Happy New Year! As 2013 has now gone into the history books, a new year – 2014 – lies before us like a stack of clean white paper waiting to be written or printed. Let's look quickly at a handful of topics, before sharing the line up for our January 2014 issue of MHProNews.com.
Addressing Concerns
There are some who are experiencing significant angst, with all of the Dodd-Frank regulations coming online.
This is a valid concern, and there are common sense steps to take.
First, find out exactly what financing our industry's top lenders are offering in 2014 under the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) implementation of Dodd-Frank and SAFE.
My suggestion is to be in Louisville on January 22nd for the free finance seminar – that industry finance expert Dick Ersnt of FinmarkUSA.com – will be moderating.
Perhaps every major lender in our industry will be there, and thus you can get a quick feel for what you can still do to sell homes in 2014! We also recommend political engagement, please see the one of the hottest articles in our industry on that topic, linked here.
Big vs. Little Industry Businesses?
There are times we hear via email, calls, at during virtual or live events that there is a tug of war between little and big business in our industry. Some say this is really evident at the association level. My own experience is that this is a false dichotomy. Sure, big business may have some advantages, but so do 'mom and pop' operations!
Each has something to learn from the other, and thus it makes sense for state associations, the National Communities Council, et al to have members from all sizes of enterprises. A near perfect example follows below.
An Exclusive Interview with an Owner who has been Small, Medium and Large!
We feature this month an exclusive interview with a community owner/operator who has personally experienced every size operation! He has done so with award-winning success.
If you think you “know” this gent, because you've seen or met him at a meeting or event, guess again! Dive into our latest eye opening interview, A Cup of Coffee with...Rick Rand. My prediction? You'll learn, be inspired and even his best friends will discover keen insights.
The New Face on the MH Block will bring years of accomplishments and success!
It won't surprise me at all if MHI's new general counsel and award winning author becomes a popular face and force in MH circles during 2014! Check out our exclusive interview, A Cup of Coffee with…Rick Robinson.
Louisville Looms!
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As I'm writing this, the countdown clock on the LouisvilleShow website is now only 2 weeks, 6 days and less than 12 hours away! I was a little concerned that the big rush of pre-registrations in December might slow down, but we are in fact running well ahead of the pace in 2013, which was a post 2010 record attendance!
Show Chairman Ron Thomas Sr. has a column on the best attended event in all of manufactured housing in 2013.
A new video done in association with our new friends at ManufacturedHomes.com will give you a quick snapshot of what you can see and do in Louisville Show, held at the north wing of the Kentucky Exhibition Center, in perfect climate controlled comfort. Regardless of the weather outside, the weather inside will be terrific for deal making, education, networking and growing your business.
When I'm not walking homes, networking or in the seminar room, you find me and our team at booth #115, please stop by and say hi.
Tunica is just over the horizon too!
Please check out Tunica Show Chairman Keith Bennett's insights and comments on their show, which will feature some 80 homes! We love to go to both of these major trade shows, and hope that many of you will too.
There are 18 featured articles to start out the new year in January 2014. The full run-down, many of the VERY important – and a number of must reads – follows below.
Featured Articles and Reports for Vol. 5, No. 4, 2014
Alphabetically by Category
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & FAIR HOUSING (LEGAL)
• Beginning the New Year on a Serious Note
by Nadeen Green, JD
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As a teacher of fair housing law, I try to research and read as much as possible to keep up on what is going on out there and what is relevant for the housing industry.
• Recent Developments Regarding Enforceability of Binding Arbitration Agreements Under State and Federal Law
by William Hart, JD
The U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals have again weighed in on the thorny issue of the enforceability of binding arbitration agreements.
• Promoting Your Community: “What you know is of value only if you share it with others . . . (WOW!) Industry Knowledge . . .”
by Chrissy Jackson, ACM
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How much do you know about your industry? Not that anyone expects you to go around spouting statistics about the national shipment or sales figures, or current finance rates of five different companies, but how comfortable are you with your information level about the industry?
