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Week 40 – Turning a One-Time Client Into a Lifelong Referral Source This week, I realized something that changed how I think about growth: Homebuyers are customers. But real estate agents? They’re clients. The difference is huge. Buyers might use us once every seven years—if that. But agents? They might refer us 5, 10, even 20 times a year. Maybe more. That realization hit especially hard this week when a small connection turned into something big. It started with a round of golf: A few weeks ago, I met a Realtor at a charity golf event. We talked. I explained what we do at Inspections Over Coffee. No pitch—just a real conversation. I gave him a card and left it at that. A week later, he booked us for one of his buyers. A good inspection, clear report, happy client. Then came the unexpected invite: After that job, he emailed me: “Hey, my broker loved the report. Want to come speak at our next office meeting?” Uh, YES. That’s the kind of moment that starts the snowball. One good experience leads to a whole room of opportunities. That agent? He’s not a one-time win. He’s a relationship. Why this franchise model makes relationship building easier: We look the part: Branded polos. Consistent messaging. Clean, easy-to-understand reports. We serve the agents too: We explain things in their language. We protect the deal, not just list problems. We follow up: Automated emails, branded summaries, and that extra touch that shows we care beyond the invoice. The mindset shift that matters most: Every agent is worth more than a commission—they’re a pipeline. And if I treat them with care, education, and consistency? They’ll send more clients. And maybe even invite me into rooms I couldn’t get into on my own. What I’ll keep doing: Show up sharp. Speak clearly. Follow up fast. And always—always—treat agents as long-term relationships, not just conduits to a one-time sale. Because they’re the ones who keep the phone ringing year-round. → Ready for Phase 6? We’re shifting to mastery next: Week 41: I’m Teaching Others Now — That’s Wild ← Missed the ego-check story? Catch it here: Week 39: Confidence vs. Ego Want to build a home inspection franchise where clients turn into lifelong partners? That’s what this system was built for.

Week 39 – Confidence vs. Ego: This Week, I Got a Reality Check This week reminded me: even when you’re good, you’re never done learning. I had a call with Curt that left me thinking for days. Not because he was harsh—but because he was right. I’ve been feeling more confident lately. Reviews are great. Agents trust me. The systems are humming. And somewhere along the way… I started sounding a little too sure of myself. Then I had a run-in with a contractor that put me right back in student mode. Here’s what happened: A client’s contractor called us out—said we “missed a bunch of code issues” in our report. Claimed we should’ve flagged all these items. Started questioning our competence. Honestly? I was steamed. But as Curt reminded me, this wasn’t about defending my pride. It was about helping the client—and staying professional, no matter what. The truth about inspections (and what some people still don’t get): We’re not code inspectors. We’re not contractors. We don’t do invasive or destructive testing. We’re here to provide a system-by-system review based on what’s visible and accessible at the time of inspection. But man, some folks really don’t understand that. And this contractor? He was one of them—until we talked. How Curt helped me get ready: He coached me through how to handle the call calmly, confidently, and if needed—legally. He reminded me that the client comes first, and clarity always beats conflict. When I called the contractor, things were heated at first. But then, I explained what an inspection is and isn’t. I walked him through what was documented, with photo evidence. And eventually… he got it. Here’s the outcome: The contractor apologized—and actually thanked me for the clarification. The client got a follow-up explaining what was (and wasn’t) missed, and left the conversation reassured. Our reputation stayed intact—and I learned how to de-escalate instead of over-defend. What I’m taking with me from now on: Confidence is earned—but it’s fragile when it tips into ego. I know my stuff. I’m trained. I care. But I’m always a student, and I always represent more than just myself. Every inspection is an opportunity to educate—not dominate. And every tense moment is a test of maturity, not just messaging. The mindset I’m keeping: Be the expert. Be the educator. Be open. And when someone pushes back, don’t flinch—just clarify, calmly. Because ego might win the moment, but humility wins the relationship. → Next up: Week 40: Turning a One-Time Client Into a Lifelong Referral Source ← Last week we talked competition—catch it here: Week 38: What My Competitors Are Doing — And Why I’m Not Scared Want to run a home inspection franchise that gives you confidence without ego? It starts with great coaching.

