Hello everyone,
I was recently asked why I don’t offer monthly day seminars for prospective homebuilders. My counter-question was: “Why should I? The building authorities as well as some well-known associations already offer similar courses regularly.” The reply was: “If it’s free, it’s worthless.”
Since then, my mind has been actively working to piece together the scattered fragments into a coherent whole, as well as to examine the truthfulness of that reply. Have I come any closer to a satisfying answer? Very clear: No; at least not yet; I’m still owed an answer myself.
Above all stands the question of how receptive people really are. Such a seminar should last at least—as with a good initial consultation—3 hours or more, since a seminar _also_ benefits from spontaneous discussions. I mostly hold consultation meetings in the evenings and know that this is no small task; most participants are noticeably exhausted afterward. Still, it takes several repetitions for basic knowledge to really settle in. So maybe 2-day seminars?
Slowly but surely, my personal mental movie is starting to give me a headache, so I’m putting some of my fragments out there for open discussion and hope for helpful answers and experiences that might hopefully clear the fog of my operational blindness.
Thanks for reading + clearing the fog
Best regards, Bauexperte
I was recently asked why I don’t offer monthly day seminars for prospective homebuilders. My counter-question was: “Why should I? The building authorities as well as some well-known associations already offer similar courses regularly.” The reply was: “If it’s free, it’s worthless.”
Since then, my mind has been actively working to piece together the scattered fragments into a coherent whole, as well as to examine the truthfulness of that reply. Have I come any closer to a satisfying answer? Very clear: No; at least not yet; I’m still owed an answer myself.
Above all stands the question of how receptive people really are. Such a seminar should last at least—as with a good initial consultation—3 hours or more, since a seminar _also_ benefits from spontaneous discussions. I mostly hold consultation meetings in the evenings and know that this is no small task; most participants are noticeably exhausted afterward. Still, it takes several repetitions for basic knowledge to really settle in. So maybe 2-day seminars?
Slowly but surely, my personal mental movie is starting to give me a headache, so I’m putting some of my fragments out there for open discussion and hope for helpful answers and experiences that might hopefully clear the fog of my operational blindness.
- What should be included in a seminar for prospective homebuilders?
- Which information is outcome-oriented?
- What must distinguish a seminar from other similar offers?
- Are alternative offers even necessary?
- Why offer another option at all?
- Should the working methods of home salespeople / salesperson training be part of the seminar?
- Added value?
- Duration?
- Timing? Evenings or rather weekends?
- What are prospective homebuilders willing to invest in such a seminar?
- Are printed materials needed as a giveaway, so participants can review what they’ve learned?
- And much more.
Thanks for reading + clearing the fog
Best regards, Bauexperte
Interesting topic. For my main focus on renovating existing buildings, energy-efficient refurbishments, and property purchase consultations, I have also considered the possibility of an informational event. A one-day seminar would be the minimum organizational effort given the variety and complexity of the topics, and probably the maximum cost that a prospective homeowner or builder would be willing to invest.
I find this approach of bringing together interested parties, consultants, and planners very worthwhile—aside from the marketing effort and other related factors. An online event, such as a webinar (an unpleasant term), could also be an option. This would allow participants who live farther away to join and would save on travel costs and venue rental.
Fundamentally, I believe the need for information is very high, and many would appreciate having a reliable and accessible source of information to refer back to, for example, during a personal consultation.
Without going into detail now, I would be very interested in creating such an information platform.
I find this approach of bringing together interested parties, consultants, and planners very worthwhile—aside from the marketing effort and other related factors. An online event, such as a webinar (an unpleasant term), could also be an option. This would allow participants who live farther away to join and would save on travel costs and venue rental.
Fundamentally, I believe the need for information is very high, and many would appreciate having a reliable and accessible source of information to refer back to, for example, during a personal consultation.
Without going into detail now, I would be very interested in creating such an information platform.
wpic schrieb:
An online event as a so-called "webinar" (a dreadful word) could also be considered. Since I come from that field, I can tell you that webinars usually don’t go over very well. They feel too impersonal and distant, and because participants are unobserved and inattentiveness goes unnoticed, the seminar often receives poor reviews afterwards. This has purely psychological reasons.
And above all, it is very stressful for the presenter because they usually lack an overview of all the attendees and their reactions, if webcams are used at all.
The most important aspect of such a seminar is likely the exchange of information and opinions in both directions, especially because there is a lot of theory (just listening), which is a real challenge in webinars...
I have conducted such events myself and, to be honest, I’m not impressed. The preparation costs for the seminar remain the same, but the benefit for the attendees is usually rated even lower than in an on-site seminar.
