In this quick drop-in, I’m sharing four outreach ideas for May that are already built for you. Teacher Appreciation, Nurses Day, Receptionist Day, and Rescue Dog Day. These are the kind of moments where you don’t have to overthink it. Print a flyer, grab something small, show up, and let it count.

These little touchpoints? They add up. They build familiarity, trust, and connection in your local community over time.

If you’ve been wanting to do outreach but keep putting it off because it feels like “one more thing,” this is your reminder that it doesn’t have to be complicated.I

Learn how to capture simple clips while you’re already walking the property, opening the office, or resetting spaces — then batch and post them later using quick text overlays and trending audio. This strategy helps you show up consistently on social without needing to talk on camera or carve out hours for filming.

If video has felt intimidating or overwhelming, this episode will give you a simple starting point and a 30-day challenge to help you build momentum.

Grab your property manager resource kit here for only $7!

In this episode, we’re sharing a simple framework for communicating clearly and calmly with residents during periods of uncertainty. You’ll learn how to answer the three questions residents care about most, how to reassure without overpromising, and how to keep your team aligned when you don’t have every detail yet.

If your community is navigating change, this episode will give you practical language and tools to lead with clarity and build trust.

Grab your monthly resource kit HERE for only $7.

In this week’s Try It episode, we’re talking about one simple shift that can transform your multifamily resident events from “just okay” to memorable: adding whimsy.

If you’re a property manager, leasing professional, or onsite apartment team member, this episode breaks down how to boost resident engagement, increase event attendance, and create community experiences residents actually talk about — without increasing your budget or workload.

You’ll learn:

• Why apartment community events start to feel stale
• How to add a surprise element residents love
• Simple ways to make events more memorable
• Creative multifamily event ideas you can try immediately

Want plug-and-play resident event ideas (with flyers, supply lists, and done-for-you plans)?

Grab the Spark Monthly Property Manager Resource Kit for just $7 at 👉 sparkwithsprout.com

Try this before your next event and watch what happens.

We’re talking medical outreach marketing — how visiting local hospitals, clinics, and offices can spark leasing conversations, build employer relationships, and keep your community top of mind. You’ll hear what to say when you walk in, what to bring, how to use Doctor’s Day and Dentist Day as your “in,” and how one visit can turn into future leases.

Plus, there’s a customizable medical outreach flyer available inside the Spark Resource Kit to help you take action this week. Grab it HERE.

Invest in yourself - Join Spark HERE for only $7!

Grab the Spark Monthly Resource Kit for only $7 -> GET IT HERE

In this episode, Barbara Savona shares how property managers can turn resident referrals into an always-on apartment marketing strategy using simple “Referral Automation Stations.” Learn how small, budget-friendly setups in high-traffic areas can spark trust, boost engagement, and help residents do the marketing for you.

If you’re looking for easy resident event ideas, apartment marketing on a budget, and low-lift ways to support leasing and retention, this episode gives you a system you can set up in minutes and refresh all year long.

Grab the Spark Monthly Resource Kit for ONLY $7 HERE. (Less than a Chick-fil-a meal)

Barbara Savona, CEO of Sprout Marketing, breaks down how to use a “Guess How Many” event station to spark participation, fuel apartment social media content, and build trust with residents — all while automating the setup so your team can focus on leasing, follow-ups, and retention.

If you’re a property manager looking for easy resident event ideas, apartment marketing on a budget, and systems that create breathing room without losing the personal touch, this one’s for you.

>>> Grab this month's Spark kit for just $7 HERE.

This week’s “Try It” introduces the “What It’s Really Like” social media series, a realistic approach to multifamily marketing that pulls back the curtain on daily life at your community — without sacrificing professionalism. Instead of overly polished photos, this strategy focuses on authentic moments, resident testimonials, and real-life energy that help prospects answer the question: Can I see myself living here?

Barbara explains how showing life in action — pets at the dog park, amenities in use, weekend vibes, resident events, and everyday moments — builds credibility during today’s trust recession. You’ll learn how transparency on social media helps prospects self-select, reduces uncertainty before tours, and creates familiarity that supports leasing and resident retention.

Perfect for property managers, onsite teams, leasing professionals, and multifamily marketers, this episode breaks down how to create social content that feels honest, approachable, and effective — without adding more work to your plate.

Read the blog here. Watch on YouTube here.

Grab the Spark Monthly Resource Kit for only $7 here. (that's less than a #1 combo at Chick-fil-A)

This week’s “Try It” focuses on humanizing the renewal process by introducing the conversation early with a warm, low-pressure touchpoint called “Your Future Is Bright” Renewals. Instead of leading with a corporate letter or rent increase, onsite teams are encouraged to start with a friendly invitation that opens the door to a real, face-to-face conversation.

Barbara explains how this small shift helps reduce resident defensiveness, lower sticker shock, and turn renewals into relational moments rather than reactive ones. The episode covers practical ways to deliver the message—door drops, emails, resident portals, or front-desk handoffs—plus simple, budget-friendly gift ideas that reinforce the theme and signal genuine care.

Perfect for property managers, leasing teams, and multifamily marketers, this episode shows how thoughtful communication, seasonal messaging, and small intentional actions can lead to smoother renewals, stronger resident relationships, and better long-term retention.

If you’re looking for realistic, easy-to-implement renewal strategies that work in the real multifamily world, this episode delivers.

Read the blog here. Watch on YouTube here.

Grab the Spark Monthly Resource Kit for only $7 HERE!

Join Spark for only $7. Learn More HERE.

In this episode, Sprout Marketing shows property managers and onsite teams how to stop apologizing for challenging units and start marketing them with confidence. Learn how to reframe common objections like darker apartments, first-floor units, or smaller layouts into strengths that match real renter lifestyles.

You’ll walk away with practical apartment marketing strategies for repositioning floorplans, creating clear taglines, using outreach marketing, and telling one consistent story across tours, social media, and leasing conversations — all while staying Fair Housing compliant.

If you work in multifamily and want simple, real-world leasing ideas that actually convert, this episode is for you.

Join Spark for only $7 at sparkwithsprout.com

In this episode, we’re having an honest, grounded conversation about apartment marketing and resident retention from the perspective of people who have actually lived it. We talk about what on-site teams and property managers are carrying day to day, why marketing often feels overwhelming instead of helpful, and how small, realistic shifts can make a real difference — without burning out your leasing agents or stretching your team even thinner.

This episode is especially relevant for:

• Property managers looking for
• practical apartment marketing ideas
• On-site teams trying to balance leasing, renewals, and resident engagement
• Leasing agents who are expected to “do marketing” on top of everything else
• Multifamily professionals who want support, not more noise

We cover:

• Why marketing shouldn’t feel like another full-time job for on-site teams
• How realistic tools and systems support leasing agents and property managers
• The role of consistency in resident retention and community engagement
• Why small actions often matter more than big, overwhelming strategies
• 
  

Whether you’re a seasoned property manager or a leasing agent just trying to get through the week, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do everything — you just need the right support.

Get your $7 Spark Monthly Resource Kit HERE.

If you’re a property manager, community manager, leasing leader, or part of an apartment marketing team, you already know this truth: when you’re running on empty, your whole community feels it. In this episode, we explore work-life balance for property managers, the impact of mental health in property management, and simple “dopamine-boosting” habits that actually fit into your real-life workload.

