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 I have been restless all night thinking of ways for all of us to be able to reach out to each other and grow. I would love to see  A "Staging Advocacy Group".  All Staging venues should be represented in this group. I think that there is a STRONG need for this type of forum which includes all STAGERS regardless of affiliation. I have had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of Stagers across the US and Canada and they want an organization that they can look to for support with their businesses, education, networking and referrals and they want a forum where they can speak freely about challenges and issues related to their businesses. Can you imagine how much we could do for this industry by banding together?  By banding together we will provide what is needed in this industry and all of us will be the ones to do it.

  1. All Staging organizations will have representatives serving as leaders on the governing board of directors for the "Staging Advocacy Group". 
  2. I see a "Staging Summit" which is a convention where all groups are the Stars of the Convention. The convention that will showcase ALL of the arms of the Staging industry. I would like to see each of you as a featured speaker at the convention. A networking session would be included where, along with vendors, you all have booths to promote your Staging Training and products. This will give you one on one time with people considering a Staging career or further education.

I truly believe that all of us at this point in the evolution of Staging are playing a pivotal and positive role in the creation of this industry.  Leaders in the various segments of the industry should find ways to work together to improve the industry, namely setting REAL measurable standards, and creating UNITY.   We all are enhanced by standards of practice.  But who will set them?  I say it should be those of us who are in the evolution of the industry in its early years.  There is enough business out there for all of us to prosper and I believe as united team we can do more for the Staging industry than we can individually.  I believe we are allies and resources and should not be viewed as competition.

If we join together we can become an unstoppable force in taking an industry to the next level.  I would love to see this association or advocacy group end up functioning like Women's Council. I have been with WCR since 2003 always serving on their board and chairing events.  I love it and I think if we could all do that for our specific industry we would all benefit.

 

Shell Brodnax, President/CEO of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and Staging Career Center

The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) is a member governed trade association for Home Stagers. 

The Staging Career Center- Making the Right Choice, Just Got Easier! Home Staging Business Coaching and Forms                                                                                                             

 

 

43 Comments on creating a formal association or group

FEB
11
2007
12 Featured Posts
Shell - I'm all for it.  It's time to forge a definite path for this business and band together for a brighter future for all of us.
12:54pm • #1
2 Featured Posts
Count me in, Shell. What's the first step?
1:40pm • #2
125,916 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Hey Shell - I agree with you...it is time to do something about it. I would love to see what you have in mind. Don't forget the guy stagers. Have you talked to Craig?
1:57pm • #3
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

First step would be for everyone to send me feedback on what they want out of an association. What type of support, services etc.

WCR is set up with a national level that supports the state and local levels. We have a monthly business resource meeting where we meet and hear a speaker. Agents and affiliates like stagers, title reps, mortgage lenders etc attend the meeting.  We have the speaker eat lunch, have a raffle of items that the affiliates bring. Networking and building and growing yoru busienss occurs as a result.

Our board (which I also serve on) meets once a month. We discuss how the next busienss resource meeting will go, any new items that we need to discuss etc. We have committees that work on differnt promotions or fundraisers. right now I am chairing the Margarita Ville event. We are planning for 150 people to show up, we have the affiliates sponsor the event and a portion of our proceeds go to the Women's Center of SJ County. 

The state level we have conferences each year. The national level has their conference at the NAR conventions.

I love WCR, it is one of the best things in my life. I think that a staging association should end up like WCR but I think by coming together  and getting a consneses of what everyone wants and needs is KEY. then building it from there will fall into place.

2:02pm • #4
8 Featured Posts
You know I am all for it! The more the merrier. KH
2:06pm • #5
1 Featured Post

Hi Shell,

Boy, am I with you! ... This has been on my heart so heavily also! I've often thought about how much more powerful and positive this industry can be as it grows, if we have way to share ideas and knowledge, and ethics, as well as lift each other up in encouragement, like we do here on AR.  ....could this be the beginning of REAL accreditation?

