Construction Organizations

[Eieio]

Does anyone belong to any construction organizations like NARI or NAHB?

If so why did you join and what has your experience been like so far?

If your thinking about joining what are you looking to get out of your membership?

Anyone been a member of a group and left? what prompted the departure.

Is there a group or organization you would like to get more information about?

[buildpinnacle]

Personally, I feel like they are all a waste of money. I've never lost a job b/c I don't pay the NRCA or NAHB or even BBB thousands of dollars per year. The only advantage appears to be you get some of their 'materials' at a discounted rate. It's a status thing, in my opinion. I don't own my business for status. I do this for the money....period.

[Silvertree]

Next week I have a new article Trade organizations, pros and cons.

Look for it on the blog, I belong to 3.

[Breyerconstruct]

We're members of:
NAHB (plus state & local)
NADRA
BBB
Angie's List
as well as our local chamber of commerce.


Benefits are varied, but it usually seems to come down to this: whatever you put in, you will get back. If all you do is pay dues, it's pretty weak (excluding the slight assistance to the industry thru lobbing, etc.).

However, if you're involved... this is where you start to really see potential and opportunity. Networking, learning, and opportunities that would not otherwise hit the public, but that you may hear of because of your relationships- not to mention the possible business discounts, etc.
Our last 3 Chevy trucks garnered us $1500 of purchase rebates/coupons, and helped us get several $K more in discounts- all because of the NAHB relationship. That paid my membership there for 3-5 years!

Worth it, yes, IMHO.
~Matt

[Silvertree]

I think you zeroed in on it good Matt.

You get what you put in, same as everything else in life.