Getting Value From Your HTA Certification

The only way an integrator will fail to realize any value of HTA Certification is if they do not leverage their HTA status or use any of the tools we provide. It is impossible not to realize value when an integrator implements the tools. These sales and marketing tools are discussed during the onboarding call and subsequent training. For the mere cost of your HTA Certification (less than a decent 65” TV!), you have access to tools like these:

• Silent Salesperson:

  Enhance your credibility and trust factors by incorporating HTA Certified logos into your website, design documentation, proposals, and email signatures. This branding not only elevates your firm’s image but also sets you apart—only a small percentage of integrators have this advantage, and that includes you. To build client trust, include a brief explanation of how HTA Certification provides peace of mind, or link your logo to the HTA Certification Defined page. Showcase the certification clearly, such as in your website header or footer—here's a great example. If you're also an HTA Design Partner, be sure to display and link those logos as well for added trust and distinction.
  
  How much HTA branding have you implemented?
   

• Elevator Pitch:

  Related to above, use the HTA elevator pitch early in the discovery phase with client prospects and trade partners (architects, interior designers, builders, etc.) to build trust, enhance credibiilty, and elevate your firm above the fray. It's an easy way to eliminate the competition.
  
  Do you use it?
   

• Prequalification / Budgeting:

  Leverage the HTA technology budget calculator to prequalify prospects and never have to ask "What's your budget?" again. Use it at the beginning of your sales process / discovery meeting as the conversation starter, and benefit from less value engineering and quicker sales closing.
  
  Do you use it?
   

• Trade Partner Relationships:

  9 out of 10 surveyed architects, interior designers, and builders prefer to work with HTA Certified integrators once they learn about the standard.
  
  Do you share that you are certified?
  
  Harness what the HTA Design Partner designation is about with trade partners. Share how they benefit when they hire you early (this is a no-cost additional opt-in designation available to HTA Certified integrators).
  
  Have you opted in, and are you leveraging it?
   

• Bolster Your Pitch with HTA Marketing Tools:

  We have created consumer-facing articles that highlight your value and defend the higher-end products you sell. For example, the value of design documentation and why clients can expect to pay for it, why they need enterprise-grade networks, when to upgrade their systems, why your camera systems cost so much more, etc. 
  
  Are you sharing these with prospective clients?
   

• Trade Partner Tools:

  Share your custom-branded 'Project Technology Assessment' form with your trade partners as an aide to get hired earlier (we have already made a branded version for you).
  
  Do you use it?
   

• Powerful Reference:

  Tap the HTA's CEO as a reference for prospective clients and trade partners via the personaliezed reference letter we provided you or have them call us for a reference over the phone.
  
  Have you taken advantage of this?

If you aren't seeing value, you aren't using the tools. If you haven't tried all of these yet, it's time to start now. These are minor tweaks to your process that will increase your close ratio, raise the average ticket price of your deals, reduce or eliminate value engineering, boost your reputation, set you apart, get you hired earlier, and earn the respect you deserve with trade partners!