We

We can make a difference. It may seem trite, but as John F. Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can you for your country.” We can apply the same to ASHI.

This month, all active members with email addresses on record will be emailed an individual report of how many times someone accessed their information during the previous quarter from the “Find An Inspector” search function on the ASHI website. Active members will receive this report on a quarterly basis.

Generating leads is a tangible benefit from belonging to ASHI.

Our promoting ASHI is key to our success

ASHI will be more successful if each of us promotes ASHI. Our members could not contribute enough money to do this from national alone. We need the support of the chapters and the individual members. Randall Pence is ASHI’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C. He does a great job for ASHI and the home inspection industry.

In some parts of the country, being an ASHI member is more relevant than in other parts of the country. This is the result of chapters marketing to the real estate industry. There also is a personal aspect to promoting ASHI. Ask the seller the location of his or her new home. If it is out of town, recommend an ASHI inspector in that town. If you do not close a prospect seeking a home inspection, end by commenting, “If you do not choose me, be sure to choose another ASHI inspector.”

It pays to participate

Every ASHI member receives value in ASHI. You acknowledge this by paying dues when you renew your membership. New members indicate they perceive value by joining ASHI. We thank you for your support. There always is a need for new blood in an organization. You can give back by volunteering, which helps ASHI be even stronger. This can be at the chapter level, serving on a national committee or being elected/appointed to the Council of Representatives. If you speak to those who volunteer, most say they receive more than they put in. You also can promote ASHI by wearing ASHI apparel.

New ACI Logo

ACIs should have received their certificate from the ASHI Certification Committee. It includes the new Gold Seal logo. This logo can be used only by ASHI Certified Inspectors (ACIs). If you choose, you can continue to use the standard ASHI logo. When people are asked what ASHI represents, a frequent answer is that ASHI is the gold standard of home inspections, thus the new logo.

ASHI Growth

ACIs tend to be loyal to ASHI and see value in membership. Typically, the retention rate is in the low 90 percent range. This is outstanding for an organization. It is even more outstanding, given the economic conditions and the dire straits of the real estate industry. As leader of ASHI for 2011, I feel I have a responsibility, along with the others on the ASHI Board, to have a strategic vision. The Council of Representatives developed a survey to give your leadership team your feelings about membership growth. Some leaders are hung up on reshuffling the membership names and categories. The survey is designed to help the leaders determine how ASHI should operate in the decade and beyond, keeping to core values and mores, and acknowledging the passing of the NHIE and other requirements.

This theme is one of the reasons I asked to serve as your president. The inspection profession has been good to me. Whatever I have contributed has been returned multiple times over. This holds true for all of us as an association. The more the members contribute, the greater we become as an organization.

Together, ASHI and its members can achieve great things!