Networking as a Sole Marketing Vehicle

As people realize that we like them and respect their opinions, they share information about themselves that can be helpful in analyzing whether they can use our products or services. 

So says Canadian businessman Michael J. Hughes, who is known as "THE Networking Guru."  Hughes runs a highly successful consulting business that works with Fortune 500 companies and international associations across North America. 

The most interesting thing about Hughes' business? . . . He built it using networking as his sole marketing vehicle.

Networking is simply one of the most important activities in which professionals engage.  As Hughes says, the opportunity to create, nurture and develop relationships is one of the most rewarding processes of human activity.  If we capitalize on networking opportunities properly, they can be quite profitable for us while making the world a better place for everyone else.

The problem with networking is that too many professionals don't do it very well.  What's worse is that some people are terribly intimidated by the process.

That's where Hughes comes in.  He breaks networking encounters into six logical steps.  To succeed in networking, you need to master all parts of the process:

1.   The first five seconds

2.   The next 20 seconds

3.   The next two minutes

4.   The last five seconds

5.   The next 24 hours to seven days

6.   The final outcome

At the beginning of the networking encounter, Hughes believes the key is to make your discussion partner comfortable.  After all, most people are stressed by networking events.  You will make a great impression if you take charge, smile, listen carefully and "pretend you're the host."

In the next 20 seconds, the key is to build rapport and make your networking partner feel "safe." Active listening is crucial, because "wanting to know more about a person is one of the biggest compliments we can pay," Hughes says.

The most important part of the networking process occurs in the next two minutes.  Hughes says this is where the real test occurs for both partners.  The more you structure the discussion around your partner, the more earnest interest you show in him or her, the more you develop trust.

Once you have trust, your discussion partner is open to your ideas.  This is when you present your message, your unique selling point.  But don't get preachy, because as Hughes says, "the objective of networking is to create a relationship, not make a presentation."  The value comes over time.

Trust is especially important if the purpose of your networking efforts is ultimately to make a sale and land a deal. 

"Selling is a people business, not a product business," Hughes says. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

When the networking encounter is coming to an end, Hughes recommends you take control in order to transition out of the conversation and help the person bridge to another conversation.  In the last five seconds, try to create an opportunity.  An offer to keep in touch or a scheduled appointment makes the conversation much more productive.  Finally, be sure to thank the other person for conversing with you and for giving you their precious time.

Lest you think you are done, remember that networking is a process.  Follow up with the person or you will eventually be forgotten.  That kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?  Find a legitimate reason - one that benefits the other person - to stay in contact. 

Not only does follow-up keep you front-of-mind, it makes an impression in other ways.  After all, "following through on commitments and promises goes against the grain of how the world works today," Hughes says.  In other words, you will shock people if you're one of those rare professionals who actually return email and voice mail messages. 

When it's all said and done, good networking can lead to career-long relationships. This means you might take care of clients together, create referral opportunities and find complementary products.  Gaining exposure to others' networks will increase your opportunities. 

By the way, if you would like to learn more about Michael Hughes, go to NetworkingForResults.com.  

Jeff Beals is an award-winning author, who helps professionals do more business and have a greater impact on the world through effective sales, marketing and personal branding techniques.  Follow his "Business Motivation Blog" at www.JeffBeals.com. Used with permission from the author.

Is Your High Efficiency Heating and Cooling System REALLY Efficient?

This article is to help consumers make informed decisions about their air conditioning and heating system purchases so they can achieve the comfort, safety and performance they desire.  This may be one of your biggest investments that will provide comfort to you and your family in your home for the next 20 years.

Equipment Purchases and Efficiency:

Your air conditioning and heating equipment are purchased separately.  Similar to the way you would purchase a washer and dryer or a refrigerator and stove.  But they are NOT stand alone appliances.  Once connected to ductwork, they become a “SYSTEM”.  When or if you purchase a 95+ efficiency furnace, does not mean it will deliver 95% efficiency when connected to the “SYSTEM”.  Depending on how well the components are engineered and assembled will determine how efficient the system will perform.  It is important to understand that the equipment ratings are only the potential of the equipment under ideal conditions.  

Factors that contribute to deteriorated performance include the following:

• Builders / owners want their buildings constructed faster and at lower costs.
• Architects and consultants work with lower fees and tighter times schedules.
• Competitive pricing by the trades results in decreased installation quality.
• Shortcuts, tradeoffs and “that’s good enough” now become the focus of the installation.