Hello building expert,
based on my gut feeling, I would advise against it.
You will create a huge amount of work for yourself and will probably not get your money’s worth. Not only that: you will likely be frustrated at times because, just like here in the forum, people from all walks of life will participate, or because seminar appointments may be canceled for whatever reason, and suddenly you find yourself standing in front of only 3 people (out of 10).
This seminar work will, in turn, keep you away from your actual business that earns you money.
On the other hand, I believe I have gotten to know you a little over the past few years. Your motivation here seems to be more about the desire to support your fellow human beings on a topic that is your core “business.” You want to protect them from “critical mistakes.” Therefore, it is of secondary or even tertiary importance to you whether these people then approach you with their project – if so, of course, you will be happy to take on the task.
There is always demand for such a seminar. The question is how willing people in today’s society are to pay for it. Large parts of the building forum community (HBF) rely on the fact that (potential) home builders have the chance to expand their knowledge free of charge here. To the saying “What doesn’t cost anything, isn’t worth anything,” I counter with the well-known (advertising) slogan of our generation: “Being stingy is cool!”
I once worked for a fee-based advisor who regularly offered seminars on financial planning to a specialized clientele (dentists). His goal was, of course, to acquire new clients. Knowing how low the demand for such seminars tends to be (close to zero), I once attended (for me, as a trial day before starting) his first event with curiosity. I was absolutely shocked by how many people came and how positive the response was. However, the boss had already built a good reputation in the past and sometimes organized his events directly through the dental associations.
Here are a few comments regarding your questions:
That is my assessment. This is a topic that can be explored endlessly. Finally: the success of such an event depends hugely on the empathy levels of the instructor. My former boss had extremely high empathy – he put us all far in the shade.
based on my gut feeling, I would advise against it.
You will create a huge amount of work for yourself and will probably not get your money’s worth. Not only that: you will likely be frustrated at times because, just like here in the forum, people from all walks of life will participate, or because seminar appointments may be canceled for whatever reason, and suddenly you find yourself standing in front of only 3 people (out of 10).
This seminar work will, in turn, keep you away from your actual business that earns you money.
On the other hand, I believe I have gotten to know you a little over the past few years. Your motivation here seems to be more about the desire to support your fellow human beings on a topic that is your core “business.” You want to protect them from “critical mistakes.” Therefore, it is of secondary or even tertiary importance to you whether these people then approach you with their project – if so, of course, you will be happy to take on the task.
There is always demand for such a seminar. The question is how willing people in today’s society are to pay for it. Large parts of the building forum community (HBF) rely on the fact that (potential) home builders have the chance to expand their knowledge free of charge here. To the saying “What doesn’t cost anything, isn’t worth anything,” I counter with the well-known (advertising) slogan of our generation: “Being stingy is cool!”
I once worked for a fee-based advisor who regularly offered seminars on financial planning to a specialized clientele (dentists). His goal was, of course, to acquire new clients. Knowing how low the demand for such seminars tends to be (close to zero), I once attended (for me, as a trial day before starting) his first event with curiosity. I was absolutely shocked by how many people came and how positive the response was. However, the boss had already built a good reputation in the past and sometimes organized his events directly through the dental associations.
Here are a few comments regarding your questions:
- Only include topics you are confident in. For everything else, bring in guest speakers or refer attendees to more competent sources. I always liked informational events that pointed out various pitfalls (wording). Include practical examples – they lighten the mood and tend to be remembered best.
- The seminar should be as neutral as possible. Some (home) providers also conduct such seminars, but they often feel like sales events. That is exactly why alternative offerings are needed.
- The duration is hard to estimate. However, considering the variety of topics, I also think two days would be reasonable. Therefore, a weekend would be ideal. Then also think about the location and possibly catering (proper lunch; dinner with personal/deeper conversations afterwards; etc.). My former employer used such conversations to gain clients. Participants booked and paid for the event + meal (by a top chef) in advance. But as mentioned, he used such events for client acquisition.
- You should provide handouts. However, you could distribute a “feedback form” at the end where participants leave their email address if they want the materials. Then you send the documents electronically after the seminar (saving costs). For the event itself, there is only a notepad and a pen provided.
That is my assessment. This is a topic that can be explored endlessly. Finally: the success of such an event depends hugely on the empathy levels of the instructor. My former boss had extremely high empathy – he put us all far in the shade.
B
Bauexperte12 Apr 2016 13:00Hello Will,
I have just received information about these online platforms via private message; I will study the English information and then report back. I could imagine that it might only be of supplementary interest.