From sensory resets and music rituals to movement, novelty, team connection, and tiny personal rewards—this episode gives you practical, doable ways to protect your energy while still leading at a high level in multifamily housing.

Because yes—you manage million-dollar assets. But you are the most valuable asset of all.

This episode is perfect for:

• Property managers & assistant managers
• Multifamily marketing professionals
• Apartment marketing teams
• Regional managers & leasing leaders
• Anyone navigating burnout in property management

Read the full blog here.

If you want to get a little boost every month to get your spark back at work and in life, grab the Spark Monthly Resource Kit for only $7 HERE.

Join Spark for $7 (less than a #1 meal at Chickfila): sparkbysprout.com

Easiest way for property managers to avoid burnout? Spark - the $7 Monthly Resource Kit. Join HERE.

Visit TheSproutWay.com and use code SAVEAA to get 50% off an annual membership to get access to everything in today's episode + hundreds more property management resources for marketing and retention.

Whether you’re in lease-up mode or just trying to stand out in a saturated market, these are low-lift, high-reward strategies you’ll want to steal ASAP. Tune in for inspiration, quick tips, and a fresh reminder that you don’t need a massive budget to make residents feel at home.

Use code SAVEAA to get 41% off the annual All Access Membership - join us at thesproutway.com

From $5 ideas that help drive leases to easy testimonial tricks and time-saving social media hacks, this episode is packed with quick wins you can use right away.

Plus, now’s the perfect time to get access to all the tools and templates mentioned in the episode. We're offering 41% off our All Access annual membership — the biggest sale ever, ending July 31.

Tune in, take notes, and head to TheSproutWay.com to join All Access using code SAVEAA.

Here's what you'll see:

• Summer Picnic Resident Renewal Basket
• Blueberry Muffin Resident Appreciation Idea
• Pet-Friendly Renewal Automation Station
• Popcorn Outreach Marketing Idea
• Marketing Hacks for Fun Ways to Answer The Phone
• How To Grow Your Social Media Following

Visit thesproutway.com to learn more about how you can get access to everything we talk about + hundreds of more marketing and retention ideas. Use code SAVEAA to get $489 off the annual All-Access Membership (that's our biggest sale everrrr).

Inside this episode, you’ll get a recap of our favorite bite-sized ideas from the series so far. These small but mighty actions are already helping properties boost visibility, improve retention, and connect with residents in real, meaningful ways—and every single one is included in our All-Access Membership.

Whether you're looking for quick wins, easy ways to stand out, or just a little extra spark for your July marketing… this is the episode for you.

Hit play to get inspired, take action, and see what the Small Actions, Strong Communities movement is all about.

Visit thesproutway.com to get the All-Access Annual Membership for $489 off with code SAVEAA!

Barbara Savona shares why “low power mode” isn’t quitting—it’s a strategy for sustainability, sanity, and stronger results. Discover how small, consistent actions across marketing, renewals, social, and resident appreciation can create major impact—without burning you out.

In this episode:

• Why July is the perfect time to simplify, not scramble
• How to use “low power mode” to protect your energy and still hit goals
• A sneak peek at our Small Actions, Strong Communities daily IG series
• Plus: how to lock in a year of support with Sprout’s All Access membership

One small move a day really can transform your community. Let’s make this your easiest, most effective July yet.

Learn More About Sprout Marketing

Learn More HERE

Get Inspired HERE

You’ll learn how to:

• Think like a Netflix producer to keep your audience hooked
• Use Instagram highlights, pinned posts, and reels to showcase your property
• Turn your social feed into a leasing and retention tool

Perfect for busy property managers and on-site teams looking to improve their multifamily marketing, this episode delivers easy, effective strategies to make your social media work harder for you.

🎧 Ready for stress-free posting every day? Check out our Simply Social Membership—a done-for-you apartment social media plan with captions, graphics, story templates, and reels for just $39/month.

Read this episode's blog

Host Ashley walks you through how property managers can use event marketing to drive renewals, build community, and boost resident satisfaction—all while staying organized and under budget.

You’ll learn:

• How to plan ahead and never scramble last-minute again
• Simple ways to promote your events (with or without social media)
• What types of events actually move the needle for renewals
• How to get residents involved and create that “I love living here” feeling
• Why events are more than fluff—they're your secret retention weapon

Whether you manage 100 units or 500, this episode is packed with real-life tips, tools, and marketing strategies that will make your next resident event your best one yet.

Sprout's Resident Retention Membership is your key to stress-free retention. (It's only $49/month!)

Whether you're juggling 400+ units without help, planning resident events on a $137 budget, trying to generate traffic during renovations, or managing with zero digital presence, you’ll hear encouragement, strategy, and the kind of real-talk support we all need. This is a peek behind the curtain into how Spark by Sprout Marketing shows up for its members—and a reminder that one small spark can lead to big momentum.

1:33 - New to leasing & looking to master it

3:22 - Leasing 400+ units solo

5:41 - Keeping priorities straight when you're new to the industry

8:17 - Taking over a community in the middle of renovations with zero traffic

10:48 - Planning resident events on $137 budget

13:18 - Handling a new takeover

👉 Want in? Head to sparkwithsprout.com to check it out and join the challenge!

Get Your Spark Back: sparkbysprout.com

Join the Spark Membership for only $7: sproutwithsprout.com

Explore all memberships: watchyourbusinesssprout.com

Time Stamps:

01:12 – Ashley and Marci Say Hi

02:33 – Grab and Go Chillax Station

04:48 – Move More Steps Challenge

08:26 – Splash of Spring Event

11:06 – Wrap Up

13:41 – Bloopers

Join the Spark Membership for only $7

Tune in to learn:

✅ How to incorporate ESG initiatives into your apartment marketing

✅ Simple Earth Day event ideas that make an impact

✅ The dos and don’ts of ESG marketing (avoid greenwashing!)

✅ Why energy-efficient features can be a leasing game-changer

Make your property stand out with sustainability-driven marketing that renters love! 🎧 Listen now.

JOIN SPARK FOR $7: Sparkwithsprout.com

Join the Spark Membership for $7

01:11 Preferred Employer Marketing Overview

01:59 Spark Membership Details

03:46 Marketing to Medical Professionals

08:11 Marketing to Educators

JOIN SPARK FOR $7/MONTH: sparkwithsprout.com

Join Spark for $7: sparkwithsprout.com

Timestamps:

00:00 The Power of Outfits on Our Mood

01:44 Choosing Qualities Like Outfits

04:04 Observing and Adopting Positive Traits

06:43 Exercises to Embody Desired Qualities

08:44 Reflecting on Personal Growth

10:59 Practical Tips for Intentional Living

14:10 Resources to Help You Show Up As Your Best Self

Listeners will learn about the REACH framework for retention, the Power of Three for social media, and how Spark brings personal coaching and actionable tools to property managers at any stage. This episode is packed with insights to simplify property management challenges and empower professionals to achieve success—one small step at a time.

