Q1-2016 by a whopping 43%. While new residential construction was slower in Cobb County in 2015, last year was promising as it had experienced a year-over-year increase of more than 60% in housing starts. And in 2017, the area appears to be continuing the growth trend.

In the higher value markets (>$500k), the usual players are on the leaderboard. Fulton County leads with 70 homes valued over $500k in Q1-2017, and the counties of Cobb and Dekalb are also holding their positions from 2016 as they continue to rank in the top three spots for higher value residential construction in Metro Atlanta.

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures for metro Atlanta residential construction was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Quick Tips for Successful Client Negotiations

Posted on May 5, 2017 by Erika Carruth

If all of us saw things the same way, well life would be pretty easy, and boring to say the least. Even in our best efforts to understand our clients’ desires and needs, we are bound to come face-to-face with a challenging negotiation process from time to time. While we don’t want to give away the farm, we also need to meet our clients as close to halfway as possible so that all parties feel like they have a fair win and value in the final contract.

When working with new or current clients, it is essential that you are prepared to address any requests or situations that may arise. Whether you’re negotiating the payment terms for an upcoming new construction project or defining the scope of a remodel, negotiation skills are required in the conversations that you will have with a client along the way.

Here are 5 quick and easy tips for strengthening your negotiation skills with clients:

Don’t be the First – While I firmly believe in being upfront and transparent in business and the negotiation process, don’t be the first one to put the offer on the table. Of course, there are instances in the bidding process where you will have no choice but to show your cards from the start, but even then, get all details and requirements before stepping foot in the proverbial waters. When you have flexibility and room for negotiation, don’t jump to put a price on it. By taking the time to understand your client’s budget and parameters, you can offer products and services that are an easy fit, rather than a hard sell.
Bundle Up – Think of your mobile phone service… They are constantly offering bundles. Bundles are an easy way to sweeten a deal that may be heading a little sour. Have bundles already in mind before you get to the table. By bundling additional products or services at a visible discount, you will automatically add value without taking a hard hit to the bottom line.
Turn Down the Volume – It is easy to get excited and want to explain every detail and sell a customer on all of the bells and whistles, but take a moment to pause. The loudest one in the room is not always the most successful one in the negotiation process. Instead, slow down and take time to process requests before being reactive and saying “yes” to everything. With a little silence, you might find that you give room for the client to fill the empty space, often providing useful information on their perspective and expectations. Also, being too quick on the trigger can hamper your professionalism and come off across as too eager. A little time of pause throughout the process can provide just the right amount of breathing room and a little time for articulating a solid and effective response.
Let the Numbers Talk – Although personal attention and communication are important when it comes to maintaining client relationships, in negotiations you can let the numbers do some of the talking. When a client sees their savings, timelines and cost comparisons in writing, the whole proposal holds more weight. You can talk about designs and pricing, but power is frequently found in the final numbers; by reviewing them together, you can answer questions and provide a cost breakdown in a way that makes sense.
Walk Away as Needed – You may find yourself in a situation where you just don’t seem to see eye-to-eye no matter your approach or offers. By all means, you should exhaust all options, but don’t exhaust your resources. As home builders, we can lead ourselves to extremes to meet clients’ needs, but we shouldn’t go so far that we eventually go into the red. Know your value proposition and your limits with cutting costs. When going for a big fish, it is easy to land into big loss just for the sake of securing the job. If the negotiation process is high maintenance from the start, you may just find that it will be that way through the end. If you are selling yourself short, don’t be afraid to walk away. Your client may come back in the same sitting or down the line.

While we can’t know every and all possible scenario in the negotiation process, we can be prepared. By having a clear understanding for your terms and worth, you will gain firm ground by knowing what you can and cannot offer. By being clear on your boundaries and taking time to read your clients’ cues, your negotiations can result in a final contract that is agreeable and valuable to all parties.

For more information on construction business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

5 Ways to Big Business on Small Business Week

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Erika Carruth

Small Business Week is happening April 30-May 6, 2017, and it’s not too late to get in on the action.

