Industry Insight (Blog)
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How Do We Decide
Wed, 13 May, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
How do we Decide to do anything in life? From walking across the street or turning the corner, the venti vanilla latte or the herbal tea, to buy or not to buy. What is it in our brain that makes us actually choose to do something? A new book by Johan Lehrer, titled appropriately How We Decide, explains just that.
Green, it's here to stay
Wed, 4 March, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
I know everything these days are green, but are they really. After just completing the NAHB's Green Building Certification course, I'm here to tell you, most of you are already pretty close to building green. Sure there might be more you can do, recycle, used sustainable products, be more energy efficient, build a smaller footprint (now that is a novel idea), but over all, it really isn't rocket science and currently it might be one of the best ways to actually differentiate yourself in the VERY competitive marketplace.
Housing Tax Credit Teleconference
Wed, 4 March, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
NAHB is hosting a free teleconference for builders and sales & marketing professionals on how to effectively market the first-time home buyer $8,000 housing tax credit to prospective buyers.
The teleconference will begin at 2:00 p.m. EST on Monday, March 16. To participate, call 800-860-2442 and ask for the “Housing Tax Credit Teleconference.”
New Stimulus Law
Thu, 26 February, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
So I thought I should post again what the new stimulus law really says. There seems to be some mixed views and reports floating around out there. This comes directly from NAHB public affairs department. So hopefully this will help clear up some confusion.
New Stimulus Law Includes $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit
Twitter applications
Fri, 20 February, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
If you haven't started to Twitter, you might want to give it a second look. I know, you are thinking this is for the teeny bopper generation. My clients don't care if I'm going to coffee or heading to the gym. Those were my sentiments exactly, but that was before I found out just how useful these social networking tools can be for your business. Here are a few sites that can help explain this crazy new phenomenon.
New Home Tax Credit
Thu, 19 February, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
The NAHB is really stepping up to keep everyone informed on what is going on in the industry, and how they and/or the government is trying to help out. Here are a few sites that offer statistics and information vital to our industry.
Another View on Recession Marketing
Wed, 18 February, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
I thought I would follow up yesterday's post with yet another view on what we can do as marketers, during this very interesting time.
Marketing in the Economic Mess
Tue, 17 February, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
Marketing seems to always be the topic of debate when the economy hits a downward slide. It is always the first to get cut, but then it is usually the first to come back on line as well. However, just throwing money or ads at the problem is not always the wisest solution.
Back from IBS
Wed, 28 January, 2009
Posted by wendy renner
Well I'm finally back at it. After a much needed vacation over the holidays, I'm back and ready to roll. Which is literally what I just got back from doing, down in Vegas, at the International Builder Show. The dice weren't as hot as I would have liked, but the show was just what I needed to get back in gear.
Discounts are not the only way
Tue, 2 December, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
When the economy is struggling, it is only inevitable that we are going to slash prices and just pray that something will move. It is often the first thing builders think to do. However, it is not always the smartest move.
Keep an Eye on the Economy
Tue, 25 November, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
The bad news just keeps flowing in. What is accurate? What is over exaggerated? In times when things change as fast as the Montana weather, it is good to keep on top of what is really going on with the economy on a local and national level.
Just to Make you Smile
Wed, 29 October, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
Every once in a while you need to take a deep breath and reflect. This video does that for me. Hope you enjoy.
www.youtube.com/watchNorthern Rockies
Wed, 29 October, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
So where are we really heading? A recession? A depression. I just got back from attending the 3rd annual New West Real Estate and Development in the Northern Rockies Conference, where some local and national economists forecasted what's in store for our area and beyond.
No More, Same Old Thing
Tue, 28 October, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
Sometimes it is wise to break from the mold and set out on a new path. Everything seems to be turned on its head, as of lately, and the home building industry is no exception. If we are going to continue down the same old path, we are going to get the same old results. Currently those are not too appealing, are they?
Advertising - Digital vs. Print
Tue, 14 October, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
I was talking with a group of marketers the other day and we were just comparing the media spending on print vs. web for our clients. It was amazing to us that more clients were not taking advantage of this very cost effective form of marketing, the web.
Collaboration - Creative Thinking
Wed, 8 October, 2008
Posted by wendy renner
It only takes a few people to totally redirect and solve very complex problems. However, if you venture out on your own, you might actually get there, it just might take you a really long time. I find it interesting that some of the greatest ideas or solutions seem to come from just a few individuals that band together and just look at the problem differently. It seems they just step back, turn it upside down and then flip it inside out.
LEED is it really Green?
Thu, 18 September, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Lately I have been looking around at all the GREEN things that have been going on and it has caused me to wonder. Are we any where close to where we need to be. Granted, green is now a household word, which in itself is a remarkable feat. But, are we getting anywhere with all this.
Will the Market Recover?
Thu, 4 September, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
The topics of choice, for some of the big upcoming conferences, seem to be shifting these days. We are indeed not just speculating of a downturn anymore, it is here. As I always seem to keep preaching, if we continue to do the same thing over and over again, and expect different results, are we not "insane".
Social Networking
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Is Advertising Dead?
