Making a six-figure salary using the Five P's

[rhumphries]

Originally Posted by rspriggs

Robert, with all due respect, you seem to be fixated on creds, while many of us are actually thankful for help received.

So you think people should take advice from a person promoting wealth systems who can't produce one person who has actually become wealthy from using any of his systems promoted to NACHI members?

You think your Web site should be critiqued by someone who is ADMITTEDLY and inexperienced Web developer, graphic designer and programmer?

You think your business cards and brochures should be critiqued by someone who isn't formally trained in graphic arts or marketing communications?

You think someone who isn't an expert user of any graphic design software, and who hasn't been involved in developing marketing-related media on any level for God-only-knows-how-many-years should be teaching people the fundamentals of good design?

You are telling me that people should take marketing and advertising advice from a person who can't produce the latest Web site HE built or show you the latest software HE wrote, or offer-up the latest brochure designs HE created for clients?

You are telling me - a marketing communications career professional - that I simply need to "appreciate" Russel for what he is "trying" to do in the field of marketing and advertising?

If I caught you (or anyone else) "trying" to inspect my home and later found you had no experience to do so, I'd have your ***** in court.

Originally Posted by rspriggs

Note that, several months ago, Russel suggested to me that I contact you with a project I had in mind. He was quite impressed with you, after having had phone conversations with you.

Hard to believe since we spoke at 4:00AM my time after I had been up working for two days straight, but okay....

Originally Posted by rspriggs

Russel, in fact, turned down the offer I made to him, because he thought you could serve me better, to our mutual advantage. I define that as helping others.

NEWS ALERT - Russel turned down your project because IT REQUIRED PROGRAMMING SKILLS THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE. We talked about it. Prior to your call to me. He simply couldn't do the work.

Originally Posted by rspriggs

I called you, we spoke, I sent you my material as you requested. I have never heard hide nor hair from you.

You are just as capable of following up as I am. I actually don't remember receiving whatever materials you sent. Did I send a reply confirming receipt of the materials? Things slip my mind, too.

Originally Posted by rspriggs

Sorry to make this so public, but I don't give a rat's @$$ about anyone's creds or the verification of same.

See above.

Originally Posted by rspriggs

Russel has helped me for 4 years, and I have not rec'd a response from you in 4 months.

First, are you earning $100,000 per year by his advice yet? I hear he has five P's that will do the trick.

Second, you've spoken to me by phone one time for fifteen minutes while you were driving on a mountain cliff with one hand. I wouldn't call four years versus fifteen minutes a fair comparison.

Third, I want to say "I apologize" for not having gotten back to you, but since you decided not to contact me in the traditional fashion to follow-up (since it was YOU who needed MY help) and thereby decided to post you grievance on this board, I'll refrain from offering any such an apology. We're all adults here, so I personally don't take kindly to finger-pointing when the communications problem was something you could have easily fixed by dialing a phone. Like others, I get busy. I have a family. I have a business to run. I have customers to attend to. I may have deleted your message with spam mail. My spam filter may have caught your mail and filed it. Who knows.

And let me just add that I remember a relative of mine passed away around the time we spoke, and I was out of commission for a few days trying to help a grieving mother cope the the death of her 26 year-old son, my cousin.

Originally Posted by rspriggs

So, if you want to slam people, please don't stand inside a glass house.

There's quite a bit of difference in someone claiming to be an expert at something but not really having the credentials (or expertise) to back it up versus two people who didn't call each other back due to apparent schedule-related or situational issues.


-R-

___

[jmichalski]

Actually, I have followed RR's advice and using methods suggested by him, I have grown my business into a multi-inspector firm earning over $100K. So count me as one who followed RR's advice to success. (Dale Duffy also has employed some RR strategies with significant rate of success).

Having credentials is great, but marketing is something that can also be done without formal training, and RR has plenty of practical experience to share, specific to Home Inspections.

For some one who suggests they are a PR wizard, you certainly have a habit of coming off conrontational, instead of helpful, and do not project a very positive public image. Not great PR in practice.

