Starting in May.........

Our blog posts, over the course of the next several weeks starting May 1st, will deliver to you brief FYI/How to articles on gaining the most value out of your HBA membership.

These articles will be based on the Association Maximization power point presentation that has been given in multiple local HBAs across the federation and was presented in New Orleans in 2009 at NAHB's Summit on Association Excellence. Due to the presentation popularity it will be presented again at the 2011 NAHB Summit on Association Excellence in Dallas, Texas this upcoming November.

Please, you have my permission to reprint these articles in any of your HBA newsletters or utilize them in new member orientation. If any of the material used helps bring in or retain one new member then it was worth the time to post.

Submitted by: Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP

2011 NAHB Associate Members Committee Chair

"Are You a Resume Builder?"

You know the type. This is the person who signs up for everything yet does nothing. In the HBA world we refer to this type as a "resume builder." Looks great on paper but no substance in application.
The best way to earn a reputation as a resume builder is to volunteer for the sole reason of self promotion. Think hard for a moment or two. Can you visualize the person (maybe more) within your group? I know a few myself.
In sales, the professional will under promise and over deliver time and time again. The professional knows that the opposite will have a "kill shot" effect on his/her career. Volunteering within the HBA is absolutely no different. While the resume builder may think that they are something to behold the fact is all they are doing is earning a reputation that will not gain them any friends. When you volunteer for something others are relying on your "word' that you have your area taken care of. When you are all boast and no sweat your are causing a potential crippling effect to the initiative. Others will know it was that lack of commitment that caused the "domino effect."  






Domino Effect: 
Noun 1.
domino effect - the consequence of one event setting off a chain of similar events 

Domino effect meaning that others have to pick up the slack or take away from their efforts, on behalf of the initiative, because of your lack of action.


I have always asked builders to work with active associates and what I mean by that is associates who actually do things to help their local or state HBA become a little bit better, not just their careers. The associates who have served in this manner have had their careers enhanced because of their selflessness, because the laws of reciprocity do apply. I don't consider associates active by the amount of times their names appear on a committee roster or volunteer list for an event. I'm sorry, I just don't and never will. 
The purpose of this post is to get you thinking "am I doing 'this' for the right reasons?" By "this" I'm talking about the reason you volunteered. The right reason is because you have a skill or a thought process that can help with HBA initiatives. You have a desire to help the association because you know that it is truly better to give than receive. Again, the laws of reciprocity apply. 
If you are currently a volunteer I want you to look at your HBA accomplishments. Can you honestly say that they were ALL for the benefit of the HBA? 
I will be honest with all of you. In the beginning of my HBA career I was a resume builder. My sole purpose was to have my name and company name mentioned as many times as possible. A few things happened between then and now: I found a wonderful mentor, I became involved on my local's board of directors and I became more involved with the political process in my home state. I placed the pieces together and came to the realization that my efforts, if given sincerely, will help the HBA and I very much value the HBA and its role in protecting the building industry, my industry. This association has given me a wonderful career in a noble profession because of its purpose.


Take a look at what you are doing now. Are you giving it your best or are you just happy to have your name listed? Only you can answer that question and if the answer is "just to build your resume" know that you can change that answer very easily by action. 


There is no shame in saying you can't take on the responsibility but there is shame in taking on a responsibility and not doing anything or accepting recognition for others efforts. 


Submitted by Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP
2011 NAHB Associate Members Committee Chair

"A Time For Reflection"

You never realize what you have until it's no longer there. Then , all you have are memories of what was until those memories fade as new ones are created by the next generation. I have come to the realization that nothing lasts forever but memories can if they are properly remembered. 


This week's post is simply to remember, a time to reflect. Remember those who came before us to build The National Association of Home Builders so we can "be" today. I would ask all of this blog's readers to go back into your archives as well speak to your elder statesmen & stateswomen and discover the memories that are faded and revive them. You could create an area on your local HBA's website dedicated to these past members and chronicle their past deeds and personal stories.You could honor their memory at your installation banquets/dinners. 


We shouldn't live in the past, but we shouldn't forget the past. Association members, business acquaintances, friends and family have paved the way for "our today" as we will do for the next generation. 


And so it continues, this thing called life. Live it well, leave no regrets.


Submitted by Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP, 2011 NAHB Associate Members Committee Chair
On behalf of all those who have special memories of loved ones, business or family.