Learning to XM8 with all the resources from Xactimate

This week, on The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast, we sit down to discuss Xactimate with Xactimate. Brian Austin is the director of instructional design at Verisk, Xactware division. Verisk is the parent company that owns Xactware which produces Xactimate. So, if you could ask Xactimate one question, what would it be? We asked Brian several questions and he said that Xactware has worked diligently to build feedback into their systems. Xactimate wants to hear from the everyday restoration contractor and all of its users. 

SPONSOR: The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims.

Are you able to deviate from Xactimate pricing?

The Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) was able to bring Mike Fulton, President of Xactware on for a industry briefing on Facebook Live, June 18, 2021. It appears that this video may no longer be available but portions can be seen via THIS LINK. Ed Cross, The Restoration Advocate, reminds contractors that Section 9 "Limited Warranties" of the Xactware licensing agreement reads, "You are responsible to ensure the estimate includes pricing consistent with components including, but not limited to, actual materials, equipment, and labor pricing...You agree to not inhibit or preclude deviations from the Price Data where contractor requirements, market conditions, demand, or any other factor warrants the use of a different line item price in the specific situation." 

Resources from Xactimate for new estimators

The Xactimate Sessions​ from The DYOJO Podcast
File 002 - Learning to XM8 with all the resources from Xactimate 
The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 66
Guest: Brian Austin, Director of Instructional Design at Verisk

Brian shares many of the tools available to all Xactimate users including many that are included with your annual Xactware subscription:

• Self-paced online training for Xactimate
• Training courses for Xactimate with certified trainers
• A YouTube channel with Xpert Tips Xactware Training 
• ILX Construction Training - 50 courses that take students through the complete building process—from selecting a building lot all the way to the final inspection

Three tips elevating your Xactimate skills

If you didn't catch this from the previous paragraph, Xactware offers ILX Construction Training which is included in your annual Xactware license and is designed to help take an employees through the complete building process. In addition to these resources, Brian shares three tips for elevating your Xactimate game as well as your personal and professional development:

1. ​Embrace the change, or as Brian says, "The suck." Most of us are resistant to change but the rate of change is always accelerating and if you want to remain competitive you must embrace it. 
2. We are all very busy, yet you must set aside time to work on your personal and professional development. If you recognize the truth of the first point, you understand that making time, even if its thirty to sixty minutes a week, is critical to your growth as a leader, manager, and restoration professional. 
3. Participate in the discussion. Brian outlines how Xactware had built in feedback from contractors and encourages professionals to reach out to him directly if they are in need of assistance. 
4. Listen to The DYOJO Podcast. Brian literally says it is, "Terrific." 

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The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $200 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".

The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli, exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. WATCH on YouTube or LISTEN on Spotify, Thursday at 9 am PST.