With the growing complexity of the equipment and their controls, the design and installation of the system becomes critical.  The equipment manuals are more detailed and the reference materials are thicker and require a higher degree of technical experience for the system to be installed and perform as the manufacture has designed it.

The National Comfort Institute has tested and balanced over 50,000 homes and businesses nationwide.  It has proven documentation that the national average of installed heating and cooling systems is performing at a meager 57%.  This means that barely over half the heating or cooling that your home comfort system produces is getting into the conditioned space of your home. 

Sizing Matters:

Many contractors do not perform load and duct calculations.  They simply size the equipment by square footage or replace the equipment with the exact size that is already there.  In these cases, a load calculation has never been performed.  This requirement is fairly recent. 

Demand a Load Calculation – No Exceptions!   After finding out what size equipment to use, never purchase the next size larger.  It may sound like the load size is too small to do the job, but if the calculations were done properly; the load figure is still 20% higher than what your building requires.  There is a fudge factor built into these calculations.  Oversized systems never provide comfort.

Types of Heating Systems:

There are several types of systems to choose from whether they use warm air or hot water as the heated medium.  These are single stage, two stage, modulating or zoned systems.

Single stage systems produce 100% of the output heat it is rated for each time it is turned on.  This is the most efficient type of heating system.

Two stage systems at first produce about 50% - 60% of the output it is rated for. If additional heat is needed, the second stage allows 100% of the output to be turned on.  Contrary to popular belief, the two stage system is less efficient than the single stage system.  It actually uses 25% more fuel than a single stage system. 

Modulating systems produce a modulating flame between 25% and 100% as determined by the space or water temperature.  Contrary to popular belief, the modulation system is less efficient that the two stage system.  It actually uses 33% more fuel than a single stage system.

How is this possible?  Actually the size of the heat exchanger never changes.  The flame inside the heat exchanger just gets smaller.  This smaller flame must use more fuel to get the heat exchanger up to the correct temperature before the system will heat the building.  The reason they make these choices available is they tend to keep the building at a more even space temperature. 

Some homes have one furnace and air conditioner with two or more thermostats.  This application is called zoning.  Zoning is nice if you have a large home, a two story home or need to keep different parts of your home at different temperatures.  Although zoning is an extremely nice feature to have, you need to be extra careful when choosing a HVAC contractor to install a zone system.  Very few zoned systems function properly due to poor duct design and installation practices.

Duct Design:

The duct system is probably the most important part of the HVAC system, but it is also the most frequently misunderstood component.  Poor duct design is the biggest contributor to breakdowns and premature equipment failure.  Performing a static profile on the equipment can determine whether or not your ductwork is performing correctly.  It is similar to a doctor taking your blood pressure.  It allows the technician to determine if the ductwork can handle the maximum air flow required without reducing the supply fan blower performance.

Filter Sizing:

Higher efficiency filters can be a real blessing to individuals with allergies and respiratory problems.  In fact, many feel this is a necessary accessory that must be added to the system.  However, installing too restrictive a filter can severely deteriorate performance.  Filters are usually sized so the air flowing through the filter will not diminish the supply fan blower performance.  This is a very common problem found on most systems.

Ventilation Requirements:

Indoor Air Quality starts here.  This is of major importance but is just as misunderstood as the duct design.  With tighter built homes, the off-gassing of chemicals used in the construction of the home, radon, mold, mildew, dust, dirt, pollens, allergens and may other contaminants stay in the home and effect every breath we take.  This is one of the major reasons that allergies and asthma are much more common today.

Fresh air must be brought into the home to dilute the toxic buildup of chemicals in the home.  The amount of fresh air varies per home, but ASHRAE has determined that a continuous minimum of at least 45 to 95 cubic foot of air per minute is required in a standard home.  Most homes are not supplied with a continuous ventilation system. 

The Michigan Mechanical Code allows for natural ventilation.  This refers to doors and windows that can open.  It says the minimum open-able area to the outdoors shall be 4% of the floor area.  So if you have a 1000 square foot home, 4 % is the same as, (1000  x  .04  = 40),  40 square feet. 

