Necessity is the mother of invention” is a well-known proverb, but we can get closer to the core of its meaning by saying, “Necessity is the reason for change.” When we need to change, we search out an existing product or process or invent a new one. (You can always ignore change and let your competition pass you if you wish, but I don’t recommend that.) That is what I look for when I evaluate products for the restoration industry. The over-arching questions are, “What problem does this solve?” and, “Does it make the job easier, faster or better?” Other important questions are, “How will it translate to dollars?” as well as, “Will it give me a marketing edge?” and “Will it help me to communicate better and therefore get paid better or faster?” I think the latter of the questions is the most important.
Most problems in life are communication issues. This includes our communication with employees, employers, contractors, agents, adjusters and property owners. Good documentation is pounded into our heads in every class we attend, but what does that mean? Documentation is our communication, but for it to be the best communication, it must include justification and verification. It is all about trust. How can the adjuster trust you if you don’t communicate what you did, justify why you did it and verify your actions?