Let’s be honest, outreach is probably one of your least
favorite aspects of property management.
But, we need to do it because it works!
To renew your enthusiasm for outreach, we encourage you to think outside
the box and hopefully these ideas will help!
Can I bring my mom
to the summer BBQ?
The answer should be yes!
Instead of restricting community events to just residents, encourage them
to invite their friends and family. This
is a great way to showcase what an amazing community you have and an even
better way to secure a few resident referrals.
Let’s Make a Deal!
Try partnering with local businesses for cross-promotions
and resident events. Many businesses
will donate food, refreshments, promotional items and raffle prizes for small
scale resident events. Comcast, for
example, loves to participate in resident events. This also gives residents an opportunity to
discuss any issues in person with a representative.
Eat and Greet
Every big company has an HR department. Give them a call and offer lunch in exchange
for a discussion about how your community can benefit their employees. Invite them to visit the community so you can
show them what you want them to promote.
When you order out for lunch, pick up coffee or go for a
drink after work, get to know the wait staff and bartenders. They have a lot of interaction with customers
and co-workers and are a great source for word of mouth referrals. Be sure to include their menus and coupons in
your new move-in packets. Giving the
occasional shout-out via social media is another way to strengthen your
relationship with local businesses.
Thanks for the
brochures, but where is the good stuff?
Showing up empty handed is a bad idea. Instead, bring little bags of candy with your
business cards or water bottles. Going
to the dollar store once a month is a great way to stock up on inexpensive
seasonal items. Try handing out candy
jars with your logo on them and then visit those businesses once a month to
re-stock the jar with a new candy. When
doing your outreach, collect business cards to enter in a contest to win a free
lunch.
Take Me Out to the
Ball Game!
Is there a sports field in your area? Hang a banner on a fence that advertises your
community; all those spectators are sure to take notice. Try passing out hot chocolate at a hockey
game or hot dogs at a baseball game. Get
permission to toss t-shirts with your community logo on them into the crowd.
Don’t you know two
is better than one?
Consider combining your outreach efforts with a
neighboring Dolben community to visit twice as many locations. Do a Google search for job fairs, wedding or baby
expos, college open houses or farmer’s markets in your area. Renting a table at an event like this is a
great way to promote your community.
Man’s Best Friend
People LOVE their pets, so spoil them rotten! Invite a local groomer to come to the
property on a Saturday for free dog washes.
This will drum up some business for the groomer and the dog owner will be
thrilled. Try reaching out to a local
pet store that may provide treat samples to hand out in the Leasing Office or
participate in an MSPCA walk and/or hand out goodie bags to all the walkers.
Be sure your marketing and promotional materials easily
identify your community. Include your
logo, website, QR code or phone number so a prospect can easily contact
you. Remember, outreach should be a
group effort so get the whole team involved!
Don’t just hand out brochures; build relationships and utilize unique
advertising methods to make a lasting and positive impression.
-Team Tenley
