TOPIC: which organization?

Thanks for taking time to reply, Stephen. My state does require licensing, and continuing education credits, and they are very particular about how those credits are obtained. Few online credit courses are accepted, so that would also play a part in which organization to choose. I will just have to get into the "meat and potatoes" of each organization and see which best suits my needs. Hopefully my business will pick up enough over the next few months to justify joining several.

I keep coming back to NACHI because of the continued education my state requires.

I have more education than I need till retirement but the state will not accept it unless the provider jumps through the hoops to get in the list...

Just take a FREE NACHI course and it is automatically uploaded to the state.

I have been asked once in 15 years about if I was with ASHI.
That was from an Agent so new she has to keep a towel around her neck because she was so wet behind the ears!

ASHI would be my second pick.

thanks David. I don't remember if my state accepts NACHI courses or not. Like I mentioned, this state is pretty strict with accepting online CE credits. I bought some courses thru AHIT, because I know they are accepted here. I'll keep researching.

Each of the national associations maintains a website with Inspector Locator services. 

The fee to join ASHI was the cost of the national exam ($250), which adds to my creditability regardless of which association I do or do not belong to and the ASHI annual fee of $400.  Within 6 weeks of joining I had gotten 4 referrals directly from the ASHI website that I booked.  If I never attend a meeting, participate in anyway other than sending them a $400 check once a year, I make money by being a member just from referrals.  The number of booked referrals is approaching 1 a month year round.  I belong to ASHI for the referrals first, and the other benefits of membership second.

NACHI training is not accepted by my state for CE.  While being the best technicial inspector is a wonderful goal, and one I strife towards, the really hard thing for many inspectors to learn is you need to be a GREAT marketer first.  If you can't get the jobs, it doesnt matter if you are the best technically trained or not.  Don't get me wrong, I take at least double the required training per year.  But if your phone is not rining, it does not make a bit of difference. 

There are only two NAHI members in my entire state.  No meetings to attend and the cost to maintain membership would be about $1000 a year due to fees to get CE credits accepted by NAHI.  Maybe a great organization but I can't justify the cost compared to benefits recieved.

I was an officer in my statewide association for 6 years.  Zero referrals in all that time from the associations website or marketing.  But I got to know who the players are, am personal friends with several of the Licening Board members, and much better informed about legal matters regarding licensing in my state as a result.  Worth the $150 a year.

Review Dominics posts regarding website design and marketing.  Take your training but make sure marketing is at least as important in your daily business.

That's great stuff, Bruce! And a good answer to my question about the benefits of joining. When I search using "Home Inspector", the first sight that comes up is ASHI, followed by our state organization (WVAHI), then InterNachi, then some of my competition. Like yourself, I have more than enough CE credits, because I take the courses to learn more, not just to maintain credits. The referrals are a big deal, at least to me. I have been trying some various marketing strategies, which prompted me to get a decent website thru HIP. You're correct- I love the job, believe I do it well, and am more than qualified, but if that doesn't make the phone ring, it's all futile. I'm only into my second year professionally, but I was expecting to be busier by now, and I think being a member of one of the organizations may get a little work. These message boards are very informative and you guys are knowledgeable and professional, have a sense of humor, and your input is always appreciated.

Ohio does not have a licesning requirement as of yet so there is no specific requirements in regards to specific membership or CEU requirement.  All agents care about are if you are 'ASHI Certified'.  The other two organizations are considered irrelevant and are never mentioned.