That would be an 8 ft x 5 ft opening, which is similar to having a sliding glass door fully open all the time.  How often do you leave your sliding glass door fully open during the winter?   If the answer is never, you should consider installing mechanical ventilation.

Types of Mechanical Ventilation:

There are three ways to bring in fresh outside air.  One way is to run the furnace fan all the time with a 6” duct bringing in 100% outside air to the return air duct just before the air filter.  You must also run at least one of the bathroom exhaust fans to provide the exchange of air.  This system is the most costly to operate.

The second way is to install an HRV or Heat Recovery Unit.  This system transfers the heat from the building exhaust air into the cold 100% outside air through an air to air heat exchanger.  This type of system transfers sensible heat and is typically used on heating systems only.

The third way is to install an ERV or Energy Recovery Unit.  This does basically the same thing as the HRV, but this system transfers both sensible heat and latent heat.  This is the most efficient and is typically used when you have both heating and air conditioning installed in the home or live in a very humid area.

Additional Accessories:

The “fan-in-a-can” is an alternative that offers a way to add ventilation but it’s actually designed to replenish combustion air, (which is another topic of discussion).  There are many other accessories that you can add to your system, but they are not as critical as the items we have mentioned so far.  You can add humidification, ultra-violet lamps and other safeguards to the system

Test and Balance:

The products our HVAC systems deliver are all invisible.  These “products” include air flow, heating, cooling, ventilation, BTU’s and finally comfort.  In reality, unless these values are measured and verified, system design has not yet been proven.  Often it is the measurement and adjusting that actually brings the system to the point where it functions as it should. 

Independent Test and Balance companies are experts in system analysis with specialized skills and highly accurate testing equipment for discovering why systems do not perform as designed.

Heating & Cooling companies, builders, building owners, and construction teams will call on a test and balance contractor during the design phase of a project.  Their experience in system analysis is helpful in locating deficiencies in the equipment selection and ductwork design. 

Once a system is installed, it may be too expensive to repair (or) concealed areas that need attention are no longer accessible.  When that occurs, a law firm may hire a test and balance contractor to test and verify the installation and document the deficiencies for future litigation.

If you are planning on building in the future, you may want to consider the services of a test and balance contractor.  If you feel your existing system is not performing as it should, a test and balance contractor can test and verify actual performance and provide a detailed report on what steps needs to be taken to increase the performance of your equipment.

Submitted By:  Lee W. Galison

Advanced HVAC Solutions, PLC

Traverse City, Michigan

ahvacs@charter.net

Home Builders Association - Grand Traverse Area

Green Build Committee - Grand Traverse

National Home Builders Association

ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers

National Balance Institute

National Comfort Team

Reliable Controls - Factory Authorized Dealer

Michigan Mechanical Contractor

Chamber Reports Michigan Tax Plan Penned

On Tuesday, April 12^th,   Governor Snyder, Senate Majority Leader Richardville, and House Speaker Bolger reached an agreement on Tax Reform.

The following elements are part of this plan based on the original framework as proposed by Governor Snyder:

·         Repeal the MBT while honoring commitments to those with “certificated” credits.

·         Individual Income Tax Rate will be frozen at 4.35% and roll-back to 4.25% on 1/1/13.

·         Corporate Tax of 6%

·         Flow-through entities will continue to pay Individual Income Tax (4.35% until phase-down to 4.25%)

Retirement/Pension Tax Changes:

·         Seniors/Retirees over 67 years of age as of January 1, 2012 will NOT lose their exemptions on pensions and other retirement income (grandfathered)

·         People 60-66 years of age as of January 1, 2012 will receive an exemption for all Social Security income PLUS a $20,000 for single filers or $40,000 for joint filers retirement income exemption. (Retirement income includes public pensions, private pensions, 401ks, IRAs). When people born between Jan. 1, 1946 and Dec. 31, 1952 turn 67, they’d qualify for a senior income exemption of $20,000 for a single filer and $40,000 for joint filers, regardless of income source. 

·         People 59 years of age and under as of January 1, 2012 will be part of the new program.  When this group turns 67 years old they will receive a $20,000 single filer or $40,000 joint filer special senior exemption against all types of income.  This is regardless of income source and can be taken instead of the Social Security and personal exemptions if it would result in more generous tax treatment to the individual. 