Episode At A Glance:

00:00 Introduction to the Multifamily Mix

01:01 The Philosophy of Starting Small

02:17 Full Circle Marketing Explained

04:45 The REACH Framework for Retention

06:00 The Power of Three in Social Media

07:38 Introducing Spark Membership

09:35 Overview of Sprout's Memberships

12:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

14:56 Celebrating 15 Years of Sprout

15:50 Bonus: Multifamily Mix-Ups

Join SPARK by Sprout: https://www.watchyourbusinesssprout.com/spark-by-sprout

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Introduction: The Spark of Inspiration

01:05 Welcome to the Multifamily Mix

01:55 Challenges in Multifamily Management

06:40 Introducing Spark by Sprout

06:59 The 10-Step Strategy for Success

08:29 Personal Focus and Burnout Prevention

09:02 Join the Spark Membership

10:50 Conclusion: Simplify and Shine in 2025

Get the visuals for the podcast here: http://www.watchyourbusinesssprout.com/sprout-marketing-blog/mix-podcast/december-resident-event-ideas

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Introduction to the Multifamily Mix

00:21 Personal Updates and Encouragement

00:43 Embracing Challenges and Hard Times

02:17 12 Events for December Overview

03:22 Event 1: Winter Regency Frosted Gala

04:36 Event 2: Grab and Go Treats

05:27 Event 3: Virtual Caption Contest

06:14 Event 4: Bark and Biscuits

06:46 Event 5: Gingerbread House Decorating

07:16 Event 6: Frost and Frosting Cookie Decorating

08:22 Event 7: Winter Warm Up Brownie Bar

09:10 Event 8: Winter Wonderland Workshop

09:55 Event 9: Frosty Frenzy Games

10:57 Event 10: Peppermint Puffs Creation

11:26 Event 11: Ugly Sweater or Sock Contest

12:05 Event 12: Shake It Up Cocktail and Mocktail Class

12:48 Event 13: Champagne and Confections

13:40 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Episode At A Glance:

00:00 Welcome to the Multifamily Mix

00:21 Maximizing Resident Events

00:41 A Message From Barbara ❤️

04:38 Strategies for Successful Resident Events

06:56 Capturing and Utilizing Event Moments

11:20 Post-Event Strategies and Community Engagement

16:07 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Join the Sprout Community with a marketing and retention membership that will help you save 15+ hours per month. Learn More

Episode At A Glance:

00:00 Intro - Welcome Friends!

00:21 Struggles with Social Media Consistency

00:45 Special Announcement for Sprout Members

01:30 The Importance of Systems in Social Media

02:33 Batching: The Key to Social Media Success

03:29 Practical Tips for Effective Batching

05:06 Content Creation and Organization Strategies

08:52 Advanced Batching Techniques

13:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode At A Glance:

00:00 Welcome to the Multifamily Mix

00:21 Meet the New Additions

00:51 November Event Planning Essentials

02:37 Resident Appreciation Dinner

03:03 Creative Event Ideas for Residents

06:21 Charity Events and Drives

08:09 Kindness Challenge: Fall Edition

09:47 Pie Making Class

09:59 Pie and Cobbler Delights

11:22 Crafty Like a Fox: DIY Gifts

12:36 Movember: Mustache Charity Event

13:37 Boho Fall Happy Hour

15:09 Cider Tasting Extravaganza

16:08 Fall Food Trucks and Festivities

16:53 Recap and Final Thoughts

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Introduction to the Multifamily Mix

00:21 Checking In: Summer Break and Resident Events

02:26 About Sprout Marketing and Membership Benefits

04:11 Behind the Scenes: Sprout Membership Features

07:20 August Resident Events Overview

10:05 Event Spotlight: Neon Block Party

13:58 Event Spotlight: Zen Relaxation Day

14:47 Event Spotlight: Popsicle Bar

16:05 Event Spotlight: Back to School Supply Drive

17:08 Event Spotlight: Pickleball Tournament

18:10 Event Spotlight: Coloring Event

19:35 Event Spotlight: Watermelon Crawl

20:47 Event Spotlight: S'mores Day

21:40 Event Spotlight: Community Yard Sale

23:02 Event Spotlight: Red Wine Day

24:06 See You Next Time, Friends

Join Sprout's Membership - Marketing, Resident Retention, Social Media

Trysproutfree.com

Try Sprout Free at trysproutfree.com

Episode at a Glance:

00:00 Introduction to the Multifamily Mix

00:24 Highlights from the National Apartment Association's Conference

01:06 Upcoming Podcast Break and Staying Connected

02:31 Marketing Insights and Strategies

07:13 Engaging Residents and Enhancing Community Experience

19:41 Leveraging Technology and Grassroots Marketing

23:50 Conclusion and Membership Invitation

Try Sprout For Free: trysproutfree.com

Episode At A Glance

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:41 Podcast Feedback and Reviews

01:34 Upcoming MAA Conference

02:26 Sprout Membership Overview

03:30 July Event Planning Pack

06:07 National Picnic Month Ideas

10:42 Cooking Classes for Culinary Arts Month

12:09 Pina Colada Happy Hour

13:55 Blueberry Muffin Day

14:56 Virtual Emoji Games

15:25 Fast Food Lunch Event

16:36 Captain's Cocktail Cruise

18:29 Professional Headshots Happy Hour

19:42 Arty Party Crafting Event

20:56 Pet Pops for Furry Friends

22:13 Conclusion and Recap

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Introduction & Welcome

01:21 Meet Leslie Jackson: From Multifamily Housing to Functional Nutritionist

02:14 Leslie's Health Journey

07:32 The Power of Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes

14:07 Challenges in Multifamily Housing and Practical Health Tips

22:38 The Importance of Protein and Balanced Meals

34:13 Managing Stress and the Importance of Sleep

41:44 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Leslie

Try Sprout For Free at trysproutfree.com

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Intro & Welcome 

00:39 Visit Sprout at the National Apartment Association Expo

01:40 The Importance of Resident Retention

02:31 Introducing Priyanka Agarwal

04:55 Understanding Reputation Currency

06:40 Building Resident Trust and Goodwill

12:43 Impact of Resident Reviews

16:35 Practical Tips for Generating Positive Reviews

37:56 Handling Negative Reviews

47:08 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

00:00 Welcome to the Multifamily Mix!

00:35 Behind the Scenes with Sprout Marketing

01:42 Sprout's Summer Vibes: Event Planning Insights

04:41 June's Sprout Membership Highlights

07:12 Diving into June's Event Ideas: From Pool Parties to Movie Nights

19:33 Members ExResident Appreciation Gift Ideas 

20:18 Wrapping Up with Sprout: Join Us Inside!

