Tom Heatherington's Blog

How to use Twitter for Business

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:47:33 -0700

Most of you know me as the editor of one of the largest log home websites (The Log Home Directory), but you may not know that I have been involved with Internet marketing since the early 90s. In addition to being passionate about the log home industry, I also consult with businesses about online marketing and all that it entails. Regardless of the industry focus, the topic of social networking is today's hottest and most contested (and least understood) marketing channel.

The 'early adopters' (i.e. geeks) have been using Twitter to market products and services, and keep in touch with their network for quite some time. However, the vast majority of small businesses just don't get it... nor do they have the time to figure it out. You can't blame them... seriously, who has the time (or desire) to take on another marketing experiment?

I chat with small business people daily and while most admit that they would like to incorporate social networking into their marketing mix, the combination of rationed time, money and other limited resources keeps most from taking action. Inevitably these conversations gravitate to Twitter, Facebook and other web 2.0 sites and how to best leverage these websites to increase sales and reach new prospective customers.

To address these questions, I am developing a series of 'fast start' guides that focus on the basics, yet shows users how to maximize these services for the greatest ROI of their time. The first guide is a free Twitter report that explains how to set-up Twitter properly, search for followers, automate the tweeting process and brand tweets to take full advantage of this networking opportunity. The Twitter report is free, go here to learn more: http://www.webunet.com/twitter

Free listings for "Log Homes For Sale"

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:42:06 -0800

I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted here, but hopefully the news I have will provide a legitimate excuse for my absence.

We are pleased to announced a great new resource, Log Home Real Estate Classifieds! This is a real estate listing service exclusively for log homes, log cabins and timber frame homes. A place to list log homes for sale - AT NO CHARGE.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Log Home Directory, it is one of the largest and most visited log home information websites. We see about 30,000 unique visitors per month form organic searches. This is important because it means that people who are searching for log home information find us as a result of their research, not from any advertising. Thus, it is our contention that such visitors are serious log home prospects.

I would like to invite anyone who has a log home listing to add your property (for free) to Log Homes For Sale. As I mentioned, this service is only for log homes, cabins and timber frame properties. Any listing for other types of homes will be removed (sorry). Our goal is to create a listing resource dedicated exclusively to log & timber homes.

The listing service will remain free until we populate our database, so don't miss this opportunity to reach prospects who are looking to buy a log home. Visit Log Homes For Sale and add your log home listings.

Thanks,

Tom, Editor

Log Home Directory

Old Log Homes... Be Aware

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:26:55 -0800

If you or a client are considering buying an older log home, you will want to make sure that the wood used in the construction of the home was not treated with harmful or carcinogenic chemicals.

Over the years, the building industy (including log home manufacturers) have used different chemicals and wood preservatives to treat and preserve wood. As technology advanced and awareness of potentially deadly side effects became known, harmful chemicals were abandoned in favor of more healthy and eco-friendly solutions. Read the entire article, If you live in an old log home, heed this...

Could the end be in sight? Is the log home business on the rebound?

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:29:50 -0800

The Log Home Directory has been growing both in content and in visitor traffic virtually every month since its inception back in 2004. I am very encouraged to see the increase in traffic that has occurred in recent months. For the past 30 days alone we've set another record for visitors to our site. More than 26,000 unique visitors clicked through our site and stayed around for an average of 3.5 minutes. Anyone who manages a website will tell you that in a small niche such as ours, these are impressive numbers.

I am optimistic that this trend means that people are starting to think about putting their plans for a log home back on the front burner. Read the whole story here, Log Home Interest is Heating Up.

Log Home Information from the horse's mouths!

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:56:54 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! I hope that today is a special day for you and your family. I've been helping my bride do all the cooking prep and now we're taking a break and letting the oven work its magic on a great looking turkey. I thought I'd take a minute and tell you about some exciting changes we've been addind to the Log Home Directory.

For those of you who follow the Log Home bLog and are familiar with the Log Home Directory, you know that we strive to add a lot of helpful information for people interested in buying, building and maintaining a log or timber frame home.

One of the things I have been meaning to incorporate into this mix was interviews with industry insiders. I thought that readers might enjoy reading what manufacturers, builders and dealers had to say about issues that that are on people's minds. Questions such as... how the economy is affecting how they do business, why they build with certain woods, industry changes, what a new buyer needs to be aware of... the kind of questions you might ask every log home company as you narrow your list down as to with whom you intend to do business.

In the past couple of weeks, we have conducted interviews with American Log Homes, Moosehead Cedar Log Homes and today we published an in-depth interview with Caribou Creek Log Homes. If my emails are any indication, this new feature of our website/blog is really gaining a following and people like this process of learning about companies and the industry.

I would recommend that any realtor that lists log homes and wants to learn more about the industry and the whole log home lifestyle read these interviews and learn why the log home niche of the home building market is still enjoying significant growth even in this down economy. Also, if you have a client that is thinking about buying land on which to build a log home, remember that our directory is the largest log home company listing online and a great place to find log home floor plans, builders and manufacturers.