For someone who claims to understand business and success, you apprantly do not understand that the onus to follow up in most cases is on the businessperson, not the client. Clients do "need " help - they all do, that is why they call a pro. It is up to the pro to follow up to see if the client's needs have been met of if there is anything they can do to close the sale. That's something VERY basic, that RR frequently speaks of.

If you are so busy that you do not need clients, good for you.

In short, practical experience is a great substitute for book learning in many cases, RR's marketing advice included. To use your example, if I interviewed an inspector who told me he had 1000 hours of lifetime inspection-related education, but had never actually inspected a home, and another who had no formal instructon but was a former contractor and had been inspecting homes for 10 years, I know which one I would lean towards.

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by rhumphries

So you think people should take advice from a person promoting wealth systems who can't produce one person who has actually become wealthy from using any of his systems promoted to NACHI members?

You think your Web site should be critiqued by someone who is ADMITTEDLY and inexperienced Web developer, graphic designer and programmer?

You think your business cards and brochures should be critiqued by someone who isn't formally trained in graphic arts or marketing communications?

You think someone who isn't an expert user of any graphic design software, and who hasn't been involved in developing marketing-related media on any level for God-only-knows-how-many-years should be teaching people the fundamentals of good design?

You are telling me that people should take marketing and advertising advice from a person who can't produce the latest Web site HE built or show you the latest software HE wrote, or offer-up the latest brochure designs HE created for clients?

You are telling me - a marketing communications career professional - that I simply need to "appreciate" Russel for what he is "trying" to do in the field of marketing and advertising?

If I caught you (or anyone else) "trying" to inspect my home and later found you had no experience to do so, I'd have your ***** in court.



Hard to believe since we spoke at 4:00AM my time after I had been up working for two days straight, but okay....



NEWS ALERT - Russel turned down your project because IT REQUIRED PROGRAMMING SKILLS THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE. We talked about it. Prior to your call to me. He simply couldn't do the work.



You are just as capable of following up as I am. I actually don't remember receiving whatever materials you sent. Did I send a reply confirming receipt of the materials? Things slip my mind, too.



See above.



First, are you earning $100,000 per year by his advice yet? I hear he has five P's that will do the trick.

Second, you've spoken to me by phone one time for fifteen minutes while you were driving on a mountain cliff with one hand. I wouldn't call four years versus fifteen minutes a fair comparison.

Third, I want to say "I apologize" for not having gotten back to you, but since you decided not to contact me in the traditional fashion to follow-up (since it was YOU who needed MY help) and thereby decided to post you grievance on this board, I'll refrain from offering any such an apology. We're all adults here, so I personally don't take kindly to finger-pointing when the communications problem was something you could have easily fixed by dialing a phone. Like others, I get busy. I have a family. I have a business to run. I have customers to attend to. I may have deleted your message with spam mail. My spam filter may have caught your mail and filed it. Who knows.

And let me just add that I remember a relative of mine passed away around the time we spoke, and I was out of commission for a few days trying to help a grieving mother cope the the death of her 26 year-old son, my cousin.



There's quite a bit of difference in someone claiming to be an expert at something but not really having the credentials (or expertise) to back it up versus two people who didn't call each other back due to apparent schedule-related or situational issues.


-R-

___

SOS
Wendy on testerone. Send me your latest recipe k???

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by rhumphries

So you think people should take advice from a person promoting wealth systems who can't produce one person who has actually become wealthy from using any of his systems promoted to NACHI members?

You think your Web site should be critiqued by someone who is ADMITTEDLY and inexperienced Web developer, graphic designer and programmer?

You think your business cards and brochures should be critiqued by someone who isn't formally trained in graphic arts or marketing communications?

You think someone who isn't an expert user of any graphic design software, and who hasn't been involved in developing marketing-related media on any level for God-only-knows-how-many-years should be teaching people the fundamentals of good design?