Join Sprout's FREE membership at trysproutfree.com

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Introducing Janet Rosseth 

00:41 Welcome to the Multifamily Mix

01:03 Unraveling Lease-Up Challenges with Janet Rosseth

01:49 Creative Solutions for Lease-Up Stalls

04:32 Evaluating and Adjusting Marketing Strategies

07:19 The Importance of Agility in Lease-Up Strategies

13:21 Leveraging Technology and Human Touch in Leasing

15:27 Janet & Cadence Marketing Solutions 

20:32 Wrap Up

www.trysproutfree.com

EPISODE AT A GLANCE

00:23 Welcome to the Multifamily Mix

00:59 Quick Recap of TX Apartment Association Conference

03:31 Deep Dive into Lease Up Strategies with Brandon Willis

06:02 Brandon Willis: From Musical Theater to Multifamily Success

10:36 The Art of Branding and Marketing in Lease Ups

28:49 Leveraging AI and Technology in New Developments

32:16 Career Growth and Final Thoughts

37:20 What’s Next for Multifamily Mix

www.trysproutfree.com

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 The Challenge: Resident Event Engagement

01:11 Personal Connection: The Grassroots Approach

01:53 Expanding Your Reach: Invites, Ambassadors, and Reminders

04:10 Creative Signage and Social Media Strategies

05:52 Leveraging Business Collaborations and Incentives

08:42 Fostering Community Involvement and Feedback

10:35 Maximizing Event Exposure and Creating Anticipation

11:34 The Solution: Where to Find Your Download

For more information about Sprout Marketing, visit trysproutfree.com

To see the designs Barbara and Marci are talking about, visit this episode's blog: https://www.watchyourbusinesssprout.com/sprout-marketing-blog/mix-podcast/16

00:00 Welcome to the Episode: Unveiling May's Resident Events

03:14 Exclusive Member Resources: Planning Packs and Creative Calendars

07:32 Chillax Event: A Deep Dive into Relaxation-Themed Resident Activities

12:49 Virtual Engagement: Leveraging Social Media for Resident Interaction

13:46 Celebrating May: Kentucky Derby and Star Wars Day Event Ideas

15:58 Tacos and Tequila: A Festive Approach to May Events

16:33 Creative Event Ideas for Community Engagement

17:43 Teacher Appreciation Event Concepts

18:59 Crafty Card Bar for Personalized Gifts

19:50 Summer BBQ Bash Planning

20:49 Interactive Selfie Station and Scavenger Hunt

22:26 Poolside Fitness Classes for Residents

23:20 Celebrating World Bee Day with a Honey-Themed Event

24:25 Resident Appreciation Gift Ideas

27:29 Effective Event Promotion Strategies

29:47 Maximizing Event Engagement and Attendance

34:52 Closing Remarks and Future Events

Visit trysproutfree.com to sign up for a free sprout membership and start meeting your marketing goals!

Kindle shares how she juggles responsibilities, maintaining focus on individual projects, preparing for tasks, handling feedback, and emphasizing storytelling for residents. Kindle helps shed light on the importance of team collaboration, agility in making changes, and keeping the developer's vision alive throughout the lease-up process.

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Introduction to Lease Ups Through a Marketing Lens

00:50 Meet Kindle Baumgarten: A Deep Dive into Multifamily Marketing

02:00 The Multifaceted Role of a Regional Marketing Coordinator

03:26 Juggling Multiple Projects: Strategies and Challenges

06:35 Bringing a Developer’s Vision to Life: From Concept to Community

12:01 The Importance of Storytelling in Multifamily Marketing

14:14 Maintaining the Vision: From Lease-Up to Resident Experience

17:03 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

For more information about Sprout Marketing, visit trysproutfree.com

The conversation covers the lease-up timeline, from initial ground-break to full occupancy, and emphasizes the critical role of specialized marketing plans and the need for a well-prepared leasing team.

Chris also shares insights on common pitfalls in leasing strategies and the value of specialized partners in the multifamily industry. Additional topics include the impact of effective branding and signage, as well as the launch of 'Real Wins', a new podcast series aimed at offering tactical advice on multifamily marketing.

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

00:00 Welcome to the Lease-Up Series Kickoff!

00:55 Introducing Chris Arnold: A Deep Dive into Lease-Up Strategies

02:18 The Early Bird Gets the Lease: Starting Your Marketing Early

06:11 Maximizing ROI: The Importance of Early Marketing Investments

07:40 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Lease-Up and Marketing

07:54 The Power of Specialization in Multifamily Marketing

18:24 Navigating the Challenges of Lease-Up and Rebranding

20:18 Transforming Cities: Insights and Resources for Marketers

23:19 Wrapping Up: The Future of Multifamily Marketing

For more information about Sprout Marketing, visit trysproutfree.com

Since we couldn’t pack you in our suitcases, we decided the next best thing was to bring the experience to you through this blog.

Listen in for:

• First Stops and First Impressions
• Conference Chronicles & Highlights
• Experiencing Napa to the Fullest
• Why This Trip Matters
• Your Part in Our Journey

So for those of you who are not yet Sprout members, remember you can always go to TrySproutFree.com for a free sampling of some of the things that we're showing off today. And then for our members, you can log into your member dashboard and this is what you'll see.

Listen for the scoop on these 12 event ideas and create engaging social media content for your community along the way.

Go All Out Fur Fest

Yappy Hour Grab and Go

Virtual Pet Parade

Spring Fling

Stress Less Event

Birdhouse Decorating

Modern Spring Art Show

Beer Tippin' Happy Hour

Resident Game Night

Plant Exchange

Sweet Drink Picnic

Superhero Mask Making

Here's a closer look at the initiative that's shaping the future of property management through mentorship, as discussed in a recent insightful conversation with Tara, along with active members Joe and Joseph.

In this episode:

• Tara: The Heart and Soul Behind the Mentorship Movement
• Joe and Joseph: Testament to the Power of Mentorship
• The Future of Mentorship
• Meet the Group & How to Join

For more information on Sprout Marketing, try it at TrySproutFree.com

Key takeaways:

• Choose the Right Platforms
• Crafting a Winning Content Strategy
• Leveraging the Power of Three Framework
• Attention
• Trust
• Influence
• Actionable Tips for Immediate Implementation

For more information about Sprout and to receive the social media planning calendar, sample captions and graphics mentioned, go to trysproutfree.com

Jump Ahead:

00:00 Introduction to Multifamily Mix

00:22 Interactive Session: Addressing Social Media Challenges

01:21 Understanding Social Media: The Fun Aunt and Uncle Analogy

02:29 The Power of Three Framework for Social Media

03:18 Building Trust and Influence on Social Media

05:29 Addressing Social Media Challenges: Content Creation

06:18 Interactive Q&A: Effective Social Media Platforms and Posting Frequency

10:11 Improving Social Media Engagement and Creating a Captivating Platform

15:41 Managing Social Media In-House and Finding Regular Content

24:48 Creating a Posting Schedule for Social Media

25:28 The Art of Batching: Efficient Content Creation

26:54 The Power of Teamwork in Social Media Management

26:59 Leveraging Photos and Videos for Engaging Content

28:34 Establishing a Workflow for Social Media Management

30:01 Understanding the Different Aspects of Social Media Membership

31:48 Reviving a Stale Social Profile: Tips and Tricks

32:31 Building Instagram Presence and Capturing Resident Events

37:08 Launching Social Media for New Construction Lease Up

40:04 Encouraging Local Business Participation in Events and Socials

43:34 Conclusion: Implementing the Learned Strategies

In this episode of 'The Multifamily Mix', Marci and Barbara of Sprout Marketing discuss creative ideas for 12 resident events to be held in March, featuring a range of themes and activities. The episode also includes suggestions on how to involve local businesses in the events to foster community connections. Additionally, they mention several opportunities for virtual events to cater to different resident preferences and circumstances. Some highlighted events include a watch party for the Academy Awards, a tea party, and a resident notice design suggestion, amongst others. Marci and Barbara conclude the episode encouraging their audience to continue shaking things up in their career, community, and life.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Meet the Hosts: Barbara and Marcy

