Many industries suffer from invisibility. People working jobs that are very important, without anyone really knowing what it is that they do or what service they’re providing. And like H.G. Wells tells us in his science fiction novel, it’s tough to be invisible. Ever wonder what it is an actuary does? How about a sonographer? And what about an industrial …
What the Hell
When I was young, if you’d asked me if I wanted to grow up to be a home inspector, my first reply would’ve probably been “What the hell is a home inspector?” Then I would’ve probably given you a standard young boy’s response about wanting to be a doctor, astronaut or professional football player. Working as a home inspector had …
What’s Going On Here?
Face it, we’re an unknown. The dreaded home inspector. The deal killer. (And yes, one of my agents actually calls me that…) The agents think we’re there to cause trouble; to create hurdles to them closing the deal. But the buyers, they really have no idea what we’re there for. They know that their agent told them they had to …
AAAA Letter to an Agent
While there are many different ways to get clients as a home inspector, I think we can agree that most successful home inspectors get the majority of their clients through referrals from real estate agents. As we’ve discussed in an earlier post, the agents already know who needs an inspection and when they’re going to need it. As a result, …
Working on Your People Skills
Think about the last time you spent an evening at a restaurant with some good friends. Was it an enjoyable experience? Can you remember all the details? How nicely was the food presented? How professional was the service? How clean and comfortable was the restaurant? Was the noise level acceptable, enhancing the meal? Overall, did you have a pleasant experience, and will you …
You are the product. Why we are all salespeople
It’s quite odd, if you think about it: we are all unique, with various backgrounds, different upbringings and divergent beliefs. But one thing we all have in common is that (almost) everyone hates dealing with salespeople. Looking to get a new vehicle: accosted by a car salesperson. Shopping for insurance: endless phone calls from insurance brokers. Need a new refrigerator: …
Everyone Loves a Field Trip
Like many of you, I am blessed with the job of being a parent. Like most jobs, its got its ups and downs, Sometimes it’s the best thing in the world, and other times I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to subject themselves to such torture! (Sounds just like a real job, doesn’t it!) Lately, one of the rougher …
Who The Hell Am I? An introduction to me…
I hope that this post finds everyone doing well. I figured that since this may be the first material that you’re reading from me, some introductions are in order. My name is Joseph Cook Jr, and I am a licensed home inspector in Louisiana and Mississippi. My hope is that, through this blog and my other offerings, I can help …