Week 38 – I Finally Looked at My Competitors… and I’m Not Worried At first, I assumed this is just how everyone does it: In the early weeks, I figured all home inspection companies offered thermal imaging, same-day reports, embedded videos, and clear summaries with color-coded issues. I assumed everyone dressed sharp, returned calls quickly, and had tight messaging. I thought I was just “catching up.” But now that I’ve seen behind the curtain? I’ve listened to competitor voicemails. I’ve sat in on presentations. I’ve looked at their reports. I’ve heard how they talk to clients and agents. And the truth? I started light years ahead of where most of them are. Not because I’m a genius—because I joined a franchise that built the runway for me. The difference is obvious now: Our reports vs. theirs: Mine are clean, visual, and intuitive. Theirs are PDF walls of text. No photos, no videos, no summaries. It’s like reading a legal document. My scripting vs. theirs: I’m trained to educate without scaring. They talk like contractors—throwing jargon and panic at buyers. Our client experience: From the first phone call to the post-inspection walk-through, our process feels tight. Theirs? Disjointed at best, dismissive at worst. Marketing: Most inspectors don’t even post regularly—let alone brand consistently. We’ve had daily social posts since week one, all backed by a recognizable brand identity. This franchise didn’t just help me launch—it helped me leapfrog: I started my first week with materials that looked like I’d been doing this for 10+ years. And honestly, that matters. It builds trust instantly. I’ve had Realtors say, “You’re way more polished than other inspectors I’ve worked with—and I’ve been in this business 20 years.” It’s not ego. It’s infrastructure: Confidence doesn’t come from thinking you’re better. It comes from knowing you’re supported. Knowing your system works. Knowing your clients and agents are being served at a level they didn’t even realize they could expect. What I’ll keep doing: Ignore the noise. Focus on service. Double down on our standards. Because if this is the gap between me and the “average” inspector? Then I’m going to widen it with every job, every post, every client call. → Next up: Week 39: Mindset Week — Confidence vs. Ego ← Missed how I tried (and failed) to relax on vacation? Catch it here: Week 37: I Took a Vacation — But Couldn’t Relax Want to start ahead of the pack? Learn more about joining a home inspection franchise that gives you a pro-level launchpad from day one.

Week 37 – I Took a Vacation… But Couldn’t Fully Relax This week, I tested something bigger than systems—I tested trust. I planned my first actual vacation since launching the business. Nothing crazy—just a few days away, somewhere with sunshine, no inspections, and the dream of mental space. But when the time came to shut the laptop and hand off the keys (figuratively), I felt something unexpected: anxiety. Who’s answering the phones? Who’s managing scheduling? Will the client experience match our standard? I had systems. I had a plan. But I didn’t have total peace of mind. I set up a daily recap system with my team. We agreed on a 5-minute check-in window via text or voice memo. I laid out scripts, reminders, even a “what to say when someone asks for me specifically” cheat sheet. Everything was mapped out. But I still found myself checking my phone a dozen times a day. Why? Because I care. A lot. This business isn’t just a job. It’s my name, my reputation, my livelihood. And even though I trust my people—and I do—it’s tough to truly unplug when you’ve spent nearly a year building something with your own hands. Every call that comes in still feels personal. What went well: Clients were served: No missed calls. No complaints. Everyone got what they needed. The team stepped up: They followed the process. They checked in on time. They made decisions I would’ve made myself. I didn’t feel guilty for leaving: I felt… proud. Nervous, yes—but proud. What I’ll do better next time: Prep earlier. Rehearse handoffs. Automate even more. And most of all, remind myself that if I want to scale, I have to train my business to survive without me. Because that’s the real freedom. Not just taking time off—but knowing things still run when I do. The franchise playbook helped calm my nerves: When I mentioned my vacation to Curt, he didn’t flinch. He reminded me: “The systems are already built to support you stepping away. You just have to trust them—and coach your people to use them.” That reminder helped me hand over the reins without hovering. Next step: Book another one. Seriously. If I don’t build rest into the plan, burnout will make the decision for me. So next time? I’ll trust even more. Delegate even smarter. And maybe… leave the phone in the hotel room for an afternoon. → Next up: Week 38: What My Competitors Are Doing — And Why I’m Not Scared ← Missed last week’s post about throwing your own events? Read: Week 36: Networking Events: Goldmine or Time Waste? Want to build a home inspection franchise that doesn’t fall apart when you take a break? Start with the right systems.