00:38 Marcy's Disney Trip Recap

01:01 Sprout Community and Live Episode Announcement

01:33 Sprout Calendar Planning Pack

02:04 12 Fun Resident Events for March: Introduction

02:12 Event 1: Academy Awards Watch Party

06:40 Event 2: Peanut Butter Lovers Day

07:39 Event 3: Oreo Day

08:24 Event 4: Barbie Day

09:26 Event 5: Charming Guess How Many

12:02 Event 6: All Green Everything Party

12:28 Event 7: Tea for Two Tuesday

13:21 Event 8: National Chip and Dip Day

14:18 Resident Gift Ideas and Notices

16:04 Conclusion and Farewell

1. Elevating the Leasing Role: It's more than a job; it's an art. Ready to refine yours?
2. Building Authentic Connections: Discover the secret to turning meetings into meaningful connections.
3. Incorporating Signature Touches: Small changes, monumental impacts. What will be your signature?
4. Leveraging Local Expertise: Position yourself as the insider everyone needs.
5. Crafting a Resonant Online Presence: Your digital footprint can be your strongest asset. How will you shape it?
6. Revolutionizing the Tour Experience: Transform every tour from standard to standout. Curious how?
7. Mastering Follow-Up Communication: Make your follow-ups too good to ignore.
8. Encouraging and Utilizing Feedback: Feedback is your growth fuel. Ready to use it?
9. Continuous Improvement Through Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with actionable insights.
10. Celebrating Success and Learning: Every interaction is a win. Let's celebrate and learn together.

Intrigued? There's so much more to each point, waiting to be unlocked in our podcast. Dive in to discover how these strategies can elevate the role of the leasing consultant.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing at trysproutfree.com

You know what's even cooler? Engaged employees can boost productivity by 21% and cut turnover by 59%. That's what Gallup says, and it can be a game-changer for us in multifamily housing.

Ever wonder how much your mood as a leader can impact your team? A lot, it turns out. We're talking a 38% boost in engagement. That's huge!

I promised real-life onsite teams this year and we've got a great duo!

In this episode, we're featuring a special conversation with Tamanaca Gruppi and Lisa Black. With a combined 43 years in the industry, they bring a wealth of experience --their events have people lining up around the office!

They're diving deep into the art of creating unforgettable resident events. What makes them so successful? It's their unique blend of teamwork, seasoned expertise, and savvy use of tools like Sprout. Their story is a powerful example of what can be accomplished with the right mix of experience and collaboration. 

ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS:

• Positive Leadership Sets the Tone: Your attitude influences your team and residents.
• Leverage Team Strengths: Utilize each member’s unique skills for better collaboration.
• Streamline with Tools: Use resources like Sprout to simplify event planning.
• Personalize Your Approach: Tailor events to your community’s unique needs.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing at trysproutfree.com

Today, we delve into February's issue, packed with fun and budget-friendly resident event ideas for your multifamily community. Remember, these events are not just about fun; they're about strengthening community bonds, enhancing resident satisfaction, and boosting retention. Let's get started!

Get your free matching resources at trysproutfree.com

In this series, we'll explore the undeniable impact of authentic, grassroots strategies tailored specifically for property managers. Learn how these timeless techniques can revolutionize your leasing and retention efforts, creating vibrant communities where residents don't just live but truly belong. Join me as we unlock the secrets to building lasting relationships and transforming your community into more than just buildings, but homes that resonate with heart and soul.

Take Aways:

• 7 Powerful Reasons Why Grassroots Marketing is Essential for Your Apartment's Success
• The Five Pillars of Sprout Marketing’s Grassroots Growth Formula for Apartment Communities

Learn more about Sprout Marketing at trysproutfree.com

Tune in to find out more about these six easy ways to boost your wellness:

1. Pillow Chat (nothing scandalous…promise!) 
2. Fueling Yourself Well
3. The Big Three: Setting Daily Intentions
4. Movement Breaks
5. Building Strong Relationships
6. Go-to Happy List: Prioritizing Joy

Also, meet Alan Lee, Property Manager with Gunn and Cooper, as he shares his unique journey, blending personal insights with professional wisdom. Alan's authentic storytelling and practical advice make this a must-listen for anyone in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Insights into overcoming high expectations and the complexities of project turnarounds.
• How to separate personal success from professional achievements.
• The importance of empathy in bridging the gap between corporate and onsite teams.
• Strategies for managing distractions and prioritizing tasks in a demanding role.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing at TrySproutFree.com

What You'll Walk Away With:

• Clear Strategies: Understand the nuances between different types of goals and how to apply them effectively in your role.
• Actionable Tools: Learn about practical tools and methods to track and measure your progress towards goal achievement.
• Motivational Insights: Gain a fresh perspective with our special motivational segment, designed to inspire and energize property managers.
• Empowerment for Growth: Equip yourself with knowledge and confidence to elevate your leadership skills and property management approach in 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their game in the multifamily space. Tune in for an empowering journey of growth and success!

What's in store?

• Fit Life Events Three Ways: A trio of fitness events for all levels.
• Level Up Your Life Series: Empowering workshops for personal growth.
• Popcorn Bar & Movie Night: A delicious twist on movie nights.
• Virtual Recipe Share: Bond over shared recipes and food stories.
• Fancy Pet Costume Party: Dress up your pets for a furry fun time.
• Tea & Treats Gathering: Cozy up with warm conversations.
• Take and Bake Chocolate Cake: Bake, share, and enjoy together.
• Everything Bagel Bar: A delicious start to your mornings.
• Virtual Sweatpants Contest: Style and comfort collide.
• Virtual Declutter Challenge: Start the year fresh and organized.
• Plus, two surprise events that are sure to delight!

Join us as we explore how these events are not just about fun; they're essential in creating a lively, inclusive, and connected community. 🏡💕 It's time to bring your community together like never before with the REACH framework and our January event lineup!

In this dynamic and fast-paced episode, we dive deep into the essence of 'Multifamily Mix.' Discover what inspired the shift from 'Marketing Home, Marketing You' to our new identity, and how this change reflects our commitment to providing even more value to our audience. Barbara shares insights into the future of the podcast, teasing new topics and formats that promise to invigorate your listening experience.

This is not just an episode; it's the beginning of a new chapter in 'Multifamily Mix' saga. If you're curious about what the future holds for this beloved podcast, you won't want to miss this episode. Expect a blend of humor, sincerity, and a sneak peek into the exciting developments we have in store. Join us as we step into a new era of 'Multifamily Mix' – more engaging, informative, and inspiring than ever!

• 12 Unforgettable Resident Events with a Gourd-geous Resident Breakfast Feature
• Over 30 Notices & Reminders
• Coordinating Renewal Design & Gift Ideas
• Bonus Social Event Pack
• 5 Resident Gift Ideas on a Budget
• Plus, Canva Templates for Resident Newsletters, Event Lists & Calendars

Sign up for our free membership & grab your sample flyer designs at trysproutfree.com!

View the video version at https://www.watchyourbusinesssprout.com/sprout-marketing-blog/podcast/115

You might be surprised to hear him challenge the notion that all companies should be headed for centralization. Listen in as we discuss:

• Centralization: A Nuanced Approach
• The Impact on Staffing Models
• AI: More Than Automation
• Shifting Perspectives on Content Creation
• Embracing Change and Specialization

Thank you so very much for listening to another episode of Marketing Home, Marketing You. Your reviews mean the world to me! Please click on 'Ratings and Reviews" and select the Star Icon to Leave Your Rating! This Button Will Open a Pop-Up Window for You to Write and Submit a review. Thank you again!

