Member FAQs

Don't Wall Flower - Network Properly!

Honestly, have you ever attended a professional event and found the experience to be far less than what you had hoped for? Attending networking events has proven to be frustrating and ultimately a waste of time for many a small business exec because of these basic issues:

• Overblown expectations ("That was not as good as I wanted it to be, I'm not going again.")
• No plan of attack ("I didn't run into anyone the entire time I was standing there.")

Here are a few secrets that might make your next networking event a little more enjoyable.

• Know where you're going. Knowing who is likely to attend the event will help you decide if this is important for you to attend. If you are considering going to an event that you have never attended before, try to get a copy of the registration list or membership roster. By examining this you can get a fairly good idea of who you can expect to meet.
• Know why you're going. Determine what you want out of this experience, and what you need to make this worth your time.
• Have a system. Many amateur networkers find the real killer isn't so much who is in attendance or their own unrealistic expectations, but the time they waste during the event. Working in a networking room requires planning and a clear vision of how you want to spend your time.

Some easy and effective tips:

• Arrive about 15 minutes before the official event start time. Wear a large easy-to-read nametag. Of course, have lots of business cards. Wear clothing with pockets so you don't have to do a lot of digging ("Here, can you hold this for a sec? I know they're in here somewhere...").
• Station yourself close to the entry door, close enough that people might mistake you for one of the hosts. Greet each person as he or she enters. Nothing more than a greeting and hopefully, noticing their company name.
• When arrivals begin to slow, begin your progression around the room. Move in one direction, greet the first person or group of people you meet. Spend two or three minutes at most, introduce yourself, and learn as much as you can about the person or people you've just met.
• Don't clutter the conversation with information about yourself, keep everything focused on the person or group you are speaking with. Most everyone will give you cards. If possible, keep separate the cards of those individuals you wish to get to know better and connect with again during the event. Put the other cards in another pocket. This system allows you to immediately find the cards of the people you want to reconnect with without having to try and remember the names.
• If you meet someone you would like to get to know better, before moving on let the person know of your interest in learning more about their business and ask permission to make contact via phone at a later date. If the person agrees, take one of your business cards and on the back write the day and hour span of time during which you will call, Thursday, August 9, between 10:30 and 11:30. That day and time will of course be the same for everyone you meet whom you want to call. It keeps you from having to remember when you said you will call (you've already set a reminder for yourself to do this on your calendar), and as long as you call within the hour, you're not late!

If at the end of the event you have time to mingle again, take a look at the few cards in your right-hand pocket and seek to reconnect with those people. This is essentially the third time you've met them and so you're basically friends, now. This third conversation will be a little more in-depth, but don't forget to keep the focus on the other person. On Thursday, or whatever day you chose, make your phone calls like you said you would. This system allows you to enjoy your networking events and get more out of them.

Provided by your National Association of Home Builders, Membership Minute.

Spikes are very valuable to our association because they work to bring in new members and encourage current members to renew their membership. Their efforts are essential to the growth and well-being of our association. We are pleased to join with NAHB and its affiliates across the country in recognizing our "Spikes".

Created in 1953, the NAHB Spike Program is designed to recognize and reward those members who are actively involved in the recruitment and retention of members. There are currently 15.164 Spikes in local associations across the country and almost an equal member of Spike Candidates, those individuals working to obtain Spike status. Through the NAHB Spike Club, these members receive awards of silver and gold lapel pins, plaques, blazers, and sweaters for their efforts in membership development.

At local membership meetings and at the NAHB annual Convention, Spikes proudly wear their hard-earned blazers and sweaters, and on Spike Color Day at the Convention, thousands of Spikes are recognized on the board floor by the NAHB Board of Directors. As additional recognition, all Spikes in good standing that have also recruited at least one new member during the Membership Year, are invited to attend the annual NAHB Spike Party held during the Convention in January.

To become a Spike, an individual must obtain 6 credits within two consecutive years. Spike members must then earn two credits until they reach Life Spike status with 25 credits.