Green Energy Tax Credits for Log Homes - NEW Energy Act

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:57:46 -0700

Up until October 3rd., the tax incentives for homeowners to utilize solar or wind energy were minimal. A maximum Federal tax credit for homeowners was only $2,000 for photovoltaic systems, wind or solar water heating systems in any tax year. Congress just passed a substantial tax incentive for homeowners to encourage conversion of their log homes or cabins to solar or wind energy. It is called the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. More...

Make any home more energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable by incorporating 'Passive Solar Design and paying particular attention to the sun to minimize heating and cooling needs. Passive solar incorporates a combination of building features to reduce and sometimes eliminate the need for artificial cooling, heating and daytime lighting.

This is not a new 21st. century fad; ancient civilizations used passive solar energy and we are just now learning from them. Today, new advancements in construction materials, building methods, and design software improve the overall home design and integrates passive solar principles into modern log homes.

If you want to reduce your power bills (or completely eliminate them), convert your home to green, free, renewable energy... learn more about this new tax credit and alternative energy options.

Your hard drive WILL fail..

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:07:46 -0700

Just a quick FYI... I don't want to duplicate posts, but I wanted you to know that I added a post to the Group, Technology Side of Active Rain. I posed the question, "What method do you use to backup your data?" ~Thanks, Tom

What method do you use to backup your data?

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:45:35 -0700

I am not ashamed to admit that I am 100% paranoid about losing my data. I earn my living online so losing my data is no different than your office burning to the ground. If I lose my data, I am out of business! Thus, my paranoia!

Although I spend most of my time in the log home niche of the housing market, I've been a geek for a long time and online security issues is one of the areas in which I consult. I've also paid my dues and learned the hard way about data backup, syncing and related issues. In fact, a few months ago I lost another hard drive and everything on that drive was toast! Can you imagine where I'd be if I had no backup solution in place? I actually wrote about my experience on my "DIY-Secure" website and if this has ever worried you, this should be of interest (excerpt below)...

Your hard drive WILL fail... All hard drives will fail eventually because they are machines, and sooner or later all machines break down. Trust me, there is NEVER a good time for your hard drive to fail. And, you can be certain that your hard drive failure will occur in the middle of a critical project or operation - at the most inopportune time possible. Read How I survived a hard drive meltdown...

What to Expect at a Log Home and Timber Frame Show

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:59:00 -0700

No matter where you may be in the log home building process, from mildly curious to a serious buyer, there is nothing as enlightening or useful as attending a log home show. Having the opportunity to meet and talk with manufacturers, builders and dealers face-to-face lets you ask them all your questions and compare their answers.

As an example, companies that ‘kiln dry' their logs have a different story to tell than those that air-dry logs and each method has advantages you will want to consider. Discussing these sales points and conflicting viewpoints will help you draw your own conclusions as to what is best for your particular situation. Spend a day or two at an expo and you can learn more than you could through any other type of research.

Spring and fall of every year are the busy seasons for the log home industry shows. During these months you can find a show or exposition happening at various cities across the USA and Canada. Companies of every size attend these shows so you will have an excellent opportunity to compare log home floor plans & home designs, gather brochures, pricing estimates, financing information and speak one on one to qualified industry experts about all the question you have.

Possibly one of the best benefits is getting to see so many styles of log and timber frame homes close-up. Most exhibitors will have tons of pictures demonstrating their proficiency in creating the log home of your dreams and some will even have partial homes erected on the convention room floor.

Discussing your plans with local builders that are familiar with your weather and other regional conditions can save you weeks of phone calls and meetings. As you can imagine, building a log home in Arizona offers challenges not found in Vermont and may require different construction materials, methods or wood treatments and finishes.

There are a number of techniques used to build log home corners and believe it or not, they are not created equal. Some joints may look attractive but may not be the best choice if exposed to the elements - as opposed to being sheltered under a roof or porch overhang. Some joints may offer a place for water to pool, which is disastrous for virtually any type of wood. Corner joints must provide air tightness and stability and not allow the logs to move or separate.

At a log home show you can see what a Saddlenotch, Swedish Saddlenotch, Butt and Pass and a Dovetail corner actually looks like and learn the pros and cons of each. You will learn new words and building terms that may sound strange at first, but you will soon be using these phrases in your discussions with builders and manufacturers.

One of the best parts of owning a log home is decorating it. Log home living is different from "conventional" home styles and furnishings. One doesn't often see an antler chandelier in a seaside Cape Cod cottage. At these shows you will find much more than just log crafters. Many log and rustic furniture makers sell and take custom orders for everything from furnishings to custom carved fireplace mantles.

At a recent show I attended in Salt Lake City, vendors were showcasing everything from rustic copper sinks for the bath to custom wall air vent grilles. Other products ranged from maintenance and restoration products to wireless wall switches, which require no batteries. Truly, the best part about attending such shows is learning about products that will make your log home more enjoyable. From lighting and plumbing wares to design and maintenance products, you'll discover solutions to make your life easier.

Many people begin their search looking for log home manufacturers and somewhere along the way they realize that what they really want is a timber frame home. Discovering the nuances of log homes and heavy timber construction is a learning process and log home shows provide the perfect setting for learning everything you need to know to choose the right product for your needs.

