Whether you are new to the business, considering a career change or a seasoned property manager there are steps you can take that can help you jump start and/or get your property management career on the right track.
Choose the right company – Make sure the office is conveniently located and positioned to service your target market. Ask to speak with other property managers in the office; ask about training and support provided. Is the company culture a good fit for you? Is the atmosphere congenial and allows for you to spend time with seasoned pros.
Meet your prospects needs – while you’re a proving yourself as a property manager people will expect you to respond to their needs. As a seasoned professional, anticipating and meeting your clients’ needs is essential to your success as a property manager.
Stay in touch with your prospects – provide prospects with business card, e-zines, and email announcements. Let people know you are in the business. In addition make sure they know how to access your website and blogs. Social media is a great way to reach prospects; Facebook, Linked In and Twitter are great tools for you to communicate and provide value to your prospects.
Know your market – Managing single family homes is different from managing a mobile home park. While there are some similarities in managing different types of properties there are nuances to each specific market. Research the market place you serve; learn market rents for your area, know what inventory is available and who is your competition.
Dare to be different – just because it’s always been done this way does not make it the right way. There is always a way to improve how we manage our properties, improve cash flow and add value to the properties we manage.
Keep learning – fifteen to thirty minutes a day of learning will make any person a renowned expert in five years. Read books in sales and management, attend seminars, join industry association and attend their meetings. Network with other industry professionals, study and learn from them.
Give back to your community – find a way to contribute to your community, give value to others, expecting nothing in return. Donate your time to a cause that you are sympathetic to and you will find it rewarding to help and assist others.