Homestead Property Tax Changes

·         The Homestead Property Tax Credit will go from 60% to 100% for people with household incomes between $0-$20,000 

·         For household incomes between $20,001 - $30,000, the Homestead Property Tax Credit will be phased down from 100% to 60%

·         For household incomes greater than $30,000, the Homestead Property Tax Credit would be 60%

·         The credit for persons with disabilities would remain at 100%.

·         The maximum credit would remain at $1,200 and would be phased out for income between $41,000-$50,000

Doug DeYoung, Senior Director of Government Relations

Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce

Statement from NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen on President Obama's Plan to Reduce Long-Term Deficits

WASHINGTON, April 13 - Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Reno, Nev., issued the following statement regarding President Obama's speech today at George Washington University on deficit reduction: 'President Obama today reiterated the importance of tax policy in promoting homeownership but endorsed limiting itemized deductions, including the mortgage interest deduction. Home owners cannot afford higher taxes at a time when the housing market is struggling to recover and contribute to economic growth. 'The President also suggested that many middle-class taxpayers do not benefit from the itemized deductions. In fact, the middle class is the primary beneficiary of the mortgage interest deduction. The reason most taxpayers itemize is because they are home owners, so it is not surprising that nearly 70 percent of the tax benefits associated with this vital tax incentive goes to households earning less than $200,000 a year. Any attempt to chip away at the mortgage interest deduction would represent an attack on middle-class families.'"

Home Maintenance Quiz

It’s the weekend and you have a whole list of household chores to do. Oh, we know you’d rather be golfing or playing tennis or watching TV, but keeping your home in good shape is important. Your home may be the biggest investment you will ever make. Taking good care of it with regular maintenance is necessary to maintain its value and ensure it will provide a comfortable, safe shelter for you and your family for a long time.

Here is a home maintenance quiz that will test your maintenance knowledge. While this quiz does not address every home maintenance project, it does provide helpful tips and reminders for chores you may have overlooked.

1. How often do forced-air furnace filters need to be changed?
At least every three months during the heating season.

2. What part of the faucet usually needs to be replaced when you have a water leak?
The washer.

3. Should you run hot or cold water through your garbage disposal?
Cold water.

4. How often should the moving parts of garage doors be oiled?
Every three months.

5. What tools can you use to unclog your drains?
A plunger and a plumber’s snake.

6. What tool can be used to unclog a toilet?
Coil spring-steel auger.

7. What faucet part needs to be cleaned every three to four months?
Aerator—the screen inside the end of the faucet.

8. What can you use for traction on icy sidewalks, steps and driveways?
Cat litter or sand—never use salt because it damages the pavement.

9. Where should the fire in your fireplace be built?
On the andirons or grate, never on the fireplace floor.

10. What will prevent soot and add color to the fire in your fireplace?
Throw in a handful of salt.

11. Where should your firewood be stored?
Outside, away from your house and not directly on the ground.

12. What helps keep unpainted concrete floors easy to keep clean?
Concrete sealer.

13. What should you use to clean unpainted concrete floors?
A solution of 4 to 6 tablespoons of washing soda in a gallon of hot water. Mix scouring powder to the solution for tough jobs.

14. When can you clean hardwood floors with water?
When the floors have a polyurethane finish.

15. Do hardwood floors need to be waxed?
Hardwood floors that do not have a polyurethane finish probably will need to be waxed periodically. Use liquid or paste “spirit” wax.

16. What is the best polish for vinyl floors?
Water emulsion wax.

17. When is basement condensation at its maximum?
In new homes because gallons of water went into the concrete of basement walls.

18. Why should noisy water pipes be fixed promptly?
The condition that causes noisy pipes may be accompanied by vibration that can cause fittings to loosen and leak.

19. Why should frozen pipes be thawed slowly?
Frozen pipes should be thawed slowly to prevent the formation of steam, which could  cause the pipe to burst.

20. How often should your roof be inspected?
A qualified roofer should inspect your roof every three years.

21. What should be regularly checked on your security system?
The alarms and circuit breakers should be checked to make sure they are in working order and the sensors should be inspected one by one.

22. To ensure your safety, what household equipment uses batteries that must be checked regularly to make sure they are operable?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

23. What do you use to fill nail holes and cracks in plaster walls and gypsum wallboard?
Spackling.

24. What is the white powdery substance that develops on masonry walls?
Efflorescence sometimes appears on masonry walls. It is crystallized soluble salts that can be removed by scrubbing with water and a stiff brush.

