We are Listening
We are Listening. We are also responding. First, let’s say what we are hearing.
1) INdustry Pros want solutions to the financing issue.
2) INdustry Pros want solutions to Industry image issues.
3) INdustry Pros know that sell more new homes for us to continue as a viable industry. We’ve had 12 years of declines: as an industry can’t have declining shipments for years 13, 14 and 15.
Left Hanging
When you are left hanging between heaven and earth, don’t look down!
There are many images that come to mind when pondering why and how people react in times of distress. Think about the mountain climber. Think about someone dangling between the top – which is up! – and the steep drop, which is down.
Think about someone who may be too scared to move…
…to concerned to plan the advance, up.
The solution to the problem of stress and pain rarely come from looking down. The answers lie in the climb up.
Don’t think down.
Don’t plan down.
Look up. Think up. Plan and act to move UP!
An Exclusive Interview with Doug Gorman
…I do not have any specific knowledge of a conspiracy to destroy our industry. At the same time I find many of the actions taken in Washington are in fact resulting in driving up costs for our industry’s clients while reducing the financing options available. If it is a conspiracy, those responsible are being remarkably successful as we look at a 90% drop in industry shipments. I don’t read a lot of news coverage of any other industry taking a hit of that magnitude….
We all need Help some Time
It goes without saying that the best and brightest of us all need help at some time. The truth is, if you are an owner or manager, you likely need help every day. That is why you have staff! But there are times when we need help and we just don’t reach out for it. What brings this top of mind for me is an all too personal incident where I was the one guilty of not reaching out for the help that was readily available. Come along for the brief ride, and see if this lesson might be useful to others too…
Out of the ashes, Phoenix Rising
“A phoenix is a mythical bird with a colorful…tail…near the end of (its life) it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix…arises, reborn anew to live again.”
Quote from Wikipedia online encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_%28mythology%29
Let me say what you know. We aren’t the only ones out there with turn-around ideas! In the last few weeks, a number of positive efforts are underway, new initiatives have been revealed, soon will be publicized or will be launched. This is important for an industry that has been hungry for good news. While this doesn’t mean that we are out of the woods, it does mean that many keen minds and dedicated parties are at work to effect the great turn-round for Manufactured Housing…
Exclusive Interview with Industry Guru, Eddie Hicks
www.MHMSM.com did an exclusive interview yesterday with Industry Guru, Eddie Hicks, noted consultant and multi-decade veteran of retailing, development, project financing, and more.
The discussion was far ranging, here are some of the highlights.
Q by Tony Kovach:
You recently came out recently with an article in The Journal that called for an Ad Hoc Committee to tackle the issue of image building for the industry.
A by Eddie Hicks:
Our industry’s (public) image hasn’t kept up with substantial improvements in our products. This has impacted our…
Intro to Cross Marketing 101
Cross Marketing is a form of synergy. It is working together to achieve the ‘win-win’ or as our writer Mike DuPure likes to call it, “The Double Win.” It employs elements of Tim Connor’s fine article on a related topic as well, what I learned as the ‘Rule of Reciprocity’ by psychologist Robert B Cialdini, PhD whose book Influence was called “A landmark publication in furthering the persuasion process.” per Jacob Jacoby, PhD, the Director of the Institute of Retail Management at New York University. Influence is a great read by the way, I recommend it. Cross Marketing is what savvy promoters do. You point the finger of praise at person A, they share the pat on the back with you.
500.000 Reasons:
I can think of at least 500,000 reasons why we need to act rapidly to affect the great Manufactured Housing Industry Turn-Around. Let’s start with you and your associates.
My Mistake
I erred. Fumbled the ball. I made a mistake. Wish I hadn’t, but there it is and all that is to be done is to admit the glitch, try to make amends and hope that all will be understood and forgiven. Please let me explain…
7 Image Building Words for Manufactured Housing!
The reason marketers use ‘tag lines’ and the reason politicians use short catchy phrases is they have the power to stick in the mind and create a powerful image or impression.
Let’s do something very simple, positive and creative here. Everyone who reads this, take a moment and share a maximum of 7 Image Building words for Manufactured Housing. Note that phrase was 7 words.
Pick 7 or fewer Words – that if you or others used it in the public in the context of manufactured housing, would get people thinking, make them curious or start changing people’s ideas about manufactured homes today.
As an example, let me start this off with a phrase I’ve used many times , to get this discussion started off:
Stronger, Smarter, Safer, Stylish, Savings!