Basically, I agree with Uwe regarding personal interaction. It is necessary; otherwise, it’s like talking to a blank wall—the effect is the same.
Best regards, Bauexperte
wpic schrieb:
Without going into details now, I would be very interested in creating such an information platform.
I have just received information about these online platforms via private message; I will study the English information and then report back. I could imagine that it might only be of supplementary interest.
Basically, I agree with Uwe regarding personal interaction. It is necessary; otherwise, it’s like talking to a blank wall—the effect is the same.
Best regards, Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte12 Apr 2016 13:14Me again,
For today, I need to sign off for now; I have my first appointment outside shortly. Exceptionally, it’s for a personal matter.
I’ll get back to you later!
Bauexperte
For today, I need to sign off for now; I have my first appointment outside shortly. Exceptionally, it’s for a personal matter.
I’ll get back to you later!
Bauexperte
B
Bieber081512 Apr 2016 21:36Even though some points have already been mentioned, repeating them may reinforce certain important notes:
Q: What should be included in a seminar for prospective home builders?
A:
- Block 1: Basic knowledge — what is a home builder? Requirements, responsibilities, and rights of home builders. Zoning plan yes/no; building permit / planning permission. Followed by general contractor / main contractor / construction manager or architect; classification of contractual relationships. Construction and performance specifications; contract for work and materials / purchase contract. Owner’s own work / insurance / professional association / occupational safety. Construction management, site supervision.
- Block 2: Construction methods — solid construction, timber frame, prefabricated house. Energy-saving regulations, Renewable Energy Heat Act, energy-efficient house, subsidized building. Overview of building services, trades, who/what/when. Optionally: Defining scope of services (construction preparation, building, interior finishing, kitchen, bathrooms, built-in furniture, outdoor facilities, garage, terrace, paths, landscaping and outdoor construction).
- Block 3: Outlook on cost estimation and financing. Types of costs, rule-of-thumb values, costs per m² (square meter), per m³ (cubic meter), loan-to-value ratio. Basic rules (5% annuity), how does an annuity loan work?
Q: Should the working methods of home salespeople / salesperson training be part of the seminar?
A: Probably not (reading between the lines). Those who understand the content will automatically be prepared.
Q: What are prospective home builders willing to invest in such a seminar?
A: Nothing? If done properly, it will be expensive. Most people build only once in their lives. It is already costly. Construction supervision is often a challenging topic. In my opinion, such a seminar would rank below that. That it can be valuable is beyond question. The interested home builder must see it that way.
Q: Are printed materials needed as a takeaway to review what was heard?
A: Yes, absolutely. A good written script is essential. It can be compact, including an annotated bibliography (books, online sources, forums ).
Perhaps this goes without saying, but I assume the target group is private home builders planning to build a single-family house for their own use.
Q: What should be included in a seminar for prospective home builders?
A:
- Block 1: Basic knowledge — what is a home builder? Requirements, responsibilities, and rights of home builders. Zoning plan yes/no; building permit / planning permission. Followed by general contractor / main contractor / construction manager or architect; classification of contractual relationships. Construction and performance specifications; contract for work and materials / purchase contract. Owner’s own work / insurance / professional association / occupational safety. Construction management, site supervision.
- Block 2: Construction methods — solid construction, timber frame, prefabricated house. Energy-saving regulations, Renewable Energy Heat Act, energy-efficient house, subsidized building. Overview of building services, trades, who/what/when. Optionally: Defining scope of services (construction preparation, building, interior finishing, kitchen, bathrooms, built-in furniture, outdoor facilities, garage, terrace, paths, landscaping and outdoor construction).
- Block 3: Outlook on cost estimation and financing. Types of costs, rule-of-thumb values, costs per m² (square meter), per m³ (cubic meter), loan-to-value ratio. Basic rules (5% annuity), how does an annuity loan work?
Q: Should the working methods of home salespeople / salesperson training be part of the seminar?
A: Probably not (reading between the lines). Those who understand the content will automatically be prepared.
Q: What are prospective home builders willing to invest in such a seminar?
A: Nothing? If done properly, it will be expensive. Most people build only once in their lives. It is already costly. Construction supervision is often a challenging topic. In my opinion, such a seminar would rank below that. That it can be valuable is beyond question. The interested home builder must see it that way.
Q: Are printed materials needed as a takeaway to review what was heard?
A: Yes, absolutely. A good written script is essential. It can be compact, including an annotated bibliography (books, online sources, forums ).
Perhaps this goes without saying, but I assume the target group is private home builders planning to build a single-family house for their own use.