It would definitely help to break down barriers when it comes to promoting our business. As it stands right now, potential clients (homeowners and real estate agents), are faced with a confusing mountain of diverse information regarding who trained where/how it's done/etc.

What would the focus or priority of the group be? If you are suggesting that it would mostly be about ethics, and professionalism, then I agree that would be a great way to start out. It would certainly be more effective and "pure", if this Advocacy Group with different experiences and training backgrounds came to an agreement on ethics and protocols, then, say, an individual training facility endorsing their own set of ethical guidelines.

  ...I'm currently studying the first course of real estate (Phase 1), and reading about how the industry banded together so long ago which has enabled the ethics and protocol to be solidified today, benefitting not only REALTORS, but their clients also! BTW, this course might be interesting and helpful for other stagers.

Awesome, Shell! ....you go girl!  I do recommend you get some owners/leaders of the best training facilities on board from the beginning, if you can (who is going to decide that one?....better get another "group" together!)

You're probably going to get lot of positive feedback on this idea!

Pamela

Edit: I just edited because I don't know if I came across with exactly what I was trying to say.  I think I'll leave it and read it again later -- I'm tired and my brain cells aren't all connected today.

2:07pm • #6
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

I think Craig is the one that should be given credit for # 1 encouraging UNITY #2 by creating Stage it Forward.

This blog has been a tremendous step in the right direction. People are able to share freely. 

I think the forming of a formal organization will add credibility to the Industry. The Real Estate world is very much a Networking field. The movers and the shakers are the ones that are serving on the boards and participating within the chapters. With my role in WCR I have been able to meet a huge number of people in the RE community.  Voluntarism feels good and by serving in your communities you will be the "go to" person in your field. 

2:11pm • #7
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

Yes Pamela

I would love to see leaders like Lori Matske and Debra Gould get involved. I would imagine they would have some wonderful input. I would hope Craig would be interested as well.

The key is TEAM WORK in addition to no segregation. Governed by all not one. Breaking down into local chapters like WCR will allow stagers to meet and share ideas in person as well.

2:17pm • #8
391,378 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

What a wonderful idea!  Count me in as well, Shell.

 

 

3:32pm • #10

Me too!!  I have been thinking about this a lot lately. 

Let me know what I can do to help

5:06pm • #11
3 Featured Posts
Hey what about us Canadians eh?  I'm in!
7:45pm • #12
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts
Stagers are stagers everyone is welcome!!
8:06pm • #13
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

OK SO, we have interest.  Before we can get together a formal setup, board etc we need to determine exactly what people want from an association. Structure, content etc. We can then seek people that want to serve in a leadership capacity to make it happen.

So what type of things do you all want to see in this? 

8:13pm • #14
FEB
12
2007

I would like to see an association that will provide ongoing support and educate the public about staging.  Welcoming people from all training programs

Question to think about...Would youi have to take a program in order to be accepted for memebership like ASID or CDECa(in Canada) that regulate the design industries?

5:58am • #15

I think this is a wonderful idea!  After all aren't we all in this to achieve the same goals?  Shell, Kimberly Uksik mentioned CDECA (Canadian Decorators' Association) which I am a member of.  It was organized for similar reasons and is run by volunteers.  It may be worth contacting their board of directors for information.  You can take a look at their website www.cdeca.com.  I also feel it would be important as Pamela mentioned to get the industry leaders/trainers involved.  I think their support would be valuable.  I believe it is time we all banded together as stagers and present a united front!

7:51am • #17
139,948 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog
You might want to take a look at this website for inspiration: http://www.napo.net/ .  Before you get started I'd read this Blog - it has a lot of interesting opinions: National Home Staging Standards, Certification, and Spaghetti
8:03am • #18
16 Featured Posts

Shell,

Craig actually started working on this idea back in the Fall.  "Stage It Forward" was the first result of his many efforts.  Lucie Quigley has also been very involved with the concept and worked closely with Craig.

Perhaps you want to give them a 'holler' to see where they are with their plans?