NAHB is the place to go for "hands-on" help for your bottom line. Call 800-368-5242, ext. 113 for assistance or email Allan Freedman, Director for NAHB's Business Management Department directly at afreedman@nahb.com. We can answer simple questions directly or we may recommend a book for more complex issues. If you really are committed to long term excellence for your company then you should ask about the Builder 20 Club program or our specialized educational programming. We have the key to success - you just have to want to walk through the door.

You can also utilize the economic and forecasting information available from our Economics Department to understand current and future trends and adjust your business accordingly. Contact the NAHB Economics, Mortgage Finance, and Housing Policy Division at 1-800-368-5242, ext. 870.

Your best strategy - Get involved! Working side-by-side with a builder member on an association project or issue demonstrates your commitment to the industry, while it builds the foundation of a trustworthy relationship necessary to long term business success. It's a more effective approach than hard-selling yourself. You can also purchase NAHB's Mailing List Service at a member discount to target qualified member prospects and reach your strongest markets.

By supporting pro-housing legislation and fighting burdensome regulations, NAHB directly influences national policies, which in turn directly impacts your business at home. NAHB also provides lobbying assistance to your state and local builders associations to ensure a healthy building environment on all levels. Through NAHB's grassroots efforts, you have a powerful voice with our nation's leaders on the issues that matter to our industry.

NAHB keeps you informed of major changes in regulations from environmental, building codes and standards, to labor, safety, and health to OSHA. NAHB offers programs and seminars on critical issues that affect the building industry, publications addressing new or changing policies, as well as a team of interdisciplinary staff experts who are ready to address your needs - and all just a phone call away.

Yes, if you take advantage of our discounted business products and services! NAHB's buying power gives you great deals on office products, airline reservations, car rentals, long-distance phone service, credit cards, and special NAHB logo merchandise - just to name a few! You also receive a 20% member discount on all books, brochures, videotapes, and audio cassettes available through the Home Builder Bookstore. Call the Home Builder Bookstore at 1-800-223-2665, or visit their website at www.builderbooks.com.

When faced with legal questions, you can call NAHB's attorneys for fast answers and expert assistance. All legal services to members are at no charge or just a minimal fee. The National Housing Library will create a free, customized resource list for you on books, magazine articles, convention tapes, and videos relating to any building topic - from ADA compliance to zero lot lines. For a nominal fee, the National Housing Library can even fax your articles or lend you books or videos from their extensive resource collection.

You have taken an important step in your profession by joining your local home builders association, and now you are also a member at the state and national level. Now what?

Over the years, we've learned from members like yourself what works and what doesn't during the critical first year of membership. Most new members would like to see maximum return on their dues investment as soon as possible, but aren't sure how to begin. Here are some tips we've gathered from experienced NAHB members who can testify to the benefits of NAHB involvement:

1. Define your expectations.

Why did you join? Was it to gain industry knowledge, enhance your professional credibility and visibility, increase your sales, utilize a discount, or influence legislation? Clarifying what you want will help you develop the right strategies to achieve your goals.

2. Get your essential tools immediately (they're FREE!)

Call your local home builders association and get the "must haves" for any new member:

1. NAHB's CONTACT brochure, a telephone directory of NAHB staff experts divided by alpha listing as well as by issues.
2. The Annual Resource Guide for NAHB Members, a comprehensive description of more than 250 NAHB member services.
3. NAHB Logo Sheets and Usage Guidelines, so you can promote your affiliation with NAHB on your business cards, stationery, brochures,etc.
4. The the Business Discounts for NAHB Members flyer - your link to NAHB discount business products and services.

If any of these materials are not available through your local home builders association, call NAHB Membership Marketing at 1-800-368-5242, ext. 440.

3. Call the NAHB Member Service Center for year-round assistance: 1-800-368-5242, ext. 0.

Whether you have a basic question or a complex business or industry-related problem, your best bet is to call one of our Information Specialists at the Member Service Center. You'll receive the information you need or your call will be quickly directed to the proper staff expert.

4. Attend your local association's new member orientation.

Here's your opportunity to learn about local programs, services, and benefits that specifically match your needs. It's also a great way to meet and get to know your fellow members in a relaxing atmosphere. If your organization doesn't hold a formal orientation program, make an appointment to meet with an association representative who can help you get the most out of your membership dollars.

