A very successful retail center, one of the top 100 in the country, has the following practice that I though was brilliant. Every day, people in their office read stories from sources like ours.  Then they discuss them!  I’m told the ideas that come from that discussion are part of what makes and keeps these pros as some of the top performers in the U.S..  In fact, they are so good at sales, that any one of their sales team members averages more sales a month solo than the typical licensed manufactured home retailer does with their entire team combined.

Every business day, we publish the Factory Built Housing Daily Business News.  We typically have 5-6 stories a day, including market reports on manufactured housing and related stocks. These stories may include modular, prefab and HUD Code manufactured home as well as ‘general housing’ news that could be important to Industry professionals.

Many times a week, sometimes many times daily, you will find articles that can – when properly used – either save you and your operation money or help you earn more money.

Examples include news accounts about federal or state programs that companies or associations may be able to tap their members into for the Industry’s benefit.  Other recent examples may include stories about distressed properties that community operators and investors seeking new opportunities may find useful.

Screen Capture of part of today’s Daily Business News

Other examples of how you can earn more money by using modular, prefab and manufactured housing news may be more subtle.

Speaking as someone involved off and on since 1981 in manufactured home retailing, I know the types of questions and concerns that may arise from retail buyers. We know the types of questions or concerns bankers, investors or public officials may have too.  These are individuals who are likely to come from a ‘general media’ perspective or our Industry.  Which is to say, these and others may well be opposed or cautious about us, until they see new information which may help them ‘see the light.’

The recent Daily Business News article that mentioned Goldie Hawn and Tom Cruise owning factory built homes in CO was more than just “interesting.”  If I were in sales, I would download the article, save the link and show it as coming from MHProNews.com (or MHMSM.com).  I’d put it on the wall in a decent frame or make sure it is in a nice binder (or both) so that prospective retail customers, bankers, media or other guests can see it.

Millions read People Magazine. Some of those ‘gee, the rich and famous’ do this or that INFLUENCES others.  The fact that actors, politicians and savvy investors are in the modular or manufactured home world can influence people, but ONLY if you use it.

Our monthly Feature Articles and blog postings can also make you money or save you money.  Articles on sales training, marketing, personal ‘soft skills’ or management development, financing, legal articles and much more are a part of our monthly offering. As an example, I can picture how some communities violate ‘fair housing law’ principles taught by attorney Nadeen Green on our pages.  Others who want to improve their community will want to read Don Westphal and Chrissy Jackson.

Investors, regulators, association leaders and Industry pros are coming daily by the thousands.  Traffic continues to rise, so August 2011 is poised for yet another record month.  In fact, we should again have more page views than self reported totals from MHI, the National Communities Council, the National Modular Building Council, the Journal and George F. Allen’s blogs combined.

When leaders, investors, movers and shakers are here daily by the thousands, this suggests that at least one savvy, forward looking person in your office or company needs to invest a good 10-15 minutes a day on our site.  Read a feature article a day.  Read the news and the latest blog posts.  Read the Daily Business News.

So if you are someone who wants to advance your business or career, volunteer to make that reader You.

“Knowledge is power,” Sir Francis Bacon said.  Or as the Chinese proverb says: “Those who do not read are no better off than those who cannot.”

You are here, reading.  Good for you! Now take it to the next level. Are you making the news pay?

Are you an manufactured housing executive?  A manager?  Owner?  If so, make sure your people are reading.  Brainstorm the news with a trusted associate.  Make the news pay for you and your organization.

When our new MHProNews.com website format comes out, do encourage your associates to watch the ‘headlines news’ that will be available business daily here on MHProNews.com.   To earn more, learn more, right here.  Minutes a day can save you boatloads of time and make your more money too. # #