Small Business Week is here! We are in it, and events and efforts are in full force. For those of you who are new to National Small Business Week, it is an annual event that has been in effect since 1963. The purpose is simple: To recognize the valuable contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the U.S. As a small business owner, it is a great time to shout from the rooftops and maximize this nationally recognized week by participating in events, recognizing your team and accomplishments and becoming active on social media in the small business arena.

Here are 5 easy ways to get on board this week, even at the mid-week point, to be part of the small business celebration:

Join the Conversation – From sharing the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek to watching and sharing live events from the Small Business Administration (SBA), it is time to be part of the buzz. Make connections with your networks in LinkedIn and the like. Be active and provide comments in related posts and discussions. Start a conversation of your own with some small business advice or lessons learned along your own path to success.
Share Your Story – Kick your “Throwback Thursday” up a notch this week. Find some classic photos or relics that show where you started; share your passion for your work and the industry. If you are a landscaper, share photos from your first garden as a child. If you are home builder, show one of your first projects, clients or jobs. A little nostalgia is not only fun for your team, but it is a great way to connect to your audience too. And if you are a user of Constant Contact, don’t forget to use the hashtag #MySmallBizWhy to be part of other small businesses doing the same.
Watch and Share – Starting today, Wednesday (11:30 am – 1:30 pm ET) the National Small Business Week Road Tour kicks off in Indianapolis, IN. The great news is that you don’t have to be there to be part of the event. You can watch from the comfort of your office or home through their website. In addition to watching inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and small business owners, you can get in on the conversation using the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek. Other live events that will be happening this week and available online include: Thursday 05/04/17 (11:30 am – 1:30 pm CT) in Arlington Texas and Friday 05/05/17 (9:00 am – 10:30 am PT) in Fresno, CA.
Take a Webinar – A variety of webinars are being offered today and tomorrow. With topics ranging from how to grow your business online to improving email marketing, the webinar series offers short informational sessions that may provide a much-needed and nice refresher for you and your team. You can view and register for webinars here: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw/webinars
Give Thanks – There is never a bad time to thank your customers, and without them, small businesses wouldn’t be, well, in business. For this reason, consider sending a personal “thank you” to your longstanding customers. Don’t want to get personal? Then a nice customer recognition email or social media post will do the trick. Linking your customers to your success allows you to connect and show your appreciation for their continued business and support.

Although National Small Business Week ends in a few short days, your efforts to connect to your customers should continue long beyond the hashtags and one-time events. Regular communication with your customers through a personal “thank you”, recognition of support and sharing of your business is all part of relationship building. While you will need to move quickly to get on board with this year’s business week, it is important to remember that strong relationships with your customers take time and that you should make a constant and conscious effort to connect throughout the year.

5 Ways to Convert a Prospect to a Customer

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Erika Carruth

Now that you have your leads from HBW, what next? How do you convert a lead to client? Let’s first start out by stating that there is no secret recipe or magic potion that will provide overnight results. A lead takes time to develop, and through consistent communication, a solid marketing strategy and proper nurturing, you can learn about your prospect’s needs and offer solutions and services for fulfilling them.

In previous posts, we have reviewed everything from amping up your email marketing campaign to leading more effective telephone sales. All offer great ways to engage your prospects and should be considered and tailored to your campaigns and audience as you progress. For the purpose of this post, we will explore tried and true approaches to conversations and meetings with your clients that add to your power of persuasion. Here are five quick and easy reminders for persuasive sales:

Organize Your Questions – Whether you are on the phone or holding an in-person meeting, time is of the essence. Use your meeting time wisely by organizing your points and questions in a strategic manner. While you will want to take time to listen to your clients, you will also want to ask questions that drive your prospect back to your solutions. Ask questions that pertain to issues that you can solve. Reconfirm their stated interests and desires and be ready to offer concise solutions through your products and services.
Express Urgency (when accurate) – Although the “act now or else” approach can turn many prospects away, some sense of urgency isn’t a bad thing when appropriately applied. A sense of urgency may truly be required if you are already carrying a heavy backlog, on the cusp of a holiday season or running low on inventory. Certain discounts may have an expiration, and your offers and proposals should have the same. It’s not about setting off alarms; rather you should provide information expressing the high demand that you are currently facing and your desire to meet their needs within the proposed schedule.
Put Your Expertise in the Spotlight – You may be meeting your prospects for the first time by phone, or they may have found you through your website; either way, your expertise have yet to be put on the table. In order to build a foundation of trust, your expertise should be in the spotlight. This does not mean that you should boast in a 5-minute monologue about your education and high-profile clients. Instead, make sure that your website, proposal, marketing materials, and publications have your education, years of experience, licenses, awards, industry associations and affiliations listed front and center.
Limit Options – In 2017, everything has options. Think about it… You can pretty much customize anything you want with a single “click”. And when it comes to home design, materials and layouts are seemingly endless. The truth is that we have become accustomed to options, but that doesn’t mean that a plethora of options is better than a few of the right ones. By taking time to learn about your client’s wants and needs, you can offer customization with a few choice packages rather than 50-pages of designs, swatches and colors that can easily become overwhelming and exhausting for the client. By limiting options, you will make it easier for your prospect to make a decision.
Be Passionate – Even if you are not having the greatest day, find your passion in your work. Your enthusiasm for a client’s project will be contagious. Passionate doesn’t mean being loud or overly dramatic. Sometimes your passion for your work and their home can be expressed simply in your sincere interest and by providing a little something extra to show how you will go above and beyond. By expressing your enthusiasm for home building and design and sharing your excitement for their latest renovation or build, you will engage your lead and generate excitement all around.

There are a multitude of strategies for converting a lead to a customer, with countless sales techniques and trainings available. When getting down to the nuts and bolts of lead conversion, you must use your time wisely, optimizing every touch point and highlighting your value proposition. By listening to your client and being strategic with your questions, you will make your company’s strengths and competitive edge visible and worthy of a conversion.

7 Keys to Referral Success

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Erika Carruth

Increasing your rate on referrals requires a little extra effort to make it easy to send new business your way.

The dreaded ask… Some of us are better than others when it comes to asking for referrals. Most of us can find it to be uncomfortable, especially if not done at the right place or time. Passive requests through general communications and surveys are a little easier on the front-end, but don’t always produce the results we are looking for in the end. So, what does it take to increase your referrals? Here are seven key areas to consider when looking for referral success:

Ask Early – While it makes sense to wait for a job to be completed before asking for a referral, don’t be shy on this one. Throughout the construction project, you will have multiple interactions with your clients, and when it comes to referrals, timing is everything. Look for those moments in conversations when you are receiving positive feedback to offer a chance to share your good work with others.
Be Personal – As previously mentioned, general communications and surveys can get the process started but leaves you very little on which to follow up. Referrals rely heavily on developing a solid relationship with your client, and you may find more success with a personal phone call or email rather than an impersonal eBlast.
Give a Little – When it comes to referrals, you often get what you give. By referring other trusted professionals in the industry, you will begin to create a referral network of your own. Work with businesses that offer complementary services and develop an agreement for referring each other’s products and services.
Enhance Your Signature – In addition to your website and general email communications, add a “refer a friend” or “share my info” link to your email signature. While pamphlets and eBlasts may find the trash bin early, your personal email messages with project details will most likely stick around for a while.
Join Networks – Beyond your clients, you will want to gain referrals through professional networks. While Chamber of Commerce meetings and trade association events can be time-consuming, meeting and working with others in the industry is crucial to building a referral network.
Give Thanks – If you are not already collecting data about how your new clients learned of your services, you should start doing so now. The best way to keep the referrals coming is to recognize the sources and give them thanks. When a client or colleague throws new business your way, provide them with a personal “thank you”, and perhaps an incentive to keep the good word going. Even if you are not currently offering incentives for referrals in the form of discounts for clients or referral fees for businesses, offering such rewards when unexpected will be appreciated.
Get Online – From building your network on LinkedIn to adding a “refer a friend” button on your website, referrals should be just a “click” away. Make it easy by including options to refer your business on your website, in your LinkedIn profile and posts, in your newsletter and promotions, and anywhere your business can be found online.