8:26am • #19
108,900 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Shell, can you tell me more about WCR (maybe via email) .  Is there a chapter in my region?  I am unable to manuever in that site.  Im an in Greenville SC, but we Service Spartanburg, SC, Anderson SC or the region is better known as Upstate SC.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
10:58am • #20
FEB
13
2007
I would think that this would be the best step in the Staging Industries,other professionals have organizations to promote their growth and build their integrity.  We don't all have to belong to just one staging affiliate i.e. designations, accreditation, etc.  to have a staging 'family' besides that would be boring.  I know before I found AR through the invitation of Joanna, I was fairly frustrated, had no one in my immediate area to have any camaraderie with. I am with you, Shell. 
8:34pm • #21
FEB
14
2007
By the way, I own the ULR   NationalAssociationOfHomestagers.Com and would be willing to sell it to this group if it ever forms.
9:37am • #23
125,916 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Shell, Calie has come to a crossroads in her staging career that needs to addressed in our organization...how to go from stager to business owner with stagers as employees. There should be a business plan available, a blueprint, how-to's, who to go to, what one needs, financing, legal advice. So when someone like Calie Waterhouse has a opportunity like she does, she can take the next step with confidence knowing that she has access to the resources she needs. What do you think?
11:23am • #24
12 Featured Posts

The one thing I have noticed a lot is the need for legal forms - in triplicate.  It is difficult and expensive to have them created, so a source for that would be great.  Just as all agencies have those available to their agents, most of us would appreciate those being available to us - through local chapters, of course to coincide with state laws, etc.

just like Joni mentioned, advertising to promote staging in general - not certain schools.  Just like the Realtor campaign that promotes using a liscensed realtor - not one affiliated with a specific group.

1:44pm • #25
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

WOW this is so awesome! I love teh brainstorming!!! can't you just "see" it happening?? I am visualzing it. I know the realtor assocaitions have stores etc. We could have forms, marketing materials and general information promoting staqing in an online store.

 can you add to this list/

Services Stagers Need

U-Hall Discount For SCC Members

Insurance Commercial and Business

 

Legal Zoom

Marketing Materials

Discounts

Marketing Ideas

Business Identity

Greenery

Legal Forms

9:23pm • #26
125,916 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

National and local seminars with the SBCA

Insurance information

Employee info - 

resale liscense proceedures

Financing options 

9:58pm • #27
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

Great Sheron

I actually have been working on some insurance. But wow semianrs with SBCA that is awesome!! Chapters could have a busienss resource meeting and invite the SBA. I can get the resale license info no problem. Financing do you mean as in business loans?

 

Shell

10:26pm • #28
125,916 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Yes. Situations like Calie could use financial consultation for growth management, sba loans and what is available to women in general not excluding men of course but what options are out there. Also marketing strategies in a booklet form than can be followed step by step...not just "well you can go to title companies and say howdie" type genra but real step by step building techniques. Tomorrow I will go through some of the bookmarks I have and see what is missing. 
11:24pm • #29
FEB
15
2007
2 Featured Posts
WOW - this is amazing.  It proves that we are a community...more than just a village.  I'm impressed with everyone's generosity of ideas.  If I can be of service from Arizona, just let me know what I can do.  We're ready!
10:24am • #30
125,916 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Calie - were working hard on finding ways to avoid roadblocks for up and coming stagers and rearranges. There are many plateaus in our business as you can attest to. What we need are your NEEDS in detail form so post away.

Stage it forward! 

10:29am • #31
2 Featured Posts

Shell, What can I say, you just ROCK!  Love the idea/concept./vision. If there is anything I can do to help get something rolling, please shout.

Calie, How exciting for you. Please DO keep us updated on how things go. We may be in the same boat soon ;) 

Beth
________________________
Founder & Co-Owner
Stylish Transformations
A Real Estate Home Staging & Model Home Furnishings Company
web:    http://www.stylishtransformations.com/
email:  info@stylishtransformations.com

8:34pm • #32
FEB
16
2007
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

thanks Beth my gosh, you just made me smile.  What kinds of things would you like to see out of an association?

