Integrity is Inside You!
"Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not."
~Oprah Winfrey
"Priority Management"
May 16, 2012
We all have been told about "time management." That's baloney. You can't manage time any more than you can manage the weather, your three-year old, your ex-wife... You CAN manage how you spend your time. Therefore it should be "priority" management. When our priorities get screwed up, we waste time.
So:
-Don't make a "to do" list at the beginning of the day. Make a "To Get Done" list
-Take the "Is this productive and worth it?"-test.
-Check email only during scheduled times per day. If you have a creative project, do it first. Don't waste your "fresh" start, first in the morning time with emails.
-Do you spend time doing things you could have a college intern do? Interns are win-win. They get college credit, you get double the work done..
It's not "I think I can." It's "I CAN."
May 10, 2012
You don't need to think about it. You just need to do it.
Now is the time to be a super organized, FANTASTIC manager.
Now is the time to be on TOP of your sales game.
The spring leasing push is always the most exciting (and stressful) time of the year in our business. KNOW you can do it!
Our current issue (July.August.September 2012) was just mailed. With more than 44 pages of ideas to help you increase your occupancy, get psyched as this is one of our best issues ever.
Keep being awesome!
$10 book sale!
May 09, 2012
$10 book sale on our website! Promotion code is SPECIAL PRICE at www.RentandRetain.com. We can also invoice you. Just email Katie@RentandRetain.com with what you'd like to buy. Thank you! These books are great reward gifts for your Super Star Spring Leasers!
The July/August/September issue has been mailed!
May 08, 2012
You should receive it any day!
This issue is AWESOME! We SUPER-SIZED it to 44 pages of super awesome ideas to help you do your jobs better this spring.
Remember, Attitude determines ALTITUDE. Look in the mirror every morning and think of three things you are going to excel at (or accomplish) today. You can do it!
How Can You Airbrush Your Marketing Budget
May 02, 2012
I saw a TV show about how much time they spend making the Dancing With The Stars cast ready for a show. Every Monday is Airbrush Tan day... and each cast member spends a good 4-6 hours in hair, makeup, collagen injection and even..... make up for their abs to make them seem more defined and ripped.
If you spend 4-6 hours being professionally made over, how great would you look? Dancing With The Stars takes their product (the people) and turns ho-hum into hubba hubba.
Can you take the cool things about your apartment community and enhance them, airbrush them, and make them look absolutely fabulous?
Use your "fresh eyes" and fresh perspective to turn your apartment community into a sparkling winner.
Just One More Close!
May 01, 2012
The average leasing consultant is taught to close a minimum of 3 times during each tour. Many don’t even ask for a deposit.
I challenge you to adopt the “Just One More” mantra of “Just one more try to close” and move your benchmark of excellence to 6 attempts. In “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi, he talks about selling, and says that 95% of sales are made on the 5th attempt or later. Why would you stop climbing when the top of the mountain is in sight?!
What do you really See?
April 20, 2012
Take a look at what’s in your heart… AND what’s in your mind!
My 25th college reunion is this year and it has been fun to re-connect with folks I haven't seen for 25 years. What's the funniest part is the first time I saw a picture of some of my college buddies, I thought to myself, "Man, they've gotten old!"
And then it occurred to me... I'M THAT OLD TOO! I haven't noticed my "aging" because I've been looking at myself in the mirror every day for 25 years. I haven't seen the gradual change.
What haven't you seen changing since it's right before your eyes? Take a fresh look, swap "walking the property" duties with someone at a sister community, ask residents to be the fresh eyes and ears for you.
And.... Having the heart of a sales person is often talked about like it’s a bad thing, but think about the heart it takes to be willing to put everything out there and still know that you have a chance of hearing no. It’s about courage, pride, and passion for the job and industry that you work in. And if those things are in your heart, it’s a great starting point… But what’s in your mind is even more important! If you can match reality with passion, you're a winner.
eBooks Establish You As An Expert
April 20, 2012
Set Up eBooks or Checklists for Incoming Prospects!
Simply ask your web designer to create autoresponders (so the email gets automatically sent to the prospect after he emails your community -- you don't have to do anything).
These autoresponders can be anything -- the goal is to provide something extra for prospects to set your community apart from the competition.
Things You Can Use As An Autoresponder:
Coupons (no application fee, $X off first month's rent, dessert at a local restaurant)
How to Move Checklists
Timeframe on when to make clerical changes
How to choose the right community for you
Things to know about renting a moving truck and contact information
Where to get the cheapest supplies for your move and basic moving tips
April, May, June 2012
April 20, 2012
We love this issue! Tons of great ideas that are simple and focused and that you can implement immediately.