• Loan Originator Summary
by Manufactured Housing Institute
The following provides a summary of the guidance provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “Bureau”) for determining whether a retailer or its employees may be Loan Originators (“LO”).
FINANCING
• The Top 5 Reasons Why People Apply for a Manufactured Home Loan in Manufactured Home Communities
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Let's take a look at the top 5 reasons why people apply for a manufactured home loans in MHCs.
1) For their primary residence.
GENERAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY TOPICS
• The 2014 Tunica Manufactured Housing Show March 26 – 28, 2014
by Keith Bennett
Some things improve with age, and one of those is The Tunica Show. Now well into its 2nd decade, it has prospered during good times and difficult times. It becomes extremely important for all of us in the industry to stick together and lend support.
• Start the Year Off Right!
by Jason Brady
With 2014 here, many manufactured housing professionals are asking themselves, “What can I do to attract more qualified prospects, close sales, and maximize my profits?” The answer to that question may surprise you!
• Shopping with Soheyla! It's Not Free, but It's Good and Easy!
by Soheyla Kovach
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We lady's – and you gents! – know that not every purchase works out the way we wanted it too. Sometimes that appliance, blouse, dress, jewelry, shoes or other item we shop for just don't turn out the way we want them to, right?
• A Cup of Coffee with…Rick Rand
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1) Who, What and Where: (Your name, formal title at Great Value and where you are based).
Richard J. Rand (Rick) – President of Great Value Homes, Inc. Based in Milwaukee WI
• A Cup of Coffee with…Rick Robinson
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1) Who, What and Where: (Your name, formal title at the MHI and where you are based).
I’m Rick Robinson and I’m Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel for the Manufactured Housing Institute. I’m located at the association offices in Roslyn, Virginia.
• No BS About Resident Owned Communities
by Deane Sargent
STOP! Don’t turn that page. Why? Because there are some things you should know about resident owned communities and “parks.”
First, you might want to sell your park to the resident group.
•Louisville 2014 Will Show You the Money!
by Ron Thomas, Sr.
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Where will you be next January 22nd? If you haven’t given it much thought, the time has come. Thousands of your fellow builder/developers, retailers, communityowners/operators, and installers will be waiting at the door for the start of the Louisville Manufactured Housing Show … featuring 300,000 square feet of exhibits containing
MANAGEMENT
• Rock the boat
by Tim Connor
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You don’t have to be a sailor or even like the water to get my analogy here, I just love the concept.
One of the major contributors to organizations in and out of factory built housing not achieving their full growth and profit agendas is simply because many employees just continue to go along with policies, procedures, products and services that have lost their relevance in today’s world or for some reason they are no longer working.
MARKETING
• How To Grow A Massive Pipeline With Your Facebook Business Page In 2014
by Joe Karns
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It's pretty common knowledge these days that Facebook's massive traffic is an excellent source for potential customers and clients. But how do you leverage this for your business?
• Selling To – or Against – Buyer Perceptions, Part 2 10 Steps to Changing Buyer Perceptions
by Scott Stroud
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Last month we talked about the LinkedIn group discussion wherein someone asked if the manufactured housing industry was near extinction. My answer is that, in fact, just the opposite is true: The manufactured housing industry is (or at least should be) more vital today than ever.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS, MOTIVATION and INSPIRATION
• Baby Steps – the Secret to Success
by Tim Connor
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One of my favorite movies is – What About Bob – if you have seen it you know probably know where I am going with this article – I will relate one its basic messages to the art of maintaining life success – if you haven’t seen it it’s worth a couple hours of your time.
• ZigOn Getting Along With People
by Zig Ziglar
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Many years ago I heard a story concerning a Native American who said to a visiting missionary, "I like myself better when I am with you." That really is the ultimate compliment.
SALES
• The most dangerous word
by Tim Connor, CSP
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What’s the most dangerous word in the English language? Care to guess? OK, I’ll give a few clues; everyone uses it from once a day to several times, it contributes to disappointment, stress and it’s harmful for relationships and careers, it’s a cause of distraction and a lack of focus, it negatively impacts success and happiness.
