April is National Home Inventory Month: Find out more
28 Sep 2016

New Logo for Asset Inventory Industry LinkedIn Group

NICAThe LinkedIn Group, Asset Inventory Industry, was created for members to share information and participate in relevant conversations. Since the National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) has assumed management of this group, we thought it would be appropriate and less confusing to use the NICA logo as the group logo as well.

The Asset Inventory Industry Group is open to all inventory professionals, those who are in complimenting industries (insurance, restoration, home organizing, photo organizing, estate planning, etc.), and anyone who has an interest in learning about this industry. If you aren’t a member, please join us here,

If you are already a member of this LinkedIn Group, please participate so we can all benefit from your expertise.

What type of information?

  • Ask a question
  • Pose a dilemma
  • Seek advice
  • Announce successes
  • Ask for assistance
  • Find a sub-contractor
  • … and any other topic that is relevant to the industry

Who do you know in our industry or other ancillary industries? Please invite them to join. Having a variety of professionals in the group will enhance our shared knowledge and variety of topics.

06 May 2015

Why Not Just Keep Up?

BeAheadA common comment from business owners goes something like this: “I know my business – been doing it for years –  but I don’t have much success anymore.”

An immediate thought might be that the economy is bad, or he isn’t trying hard enough, or people just don’t need her service or product; it’s run it’s course. However, when you take the time to really listen – really listen –  you’ll understand what the issue is. These business owners know their business, but lose touch with the business environment or their own industry.

The business environment

Major advancements in technology are mind-boggling. It seems that new software is being introduced daily. Computers become more powerful. CRM systems are doing so much more than they used to to keep track of your clients. Fax machines are out; scanning and emailing are in. Oh – wait – now you don’t need to scan and email, just put the document in Google Drive or Dropbox. Knowing how to utilize your time and accommodate your customers and vendors can be a job in itself!

Customer expectations have changed. Have you asked your customers lately what they think of your service? Knowing what they are thinking is a key in knowing how to improve your service.

Social media plays a large part in marketing plans. Which ones should you join? Is it acceptable to promote your business on that platform? How can you do it properly? You can learn about Social Media for Business here.

Unfortunately, many business owners haven’t kept up with the changes, advancements, and new opportunities – with the new ways of doing business. Years ago, staying in the office, “minding the store” as they used to say, was expected and also was enough. Times have changed. The ways to do business have changed. Business owners who keep up with these advancements are the ones who will stay ahead of those who continue to do things as they always have.

The industry

Conferring with others in your industry is essential. Think “co-opertition” instead of “competition” and work together to grow the industry. Learn about a new trend that might crop up in one area of the country – it will most likely enter your region soon. Is there a new opportunity for your service or product that wasn’t even considered a year ago? By being involved in your industry, instead of just your own business, will enable you to become and remain successful.

Join the asset inventory industry organizations. The National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) offers online, self-directed continuing education courses and a certification (the only one recognized in the industry). The Inventory Institute provides many services, including coaching, seminars, webinars, industry update conference calls, referrals, project management services, and so much more.

Be aware. Be involved. Be a leader. Just keeping up with what you’ve always done will not keep you ahead.

12 Mar 2014

Inventory Survey Results Are In

SurveyThe Inventory Institute and the National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) joined together to conduct the first Inventory Industry Survey. It was distributed in late February 2014, and netted a better-than-normal response rate. This shows that Asset Industry Professionals welcome the opportunity to provide feedback for their growing industry. In response to the two organizations’ goals of being member-focused, there are plans to reach out to industry professionals again to gather more pertinent information.

As Industry Organizations, The Inventory Institute and NICA will continue to work on developing information, creating metrics, and achieving industry related initiatives that will enable them to support their members and the industry as a whole.

As a gesture of thanks for the time spent answering the survey, a drawing was held after the survey. Congratulations to Patty Kreifels of Picture This Asset Inventory Service, as the winner of the book, A Business Guide to Asset Inventory.

If you did not receive the first survey, and would like to provide your thoughts and ideas in the future, please email Johanna Curtiss of the Inventory Institute at jkcurtiss@inventoryinstitute.org to be placed on the mailing list. The results of the Inventory Industry Survey, along with the comments associated with the questions, are provided for your review.

Both organizations welcome members as well as non-members to share ideas that will benefit either The Inventory Institute, the National Inventory Certification Association, or the industry in general.