Week 36 – Networking Events: Goldmine or Time Waste? This week I stopped waiting for the perfect networking event—and started creating my own: When I first launched, I went to every local event I could find. Chamber mixers. Community breakfasts. Multi-industry networking nights where I was shaking hands with insurance salespeople, gym owners, and tax guys. And while some of it was fun… I wasn’t there to meet dentists. I was there to meet Realtors. So I flipped the script: If the right event doesn’t exist, build it. Now, I host my own happy hours. Just for Realtors. No pitches, no pressure—just a low-key invite that says: “Come have a drink, meet some other agents, and unwind.” The turnout? Way better than the cattle-call mixers. The vibe? Way more focused. When the weather turns bad, I level up the experience: Cold outside? Rainy season? I rent out a small movie theater. No, seriously. A few short slides up front. Five minutes of updates about Inspections Over Coffee—what’s new, what we offer, how to get clients booked fast. Then? We watch a first-run film. Popcorn’s on me. Realtors love this. It’s memorable. It’s different. And best of all—it’s targeted. I’m not “networking” in the abstract. I’m creating real connection with the people who actually fuel my business. Why this works better than traditional networking: Focused audience: I’m not hoping to “bump into” an agent—I’m inviting 10–30 of them directly. Brand alignment: This is what Inspections Over Coffee is all about—professional, friendly, and a little fun. Value-first vibe: I don’t just show up to take—I show up to give. A good night out. A sense of community. And maybe a few insights too. Franchise support made it easier than it sounds: I didn’t have to build the deck. I didn’t have to guess what to say. The franchise gave me the templates, the messaging, and the tone that fits our brand. So when I stand up for those five minutes before the movie starts? I sound polished, not salesy. What I’ll keep doing: Host events where the right people show up. Make it about them. Keep it light, useful, and real. Because nothing beats a face-to-face moment with someone who might book five deals this month—and choose me for all of them. → Next up: Week 37: I Took a Vacation — But Couldn’t Relax ← Thinking bigger about territory and trucks? Revisit: Week 35: Second Truck? New Territory? Time to Think Big Curious how we build connections that convert? Take a look at the home inspection franchise behind the scenes.

Week 35 – Second Truck? New Territory? Time to Think Big This week I started looking at the map a little differently: I’ve been operating out of my city for about 8 months now. I’ve built relationships. I’ve got a rhythm. And thanks to the franchise SEO and our Google Business Profile strategy, I’m now ranking locally for a ton of valuable keywords. But something clicked this week—I realized I don’t have to wait to start next door. The neighboring city has just as much market potential, and now that I know how this system works? I’m not guessing. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly we can show up on search with the right setup. That means it’s time to start thinking like a regional business, not just a local one. Here’s what I’m doing to prep for expansion: Securing a physical address: I need a verified location in the next city to activate local SEO. Could be a small office, a co-working space, even a virtual mailbox—whatever fits Google’s verification rules and gives me a legit NAP (name/address/phone) listing. Prepping a new Google Business Profile: The franchise team has already coached me on how to set this up without stepping on the toes of my first listing. New city, new GBP, optimized categories, services, and posts. Scoping the competition: I’m quietly watching which inspection companies rank over there, what they’re doing, what they’re not doing, and where the opportunity sits. What would a second truck actually mean? More inspections. More relationships. Maybe a second inspector. Definitely a higher level of systems thinking. But I’m not afraid of that anymore—because now I know how to onboard, train, and replicate the experience. The framework’s already built. It’s just a matter of plugging in the right people. Why I’m not rushing—but I’m not hesitating either: Growth without structure can break you. But waiting too long? That can shrink you. I want to stay in the sweet spot: thoughtful growth, well-supported, with the right mix of risk and readiness. And that’s what this franchise model gives me—a growth strategy I can repeat, not just wish for. Next steps: Lock down the address. Launch the listing. Build the content. Start popping up in searches. And meanwhile, lay the groundwork for a second truck with the same service standards that got me here in the first place. What I’ll never forget: Territory isn’t just about zip codes—it’s about visibility. If people in the next town can’t see us, they can’t book us. So I’m expanding strategically, digitally, and with the same consistency that got me traction in the first place. → Next up: Week 36: Networking Events: Goldmine or Time Waste? ← Catch what I’d absolutely redo if I started again: Week 34: What I Would Do Differently If I Could Restart Today Thinking about launching a home inspection franchise with room to grow? Start with the right map.