Some manufacturers will actually build a small home on the convention hall floor to show their products close-up. Few things are as impressive as looking at the fine joinery of a timberframe roofline or a well-crafted log corner. The next time a show is scheduled in your area, drop what you are doing, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and go for a visit!

To see when a log home show is scheduled in your area, visit the Log Home & Timber Frame Directory at http://www.logcabindirectory.com/events/

Have you attended a log home show?

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:39:42 -0700

If you or a client of yours are considering building or buying a log home or a timber frame home, I would highly recommend that you attend a log home show. There are shows happening all over the country during the fall and spring and there you can find custom log home floor plans, collect brochures and get prices and financing information from industry experts.

This is a great time to build a log home because with the home building slowdown, manufacturers and builders have sharpened their pencils and are willing to work with any serious buyer. To learn more about log home shows and see where they are being held, visit the Log home bLog for more information.

Why build a log home now?

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:51:31 -0700

Hey, if your representative in Congress hasn't called you yet about news of your personal ‘Bail-Out Plan'... they probably aren't going to call. You know how busy that bunch is today working hard on that trillion-dollar economic package they want us to pay for...

My advice to Americans is to create your own "Bail-Out Plan" and... bail out! I posted an article on my Log Home bLog today asking the question, "Are we on Candid Camera"? Am I the only one who thinks that life today has become so absurd that all this must be some kind of a joke? Crooks in Congress are about to hang a trillion dollar debt on us and they are responsible for why we're in this in the first place.

Can anyone think of a better reason to head for the hills, build that log home you've been thinking about and put a bullet hole in that dang television? Visit the Log Home bLog and get the rest of the story...

Interview by Decor Medley

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:17:31 -0700

I had a great interview this morning by Giorgina Devereaux who has launched a new website called Decor Medley. Her questions were different and interesting. Rather than reposting everything here you can read the Home Decor interview here,

Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend,

~Tom
Log Home Directory

Log Home Maintenance - Wood Stains

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:56:55 -0700

Earlier this week I posted a comment on my (other) Log Home blog in response to a readers' question about which product is the best log home stain to use. The reader had been following my saga of log home maintenance, which I have been performing on my home.

We were both frustrated with this question especially as to how it related to the warranties and guarantees that manufacturers attach to these products. You can read the original post here. At the end of this post, I invited stain manufacturers to contribute to this thread and tell us what we might be doing wrong and hopefully answer the big question... which stain is better?

Today I got a plesant surprise when one of the major log home stain manufacturers, Sashco, Inc., actually took the time to respond. Such a response sure does demonstrate the power of a community blog. Read what the log home stain manufacturer had to say here.

'Quick-Fix' for a Log Railing?

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:19:32 -0700

Time, money or convenience often dictate when maintenance projects get handled. Some chores, such as a roof that leaks require immediate attention regardless of the timing or inconvenience, but others can be put off if proper stop-gap measures are taken.

When you are looking at rotted or insect infested wood, there is only one way to attack the problem and that is to replace the wood and seal it properly. There are two ways to repair most things. The right way, and the... "I'll do it the right way later" methods. Read the rest of my latest article about repairing a log railing here...

Oh and BTW, be sure to read my related article about deck building and maintenance, "Planning to build the perfect deck?"

Who needs an architect for a log home?

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:51:55 -0700

When a person decides to build a log home, one of the first things they do is research floor plans and there must be a thousand free and/or low cost floor plan sites out there. In fact, the phrase "log home floor plans" is one of the most popular keyword phrases that brings people to the Log Home Directory and the reason we recently launched our Floor Plan Showcase.

This is a great educational experience, but oftentimes people make the mistake in thinking that because they have a floor plan, they don't need to bother with hiring an architect. This can be a big mistake because the architect is the owner's representative. A leading architect in the timber frame business is Jeremy Bonin of Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC, and he was kind enough to author a blog post for us about this very subject. Rather than repeat what he had to say, visit our Log Home bLog and get the whole story.

Something to keep in mind if you have a client that is considering building a log home on that piece of property you're showing!

~ Tom

The magic and science behind log homes

Tom Heatherington (The Webunet Group) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:10:33 -0700

Hello all and welcome to my first posting on this "Log Home Blog". In the spirit of providing helpful information and tools you can use... here's today's offering:

You may have a client that is considering building a log home on property you are listing and being able to provide professional advice is always helpful. If the client has not yet chosen a log home manufacturer, feel comfortable in recommending they begin their search for manufacturers or builders on the Log Home Directory. We list every major company in the log home industry and provide a one-stop-shop for all aspects of buying or building a log home or timber frame home.

Additionally, our other site, Loghomeology will help you and your client understand the strange terms and definitions associated with log homes. As an example, one of the first questions they will need to answer is, "Which type of log corner do you prefer"? Do you want Dovetail, Swedish Cope, Saddlenotch or Butt and Pass corners? Understanding these terms will make everyone's job easier.

If you want to stay current with news and information about what's happening in the log home industry and related topics, please visit my main Log Home bLog and be sure to sign up to the RSS feed!