Follow Dom on LinkedIn HERE

Subscribe for 20 for 20: https://20for20.com/

Learn more about Sprout Marketing at TrySproutFree.com

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of renewal conversations in multifamily housing and uncover practical strategies to make every day a renewal opportunity. From personalized touchpoints to surprising and delighting our residents, we'll learn how to create a meaningful connection with them throughout their stay. The biggest key: building equity.

Let's transform the way we approach renewals and make each conversation a positive and enriching experience.

Find out about our free trial membership at trysproutfree.com.

On this episode of Marketing Home, Marketing You, we dive into all things social media and take a glimpse at the Sprout Marketing playbook to execute your apartment social media strategy. In this workshop, we’ll start by laying the foundation for your social media strategy, a solid foundation.

Then, we’ll explore how to build scalable systems that can be implemented even when life throws everything at you. These systems will allow for consistent content creation and engagement, ensuring it's not dependent on a single person and can adapt to varying seasons and circumstances throughout the year. As the saying goes, sometimes you need to slow down to speed up, and in the fast-paced world of property management, that can be a daunting task. But fear not, we're here to guide you.

Lastly, we’ll guide you in planning seven days of social media content, empowering you to feel prepared for the week ahead and take that task off your to-do list. 

Sprout's Simply Social Membership provides you with daily captions and graphics for 365 days out of the year. Learn more at watchyourbusinesssprout.com/simply-social-membership

20 Resident Event ideas including:

• Treasure Island Party
• Grab and Go Bounty Bar
• Virtual Treasure Hunt
• Block Party
• Summer Kits To Go
• First-Day of School Photo Booth
• Trail Mix Bar

Learn more about our RETENTION MEMBERSHIP with ACCESS to SPROUT MONTHLY, OUR RESIDENT RETENTION & EVENT MAGAZINE at trysproutfree.com

Each Issue Contains:

• 12+ Event Ideas per Month (complete with Invitations, Social Graphics & Shopping Lists)
• Resident Renewal, Welcome Home, and Appreciation Initiatives
• Monthly templated designs for resident communication: Notices, Calendars, Newsletters
• Every design opens as a Canva template - just add your details.

This episode is going to answer three main points:

1. What are the practical applications for AI in terms of Multifamily?
2. What are the potential landmines that we need to be aware of?
3. Is AI taking my job?

Tune into my conversation with John Gonzalez to find out!

Try out our free membership at trysproutfree.com

On this episode of Marketing Home, Marketing You we're diving into the power of a three-day reset. Making small changes over a three-day period can genuinely transform our life and make us feel like a different person. Whether it's improving our diet or changing work-related habits, these small changes can act as a stepping stone toward building a new identity.

• 30 Unforgettable Resident Event Ideas
• Renewal Conversations: 3 Things You Can Control + 10 Canva Renewal Templates for Summer
• 5 BUDGET-FRIENDLY Resident Gift Ideas for Move-Ins, Renewals, or Just Because
• 10 Resident Notices You Need for the Season
• Plus, Canva Templates for Resident Newsletters, Event Lists & Calendars

Learn more about Sprout at https://www.watchyourbusinesssprout.com/

Our heartfelt conversations delved into the significance of embracing change and personal growth, while also acknowledging the profound emotional impact that accompanies a career transition.

Tune in and immerse yourself as Rebecca candidly reflects on her remarkable 11-year tenure at Sprout, sharing invaluable insights and lessons she has gathered throughout her professional journey. Whether you are contemplating a shift in your own career or seeking inspiration for venturing into the creative realm, don't miss out on Rebecca's invaluable career tips!

At a glance…

[00:02:34] From Family Property Management to Design: A Well-Rounded Career Journey

[00:08:53] Embracing Growth: Developing Design and Leadership Skills Through Experience

[00:14:18] Saying Yes: The Challenge of Setting Boundaries in Small Teams

[00:20:40] Designing & Presenting with Confidence: The Importance of "Fake it ‘till you make it"

[00:30:11] Designing for Clients: Strategies for Effective Communication

[00:31:29] Growing in a Supportive Environment: Learning from Mistakes in Multifamily Culture

[00:34:54] Finding Your Happy Place: Balancing Career Growth and Personal Happiness

[00:38:21] Navigating Change: The Emotional Process of Changing Jobs

Get monthly tips and ideas at trysproutfree.com.

TUNE IN TO HEAR ROBBIE SHARE:

[00:02:10] The Role: President of Property Management

[00:04:32] The Power of Culture: It's An Action, Not Just a Buzzword

[00:08:24] Finding the Right People: Tips & Strategies

[00:12:05] Motivating Employees: Small Wins and Recovery Time

[00:17:55] Accountability: Realistic Expectations and Honest Communication in Leadership

[00:25:30] Recognizing Success: Celebrating Achievements in the Workplace

[00:29:44] Delegating Responsibilities: Striking a Balance for Success

[00:34:36] Finding Your Reset: Tips for Recharging in a High-Stress Field

SAVE TIME. PRESERVE SANITY. SAVING APARTMENT MANAGERS 20+ HOURS A MONTH TRYSPROUTFREE.COM

Drawing from our extensive observations, we've identified three areas that can empower property managers to maintain their joy, even in the face of challenging circumstances.

These keys revolve around effectively managing your morning, attention, and energy. Tune in as we delve into these powerful strategies that will unlock your joy and help you thrive in this profession.

I also want you to meet Charlaina Poole, a remarkable property manager at Creekside Crossing and a star Sprout customer. I was captivated by her boundless enthusiasm and unwavering positivity on social media. Eager to learn and share her insights, I invited her to join me on the podcast where she graciously shared 7 secrets to community manager success.

Save Time, Preserve Sanity -- Saving Apartment Managers 20+ Hours a Month! TrySproutFree.com

It is crucial for property managers and leasing professionals to stay curious about AI technology and its potential impact on the industry in order to stay competitive and improve the resident experience.

Listen in for what I learned that will have the most value for you!

1) WHAT WERE THE TWO MAJOR THEMES OF THIS YEAR'S CONFERENCE?

2) WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF LAUNCHING AND PILOTING COMMUNITIES AS SELF-SERVE FOR EFFICIENCY AND LOWER COSTS?

3) WHAT IS THE LTD PROGRAM AND WHAT DOES IT EMPHASIZE?

4) HOW WILL RENT INCREASES BE SET IN THE FUTURE FOR GREYSTAR LTD?

5) WHAT WERE SOME OF THE INITIATIVES DISCUSSED TO MAKE A COMMUNITY ESG-FRIENDLY?

6) WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF USING AI FOR LEASING?

7) HOW CAN PROPERTY MANAGERS IMPROVE THEIR COMMUNICATION USING CHATGPT TECHNOLOGY?

8) WHAT IS BARBARA’S VIEW ON THE USE OF AI IN THE INDUSTRY?

9) WHAT IS THE MEANING OF CENTRALIZATION IN THE INDUSTRY?

10) WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING CURIOUS ABOUT AI TECHNOLOGY FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS AND LEASING PROFESSIONALS?

The role of a regional manager is critical in property management, as they oversee multiple properties within a specific region. They serve as a link between property owners and on-site managers, ensuring that the properties are well-maintained and profitable.