Week 34 – If I Could Go Back to Day One… This week, I found myself thinking: “What would I do differently if I could restart today?” I’m 34 weeks in. That’s over 200 days of learning, trying, testing, and occasionally facepalming. And honestly? There are two things I would absolutely change if I had the chance to start again. One is a timing thing. The other? A humility thing. First: I would’ve started earlier I know it sounds obvious now—but this is the business I should’ve started years ago. The support, the tools, the clarity… it’s miles beyond the chaos of freelancing or corporate jobs. Every week, I meet another agent or client who tells me, “We need more people like you doing this.” If I’d started just 12 months sooner, I’d already be scaling faster. Lesson learned. Second: I wouldn’t have chased my own “great ideas” When I first launched, I thought I needed to be clever. Stand out. Try everything. So I signed up for a local BNI networking group (expensive, early, exhausting) and bought an ad in a glossy local print magazine (expensive, ignored, totally silent). Guess how many inspections came from those two plays? *Zero.* Curt warned me. He didn’t tell me *not* to try them—he just gently suggested that time and money would be better spent meeting Realtors face-to-face. Coffee meetings. Office drop-ins. Relationship building. And he was absolutely right. Why the franchise system matters: The Inspections Over Coffee playbook isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the map. And every time I’ve strayed from it thinking I could outsmart the process, I’ve lost time and cash. But when I follow it? Referrals. Reviews. Revenue. My new rule: don’t “get creative” until the proven stuff is maxed out I can experiment later—once I’ve done 100 Realtor meetings in 60 days. Once the local real estate offices know my name. Once my reviews are so consistent that clients ask for me by name. Until then? I’m sticking to the franchise framework like gospel. What I’ll repeat (and never skip again): Face-to-face connection. Agent education. Solution-based messaging. Every time I do that, the brand grows. The business grows. And I sleep better at night. → Next up: Week 35: Second Truck? New Territory? Time to Think Big ← Catch the moves I made to boost visibility: Week 33: I Invested in My Brand — Here’s What I Did Thinking about starting your own home inspection franchise? Do yourself a favor—just follow the system.

Week 33 – I Invested in My Brand. Here’s What I Did (and Why It Matters) This week was all about long-game thinking: I had another great call with Curt this week, and one of the things we dug into was brand. Not just logos and fonts—but *presence*. What people think and feel when they hear “Inspections Over Coffee.” What they say about us when we’re not in the room. And the truth is, brand isn’t built in a sprint. It’s a slow, strategic stacking of visibility, familiarity, and trust. So this month, I decided to lean in and start playing smarter, not just louder. Here’s what I’ve invested in so far: Chamber of Commerce Membership: This one surprised me. Yes, it helps with local networking, but it also gave me a legit backlink to my website—which helps SEO. Bonus: I got invited to speak at a small business meetup the same week I joined. Youth Sports Sponsorship: I sponsored a local kids’ team, mostly for community goodwill. But that banner on the field? It’s a talking point. A backlink. A trust marker. People notice—even if they don’t say anything. Daily Social Media Content (from the Franchise): This one is the sleeper hit. I’m not going viral, and most posts don’t get dozens of likes—but I know people are seeing them. Friends mention posts to me in person. Realtors forward them. The consistency makes us look like we’re everywhere—and professional while doing it. Other brand builders I’m testing or planning next: Local podcast guest spots: Just got invited to talk about “How to not get blindsided when buying a home.” That’s credibility I can’t buy. Leave-behind folders and one-sheets: Instead of cheap flyers, we’re giving out professionally branded folders with inspection info, value adds, and a soft touch of personality. Uniform consistency: Branded black polo every. single. time. On-site, at events, even at the gas station. Because brand = repetition. What Curt said that reframed this whole thing for me: “If you disappear for a week, would they notice?” That one stuck with me. Because brand isn’t just how loud you are—it’s how missed you are when you’re not around. That’s why we invest, even when the payoff isn’t immediate. Because brand is insurance for attention. For reputation. For referrals. The ROI isn’t always obvious—but it’s real: I’ve had Realtors forward my posts. Clients say, “Oh, I’ve seen your logo before.” Agents say, “You’re that inspection company that actually explains stuff.” That’s what I want. Recognition. Respect. Reach. And that only happens when the brand shows up—even when I’m not in the room. What I’ll keep doing: Backlink smart. Sponsor locally. Show up visually. And let the franchise keep feeding that social media machine—because even when the likes are silent, the brand is speaking loud and clear. → Next up: Week 34: What I Would Do Differently If I Could Restart Today ← Catch how I redefined what performance really means: Week 32: How I Measure My Own Performance Now Learn more about launching your own home inspection franchise.