You are telling me that people should take marketing and advertising advice from a person who can't produce the latest Web site HE built or show you the latest software HE wrote, or offer-up the latest brochure designs HE created for clients?

You are telling me - a marketing communications career professional - that I simply need to "appreciate" Russel for what he is "trying" to do in the field of marketing and advertising?

If I caught you (or anyone else) "trying" to inspect my home and later found you had no experience to do so, I'd have your ***** in court.



Hard to believe since we spoke at 4:00AM my time after I had been up working for two days straight, but okay....



NEWS ALERT - Russel turned down your project because IT REQUIRED PROGRAMMING SKILLS THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE. We talked about it. Prior to your call to me. He simply couldn't do the work.



You are just as capable of following up as I am. I actually don't remember receiving whatever materials you sent. Did I send a reply confirming receipt of the materials? Things slip my mind, too.



See above.



First, are you earning $100,000 per year by his advice yet? I hear he has five P's that will do the trick.

Second, you've spoken to me by phone one time for fifteen minutes while you were driving on a mountain cliff with one hand. I wouldn't call four years versus fifteen minutes a fair comparison.

Third, I want to say "I apologize" for not having gotten back to you, but since you decided not to contact me in the traditional fashion to follow-up (since it was YOU who needed MY help) and thereby decided to post you grievance on this board, I'll refrain from offering any such an apology. We're all adults here, so I personally don't take kindly to finger-pointing when the communications problem was something you could have easily fixed by dialing a phone. Like others, I get busy. I have a family. I have a business to run. I have customers to attend to. I may have deleted your message with spam mail. My spam filter may have caught your mail and filed it. Who knows.

And let me just add that I remember a relative of mine passed away around the time we spoke, and I was out of commission for a few days trying to help a grieving mother cope the the death of her 26 year-old son, my cousin.



There's quite a bit of difference in someone claiming to be an expert at something but not really having the credentials (or expertise) to back it up versus two people who didn't call each other back due to apparent schedule-related or situational issues.


-R-

___

SOS
Wendy on testerone. Send me your latest recipe k???

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by rhumphries

So you think people should take advice from a person promoting wealth systems who can't produce one person who has actually become wealthy from using any of his systems promoted to NACHI members?

You think your Web site should be critiqued by someone who is ADMITTEDLY and inexperienced Web developer, graphic designer and programmer?

You think your business cards and brochures should be critiqued by someone who isn't formally trained in graphic arts or marketing communications?

You think someone who isn't an expert user of any graphic design software, and who hasn't been involved in developing marketing-related media on any level for God-only-knows-how-many-years should be teaching people the fundamentals of good design?

You are telling me that people should take marketing and advertising advice from a person who can't produce the latest Web site HE built or show you the latest software HE wrote, or offer-up the latest brochure designs HE created for clients?

You are telling me - a marketing communications career professional - that I simply need to "appreciate" Russel for what he is "trying" to do in the field of marketing and advertising?

If I caught you (or anyone else) "trying" to inspect my home and later found you had no experience to do so, I'd have your ***** in court.



Hard to believe since we spoke at 4:00AM my time after I had been up working for two days straight, but okay....



NEWS ALERT - Russel turned down your project because IT REQUIRED PROGRAMMING SKILLS THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE. We talked about it. Prior to your call to me. He simply couldn't do the work.



You are just as capable of following up as I am. I actually don't remember receiving whatever materials you sent. Did I send a reply confirming receipt of the materials? Things slip my mind, too.



See above.



First, are you earning $100,000 per year by his advice yet? I hear he has five P's that will do the trick.

Second, you've spoken to me by phone one time for fifteen minutes while you were driving on a mountain cliff with one hand. I wouldn't call four years versus fifteen minutes a fair comparison.

Third, I want to say "I apologize" for not having gotten back to you, but since you decided not to contact me in the traditional fashion to follow-up (since it was YOU who needed MY help) and thereby decided to post you grievance on this board, I'll refrain from offering any such an apology. We're all adults here, so I personally don't take kindly to finger-pointing when the communications problem was something you could have easily fixed by dialing a phone. Like others, I get busy. I have a family. I have a business to run. I have customers to attend to. I may have deleted your message with spam mail. My spam filter may have caught your mail and filed it. Who knows.