25. At what temperature should your water heater be set?
120 degrees Fahrenheit

26. How often do skylights need to be inspected?
Skylights should be inspected each time your roof is inspected so leaks don’t develop from cracks and interruptions around its seals, caulking and flashings.

27. What is a simple solution you can use to wash extremely dirty exterior windows?
A solution of equal parts vinegar and water or 3 tablespoons of denatured alcohol per quart of warm water. Use a piece of crumpled newspaper to wash the glass to avoid lint left behind by papertowls.

28. What can you use to help a window slide easily?
Rub the channel with a piece of paraffin.

29. What should you look for when you inspect your siding yearly?
Determine if wood-sided homes need to be repainted; check to see if the caulking around the windows and doors has split and cracked, and replace the caulk; clean the mildew; trim shrubbery away so it does not touch the siding.

PAPINEAU APPOINTED TO STATE CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION

PAPINEAU APPOINTED TO STATE CONSTRUCTION CODE COMMISSION

Dan Brady Painting & Restoration Tips & Tricks

Spring Spruce Up Time.

How to Keep Garage Fumes Out of the House | GreenBuildingAdvisor.com

How to Keep Garage Fumes Out of the House | GreenBuildingAdvisor.com

HOME BUILDERS APPLAUD CONGRESSIONAL PASSAGE OF 1099 REPEAL

WASHINGTON, April 5 - The Senate today approved legislation supported by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to repeal a burdensome tax paperwork requirement that could cost small businesses thousands of dollars each year. The bill now goes to President Obama for his approval.

"During the past several months, NAHB has led the effort along with other industry groups to strike all new expanded IRS Form 1099 reporting requirements for small businesses and owners of rental real estate," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. "In testimony before Congress and in 'key vote' letters to House and Senate leaders, we have spelled out how failing to overturn these rules would kill jobs and place a major paperwork and cost burden on home builders. We applaud Congress for acting to rectify this situation and urge the President to quickly sign this measure into law."

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act approved last year, starting in 2012 businesses would have to file an IRS Form 1099 for each vendor from whom they purchase more than $600 in goods over the course of the year.

The annual $600 threshold applies to all vendors, so that businesses could find themselves sending out 1099 forms for such mundane purchases as coffee, fuel and office supplies. Rather than hiring additional workers to expand and grow, small businesses would be spending money on accountants and bookkeepers in order to keep up with these new requirements.

To prevent small businesses from drowning in these onerous paperwork requirements, the Senate by a vote of 87 to 12 passed the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 (H.R. 4), legislation previously approved by the House. In addition to repealing expanded 1099 requirements in the healthcare law, H.R. 4 also repeals an unfair provision in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 stipulating that independent landlords as of Jan. 1, 2011 must submit 1099s to firms to which they give more than $600 for services.

Going forward, businesses will still have to comply with long-standing reporting requirements for the purchase of services.

Cars & Cards

Please join us for "Cards and Cars" on Monday, April 11th at Benzie Watson Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Benzonia. These new members will host our April General Membership Meeting. Their dealership is just a short 30 minute drive from Traverse City. Come on over and test drive some of the phenomenal new cars and trucks on the lot.

The Ride and Drive begins at 4:30 p.m.

Networking and dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Builder Forum on Upfit Truck Equipment will begin at 6:00 p.m. There you will learn about the special vehicle pricing available from Watson Benzie for HBA members.

We are trying something fun and new to encourage you to attend. In the next few days, you will receive your first 3 playing cards to start your Winning Hand! The HBA member with the best 5 card poker hand at the end of the evening will be awarded golf for 4 at Lochenheath!

Please RSVP by next Friday, April 8th.

Looking forward to seeing you there. Lets have a great showing for our active members on the fringe of our 5-county area!

Friends of Housing Golf Outing

Spring has sprung and it will soon be time to swing those golf clubs! It's hard to believe this is our 10th year on the links. Friends of Housing will again be spending the day at Hawk Hollow Golf Course raising money so we can support those legislators who are taking the tough votes needed to turn Michigan around.

This year's outing will take place on Monday, June 20, 2011. Mark your calendar and get your foursome together. The early bird rate is $99.00, so don't delay and register today!

