I am a problem solver, so when people call me, it’s because they have a problem or in some instances, several problems. So, for me, problems are good for business. I love other people’s problems, as that means I can help. (at least in most cases!)
Lately, I have been getting calls regarding the market. We all know, the market has changed, and so many companies and people are having trouble changing to respond to this new economic environment. My conversations usually go something like this:
Caller: The market has changed, and my vacancy at XYZ Apartments is creeping up. We recently took a huge hit in August, and occupancy rates have never been this low before, and we have NO traffic. We’ve been trying everything – all the things we’ve done in the past that has worked for us, but this time, nothing is working. Do you have any ideas where else we can get traffic and help me with my vacancy?
WAIT a minute, let me get this right. You’re trying all the things that you’ve always done, and they aren’t working. Have you considered trying something different? A different market/economy calls for a new/revised marketing approach. If all your advertising sources aren’t working, it could be your advertising and approach.
Many people THINK they want to try something new, but they are still stuck on the “we’ve never done THAT before.” In talking with new or prospective clients, much of my initial conversations are centered around just getting everyone comfortable with trying something different. What is it about change that people are afraid of? If you haven’t already noticed, the times have changed without your permission. If all the old things aren’t working, if the market conditions have changed, doesn’t it make sense to:
Revisit … Revamp … Renew … Re-invent!
Folks, its time to SHAKE IT UP. The worse that could happen is that you might continue to be right where you’re at – as that is what the market demands. However, if you change to accomodate your market, you just COULD capture the attention, hearts, minds, needs of this new market. Imagine THAT! What would that mean for your property?
My next several blog posts will be centered around some small changes that can have a HUGE affect on your bottom line.
SHAKE IT UP!
Don’t Get it? GET IT!
-Daisy Nguyen in Minneapolis, Minnesota
CEO
Business & Marketing Consulting to the Apartment Industry
Web: RentSoda.com Email: Daisy {at} RentSoda(.)com
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- Dear Apartment ILS: KISS! (Keep It Simple Silly!)
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- Your Apartment Community’s Facebook Page Needs a Vanity URL
- “I’m So Glad You Called Today” – 4 Phone Tips to Turn a Call into an Apartment Tour
I’m excited to see more blog articles about this topic. I just saw an ad in a rental publication that was used several (ten) years ago when I first entered this industry…
The tagline was:
Embrace Your Options at XZY
BTW- The pictures were still the same too…
Who knows maybe the ad still works? lol
Daisy,
You are so right in so many ways! We need some “flair” added to the “old stuff” that still works and yes, we need to “shake it up”! Whether it be in our copy, creative, vehicle, tools, etc…..thanks for getting me motivated this a.m.!
I agree with you Daisy that companies need to innovate and seperate themselves from the pack in order to attract new renters. I also think that small, calculated innovations in combination with the BASICS of Property Management (rent ready apartments, clean grounds, eye catching directionals, friendly staff, attentive maintenance, timely follow up) = success! If companies are able to do both at the same time, then they will benefit from both physical and economic occupancy! I think many companies fear large changes – and don’t realize that small bursts of creativity will do the trick if you have the basics in order.
Great blog Daisy! Keep it up!!!
Kari
Well, you certainly know how to shake things up. Can’t wait to see what happens next. You and Tuni look more like twins than mother and daughter. Great creativity. Thanks Daisy.