Making a direct ask for a referral isn’t always easy, but you can certainly make it easier to be referred. Through partnering with industry professionals, offering incentives and building strong relationships with your clients, you will expand your network and increase opportunities for referrals.

HBW Report: Florida New Swimming Pool Construction in March 2017

Posted on April 21, 2017 by Erika Carruth

In March, more than 1,600 new swimming pools with a total value of approximately $67M were started in the Sunshine State.

FL New Pool Permits by Area – March 2017

While March didn’t prove to be a record month for new swimming pool construction in Florida, new construction activity has been holding somewhat steady since the start of the year. Out of the 1,608 new permits with a construction value of approximately $67M added to the HBW database last month, the southwest area maintained its lead.

In the southwest region, there were 465 new swimming pools started last month with a total value in excess of $19M. Lee County led both the southwest and entire state of Florida for having the highest concentration of new pool construction for the one-month period, a pattern that has been set since the start of the year. With 142 new permits and more than $6M in construction value, Lee County continues to set the pace for pool starts. The pool builders leading construction in the southwest portion of the state include Aragon Pools & Spas with 56 new permits and Pinnacle USA and Aquadoc Inc. with 23 and 22 new permits on file respectively.

The Orlando area continued to hold ranking as the second hottest place for new pool construction. In March, Orlando had 344 pool starts and just about $14.6M in construction value. The larger county of Orange pushed up one spot since February ranking second in the state for pool starts; with a minute increase since February, Orange County had 121 new swimming pool permits and nearly $6.7M in construction value last month. All Seasons took the top spot out of builders in the area with nearly 90 starts on file and close to $3M in total value. Holland Pools and Bobs Pool Service Inc. were next to follow with 26 pool starts each.

Tampa and Southeast Florida each had 309 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database last month. Tampa had a greater total construction value of approximately $13.7M, while the southeast region had a lower total value of $11.5M and the lowest average value of construction statewide at $37,262. In Tampa, Hillsborough County had the highest concentration of pool starts with 107 new permits and a total value close to $5.4M, while Palm Beach County carried the highest concentration of new pool construction activity in the southeast with 113 new permits and a total value in excess of $4.7M. Pool builders leading the areas include Tampa Bay Pools in Tampa (23 permits) and Louden Bonded Pools (17 permits) in the southeast.

While Jacksonville remained at the bottom of the spectrum for total swimming pool starts (181 permits), it pushed up to the top position for average value of construction (average value: $44,401) in Florida. Nearly 30% of the $8M in new pool construction occurring in Jacksonville last month took place in St. Johns County. There were more than 60 pool starts with a total value in excess of $2.8M in St. Johns. Top builders for total starts in the area include Surfside Pools & Spas (12 permits), Blue Haven Pools (11 permits) and Stanley Pools (8 permits).

FL Top 5 Counties for New Pool Permits – March 2017

FL Average Value of New Pool Construction – March 2017

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures for swimming pool construction in Florida was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Earth Day Special – Going Solar in the U.S.

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Erika Carruth

With Earth Day just around the corner (April 22, 2017), it is a great time to look at earth-friendly efforts and solar statistics throughout the U.S.

Sustainability – It is a word often used and a concept that is becoming increasingly more important in the construction industry. From solar and earth-friendly materials to energy, recycling and waste management, there is a lot of growing room for construction businesses to integrate green and sustainable materials and practices into their daily operations.