Week 31 – Understanding the Buyer Brain: What I’ve Learned So Far This week reminded me that I’m not just inspecting houses—I’m guiding people through big emotions: Technically, I’m a home inspector. But lately, it feels like I’m also part therapist, part translator, and part myth-buster. Because buyers? They don’t always know what an inspection is *actually* for. And if I don’t understand their headspace, I risk saying all the right things—and still losing their trust. The three buyer mindsets I see most often: “The Sky Is Falling” Buyers: They’re already panicked. Every finding is a red flag. A GFCI outlet? “Is this house even safe?” A note about grading? “Are we sliding into a sinkhole?” For them, reassurance and clarity matter more than detail. I slow down, explain context, and remind them: “This is normal. Here’s how it’s fixed. It’s manageable.” “Pass/Fail” Buyers: These folks think an inspection is like an exam. “Did the house pass?” is their go-to question—and one I gently steer away from. Because there’s no pass/fail. Every house has issues. The goal isn’t to declare a winner—it’s to understand what you’re buying. I explain the difference between defects, maintenance, and upgrades, and help them make decisions based on *fit*, not fear. “Fixer-Upper Dreamers vs. Turnkey Seekers”: Some buyers want a project. Others want a Pinterest-perfect home. Neither is wrong—but I tailor how I communicate based on what they actually want. One man’s “needs paint” is another man’s “run away.” My job? Stay neutral, but observant. I give them what they need to decide for themselves, not what I think they should do. Why “Would you buy this house?” is the wrong question: I get asked this every week. But here’s the truth: what I’d buy isn’t the point. I’ve learned to redirect that question into: “Based on what we found, how does this home line up with *your* goals?” Some buyers want low maintenance. Some want character. Some want price flexibility. So what matters isn’t the house—it’s what the house *means* to them. The soft skills that matter as much as the technical ones: I’ve gotten good at systems, tools, and reporting. But the real shift happened when I started reading body language. Asking gentle questions. Watching for fear or overwhelm. Pausing to ask, “Do you want me to keep going, or stop here for a second?” That’s the stuff that turns clients into raving fans—not just the drone footage or thermal scans. How the franchise helped me talk like a human, not a technician: From day one, Curt emphasized: “This business is about people, not just problems.” The Inspections Over Coffee model gives me the tech and structure—but it also gives me permission to slow down and connect. And honestly, that’s where most of the magic happens. What I’ll never stop doing: Treating each inspection like the biggest decision of someone’s life—because for them, it probably is. I’ll keep learning how people tick, how to explain findings without alarm, and how to walk through even tough reports with empathy and confidence. → Next up: Week 32: How I Measure My Own Performance Now ← Catch how systems broke under pressure: Week 30: Systems Breaking, Calls Missed, Growth Pain Curious what it’s like to build your own home inspection franchise from the ground up?

Week 32 – What Success Looks Like (To Me, Now) This week I started measuring things a little differently: When I launched this business, I was obsessed with one number: revenue. And don’t get me wrong—it still matters. It tells me if the lights stay on, if growth is happening, if I’m paying myself. But lately? I’ve realized there’s a different scoreboard. A more personal one. The moment that made me pause and smile: I was at a charity golf event—just chatting, not even pitching. I met a Realtor I’d never spoken to before. As I explained what we offer (drone shots, thermal imaging, warranties, the works), he lit up and said, “Why doesn’t every inspection company do this?” That moment? That felt like a win that doesn’t show up in QuickBooks. Here’s what I’m using to track my own growth now: Speaking engagements: Every time I’m invited to present at a real estate office, I know we’re making an impression. Reviews: Not just the 5 stars—but the *words* people use. “Professional,” “calming,” “thorough,” “clear.” That tells me our message is landing the right way. Realtor recall: When agents I’ve never met already know about Inspections Over Coffee? That’s brand presence you can’t fake. My tone: I’ve shifted from being a “problem finder” to being a “solution adviser.” That shows up in how I write reports, how I speak on-site, and how I feel walking away from a job. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we frame it: I’ve stopped approaching inspections like I’m hunting for disaster. That mindset makes clients anxious and agents skeptical. Now I describe findings with calm clarity, offer solutions, and emphasize what’s working—not just what needs fixing. That builds confidence, not chaos. How the franchise helped shift this mindset: The Inspections Over Coffee system is built to position us as partners—not alarmists. Curt’s always said: “Give people the information, but also the why and the next step.” That tone of voice, that solution-first framing—it’s baked into our training, our templates, and our reputation. And it works. What I’ll keep tracking from here on out: Revenue, yes. Always. But also: respect. Recognition. Reviews. Referrals. And how often I get to say, “Yes, I’d be happy to speak to your office.” Because those wins? That’s when I know this business isn’t just growing—it’s becoming known for something I’m proud of. → Next up: Week 33: I Invested in My Brand — Here’s What I Did ← Catch how I learned to speak to different buyer personalities: Week 31: The Psychology of Homebuyers: What I’ve Learned Curious what it’s like to build your own home inspection franchise from the ground up?