And let me just add that I remember a relative of mine passed away around the time we spoke, and I was out of commission for a few days trying to help a grieving mother cope the the death of her 26 year-old son, my cousin.



There's quite a bit of difference in someone claiming to be an expert at something but not really having the credentials (or expertise) to back it up versus two people who didn't call each other back due to apparent schedule-related or situational issues.


-R-

___

SOS
Wendy on testosterone. Send me your latest recipe k???

[jwortham1]

If I caught you (or anyone else) "trying" to inspect my home and later found you had no experience to do so, I'd have your ***** in court.

Every inspector started somewhere. While you can sue for anything, I don't think "lack of experience" will win you much unless a mistake is made.

Third, I want to say "I apologize" for not having gotten back to you, but since you decided not to contact me in the traditional fashion to follow-up (since it was YOU who needed MY help) and thereby decided to post you grievance on this board, I'll refrain from offering any such an apology. We're all adults here, so I personally don't take kindly to finger-pointing when the communications problem was something you could have easily fixed by dialing a phone. Like others, I get busy. I have a family. I have a business to run. I have customers to attend to. I may have deleted your message with spam mail. My spam filter may have caught your mail and filed it. Who knows.

So if I don't call a client back to schedule an inspection it's THEIR fault because they didn't try contacting me again at my convenience?

Robert, some of the things you say make me shake my head.

You may very well know more about programming and marketing than Russel but I've never found him to be anything but upbeat and helpful while you often come across as spiteful and vindictive.

[ekartal6]

Like Jeff said about being a new inspector..

Robert do you think you could successfully suit your roofer if it was his first job? You seem to be a very intelligent person but that is pure nonsense.

[Henry Valenzano, CMI]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

SOS
Wendy on testosterone. Send me your latest recipe k???

You cant say that. I think Wendy has a bigger set. She does not delete her posts.

[rhumphries]

Originally Posted by jmichalski

Actually, I have followed RR's advice and using methods suggested by him, I have grown my business into a multi-inspector firm earning over $100K. So count me as one who followed RR's advice to success. (Dale Duffy also has employed some RR strategies with significant rate of success).

Wow! It took Wendy and Jim months of asking, and nobody ever stepped forward. I'm glad someone finally did. Now there's "proof". As to Dale Duffy's success, I'd love to let him speak for himself.

Originally Posted by jmichalski

Having credentials is great, but marketing is something that can also be done without formal training, and RR has plenty of practical experience to share, specific to Home Inspections.

Then you still don't get it. "Marketing" is not a job. A marketing team is comprised of people with various skills. My challenge with RR isn't that he has "practical" experience. It's when he proports to be an "expert" in fields that he has no experience in. At what point did I stuttar?

Originally Posted by jmichalski

For some one who suggests they are a PR wizard, you certainly have a habit of coming off conrontational, instead of helpful, and do not project a very positive public image. Not great PR in practice.

Wrong. I never claimed such a thing. My background is marketing communications, not public relations. As far as being confrontational, I have every right to be upset that there's a "poser" on the loose. As far as presenting a positive public image, it appears that's all I have to do if I want to get away with being an egotistical liar. Phoney begins with "P", too.

Originally Posted by jmichalski

For someone who claims to understand business and success, you apprantly do not understand that the onus to follow up in most cases is on the businessperson, not the client.

Get it straight. Mr. Spriggs was not a client, nor did I seek him out. He was seeking favors by referral. I don't recall being in a three-way call with you, so temper the lecture on business management. Unlike he granted to me, I'll give him the respect of not telling what he proposed to me.

Originally Posted by jmichalski

Clients do "need " help - they all do, that is why they call a pro. It is up to the pro to follow up to see if the client's needs have been met of if there is anything they can do to close the sale.

