training is not an isolated experience, but rather becomes part of your company’s overall culture. It also means practicing what you preach, and making sure all of your internal and external staff gets the training they need as well.
According to a study conducted by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), the average U.S. company is spending more on training, both internally and externally, than ever before. And for the fourth year in a row, the ASTD study found a relationship between the organization’s investments in training and its performance in the marketplace.
Companies in the survey spent an average of $677 per employee, with a total of 26 training hours for each individual. For service companies, the figure was $711 spent on average per employee with a total of 23 training hours each.
According to Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” training is second only to stock options when recruiting and retaining employees. And companies better follow through on their training promises—more than 40 percent of employees in companies with poor training programs leave within a year.
The l ink between t raining and performance is unquestionable. The real issue is how to identify whether you and your company have a level of training
As a promotion for the Associate Council Spring Golf Tournament on March 23, associate members try to stack three golf balls on top of each other—a tough assignment! Look for photo highlights and winners in the April issue.
Congratulations to the March drawing winner, Greg Channel of Decks Appeal Design & Construction. He is pictured with the luncheon speaker, Steve Hefner, Camden Development.
that meets or exceeds your company’s customer service goals and philosophies.
Vendors need to view training as a “process,” not as an “event.” Likewise, they need to make customer service a focal point of their training priorities. As research from ASTD and others show, training is not a luxury, but rather an essential part of business processes and the customer service chain. Vendors who understand this will be ahead of the curve; those who don’t will get left behind. The trend across the board is toward an enhanced emphasis on training as a critical factor in an organization’s success, and the building industry is not immune to this trend.
When your next “moment of truth” comes, make sure you’re ready. You will recognize the difference. And most importantly, so will your builders. Don’t get left behind.
Article by JoAnne Williams, founder and CEO of JWilliamsStaffing Inc., the leading provider of temporary and full-time talent to the homebuilding industry. Serving more than 250 builders and marketing company clients in TX, AZ, NV and CA, the company’s goal is to reduce builder costs associated with the staffing function, while ensuring consistency in the qualifications and performance of those that are placed or hired. For more information, call (832) 405- 4748, or visit
www.JWilliamsStaffing.com.
NAHB members can get a $5001 $500 A VALUABLE 1
OFFER FOR NAHB MEMBERS.
private offer toward the
purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. Learn more at gmfl
eet.com/nahb.
How it works: 1) Get your NAHB proof of membership form at
nahb.org/ma. 2) Bring form to your GM dealer and mention this private offer. 3) At time of purchase or lease, present your NAHB proof of membership.
More valuable offers for business owners are available through the GM Business Choice Program.2
Choose one great option
for each eligible vehicle you purchase or lease. Details at
gmbusinesschoice.com.
| 2011 GMC SAVANA | 2011 GMC SIERRA
1 Offer valid toward the purchase or lease of new 2010, 2011 and 2012 Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC models excluding Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Chevrolet Volt. Not available with some other offers. Not valid on prior purchases. Program subject to change without notice. See dealer for details. Take delivery by 1/3/12.
2 To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. Visit
gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/11. © 2011 General Motors LLC
PP-GMFC_13042
BuckSlip.indd 2 GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | APRIL 2011
1/7/11 3:16 PM 39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48