Good luck to you -- look in the mirror -- the person there has the chance to make a huge difference today.
Mastering Sales
March 20, 2012
The average person reads one book a year. That’s why they are AVERAGE!
Take advantage of our book special -- type SPECIAL PRICE in the Promotion Code box and books are only $10 each (vs. $24). We guarantee you'll love the books or your money back. Don't be average. Buy a book that will help you do your job better and faster!
Improve Your Career Skills!
February 01, 2012
Since February is National Apartment Careers Month, we dedicated a lot of our Rent & Retain to improving your career skills. It's always smart to keep your resume updated, the list of your accomplishments fresh and complete ("this ad pictured here pulled in 8 times the normal traffic and directly resulted in 4 leases which equaled $48,000 in revenue"), and it is always wise to know what direction you are headed so your actions can meet your goals.
10 Tips On How Your Cover Letter/ Initial Email Can Get You In The Door
January 01, 2012
Don't underestimate the power of the cover letter or the first email you send to a company: It can give a great first impression and is a crucial hook for the interviewer to want to know more about you. Read on for the Ten Tips.
Book Sale
January 01, 2012
SPRING SALE! Enter SPECIAL PRICE in the Promotions Code box at checkout and get each book for $10 (vs. $24). All shipping is a flat $3.99. A huge thank you to all of our subscribers!
Apartment All Stars
August 01, 2011
We thought this was so cool we turned it into a Pull Out in this Rent & Retain Magazine issue!
Apartment All Stars' Top 10 Phone Tips
1. Learn to say 'goodbye' before you say 'hello'. Eliminate all distractions
and focus.
2. Make sure get your caller's name, but *don't* overuse it.
3. Ask them how many different ways they heard about you - often there's a combination of advertising sources that prompt them to call.
4. Ask, "When are you planning on moving into our community?" - it's a great pre-qualifying question that starts the assumptive close.
5. Find out if they have any special needs that your community has to offer, such as walk-in closets or a full sized washer and dryer.
6. Always ask for an appointment.
7. Repeat back to them what they told you was important. It shows you paid attention during the call.
8. Offer to text Mapquest directions to your property to their cellphone.
9. Offer to set up a reminder call or email about their appointment.
10. Thank them for calling and tell them you're looking forward to helping them find their new home.
We thought this was so cool we turned it into a Pull Out in this Rent & Retain Magazine issue!
www.ApartmentAllStars.com
Facebook.com/ApartmentAllStars
Facebook.com/RentandRetain
FOUR REASONS TO CONSIDER ACCEPTING GERMAN SHEPHERDS AT YOUR COMMUNITY
August 01, 2011
German Shepherds have been dropping off of breed restriction lists for a number of reasons. Here they are!
Job Security: How many people are in line behind you?
August 01, 2011
The first rule in customer service.
Table of Contents
May 01, 2011
Here is our Table of Contents. Check out our COVER STORY: Better Listening Leads To More Sales And Happier Customers Our 12 tips make it easy.
Gift Giving Is Like Sales
May 01, 2011
Are you telling your future customer things YOU think they should hear? Or are you telling them things THEY want to hear? (from page 3 of your Rent & Retain Magazine)
BETTER LISTENING LEADS TO MORE SALES AND HAPPIER CUSTOMERS
May 01, 2011
For some people, listening is really hard. It is certainly a skill that needs practice, and is hard to do in this multi-tasking world of ours! Commonly people only hear about 25% of what you have to say. That means they may be listening – but that they only "get" or "retain" about 2.5 minutes of a 10-minute conversation. Wow! Here is how to become a better listener and WHY you need to do it. (from pages 10-11 of your Rent & Retain Magazine)
MARKETING: a list of fun saying to use in your ads, on Craigslist, in newsletters ....
May 01, 2011
USE NEW WORDS IN ADS
As you jump into spring advertising, pump up the words you use to describe your community. Grab more attention -- if you flip through a guidebook or look online, most folks still describe their apartments as SPACIOUS and their pools SPARKLING. Be different and stand out! Here is a list of fun saying to use in your ads, on Craigslist, in newsletters -- anywhere! (from page 13 of your Rent & Retain Magazine)
THE 3 THINGS LIST -- how to be as productive as possible
May 01, 2011
In this tough economy, it’s time to emphasize to your team members their value, as well as help them be as efficient and productive as possible. Here are suggestions on how to do that. (from page 22 of your Rent & Retain Magazine)
Table of Contents
January 01, 2011
Here is what's happening in this issue - guaranteed to jumpstart your new year with new residents!
