Looking for Designers and Architects to Join my Network - Get Involved and get Noticed

[Steve Nyhof]

I have just setup a new social network here in Ning and looking for home designers, architect, anyone related to the construction industry to help add information and interest for a friendly environment to people searching for house plans and hopefully home designers.

Please visit http://freehouseplans.ning.com/ and join me in an effort to get your name and company in front of targeted house plan / home design consumers.

I grew up in the construction industry, drew over 5000 house plans and built some nice homes.

Please read my philosophy on copyright laws and how when so many designers/architects are unemployed, copyrights are the last thing we as designers need to care about.
http://www.websidehouseplans.com/philosophy.php
http://www.websidehouseplans.com/copyright.php

In short, I believe people really want to have someone design their home vs purchasing a production or pre-designed house plan. I know that 1,220,000 people are searching for "house plans" every month. Yes, there are a lot of dreamers, but connecting these people with the right system and people can turn some of them into design jobs.

My business model is designed around "free house plans". There are currently 78,000 searches every month (up from 48,000 in March) for free house plans. Search google.com and you will find my press release at the number 1 position. I have been on the Internet a long time and know a lot about Internet Marketing and will be happy to share what I know with people on the http://freehouseplans.ning.com/ network.

I am working toward finding a number of designers/architects who have existing house plans that they would want to display on my main website. I am charging $39.95 per month, but to get it kicked off, I will work something out just for the help.

I believe free house plans is a very targeted niche market. While every other major house plan site sells designers/architects house plans, they do nothing to promote or even let anyone know who the designers are. My system is designed to specifically promote the designers. Every house plan that is uploaded will be indexed by the search engines with your company information and website links. I have about 500 plans online and each page has my info on it.

I would love to find a group of designers who want to work with me, brain storm what ever ideas that are needed to grow this system and to become a major resource for anyone looking to have a home designed. I have already spent tens of thousands developing it for other reasons, but have reworked it to promote designers.

I will setup portfolios on my main website for anyone who joins the Ning network to share their experience, even if you do not have any house plans to upload or subscribe as a designer on our system.

I believe we need to do something in this current market; it's not going to get better soon. We cannot just sit on our hands and wait for the phone to ring. I have believed for years that the Internet has taken away the personal interaction that was in place. When someone wanted a house plan drawn years ago, they had to call someone. A relationship was built because the connection was made in the beginning. The Internet has allowed people to search and get answers before they contact anyone. And because the choices are so vast, most people continue to wonder if they made the right choice after they did contact someone. Now because of the social networks, forums like this and chat options, people can come to a place and get to know the designers and architects on a one to one bases, and get answers from leaders.

There were a number of posts in this network that were related to the importance of networking. This is true and with it comes some effort on our parts. Two years ago I would never be writing in posts like this to connect with people. I was busy enough just doing work and lining the clients up three to four weeks in advance.

Anyone who wants to talk to me, I am also only a phone call away. 616-886-1405 (Free call).
Please join my network, get involved and together we can figure some things out and make something happen.

Thank you,
Steve Nyhof
Steve Nyhof Enterprises, Inc.
http://stevenyhofenterprises.com/

[Mark Warriner]

Let me know if you need a landscape designer?

[Gabriel Legaspi]

Hi, I'm an Architect and Designer with national and international experience in custom homes.
Please, feel free to contact me if you need someone with energy and passion for design in South Florida
Gabriel Legaspi

[Michael Martinez]

Hello, I am an Architect and Designer as well , and specialize in residential planning as per the clients request. Please notify me if you are in need of any assistance.
Michael Martinez

[Steve Nyhof]

Welcome to social networking here. I have not done much here, but one thing that is very important, do not try to sell yourself directly. Everyone does that wrong. Take some time to tell everyone some valuable information, something that will help them connect with you. There is more than the people of these networks reading, these networks are indexed by google and others for people searching for designers. When you post things of value, that is noticed by the person searching for the right designer. Most people will be turned away if you tell them you are looking for work.

Each of you who posts can share valuable information about your trade. Mark, what are some of the special things you do when landscaping someones place? Gabriel, tell us more about your custom homes. And Michael, please elaborate on residential planning, what exactly does that involve.