DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER
In an effort to promote partnerships and collaboration between builders and associates, a new initiative is taking place within the Greater Cleveland HBA.  It’s called Do Business with a Member (DBWM).  What is it?  It’s a year-round strategy developed by the NAHB Associate Members Committee to promote business relationships between members on the local, state, and national levels.  Since the majority of associate members join a home builders association in order to expand their business contacts and increase their sales potential, the DBWM campaign affirms the importance of a builder or associate member contacting another member first when in need of an industry product or service.  This message will be kept alive through ongoing promotion and routine recognition of those who strongly support it.

Here in Greater Cleveland, we plan on trying to do any or all of the following to get this initiative built on a solid foundation for success:

-           Put the DBWM logo on all HBA stationery, BUILD magazine, any promotional flyers for upcoming events, newsletters, etc.

-           Institute the first annual BEAM award at the 2009 Cleveland Choice Awards.  BEAM stands for Builders Employing Associate Members.  All builder and remodeler members receive and application for any one project undertaken between Jan. 2008 – Oct. 2008 whereupon they listing the names of all associate members used on that project.  Points are also awarded for builder participation at HBA events, committees, and membership recruitment.

-          Engage the Board of Trustees to sign a Do Business with a Member pledge.

-          Insert a note explaining the value of doing business with a member in all renewal notices.

-           Several efforts to promote the initiative using BUILD magazine include tips on how to develop long-term relationships with builders, New Member Spotlights, Members in the News, business profiles, and discounted advertising opportunities.

-          Open Door Policy – where builder members volunteer to open their doors and meet, by appointment, with associates and allow them to bid on a specific project.  There is no guarantee of work but an opportunity for presenting your ideas/services.

Since this will be an ongoing process, your help and support is greatly appreciated.  If you have questions, want to help, or need more information, contact the Associates Advisory Council Vice Chair Leslie Reddy at 440.892.8761 or via email at leslie@usmgcorp.com

Leslie Reddy
DBWM Chair, Associate Advisory Council Vice Chair

© 2008 Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland