All this talk about a depression, soft market and price drops. OH MY! Not to mention pay freezes, working twice as hard for half as much traffic, it’s not a wonder that there is a lack of motivation out there. How do we change this and re-invigorate our teams, win leases, and enjoy our jobs once again? The apartment industry is an awesome industry – how do we stop singing the blues and bring that skip back into our step?
If you talk to my friends, business partners and co-workers, they will tell you I am a HAPPY person, always with a smile, a laugh, sunshine in my eyes, and a skip in my step. How do I keep the skip in my step, even in the midst of all this bad news?
It’s as simple as changing your tune – literally.
Have you ever noticed when you walk into a fitness facility, there’s upbeat booty-shaking music piped through the gym? Or visit a spa, and they have relaxing music with wind chimes or the sound of water? Different retailers like Gap, Express, The Limited all have specific soundtracks they play in their retail stores. At Nordstrom’s, depending on the department you are standing in, there is different music – all eliciting a different mood.
(Picture provided by William Hamon on Flickr through Creative Commons license.)
Music is one of those things that can instantly put YOU in a different mood. If you’re in a bad mood – why not change your tune and get into a GOOD mood? Feeling a little slow? Put on some finger-snapping upbeat music and see how long you stay groggy. Feeling like nothing is going your way? Listen to something that lifts you UP. Change your tune, change your mindset, and see where it takes you!
Here are a couple of my favorite mood enhancing tracks:
If I just need to get moving in the morning, Gigi D’Agostino’s La Passion gets me going! (actually, anything Techno can do that to you!)
Disney’s Hakuna Matata always makes me laugh.
Hawaiian Iz’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow is uplifting…
If I need to add some attitude to my day, I listen to Michael Jackson’s Beat It.
If I have a LONG project, OR if I’m coming into a tough meeting and need some motivation, I listen to Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger.
When dealing with tough situations or dramatic people, I listen to Craig David’s I’m Walking Away. (I DO come back to address the problem, but it’s nice to know you can walk away – at least for a little bit!)
I listen to these songs while I’m getting ready for my day, in the car, where ever I can, or whenever I need a quick change in tune.
We normally associate mood-alteration with drugs – why not music?
I recently wrote an article about setting intentions. In conjunction with setting your intentions for a successful day, a successful week, and a successful career. Music is one of those small adjustments you can make to GET you in the right positive frame of mind to GET THERE. You can read my article on setting intentions here.
What do you listen to that changes you mood and sets the tone for a productive day?
Don’t get it? RENT SODA. GET IT!
-Daisy Nguyen in Minneapolis, Minnesota MN
CEO
Business, Operations & Marketing Consulting to the Apartment Industry
Web: RentSoda.com Email: Daisy {at} RentSoda(.)com
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Nice job Daisy. Energy and enthusiasm can be a challenge to maintain in a leasing office, especially after conflict has taken place whether internally or with a resident. Music has been an eternal method of changing one’s spirit no matter what the situation. Thanks for the post.
Thanks Jonathon! Music is such a easy, quick fix too!
I laugh often and don’t take myself too seriously. Sometime I laugh at really inappropriate things…
For music I listen to Pandora!!!
Yes Daisy!! SO true – all of it! This industry is filled with smart, energetic people that have been running a continual uphill marathon for a long, long time. Sometimes it can be so hard to get motivated! You have mentioned in previous articles how important it is for everyone to differentiate their properties. Creating a positive, upbeat atmosphere in your leasing offices is a HUGE way to do this! Remember that A) your prospects are exhausted and living in a down economy where they are feeling the negativity of the times each and every day and B) so are your competitors. Everyone is yearning to feel positivity!! Aching for it!! So be that positive force in your prospects life!! Be the “feel good” office that they want to call home!! People are naturally drawn to positivity – some more than others. The more positive you are, the more positive residents you will attract = the more positive experience for everyone = happier residents = fewer move outs and more referrals = more fun for everyone!! We need to jump start the positivity in our industry – everyone can do their part.
I totally agree with the aspect of music boosting the energy in a room, Daisy! What a great way to start moving in the right direction!
To answer your question – I totally use music to pump up my attitude, my energy, my life! When I go running or when I have a particularly tired morning where coffee is just not doing the trick… I listen to Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, Jump Around (GO BUCKY!), LADY GAGA!!, etc. (Disclaimer: while Kanye, Dr. Dre and Emeniem have the unique ability to make my tired behind run around the lake, I do not encourage blasting rap music in your leasing offices! – see Daisy’s awesome suggestions above).
You have the power to turn the “doom and gloom” of the times into something so much more positive and inspiring! Everyone can do their part!
Oh – and in response to my good friend Amy’s post….I laugh at inappropriate things with her and I too do not take myself too seriously.
BE HAPPY!! Kari
Amy, Kari: Thanks for you comments! Positive attitudes in offices attracts positive residents. I <3 THAT!
We all need a pick me up once in a while! Leasing always has its highs and its lows; there is only a few things that are controllables when it comes to closing prospects and one is keeping a great attitude! Being optimitic when things are slow is a challenge but when you can do it, you are know you are going to make big numbers! Music is a great way to pick yourself up!!! I totally agree with this blog!
Kristina, Amy: You guys both have great positive attitudes. Can you share some pick-me-up tunes that you use? Kari gave some great tips, so wondering if you guys can add to the list?
Oh snap!!!!
Anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers!
U2 is inspiring
LinkinPark makes me wanna ROCK
Michael Jackson makes my pelvis move like Elvis
Piano music makes me think ballet!!!
New age meditation calms me down
Seriously I can go on!
Just BEAT IT! Seriously how can you not laugh at that song?!
Amy!! Move’s my pelvis like Elvis!! You crack me up!!!! HAHA! Here are some more of my faves…
- Rascall Flatts is inspiring and makes me cry
- TOTALLY AGREE on the Michael Jackson!!
- Kid Rock for sure!
- Dixie Chicks make me think of summer and so does the Grateful Dead
- Who doesn’t know the words to Jimmy Buffet??
- Some AWESOME motivational upbeat music – MOBY!
- Old school Cher – DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER LOVE, AFTER LOVE, AFTER LOVE….
Great article Daisy!!! Amy – you make me laugh every single day! K
I’m MOoooooooooooooovin’ my PELVIS like ELVIS. RIP MJ.
Totally forgot BRITNEY!!!