Establishing Needed Connections
Nov 28, 2011 1:52 PM
Referrals and repeat customers are certainly excellent ways to keep projects coming down the pipeline, but another key resource to help generate new business is creating connections with designers, builder, architects and interior designers. Working with industry partners can open new opportunities for collaboration and even new revenue opportunities.
A recent survey of current CEDIA Registered Outreach Instructors (ROIs) found that the average ROI garners three projects per year from connections made from the ROI program, and the average size of these projects is over $36,000. That is a total gain of over $107,000 in new projects revenue per year. Shouldn’t you consider becoming an ROI?
CEDIA’s ROI program enables CEDIA members to present relevant and timely education to industry partners while also gaining leads for future business. Start offering opportunities to your local industry partners to learn about home technology while also earning continuing education credit.
CEDIA’s ROI courses focus on facilitating successful collaboration between architects, builders, interior designer and ESCs. Course titles include Hiding Technology, Building Quiet Environments, and Lighting Control. Currently, CEDIA is an approved provider of continuing education for eight industry groups, including the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Designers, and the National Association of Home Builders.
Once a certified, ROIs are provided with tools to help them start connecting with local industry partner association chapters right away. Tools include press release and flier templates, local association chapter listings, and much more. In addition, certified ROIs are featured on the interactive ROI map that helps industry partners locate an ROI in their area.
To become an ROI, you must be a CEDIA member and you must pass the “Train the Trainer” course. The next ROI “Train the Trainer” class will take place December 2 at the Lutron Experience Center in Plantation, Fla.
Visit www.cedia.org/outreach/become_roi.php to learn more about this program or to register. Questions? Email Peggy Ward at [email protected]. If you can’t make the ROI Train the Trainer course in December there are other ways to reach industry partners, consider submitting your best projects for a possible feature in CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles magazine. The Electronic Lifestyles magazine showcases the stunning work of CEDIA professionals and provides a valuable exposure opportunity.
In addition to being distributed to design and build professionals, the magazine is also distributed to hundreds of industry tradeshow attendees year-round. An electronic version is also available for convenient online viewing. A recent survey of CEDIA members revealed that 74% of members surveyed found this to be a valuable benefit. Submitting your project to be featured is easy. Contact [email protected] for more information.