Setting Goals
January 01, 2011
Here are a few down and dirty questions to get you started in the right direction to a more rewarding 2011.
Setting Goals
1. Ask yourself, “Do I really want this?”
2. Is this goal consistent with your beliefs and other goals?
3. Can you really commit yourself to this goal or is it wishful thinking?
4. If you achieve this goal, will it really make you happy?
If you answer “yes” to these four questions, proceed!
Think about:
5. Is the goal really yours or is someone else pushing you to do it?
6. If you can’t “own” it, you won’t get there.
7. Will your work towards this goal take you away from work on your other goals?
8. Can you see yourself succeeding
and achieving this goal?
After your reach the goal, will you...
9. Be happier?
10. Be a better person?
11. Be easier to get along with at work and at home?
12. Sleep better at night?
13. Feel better about yourself?
14. Make your life easier?•
Go! Go! Go!
January 01, 2011
Start working on your goals. Good luck and you can do it! Here are questions to help you increase your productivity in 2011.
Increase Your Productivity in 2011
1) What are you going to do to improve your industry and product knowledge in 2011?
2) How do you plan to stay on top of all of those follow up (and thank you) letters
that are piling up in your in-box?
3) What are three things you can do this year to make your current customers
feel more valued? This will lead to higher customer retention.
4) What new sales twist can you add to your presentation to help you close deals more quickly?
5) How will you motivate yourself to do your job better? On a daily basis? Weekly basis? Monthly basis?
(more....)
53 Kids in our Community Came To Our "Reading Is Fun" day last month!
September 01, 2010
53 Kids in our Community Came To Our "Reading Is Fun" day last month!
Use these Days & Days events in ads because:
•If you put a picture in front of clients, they'll get it in 10 seconds.
•Numbers in ads make your point more memorable and descriptive.
•Plug your resident events and sense of community as much as possible.
Veteran's Day!!! November 11, 2010
September 01, 2010
Veteran�s Day!!! November 11, 2010
November 7th:Daylight Savings Time Ends
September 01, 2010
GOOD IDEA:
November 7th
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Hang signs throughout your community reminding residents to turn their clocks back today. Post it on your MySpace and Facebook pages, and Twitter the 411 to them.
ALWAYS BE CLOSING
September 01, 2010
ALWAYS BE CLOSING. NO NO NO! The new way to sell is to Always Be Present.
SAYINGS ...to use in ads, newsletters, on flyers, on craigslist, on service request forms, to motivate team members... it is never-ending!
September 01, 2010
SAYINGS
...to use in ads, newsletters, on flyers, on craigslist, on service request forms, to motivate team members... it is never-ending!
Table of Contents - October, November, December 2010
September 01, 2010
SCENTED FOR SUCCESS! SELL APARTMENTS WITH A CROCKPOT! THINK IT CAN'T BE DONE? THINK AGAIN. page 12
CREATIVE CRAIGLISTING BECOME THE KING OF CRAIGSLIST ADS page 7
THE POWER OF BELIEVING IN YOURSELF SUPER-TEES (you gotta do this - managers across the country LOVE this idea! page 15
PLUS: SNAPPY SAYINGS FOR FALL & WINTER HOLIDAYS
...AND OUR HOLIDAY GUIDE!
Mindy Williams
September 01, 2010
Download her seminar: Increasing Occupancy in a Down Market on www.propertymanager.com for FREE. No strings attached!
Fun things to do with Residents This August
July 01, 2010
Fast, easy and inexpensive ways to lease apartments, motivate residents, excite prospects and allow YOU to have fun at work.
IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE
July 01, 2010
When customers complain about something, what do you do?
Take a deep breath and follow these two steps. (Turn to pages 11 and 12 in your Rent & Retain Magazine.)
HEAT UP YOUR NEXT CRAIGSLIST AD
July 01, 2010
pages 9 and 10 of your mailed Rent & Retain Magazine.
QUICKLY MAKE YOUR OFFICE A BETTER PLACE TO WORK
July 01, 2010
Provide a colorful environment to stimulate activity (yellow and orange are good).
Invest in tools to reduce clutter and confusion (stackable trays, 3-ring binders for materials, desk organizers, etc.).