Tune in to hear our special guests answer:

• How do you leap from property manager to regional supervisor? Any advice?
• What skills prepared you for the role and what current tools/resources help you be the most successful? 
• What are some of the biggest challenges that you face in your role as a regional supervisor? 
• How do you prioritize your time and energy to meet the needs of the multiple communities in your portfolio? 
• You mentioned earning your CAM and CAPS certifications - can you explain what those are and how they have impacted your career in property management?
• Can you share any tips or advice for someone just starting in property management and looking to advance their career?
• How do you balance your personal goals with your professional responsibilities?

Who should watch this episode? Anyone aspiring to be a Regional Manager AND anyone in the current role that wants to learn from others!

Get free multifamily marketing and retention resources at trysproutfree.com.

• 22 Events to Get Residents Talking
• Summer Marketing, Follow-Up, and Referrals
• How to Turn Events Into Marketing
• Follow-Up Scripts
• Meet the Sprout Co-Founders this Convention Season
• Summer: Resident Gifts for Welcomes, Renewals, or Just Because & Resident Notices
• Monthly Planning Calendars, Dates & Newsletters
• Social Media Workshop
• Professional Development Trainings with Anne Sadovsky, Bill Nye, and Dr. Linsday Bira

Join our free apartment marketing membership at TrySproutFree.com

Tune in to hear Alex share:

• Can you tell us about your current role as National Director of Leasing and what a typical day looks like for you?
• How do you manage to oversee leasing for student housing, conventional housing, and innovative living?
• How do you keep the renter top-of-the-mind while still maintaining a strong focus on the financial health of an asset?
• What are the biggest leasing challenges you foresee in 2023? Tips to tackle these challenges?
• I know you’re passionate about outreach and relationship building. Can you talk briefly about your approach and how this has helped you generate results?
• Can you share an example of how analyzing data has impacted a recent decision in the leasing process?
• What are some of the most underutilized opportunities in leasing? (Hint, Sprout is REALLY passionate about this)
• What impact do you think AI and Centralized Leasing will have on leasing?
• Any tips on keeping teams engaged?

TUNE IN TO HEAR LIZ SHARE:

• As COO of Baron, what are your core responsibilities? What does an average week look like for you? Can you share a little bit about your journey?
• What underrated skills helped you in the role you have today?
• How do you cast a vision for the future with your team?
• What is your process for problem-solving business-related challenges?
• How do you recenter when you face a setback or feel defeated?
• In a world where everything has a sense of urgency, how do you set your priorities for the week?
• How do you handle delegation?
• What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in a leadership role? How did you overcome them?
• Our podcast focuses on Marketing Home AND Marketing YOU. How can individuals better present themselves for opportunities they want? How does someone put themselves in line for that opportunity?

This week I have a special guest with me- Carly Peters, Senior Marketing Specialist at Quarterra.

As a Marketing Director over ten luxury communities, you’ll want to hear Carly answer these insightful questions:

• What is your current role and what does a typical day in-the-life look like for you?
• How do you approach overall marketing for your communities?
• What strategies do you use for social media?
• What is a recent marketing or occupancy challenge you've overcome with your team?
• What marketing trends are you most excited about?
• Any marketing or leasing tools you can't live without?

In the March & April edition of SproutMonthly: The Apartment Marketing Magazine you’ll find all things Spring:

• 25 Fresh Resident Events
• 10 Ideas to Drive Leads
• Walk-thru Wednesday: Virtual Tours Made Easy
• Secrets to a Community Garden with Anna-Maria Dimitratos
• RPM Careers Week Gift Guide
• Resident Gifts for Welcomes, Renewals, or Just Because
• Monthly Planning Calendars

Lisa has experience with everything from affordable and Section 8 housing to new construction and class A++ assets, and she’s worked in virtually every type of location – from rural markets to Michigan Avenue, she’s been there. She truly relates to just about anyone in our industry!

She finds great joy in helping individuals and it really comes across in this podcast. Listen in and let Lisa be your mentor for the day.

Here are just a few of the things she shares:

• Where do passion and proficiency come together for you in terms of your career?
• What do you attribute to your longevity and longstanding success?
• What opportunities do you see in the educational space? Areas for improvement in event attendance? Retention?
• How do you come up with such thought-provoking conversation starters on social media?
• Any tips for taking online connections and turning them into real-life relationships?
• What marketing trends are you most excited to watch in multifamily? What trends feel overrated?
• What are the most undervalued marketing and leasing strategies?
• What are your thoughts on personal branding? How can it be done well?
• You hand a notecard to a new leasing professional with no more than 3 sentences on it. What advice are you sharing?
• What advice would you give an operations executive based on what you hear from onsite teams? (What you wish they would really hear.)

Sign up for the SproutMonthly multifamily marketing and retention magazine at trysproutfree.com

Tune in to see how personal branding can help you as an individual and also your company. We’re talking about the sharing of knowledge, gaining attention through that process, and then using that attention wisely.

“The more I amplified my voice personally and the business I represented, it led to warmer introductions, hugs instead of handshakes at conferences, and things like that.” — Mike Wolber

“My rule of thumb is: Provide value at least ninety percent of the time and only ask for something ten percent of the time or less.” — Chris Arnold

Chris and Mike share:

• How do you and others benefit from your personal brand?
• Do you need a strategy for building your online brand?
• How do you come up with varied content?
• How can you build your confidence?
• Strategies to post consistently without letting LinkedIn take over your entire day
• Two things that are a real turn-off when it comes to personal branding
• An honest evaluation of what I (Barbara) can do better with my brand on LinkedIn

• 25 Fresh Resident Events
• 10 Ideas to Drive Leads
• Walk-thru Wednesday: Virtual Tours Made Easy
• Secrets to a Community Garden with Anna-Maria Dimitratos
• RPM Careers Week Gift Guide
• Resident Gifts for Welcomes, Renewals, or Just Because
• Monthly Planning Calendars

Plus, don’t miss our special guest Anna-Maria Dimitratos, Artisan at Judson Park’s Resident Coordinator. She spills the seeds (community garden style) on all things events!

View your copy of the March SproutMonthly HERE.

Listen in as he shares how a personal routine helps him show up as the best version of himself for other people, how to implement a to-do and to-don’t list, the benefits of a gratitude journal, dealing with setbacks, the pros and cons of personal branding, a reading list that will open new doors, how to spot diseased sheep in an organization, and his most important piece of advice for onsite team members.

TUNE IN TO THE FULL EPISODE TO HEAR MY GUEST’S RESPONSES TO THESE QUESTIONS:

1. What marketing trends have you most excited about for the new year?
2. What types of marketing are underutilized in the multifamily space?
3. Can you share some of your recent successes/projects and what strategies/tactics were implemented?
4. Any other marketing tips you'd like to share?

Tune in to the full episode to hear my guest’s responses to these questions:

1. What marketing trends have you most excited about for the new year?
2. What types of marketing are underutilized in the multifamily space?
3. Can you share some of your recent successes/projects and what strategies/tactics were implemented?
4. Any other marketing tips you'd like to share?

Inside you’ll find:

• 10 Lovely Resident Events
• 6 Resident Notices You Can’t Live Without
• Social Media the Simple Way
• 5 DIY Resident Gifts for Any Budget
• Love and Leasing
• February Planning Calendars

A people company that just happens to be in real estate.

A CEO who sees the world through a different lens with an uncanny ability to navigate unchartered waters.