Last year around this time, we explored 10 Ways to a More Sustainable Home. Today, we recognize Earth Day (April 22nd) and the efforts that are already in place and making headway in solar throughout the U.S. Which states are leading solar capacity? Which businesses are installing solar on their buildings? Here’s a look at the latest statistics offered by the Solar Energy Industries Association on solar capacity in 2016:

Solar has been taking off from the start, and it is only getting better. Along with solar becoming more affordable, installation of solar panels has been up year-over-year. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in 2016 14,800 megawatts of solar PV (to reach 42.4 gigawatts capacity) was installed in the U.S.; this is enough to power 8.3 million homes! Moreover, the solar industry is on track to nearly triple in size by 2022. (source: SEIA.org)

When comparing states, not surprisingly California is on top in ranking based on the cumulative amount of solar electric capacity installed last year. The Golden State really shines (pun intended) in the solar market, as it is ahead by leaps and bounds over other areas in the U.S. In 2016, California led in the number of solar jobs added (>100k) and capacity installed (18.3k MW = 4.7M+ homes), leaving a massive gap between first and second ranking states. Positioned in second for solar capacity installations is North Carolina. With just over 3k MW of cumulative capacity and a homes powered equivalent of 341k, North Carolina is making its presence known in the solar industry. Arizona came in a close third with nearly 3k MW of cumulative capacity and a homes powered equivalent of approximately 446k homes.

Major corporations are also jumping on the solar train. Last year, nearly 1,100 MW of capacity installed could be accounted for at 2,000 corporate solar user locations. As of 2016, the amount of solar installed by top U.S. corporations is enough to power 193,000 homes. By now most of us have heard of IKEA’s commitment to solar power (91% of stores powered by solar), but did you know that Target ranked #1 for corporate solar users last year? That’s right, Target was on top with 147.5 MW. And Walmart, with its solar-powered stores being visited by 7.3 million people each week, ranked second with 145 MW. The corporate leader that came in third was not a superstore retailer; rather, it is a San Francisco based industrial real estate and warehouse logistics management company. While not a household name, Prologis is attracting attention for its solar capacity in the corporate world by having nearly 108 MW on record. Rounding the top five list for last year are Apple (~94 MW) and Costco (50.7 MW).

While the above listed top five corporations for solar made a mark in 2016, other companies are making plans to integrate solar energy into their operations in the coming years. For example, Amazon.com was recently reported by The Seattle Times to have plans for solar panel installation in 15 U.S. fulfillment centers by the end of this year. Additionally, the e-commerce behemoth expects to have 50 facilities (including international) partially powered by solar within the next three years.

While solar is just one part of the sustainability puzzle, it is an important part of our growing industry. As a construction professional, if you haven’t already encountered the demand for and use of solar, you will very soon. In addition to consumers having greater access to information about solar energy and its benefits, the construction industry is becoming more aware of ways to incorporate sustainable practices and products into projects and business.

*Solar statistics listed above were gathered from findings and reports published by SEIA.org, unless noted otherwise.

Bringing Your Videos to the Next Level

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Erika Carruth

Home builders have many tools available to them for construction projects, but they may not be aware of the many tools available to them for video marketing. Although most contractors are not interested or have time to produce quality videos for marketing, some smaller businesses are forced to learn as they go as demand for dynamic video content increases. According to YouTube, the site has over a billion users, which represents nearly 1/3 of all Internet activity. Additionally, hundreds of millions of hours of YouTube videos are watched each day, generating billions of views.

Such attention-grabbing statistics make it impossible to deny the power and popularity of video. While it is important to integrate video into your marketing efforts, often there simply isn’t room in the budget for a dedicated marketing manager; luckily, there are tools to help the budget-conscious spice up their videos and make them more engaging, even on-the-go.

So before you pick up your phone to create and post a typical and predictable video of a job site or event, check out some easy-to-use apps that may be useful in kicking your video up one notch closer to professional:

iMovie (iOS) – Let’s start with the easy one first. The iMovie app is already front, center and preloaded for iPhone users. While the app won’t make you the next Martin Scorsese, it will allow you to quickly trim and perform very basic edits of your video clips before sharing.
Boomerang – Introduced by Instagram in 2015, Boomerang became quite popular for creating gifs that get noticed. While you wouldn’t use this app for full coverage videos, it can be great for sharing a ta-da moment from a finalized project, company event or sneak peek of a new product or service line. It shoots 10 quick shots and instantly turns it into a looping gif-style clip.
Adobe Premiere Clip – Now just because it is made by Adobe doesn’t mean that it’s for experts only. Adobe is known for its professional-grade programs for artists and illustrators, but this app requires no previous technical expertise while offering features that may certainly make you feel a bit more professional. It’s somewhat of a “gateway” to their more robust and related programs, and it includes enough features to bring your video to the next level. The in-app features include: cropping/trimming; speed adjustment; text and titles; music; lighting adjustments; and, of course, the ability to transition it to some of the other Adobe programs.
Videorama – If you are looking for special effects that you can’t get with most video editors, you may want to check out Videorama. Depending on your objectives for the video, you can go as mainstream as just clean clips, text and music or as unexpected as special visual and sound effects that can completely change the look and feel of your video. The ability to overlay images and the options for filters and adjustments make it unique and fun to use.
Spark – Looking to do a little more storytelling and less time behind the video camera? Then this app will give you a little “spark”. Another app created by Adobe, Spark is a story teller, allowing the user to combine images, videos, text, music and voice. It is very easy to use and offers a unique approach for telling your own business story, highlighting a charity project or launching a new service.

While video is just one part of the marketing pie, it is one of the easiest ways to gain your audience’s attention quickly and effectively. Take advantage of the many tools available to help you build videos and stories so that you can focus on building your client portfolio and their homes.

* HBW does not endorse or guarantee the above listed services. Programs/Applications were chosen based on ease of use and access, as well as applicability to construction professionals.

It’s All About the Partnerships

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Erika Carruth

How to develop a partnership between home builders and manufacturers that benefits your business.

In business, it takes a village… Beyond your employees and customers, strong partnerships with key manufacturers open the door to a multitude of possibilities. From exclusive products to rebates, manufacturers and contractors have a symbiotic relationship that requires trust, guidelines and the ability to maximize opportunity from both sides.

Just as there is competition between home builders, there is a tight market for manufacturers; the many unscheduled “check-ins” and seemingly random calls builders receive each week from manufacturer’s reps should be evidence enough to know that many companies are looking to make your business part of their business. And while such interruptions can cause more inconvenience than interest, what seems like constant bombardment isn’t all bad. Both contractors and manufacturers have similar goals in common, and they can and should work together to build a strong understanding for expectations and customer base. By working together, as partners, both parties are enabled to provide the greatest value to customers at the lowest cost possible.

Additionally, as a home builder, there are various direct incentives and rewards that can be reaped from partnering with a manufacturer. Some examples include:

Manufacturer rebates
Early access or exclusive access to specialty products
Exclusive rights to installation
Warranties and the ability to negotiate terms
Lines of credit and flexibility

While incentives can be reason enough for a home builder to jump into a partnership with a manufacturer, don’t make the leap just yet. Like any good relationship, a proper partnership takes time, understanding and commitment. You should take the time to ask questions and draw a clear map for expectations. Being transparent with each other can build a sense of security that is needed to be confident in pricing, availability, timely delivery and quality of products. Choosing a manufacturer shouldn’t be based on the squeakiest wheel or who is currently on your payables either. Consider them part of your team and conduct the “interview” that you need to get the important questions answered. When deciding on the right manufacturer for partnering with your company, consider the following:

Product – Is the product and cost the right fit for your customer base? What are your primary services, and how does this product fit into your customers’ needs and budget?
Know Your Value – What do you bring to the table in the partnership? What benefits can you offer as a builder, whether it be reaching a niche market or having concentration in a geographic area of interest?
Define Your Terms – Just like any negotiation, you will need to allow for some give and take, but have a clear idea of what you want and need as a starting point and work with your choice manufacturer to find a fair balance.

Partnerships require commitment, from both sides, so it is important to take time in making your decision. Along with making sure the products are a good fit for your business, work to get to know each other, expectations for terms, outcomes and management. By taking the proper steps in choosing a manufacturer, you will find the “right” partner rather than the partner for right now.