Hang collages of pictures of employees and residents at events with happy memories. (If you don�t have any pictures, start taking them! If you don�t have happy memories, there�s the first area to attack - make them!)
Do the unpredictable. More... just click the link...
ARE YOU LOSING SALES BECAUSE OF YOUR OFFICE ENVIRONMENT?
July 01, 2010
Does the appearance of your office convey the message you want to get across to your customers? What's the first impression? Do you give your office a thumbs up or a thumbs down?
More importantly, what do your customers and future customers think?
You have to fail to succeed?
July 01, 2010
"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."
Michael Jordan
Table of Contents
July 01, 2010
Here is what our readers are learning this summer. Click on the SUBSCRIBE tab to sign up to receive your own copy of Rent & Retain. More tips coming within the week.
EXAMPLE OF A KEEP- IN-TOUCH EMAIL
May 01, 2010
If the prospect hasn't leased, ask for permission to keep in contact with them.
YOU MIGHT SAY SOMETHING LIKE...
TWO FAST EMAIL "TOUCHES"
May 01, 2010
Use email to your advantage - it's a quick, effective, and free way to follow up. Here is how to do it.
1. Right after a call or visit from a prospect, send an email summarizing what you spoke about, re-emphasizing hot buttons, and what the prospect
needs to do next.
2. Send another email before your next encounter (follow up call or visit).
Let the prospect know what is supposed to happen next, remind him of the hot buttons, and add an incentive to visit (We just got a new batch of cookies in, we are offering a special through ___, etc.).
Remember, only two of seven leasing consultants follow up. By staying in touch and showing your expertise
Table of Contents
May 01, 2010
Here are the cool things happening this May & June in the world of Rent & Retain. Designed to help make you more valuable to your team and organization, implement one idea today!
You have to trust in something � your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.�
Steve Jobs
Co-founder and CEO of Apple
ideas
4 Dos, Don'ts, & Ideas We Dig Try something that has worked for someone else!
leasing
6 Motivation Inspired by Football
Pull out of a slump and be victorious.
7 Devote Your Time To Winning
Lessons from fantasy football.
8 Two Fast Email "Touches"
Follow-up tips using email.
PLUS: Example Of A Keep-In-Touch Email
marketing
9 COVER STORY: The Internet: Discovered & De-mystified Uncover the social networking scene and connect with your community!
PLUS: How To's For Facebook And Twitter!
14 How Walkable Is Your Community?
Take our walkability checklist with you and evaluate your neighborhood. PLUS: Improving Your Community's Score
sites to see
26 Sites To See... On The Web, That Is Helpful websites plus a blog especially for property managers! Learn from other property managers and join the discussion.
PLUS: Now Is A Good Time... To do something nice for your
residents as spring move outs are just around the corner.
18 May
19 June
20 Days & Days Fun
Activities for May &
June.
resources
25 Subscriptions
Discounts for multiple
properties.
32 Resource Guide
Thumb through our
rolodex.
35 Index
Table of Contents - January & February issue
January 01, 2010
Happy New Year -- wishing you healthy, happiness and SUCCESS in 2010! Here is what's happening in the Jan/Feb issue to make your life easier, your job more fun, and to increase your occupancy.
Awesome Referral Letter
November 01, 2009
Here is a great referral request letter from one of our readers. Our November/December issue is packed with real-life surveys, letters and questionnaires from managers and leasing consultants from across the country.
PICTURES WITH SANTA!
November 01, 2009
We just discussed cute leasing promotions...
While you have the Santa costume available, invite Santa to the party and take a Polaroid or digital picture of each child on Santa�s lap. Send the kids (young and old) home with a candy cane and their picture with St. Nick!
APARTMENT COMMUNITIES ARE GOING GREEN
November 01, 2009
Here are some tips to help you go green at your apartment community. These ideas only scratch the surface, but every little bit helps!
ARE YOU GIVING YOUR EMPLOYEES ENOUGH ACKNOWLEDGMENT?
November 01, 2009
We all know the most common way to reward employees is with money and a thank you, but acknowledging employees properly can be the most rewarding.
Acknowledging a job well done can be inexpensive and will sometimes get you more bang for the buck. Here are some ways for you to improve your
program.
Table of Contents - November & December issue
November 01, 2009
Here are the great articles and tips included in the 32 pages of our DYNO-MITE November & December issue (mailed to subscribers already). Enjoy!