Shell

8:43pm • #33
FEB
24
2007
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

If an association is formed do you think it would be bennificial to create a Continueing Education System similar to the Cont. Ed system for RE agents?

Seeking further education is critical in a profession in order to keep your "tools" sharpened.  By learning more you grow with the industry and are not left behind in the times.  By forming a designation it creates a standard, gives pathway for stagers to take in order to earn a designation based on participating in continueing education.

If this were to happen the "association" would have to form a Cont. Ed. Program and would have to assign credit hours for each staging course. Providers can also form mini-workshops and online webinars for cont. Ed credits. The stager takes these courses and provides document and an applicaiton to the assocaiton and the association grants a "designation to that Stager when they have met the criteria.

The designation would require  X amount of Credits earned in order to receive it.  This is a way to offer a designation that is earned by taking more classes or workshops, seminars etc.  this is something everyone can work towards.

I used to get a course approved for Cont. Ed Credits for Realtors. I know how all the states work and the system in general and the concept can be duplicated for our industry.

We could call it exactly what you said Karen, Knowledge is Power the KIP designation and its fitting because it represents more education. 

Anyone have any thoughts on establishing a Cont. Ed. System?

9:53pm • #34
FEB
25
2007

I dont agree with continuing ed - I have so many annual fees that need renewal - business licencing for 5 cities in my local website hosting and domains - not to mention all the annual tax paperwork.

I think that if professional home stagers want to continue their education and keep on top of their game - they will, if not they wont be very successful - but I dont really want it mandatory, or scheduled - that is why I am my own boss - I do things when I want to or when I can.

Staigng is a creative field and personally i think we all have training - but not so much that we have lost our own unique styles. I prefer to develop my style and skills on my own - that is how I set myself apart in my area.

I read the post about the continuing ed killing the industry and I really, really dont want to see that happen! If this is where we are heading - let me know now so I dont renew my business licence. Dont we all have enough government regulating everything we do? isnt there enough red tape and laws 'for our own good' ? Shouldnt we all just operate our business and industy with ethics - ethics that we all live by everyday anyway?

12:25am • #35

I do like the idea of an association in the us and canada - with local chapters, the members should all volunteer to contribute to advertising and education for the public and realtors.

There is power in #'s that will get results - without mandating all the regulations and red tape that just makes it harder to do what we love - staging.

my passion is for design and decorating - not for administering a certification program - or sitting in courses for continuing eduation - all that takes away from my time with clients and would be one more direction Im pulled in (I am a wife, mother and business woman for 2 companies).

Sorry for this additional post Ill stop now... ;)

12:39am • #36

If you start continuing education requirements and large dues...you can count me out. Maureen has already alluded to my post but, at the risk of drawing too much attention to myself, I do encourage everyone thinking and working on this "association" to read it. National Home Staging Standards, Certification, and Spaghetti   These types of organizations have a way of becoming more about control and internal political power than they are about what they started out to be. Unless you address this issue in the beginning and create mechanisms to prevent it that is usually how they end up, as "Grand Falloons" to quote Kurt Vonnegut.

I am all for said association as long as it is about ethics, public education, and industry promotion. I have no interest in an association that tries to regulate, or require continuing education. We are not Doctors here folks. I would also want some mechanism built in from the start that limited individual power with in the organization. I think we have much to learn and appreciate about the benefit of organic organization and free  flow of ideas from our experience on Active Rain.

10:01am • #37
125,916 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hey Shell - Rules/no, standards/like what? Support/who is going to be on the other end of the phone?