Okay, but until you know more about the situation, I again suggest that you temper your advice.

Originally Posted by jmichalski

That's something VERY basic, that RR frequently speaks of.

All hale...

Originally Posted by jmichalski

If you are so busy that you do not need clients, good for you.

In short, practical experience is a great substitute for book learning in many cases, RR's marketing advice included. To use your example, if I interviewed an inspector who told me he had 1000 hours of lifetime inspection-related education, but had never actually inspected a home, and another who had no formal instructon but was a former contractor and had been inspecting homes for 10 years, I know which one I would lean towards.

So you'd rather hire a guy who has used a Web site for ten years to successfully sell socks online but had no Website development experience, rather than hiring a guy with formal training in Web development and two years of full-time career experience to build YOUR Web site? That's smart.

-R-

___

[rhumphries]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

SOS
Wendy on testerone. Send me your latest recipe k???

Ever thought she may of had a point to begin with and was one of only a few people to actually have the balls to voice her opinion out loud? At least she put some effort into it for the sake of protecting her fellow members and asked appropriate questions of Russel - most which never seemed to get answered.

-R-

___

[Henry Valenzano, CMI]

Ten years of common sense knowledge over two years book knowledge. No brainer!! Common sense every time!!!!!!!

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by rhumphries

There are bigger fish to fry from this point forward.

So you sent Wendy some sort of fish frying recipe for her cookbook? I gave her my margarita pie recipe.

[rhumphries]

Originally Posted by jwortham1

So if I don't call a client back to schedule an inspection it's THEIR fault because they didn't try contacting me again at my convenience?

Robert, some of the things you say make me shake my head.

Keep shaking your head, then. Mr. Spriggs wasn't "hiring" me. He was seeking some another relationship in order to procure my expertise at the lowest cost possible. And we all know what the lowest cost possible is, don't we.

Originally Posted by jmichalski

You may very well know more about programming and marketing than Russel but I've never found him to be anything but upbeat and helpful while you often come across as spiteful and vindictive.

I could be upbeat, too. The problem is when I critique the person who critiques you, I get beat-up. Funny how Russel can openly post that he's offering to tell you what you've done wrong on your Web site and brochures, but when someone tells him what he's done wrong, that person is chastised. What immunity does Russel have from being critiqued? The answer is - HE DOESN'T.

I also notice how he sits back and lets you guys defend him instead of stepping up to the plate and defending himself. Why don't you ask him to show you a Web site HE built before allowing him to critique yours? Why don't you let him show you brochures and logos and ads he's created by his own hand before you let him critique another's? Is that too much to ask of his Holiness? You wouldn't hire a Web developer or graphic designer to create work for you until you saw their portfolio, right? If that's true, then why would you praise someone who CAN'T show you a portfolio yet claims to be an "expert" in marketing communications?

Are Wendy, Jim, a few others and I the only people with the sense to question the establishment he's created around himself? It gets frustrating to see people being so lacadazical about the "experts" they hire simply because those experts are "nice" and "helpful" people. How about using adjectives like "experienced", "skilled", "talented", "trained". And certain people want to challenge MY business sense???

I know Russel is a nice person. That was never in question.

Besides, I'm done "marketing" for him. He and I both know that controversy fuels his cause. We've always know it. You've always known it. Controversy is a system of checks and balances. Without it, we would all be led to slaughter by a "nice" and "helpful" person with sinister intent. I doubt Russel is Darth Sidious, but you get my point.

I've got a life to live outside of this message board now, so have a great day. Nothing personal.

-R-

___

[rhumphries]

Originally Posted by hvalenzano

Ten years of common sense knowledge over two years book knowledge. No brainer!! Common sense every time!!!!!!!

Somebody missed the point.

-R-

___

[Russell Spriggs]

RH, I was offering you a business proposition.

I didn't need your help at all. You apparently did not understand my offer.

That's OK, you're newer around here and you may yet build up the track record of helping that Russel Ray has (as well as many other members of NACHI, who, like myself, don't post very much on this board anymore).