Perspective

Custom Home, July-August, 2004 by Leslie Ensor

We all need to step back every once in a while to take stock of where we are so we can figure out where to go from there. It's called getting perspective, "the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance," according to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

Because of the complex, immediate, and continual demands of their businesses, custom builders are in special danger of becoming captives of the short view. Don't let the demands of dousing everyday fires become more important than managing a successful building business for the long run. Periodically, give yourself some time, space, and inspiration to create or rethink your vision of the future.

There are any number of opportunities to step back so you can see things more clearly. Some use vacations or a long weekend away to do a little deep thinking about their businesses. But getaways are best used to reconnect with family and friends and to refresh yourself with activities and places that have nothing to do with work. Besides, if you're really having a good time, your vacation will be filled with pleasant distractions.

Company retreats can be productive, but if you have a small company it can be hard to generate a lot of new ideas. It can also be difficult for employees to look beyond the way they normally view the company and their jobs.

So here's my suggestion: Sign up for the 2004 NAHB Custom Builder Symposium. It's an event that is designed to give you a new perspective on your business. You'll come home with some practical ideas to improve your company and renewed energy to incorporate those ideas into it. And don't just send yourself; this is an excellent opportunity to recharge and reward key employees as well.

The symposium offers two days of seminars created by and for custom home builders. They are conducted by top practitioners and well-known industry experts and cover topics ranging from design to customer service to estimating and beyond. The symposium is an opportunity to meet other custom builders from every part of the country and to compare your business with theirs. It's a great gathering of people who face the same problems and pursue the same goals as you do. Not only will you learn from them, but you'll also be able to step back and see that you're not the only one straggling with these challenges.

This year the symposium will be held Nov. 12-14 in Indian Wells, Calif. You can find more information on this worthwhile event on page 41 of this issue. Or better yet, go to CUSTOM HOME's brand new Web site, www.customhomeonline.com, and click on the link to the Custom Builder Symposium.