It’s not too early to make plans to attend the 2003 NAHB Custom Builder Symposium, which will be held Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 in Orlando, Fla. Over the years, I’ve urged readers to attend this excellent event many times. And now I’m going to once again because I really believe this is one program that can make a difference in how well you run your business.
If you’re not familiar with the symposium, it is the premiere educational event for custom builders. Over the course of two and a half days it offers attendees the opportunity to learn from top-notch consultants and some of the most successful custom builders around. At this year’s symposium, you will have a chance to sharpen your customer service skills, become more proficient at business management, delve into the intricacies of the design/build business model, and much, much more. The programs are right on target because the event is planned by custom builders for custom builders. These builders face the same problems, concerns, and challenges you face every day, so they know what you need to know.
There’s another benefit to attending this event: networking. If you feel that you have the whole weight of your company riding on your shoulders and that nobody around you understands the pressure you’re under, you need to attend the symposium. If there’s no one in your professional life who can help you to get some perspective on the state of your business, you need to attend the symposium. If you’re up against a knotty business problem that you’re having trouble untangling, you need to attend the symposium.
You’ll find approximately 600 other builders who at one time or another have felt the same way or been in a similar situation, and the program is set up for easy interaction. In addition to the seminars, there are informal roundtable discussions, meals, and social events that give the attendees a chance to share experiences and solutions to problems.
Sound interesting? There are a couple of ways you can find out more about attending the Custom Builder Symposium. Check out the brochure on page 90. It lists the full program and gives information about registration. Go to www.nahb.com and click on meetings to find the symposium link. Or call the NAHB University of Housing at 800.368.5242, ext. 8338. I hope to see you in Orlando in November.
