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We sure do wear a lot of hats!

By
Home Inspector with Safe House Property Inspections

As a home inspector here in Virginia Beach trying to compete in these economic times it amazing how many hats one has to wear to be competitive. I am constantly taking continuing education courses to keep informed about all aspects of building science. It is actually one of the things that I love about this profession. There is always something to learn, and new ways to do things.

Then there are the other hats: blogger, website designer, social media manager and book keeper.

Blogger –

OK, here I have to admit is my real weak spot. What to write, is it any good, and does anyone care? I have really enjoyed reading the blogs here more than writing my own. I do know as a home inspector that continuing to improve my writing skills is a crucial task. My report is the product my clients pay for, and being able to communicate clearly my observations is a must.

These are few I have really enjoyed. If you know of any must reads let me know.

http://activerain.com/blogs/cbuell

http://activerain.com/blogs/russelray

http://activerain.com/blogs/jaymarkanich

 

Website designer-

Here I have to admit I have fun. Although it is kind of like “pounding your head against the wall and enjoying it” kind of fun. There truly seems there is no end to the amount of information that one needs to produce an effective website. I have always considered myself fairly computer literate until I tried to tackle putting a website together. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Dominic at Home Inspector Pro. He is an absolute savior to many a budding website designer.

Social media manager –

Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Digg…..where does it end. I am still in the just plain fascinated stage when it comes to getting on a grip on how to maximize the potential of these outlets. There is a lot of reading and experimenting on a daily basis. By the way don't forget to become a Safe House Property Inspections fan!

Bookkeeper-

Now, I have a degree in finance so this is not a trouble spot. I do realize though if I do not continue to maximize my potential wearing the hats above there will be no books to keep.

This is enough to keep a small team constantly busy. So being an independent operation like many of us are it is enough to keep you walking the high wire of sanity.

I know I have only scratched the surface here of what we all do on a daily basis. So if you have any suggestions or comments on what has been a tremendous benefit for you, please share.

Time to go put on another hat!

Don Williams
Keller Williams Realty - Lewes, DE

Hi Troy, read my posts! Or at least read my comments.  Words alone can not describe how amazing my blogs are!!  I even amaze myself!!  Which is hard to do!   Even though I am new, I have a hard time finding time to blog.  The ideas are there, and so they are in you too!  Just write about what you like, if that don't suit you, write about what you don't like.  Then, agree or disagree with another blogger as long as you don't run them down, just the idea they are presenting.  BTW - Good Post

Jan 22, 2010 11:02 AM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Troy, nice post----thanks for the mention----always nice to see you stop by my place:)

Jan 22, 2010 04:00 PM
Troy Pappas
Safe House Property Inspections - Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Home Inspector

Don: I guess I will have to check you out

Charles: I always learn something reading your posts, so thank you

Jan 24, 2010 02:25 PM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

Hey, Troy - There are so many very good blogs here at ActiveRain. Check out the list of home inspectors here: http://activerain.com/action/nav/show_featured/Inspector

In fact, you can find lots of good stuff all over the place. Just click on the ActiveRain logo at the top left, and then click on "Featured Members" over at the right. Featured Members is really a misnomer.

Jan 26, 2010 08:57 AM
Troy Pappas
Safe House Property Inspections - Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Home Inspector

Thanks Russel, I will check this out. I have learned a lot from everything you post.

Jan 27, 2010 02:35 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Troy - Thanks for the plug!  You will have experiences and you should share them!  Be creative, have some fun, insert some photos (and if you have none then google an image or two) and get running! 

Jan 30, 2010 11:23 PM
Troy Pappas
Safe House Property Inspections - Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Home Inspector

Thanks Jay, thanks for the support. I enjoy your posts a lot.

 

Feb 02, 2010 04:33 AM