Did you ever stop to think about the word "incredible?" For most of us it can conjure up feats of greatness, heroism, or efforts that amaze us. It actually means, "Too extraordinary, or improbable." The beginning inspector can earn there way to being extraordinary, and we all start at a point somewhat less than extraordinary. It actually takes time to build the kind of relationships and credibility that it takes to make a living in this business. Other people can sell us as "incredible" and it takes on a different meaning than if we try to sell ourselves as incredible----that just comes off as non-credible----disingenuous.
Jack Feldman's recent blog about "incredible" numbers of inspections performed over a very short period of time are just that-----"not credible."
I know I have brought this up before. Some people responded with comments like "Well we all did it when we started", etc. But do these guys not think that someone will compare what they are saying on a blog and then on their web site?
I was looking at a blog here a few minutes ago. On the blog, the inspector claimed to have done 3000 inspections in the last three years. That is like averaging about 4 inspections a day, every week day for 3 years. Not only is that pretty much impossible in the first place, but the last three years????? No way.
Then I clicked on the "more about me" to go to his web site, and there he claimed to have done 4,000 inspections. Can he not get his "facts" straight? Seems not.
I'm not sure why this bothers me. He is not in my area, not even in my State. I guess because someone will think he has much more experience than he does, and hire him based on that, instead of maybe hiring someone that really has more experience, but is honest in his advertising.
I guess it takes all kinds. And, NO, we all did not lie about our experience when we started out.
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Charles - Those numbers are nothing, in the last two days alone, I have successfully closed 47 transactions from start to finish*. I'm just that good.
*Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
Matt-----you--------are------the--------MAN!!!!! (translate: "What a stud")
You have made an excellent point and the comment above made me laugh. I see it all the time and watch the numbers. They don't add up.... Not sure why many feel the need to lie on their resume??? Not for me... Have a Great Day.
Mark, thanks for the comment. I think when we all start out we think it is a barrier we must overcome----being a newbie. No matter what profession we are in we are all newbies at some point----adding insecurity to it just compounds the issue.
I don't know, maybe I'm missing something. I like to mention my successes, but at what point does it become bragging and like you say - less than credible.
If one is going to puff-up aresume, one should at least be consistent! 4,000 inspections? Really, is any consumer going to buy that one? Unless of course he has a team of 10 inspectors.
I agree with you and think that it is "incredible" what some people do.
Gabe----for me it is all about "believing" in yourself----you will automatically be "believable" then.
Marjorie---I agree, but if it is a team that should be indicated as well.
Anne, thanks----for me it is just another symptom of "Time is money."
Charles,
He is Inspector Extraordinaire,
No the Inspector of all Inspectors,
No he is the Inspecto-rama-nator-inator, the one and only.
Only he can do the "incredible".
Life is Good
Roy you are too funny:)
Charlie, You hit on a great point, self confidence. If you lack it you might resort to inflating your accomplishments.
When I was new to the inspection profession I looked at advertising this way;
I will focus on my strengths and not discuss my weaknesses. That being said if some asked me what my experience was I would tell them honestly. Lying or exaggerating is no way to try and begin a business relationship or any relationship for that matter. It's a fine line to navigate, but honesty is always the best policy.
Wow ..... My only thoughts are
1. He is either a VERY fast inspector which leads me to think low quality
or
2. He has additional inspectors working under him and those are the numbers for the whole team.
Either way ..... That is a LOT of inspections.
Sean Allen
Sean---it would just be interesting to know---wouldn't it?
Is Superman now in the Home Inspection field...faster than a speeding bullet?
Jim, it seems as though that may be the case----he just uses a crawl space instead of a phone booth:)
FYI - check this out...you've got a mention: http://activerain.com/blogsview/862453/Just-Another-Day-in-the-Rain
Jim, thanks again, I am totally flattered by the recognition.
I don't think I'd want someone that "fast" and "in credible" doing inspections for my clients. As word of mouth is the best advertising I rely on honest hard work and let others say the good stuff. I just say I do my best.
Tammy, that begs another question. In general---do you think tha most agents are aware of how may inspections their inspectors of choice try to do in a day? Tammy, I'd be willing to bet that you do, do your best too. I hope your inspectors do as well.
You are certainly deserving of recognition in my book......but don't let it go to your head! :-) - lol
I have completed more than 11,000 cable and electric service inspections. I see this as no big deal.
Nutsy,
Certifried home inspector assistant
Nutsy, mabe so---but you seem to have a knack for not getting paid:)
Sorry to be so late to this party --
Personally, I would go with Superman above.
One day, inspections will be done by satellite. You will pay an inspection service to point its satellite onto and into the house you wish to purchase. In milliseconds the result will be displayed in understandable format, with photos, dissections, predictions and... you mean, you only did 43,000 today?
Charles: Good point. Maybe the methamphetamine some inspectors take helps inspections only take an hour.
Jim, that gives a whole new meaning to "Meth Inspections"
I'll respond to that as it may be referring to me.
I was fortunate to be a part of a lender and in charge of 11-24 inspectors at a time. It states that I have performed or approved that many inspections.... Now inspections come in different forms and fashions. You can't assume these are all full general home inspections.
There are inspections to review rehab properties as to the scope of work and issues with the property to draw inspections. There were days that I performed 25 draw inspections with the same client and went from house to house in a small area and turned in the reports to the bank.... Sure I worked long long days and sometimes 7 days a week. And at times I approved quite a few inspections and reports before the funds were released for the work done.
I just recently contracted for a few national firms that needed roof inspections due to Hurricane Ike that rolled through Ohio... there were many days with more than 5 inspections as these were clumped together.
I have preforming inspections with Infrared technology this winter and thankfully a nice article in the local newspaper helped generate a flood of calls. With the time taken to do these we can get 4-5 per day.... again sure they are long days for the reporting but, take the work when you can.
I apologize if that misleads anyone.... but there are all type of inspections.
Rick, you were never in my radar as far as someone that was exaggerating their accomplishments. If someone is honest about what they are claiming to have done---what is the problem? There is none as far as I am concerned.
When I bought the business of a 18 year inspector, and we worked together for a year, clients naturally wanted to go with the experienced inspector more often. If scheduling didn't permit, and they remained somewhat hesitant, I simply smiled and said to them directly, "I am not as good an inspector as Gary (long pause....I'm a little better. Worked everytime, and I didn't have to embellish at all.
When I bought the business of a 18 year inspector, and we worked together for a year, clients naturally wanted to go with the experienced inspector more often. If scheduling didn't permit, and they remained somewhat hesitant, I simply smiled and said to them directly, "I am not as good an inspector as Gary (long pause....I'm a little better. Worked everytime, and I didn't have to embellish at all.