5. Network at a General Membership Meeting.

It's easy to make friends and build business contacts at a gathering of your industry peers. You'll also keep up-to-date with what's happening within the association, industry, and community, which is good for your own business.

6. Read the local, state and national newsletters and publications.

You'll learn about the latest technology and industry trends, who's who in the association and business community, and programs, services, discounts and other benefits that are available to improve your productivity and profits. You can also keep up-to-date with Nation's Building News, a free NAHB publication that you'll receive monthly.

7. Get involved in association projects relevant to your needs.

Are you looking to enhance your public image?

Donate your time and/or materials for a Home Builders Care project in your community, such as building or renovating a homeless shelter, a playground or building handicap access ramps.

Would you like to increase your business contacts while gaining national recognition?

Get involved in membership recruitment and retention.

Tired of burdensome regulations or have the desire to affect change in local,state or national legislation?

Join a Government Affairs Committee and be a voice in getting policies changed. The association offers a wealth of opportunities to help you help yourself and your business.

8. Attend special association events, e.g. education programs, home shows, and industry trade shows.

You can pick up information at these local events that will save you time and money down the road - as well as enhance your image in the community. Learn what education programs are offered nationally by accessing www.nahb.net or www.nahb.com and click on Education and Training, or call 1-800-368-5242, ext. 487.

9. Have fun!

The effort to get involved and take advantage of all the association has to offer is worth it - and you'll even have fun along the way!

10. Reap the rewards of your membership and RENEW.

You'll need NAHB involvement to continue cultivating long-term relationships with other members while at the same time continuing to strengthen your own professionalism.

No. The TPBA does not offer “Corporate Memberships”; however, if your company is a “Builder” or “Associate” member of the association, you are eligible to become an “Affiliate” member of the TPBA. An “Affiliate” membership costs $125 annually and must be under an active “Builder” or “Associate” member.

As an “Affiliate” member, you will have access to all of the same benefits and opportunities as other members, excluding service on the Board of Directors or State and National Directors.

All TPBA members are encouraged to volunteer on one of our Committees. Please be aware that service on our committees is a privilege of membership and will require regular attendance and participation. The composition of some Committees is expressly defined in the Bylaws of the TPBA.

By-Laws can be found: Here

We recommend you attend all the events that you can to increase your exposure to meeting new potential clients. Beer with the Builder and General Membership Meetings are our highest attended events each month.

No. However without attending events you limit your ability to increase clients and get all the benefits from the TPBA.

Here is the breakdown of what your annual membership dues will go towards...When you join the TPBA, you automatically become a member of all three levels of Builders Associations: TPBA(Texas Panhandle Builders Association), TAB (Texas Association of Builders), and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders).

That’s three memberships for the price of one! $150 of your dues will go towards your State Membership & $198 will go towards your National Membership.

Now that you have joined the TPBA, time to get actively involved to get the most out of your membership! You can join one of our many Committees to get involved & help plan annual events and projects. Come to our monthly luncheons and after-hours events to network and build relationships with others in the home building industry. For more questions about current ways to get involved contact us.

The TPBA keeps close ties with our local city council and building officials to voice concerns of the industry with changing codes & regulations.

TAB represents your interests at the Texas Capitol and before state regulatory agencies. Through its lobbying efforts and relationships with state officials, TAB is protecting your interests year-round.

NAHB fights for its members on Capitol Hill, in state houses, and in the communities where they do business. We work hard to defeat excessive regulations and to protect our members’ bottom lines.

TPBA honors our members with different awards such as Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year, Associate Company of the Year, & Volunteer of the Year. TPBA Officers & Staff narrow down the nominees by their outstanding efforts & involvement in the TPBA, and then it is sent out to a vote from the entire membership.

There are many ways to get your money's worth out of this membership. As a Builder member, you can take advantage of TAB's Member Rebate Program and get money back from purchases you're already making from the nations leading manufacturers! Visit our Membership page for other benefits you can take advantage of.

By enhancing your credibility & visibility in our industry as well as building relationships with builders & associates.

By getting involved! Join us at our monthly luncheons, annual events, and take advantage of advertising opportunities.

By getting involved! Join us at our monthly luncheons, annual events, and take advantage of advertising opportunities.