I like the idea of

  1. organizing resources for members to access and use at a national level.
  2. I like a central web presence for stagers to belong to.
  3. Sell ad space to national service providers to pay for the web presence
  4. I do not like the idea of more spaghetti, or another notch on the belt as some kind of qualification that says you stage a certain way
  5. I would like to see the name of the staging company after the stagers name, not where you went to school. That would be like Shell Brodnax Harvard Yale
  6. I like the idea of a logo for the unity of stagers to be present just like the Chamber of Commerce. I like the structure of the chamber more than real estate groups.
  7. I like the idea of organizing local chapters for monthly gatherings inviting service providers, stagers, agents, to join and participate in.
  8. I like Active Rain and would like to see if AR could be a gateway to the association somehow. Once a new member has been in AR for awhile they learn how to share what they know freely and I think that could be lost.
  9. I agree with James
10:19am • #38
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

A continueing education designation would NEVER be mandatory. It's optional for people that want it. Just like in RE they have many designations and none of them are mandatory.

Assocications in general offer avenues to education to its members but ours doesnt have to. Other than listings of all the training that is out there for people seeking information.

I think industry promotion is KEY for any association.  A staging association should promote staging in general and not one designation. I think that a Directory on the association site for the public to find stagers would be great as well. Something everyone can join.

Then information on where to find insurance, trucks, inventory etc. Giving stats to its members on industry trends and peer support. I dont want "rules" or "censorship" or segregation. I have seen enough of that.

James what was the name of your website you bought for an association?  Also, I really want to make a go of this. I have been with WCR for many years and I love it and I think that an association should be formed.  The agents have an association and WCR has one so should stagers, It lends more credibility to the industry as a whole and what better way to show the RE industry we are serious.

Shell

12:25pm • #39
I own the ULR   NATIONALASSOCIATIONOFHOMESTAGERS.COM I would be willing to sell it to this group. You could have a US and Canada division, if you like, but I tried to avoid "International" due to its use by one of the staging training companies.
12:55pm • #40
132,456 Points 4 Featured Posts

I am jsut bouning around some logo designs. "the secret" states to start visualizing so I am. Does anyone have logo design experience? or have any ideas?

 www.equitystagingpartners.com/logos.doc

 One of the other issues we will have is 1 MONEY- it costs money to get a website created etc. and who will serve on teh board? james you must have wanted this to reserve a name are you willing to help and serve on the board to get us up and going?

Shell

3:10pm • #41
MAR
01
2007
2 Featured Posts

I'm sorry. I haven't kept up reading Shell's blog - OOPS!  Here are my thoughts ...

I like the idea of an association that brings us together - regardless of certification, titles, etc.

I like the idea of having some place to go for commaraderie and support.

I'm not thrilled with the idea of anything mandatory, but that's the entrepreneur in me.

I am always interested in continuing education that supports me in being a better business person.

I like the logos Shell has created, so far.

Shell - it looks like you've got a good ISP/website provider; we have a computer guru-turned stager on A/R as well - perhaps Cheryl Reynen would be able to assist?  What's the next step? Just let me know.

P.S.  Sheron THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of your encouragement!  I have been so blessed!

5:34pm • #42
MAR
13
2007

To know where we want to go, let's see where we are:

Vision: To bring all stagers under one forum, regardless of affiliation

Mission: Provide a one-stop-shop for home stagers implementing information and support strageties  

Mandate: The forum should be committed to: support for home stagers in relation to business, education, networking, challenges/issues relating to the business and referrals.  Pulling all resources under one umbrella and creating new resources that presently do not exist.

Having an incredible website which encompasses tags such as: Who We Are; Education; Advocacy; Get Involved; Chat; Contact Us

The next step is to educate the public at large; a huge amount of advertising to promote staging is needed.  The public at large must be informed of what we can accomplish for them.  A portion of registration fees should go towards finding an effective marketing agency and producer.

As you can see, I am interesting in the creation of this forum and am willing to do what is required of me to make this happen.  Comments would be appreciated.  How far has this gone already?  I am in Canada, call 780-722-0874 and I will help in the process. 

 

10:53am • #43

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Shell13

Shell Brodnax- President/CEO- RESA

Valley Springs, CA

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Real Estate Staging Association

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