Sponsorship opportunities are available and you can contact Dawn Crandall at crandall.dawn@mahb.com or at 517-646-2567. We look forward to seeing you on June 20th!

New Homes Strengthen Economy Year-Round

WASHINGTON, April 4--While the housing industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, home builders want Americans to know just how much of a positive, direct impact residential construction has on the U.S. economy throughout the entire year.

"Home building is a key driver of the American economy," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. "By generating economic activity including new income and jobs, purchases of goods and services, and revenue for local governments, housing--which has historically accounted for around 17 percent of the GDP--can put America back to work."

Economists at the National Association of Home Builders estimate that the one-year local impacts of building 100 single-family homes in a typical metro area include $21.1 million in local income, $2.2 million in taxes and other local government revenue, and 324 local jobs.

The employment effects extend beyond the home building industry. About half of the jobs are in construction, with the other 50 percent creating employment opportunities in industries ranging from production and sales of home furnishings to service providers such as real estate attorneys and landscapers.

Those 100 new homes also provide the community with additional, annually-recurring impacts of $3.1 million in local income, $743,000 in taxes and other revenue for local governments, and 53 local jobs.

The income earned from construction activity is spent and recycled in the local economy, and the new homes that are built become occupied by residents who pay taxes and buy locally produced goods and services. Those tax revenues help pay for a wide range of government services, including local school teachers, police departments and road repairs.

In order to accommodate population growth and necessary replacement of older homes, however, a long-run trend of approximately 1.7 million new homes a year is needed. Yet as of February 2011, the annual projection for housing starts stood at less than 500,000.

"The gap between actual home starts and what is required to fulfill America's future housing needs represents more than 3 million jobs," said Nielsen. "Restoring the health of the housing industry is a crucial first step in stabilizing our country's path to economic recovery."

During New Homes Month, home builders also bring attention to the advantages of newly-built homes, including safety, amenities, energy efficiency and floor plans to fit a wide variety of modern lifestyles. Combined with today's near record-low interest rates and competitive prices, the current market offers new home buyers unprecedented opportunities.

Home buyers can access resources to help guide them through the home-buying process on NAHB's website at www.nahb.org/forconsumers.

Roger Papineau Appointed to Represent Residential Builders

Longtime MAHB member and construction code guru Roger Papineau has been appointed to represent residential builders on the State Construction Code Commission. He replaces MAHB member Don Pratt who served on the Commission for the past 12 years, eight as the Commission Chair.

Roger been active in the creation, promulgation and enforcement of codes on the national state and local levels and has served several times as the chair of the MAHB’s Building Code Committee. As a member of the Building Officials Code Administrators International and its successor the International Code Council (ICC) Roger has attended and testified at almost every public hearing and final action hearing held by the ICC starting in 2001 through 2009. There are four such hearings in each three-year code cycle. These hearings run between 8 to 14 hours each day and last anywhere from seven to twenty-one days.

On the state level, Roger represented home builders on three state-appointed Building Code Review Committees and two Energy Code Review Committees, serving as the chair for the 2009-2010 energy code review committee.

Our congratulations go out to Roger and our thanks go out to Don Pratt for his many years of service to the industry.

Save the Mortgage Interest Deduction - Get Involved

NAHB has set up a website, www.SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com that features the latest reports, analysis and news on the benefits of preserving the MID, and encourages visitors to sign up to receive important updates.

We urge you to visit this site, sign up for alerts and encourage your members, consumers and friends of the industry to sign up as well and join us in this important campaign.

Here are some suggestions and resources to help you get the message out:

1. Encourage your members and consumers to call on Congress to support the MID, including sending an urgent request for cosponsors on House Resolution 25.

2. Add a button to your website directing people to the SaveMyMortgageInterestDeduction.com site.

3. Submit a Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper encouraging readers to support saving the MID.

4. Familiarize yourself with the MID talking points so you can respond to questions from the media.

5. Sign up for Facebook and Twitter updates. Go to www.facebook.com/SaveMyMID and click “Like,” and follow our Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/SaveMyMID.

6. Add the SaveMyMID Twitter box to your website. Go to https://twitter.com/about/resources/widgets/widget_profile, type in “SaveMyMID” into the box, grab the code and place it on your website.