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Lately I keep coming across articles that are ranting that “Advertising is dead”. No one is tuning in anymore, it is simply information overload. It seems the saying goes “What we resist will persist” just might be true.
Bubbles Bursting - Oh What to Do?
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
The media is flooded with the headlines “The Bubble has burst”, but what does this really mean to builders and developers as far as marketing and selling their products. The focus needs to be shifted from this doom or gloom amongst our industry to looking forward towards the future.
Market Intelligence
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Yesterday I attended a speech by
Steven S. Little
. The topic was on Business Growth and included many of the rules from his book,
"Seven Irrefutable Rules of Small Business Growth"
.
Two Must Read Books for the New Year
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
I just completed the two very timely books to bring in the new year: "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies" by Jim Colins (Author) and Jerry I. Porras (Author), and "Success Built to Last" by Jerry Porras (Author), Stewart Emery (Author) and Mark Thompson (Author). Both books focus on what it takes to be a success not only in business but in life.
Top 10 Trends for Marketing in 2008
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Chief
Marketer just sent out a new article on their view of what is going to be hot in marketing in 2008. They bring up some good points, with new electronic media becoming more and more user friendly, I think the major trend is going to be focused in that medium.
Are you talking to the right people?
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Upon returning from a series of recent conferences, a consistent theme kept popping up, “Are we speaking to the right people?”. Not only that, but are we even talking with the correct message.
LEED Certified
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
The World has finally sat up and taken notice. We all need to be doing something to help the environment. We all need to focus on what we can do to aid in the fight. One thing that is being talked about continuously in the building industry is LEED Certification
.
Social Networking Follow up
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
I just came across an
article
in Chief Marketer that has another view on social networking. Their main point focuses on viral downloads and not necessarily on just networking in these social places.
Is Digital our New Future?
Wed, 23 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
If you are listening to Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer, you just might be convinced that this is our new reality. Recently at the Master’s of Marketing Conference in Phoenix, last week, this was the main topic of discussion. He even went so far as to say, in an article by
Brand Week
“In ten year, traditional marketing as we know it will disappear.”
Setting Goals for 2008
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
I know, I know, everyone and their dog are setting new goals to start the new year off right. However, I would like to put a little different spin on the process of goal setting and how it just might pay off to sit down and focus on what you really want to accomplish in 2008. New Year's resolutions and goals for the year are perfectly good places to start, but I'm suggesting you go much further than just long range goal setting.
Try Something NEW!
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
I’m constantly preaching that if you continue executing the same actions, you are most likely going to get the same results.
Setting Priorities
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Tyler Wantulok
Have you ever just thrown your hands up in the air and said toooo much? Be it work, home life, leisure, these days there just never seems enough time to get it all done. One of the areas in balance I have been struggling most is procrastination and I decided enough is enough. With that I procrastinated a bit more and went to the book store in search for the answer, and guess what, I think I found it. I just finished a spectacular book by Brian Tracy, "Eat that Frog!" .
Design vs. Style
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Tyler Wantulok
This is one of the best blogs I have seen/ about the great debate on what creative people actual do.
Is it design or style. However if off color language offends you, I would refrain from visiting this blog.
International Builders Show Recap
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
The mood still seems to be a bit somber amongst the vast International Builder Show attendees. People are still waiting to hear when is this all going to end. There were a few reports on are we heading into a recession and the economic outlook for the next year did not seem as bleek as expected. To read more about their predictions click here.
It’s all About Attitude
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Wendy Renner
Lately doesn’t everyone seem to be sending out doom and gloom messages? The government, the media, our entire industry, it doesn’t matter who you are talking to, they are depressed, worried, stressed and down right negative. I look around and life definitely is not perfect right now for most people in our industry, but there are still people who are doing well and I mean really well.
Ideas
Tue, 1 July, 2008
Posted by Tyler Wantulok
Last night I was sitting watching some mind numbing television and a commercial came on that really stuck in my head. It was a commercial for some inventors and said something like “100 years ago the patent attorney said. Everything that can be invented has been already. Since then millions of new patents have been created.” Please forgive my recollection of the exact facts but the meaning is what stood out in my head.
Can we cruise past a recession?
Mon, 30 June, 2008
Posted by Tyler Wantulok
The experts are weighing in, at this point if you ask me, it is anyone’s “guess” where are economy is heading. I think if we look back at history, like Bill Fleckenstein does in his article on MSN, “Why we can’t cruise past a recession”, we might find that he’s not all that off base. He takes a look at history, and some reason it does tend to have a funny way of repeating itself.
Internet Advertising - Do you really know what is going on out there?
Mon, 30 June, 2008
Posted by Tyler Wantulok
When I say, do you really know what is going on out there, I’m not talking about just having a presence on the Internet. Actually having a presence on the Internet should be a given. What I’m talking about is your advertising and it is not just about key words and banner ads anymore.
Looking to the Future
Tue, 3 June, 2008
Posted by Tyler Wantulok
What a refreshing thought, looking to the future. It is nice to finally see someone looking forward instead of back. How refreshing to look at new ways of thinking instead of taking bits of history and re-purposing them for current use.