Buckle up, my friends. Dwight Dunton, Bonaventure’s CEO gives us 38 minutes and 46 seconds of his time. And you’re going to want to hear what he has to share.

At just 25, Dwight Dunton was in a very fortunate situation to buy a 370-unit apartment building. The catch? No apartment experience. Listen in as he shares what he’s learned along the way in building a true people company and as a CEO who sees the world through a different lens. Plus:

• How are Bonaventure’s core values more than just words?
• How do you balance the demands of your role as CEO?
• How do you recover when you face a setback or feel defeated?
• Can you share any key decisions you’ve made over the years that were pivotal for massive growth for Bonaventure?
• What are your criteria for your core leadership team?
• What has you fired up for 2023?

Here’s what you can expect to learn when you tune in:

>>Swipe my Marketing Playbook. I’ll be sharing my foundational steps to simplifying marketing.

>> This month’s theme: Marketing Themes to Simplify Your Marketing Strategy

>> Join our Level Up Your Career Challenge: 30 actionable, small steps to level up your career in 2023. Pick one to do each day!

Tony’s voice has gotten stronger, clearer, and more heard over the last few years. Quite a few industry folks are following his LinkedIn and it was time to get him back in here to chat about this very strong personal brand he’s built.

So listen in as Tony tells us what personal branding is to him, why it’s important for every employee, and tips on how to create your own brand or voice. 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

• What is personal branding and why is it important now?
• Why LinkedIn and not, say, Instagram?
• How can creating a strong personal brand be a win for the company you work for?
• Tips for creating your online brand/voice.
• How do you come up with content? In the moment?
• How do you not get overwhelmed?
• How do you manage your “perceived” brand with your current employees?
• What’s next?

Here is a sneak peek of the January edition of SproutMonthly: The Apartment Marketing Magazine. Inside you’ll find…

• Level Up Your Career Challenge
• January Event Ideas and Events for Anytime
• Marketing and Retention Taglines to Kick Off the New Year
• Suzanne Hopson: Centralized Leasing and How It Can Work for You
• January Planning Calendar
• Tips for the New Year: Fair Housing and Customer Service with Anne Sadovsky
• Culture and Leadership Team- Building Multifamily Leaders with Bill Nye
• Emotional Intelligence: The Evolution of You with Dr. Lindsay Bira
• Daily Marketing Themes Sprout Playbook with Barbara Savona
• Perfect Anytime: Events, Gifts, and more!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FOR 2023

The past year, we've loved crafting these magazines as a way to share our ideas and tips and for 2023 we want to take it to a whole other level. Here are a few things you can look forward to in this year:

• Two Months of Ideas: Each magazine includes two months of ideas so you can plan ahead. We will launch a new edition every other month around the 15th.
• Professional Development Training: We are invested in you and your success so we've brought in a team of experts to share their knowledge exclusively with Sprout Members:
• Anne Sadovsky: Customer Service & Fair Housing
• Bill Nye: Building Multifamily Leaders
• Dr. Lindsay Bira: Wellness & Balance
• Barbara Savona: Marketing, Retention, & Social Media
• Plus, all the perks of being a Sprout Member: Daily social plan, printable calendars, design templates, graphic downloads, photography, shopping lists, photo inspiration, and so much more!

Here’s a glance at this episode…

>> (2:08) Unintentional culture

>> (4:18) Emotional vs Rational

>> (6:28) Marketing

>> (7:22) Personnel

>> (10:46) Innovation

>> (12:35) Growth

>> (13:53) Intentional Culture

>> (16:55) Disciplined vs Chaotic

>> (18:12) Strategy vs Temptation

>> (18:58) Consistent vs Impulsive

>> (21:11) Which Culture Do You Have?

Here is a sneak peek of the December edition of SproutMonthly: The Apartment Marketing Magazine. Inside you’ll find…

• 14 WINTER EVENTS That Will Wow!
• THE ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE for Property Management
• Resident Gifts
• Property Manager Gifts
• Leasing Team Gifts
• Maintenance Team Gifts
• Corporate Team Gifts
• New! Sprout Merchandise
• Package Season Notice Tips
• Fair Housing HOLIDAY TIPS from Anne Sadovsky
• Leadership Culture: Intentional Versus Unintential with Bill Nye
• The 6 Pillars of Resiliency that Every Leader Needs with Psychologist, Lindsay Bira
• December Planning Calendar

Here’s a glance at this episode…

08:00 >> The Six Domains or Pillars of Resiliency

10:11 >> Vision

14:12 >> Collaborative Relationships

18:31 >> Composure

21:47 >> Reasoning

26:51 >> Tenacity

31:26 >> Health

35:12 >> Put It Into Action

Throughout 2023, we are going to be building on this foundation of strong leadership and culture in your apartment communities and your management companies. I'm giving you this free piece of member content because it's so valuable, and I want you to get an inside look at what is included when you become a Sprout member.

Here are a few highlights:

02:40 >> What the experts (business leaders, executives, and the college-educated) say culture is

11:15 >> Culture is: What you expect

14:47 >> Culture is: What you will/won't tolerate. How do companies clearly, effectively, and consistently communicate what will be tolerated and what won't be tolerated?

17:30 >> Culture is: How you treat each other

20:30 >> Three questions to ask yourself to build and improve your culture

This week’s episode isn’t about getting things perfectly from the start. It isn’t about how my guest has it all figured out. It’s about evolving as a leader. Growing as a human. Lessons learned along the way. And impacting the lives of those around you for the better in the process.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

02:13 >> The Moment David Realized the Company Culture Needed to Change

05:08 >> How Small Seeds of Wellness Change Began to Take Root at Lynd

08:25 >> Why a Focus on Team Wellness is the Smartest Investment You Can Make

09:45 >> Getting Team Feedback and Internal Polling on a Wellness Program

12:20 >> Wellness Perks Offered at Lynd Living

15:15 >> Find Out David’s Current Morning Routine

17:30 >> The Secret to David Lynd’s Career Success

• Resident Appreciation Week: 18 Event Ideas for Any Budget
• Ask Anne Sadovsky Anything: Tackling Resident Complaints
• 12 Months of Resident Appreciation to Secure the Renewal
• How to Tie in Referrals Into Your Appreciation
• Building Leaders with Bill Nye
• November Planning Calendar

Here’s a glance at this episode…

>> [00:45] - A little about Stephanie Graves, founder and president of Q10 Property Advisors and incoming Houston Apartment Association President for 2023. What does her typical day-to-day look like and more.

>> [09:20] - What skills prepared you for launching your own property management company?

>> [11:42] - Why is it so important to train your teams?

>> [12:55] - How can property managers balance the demands of their role without burning out? 

>> [18:30] - How can onsite teams make decisions that ownership/management would approve while still giving consideration to their residents? 

>> [25:28] - What advice would you give someone just starting in the multifamily industry and unsure of their career path? 

>> [36:15] - What is this Immersion Cruise we’re hearing about?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

>> [01:03] - What is a Drip Campaign and what’s involved

>> [03:55] - What content to include

>> [14:50] - Building a client list

>> [20:33] - Different types of Drip Campaigns

>> [23:39] - Outsource or do it yourself?

>> [30:50] - Tips for the next step

>> [35:05] - Learn more about 30 Lines

Here’s a glance at this episode…

>> [01:45] - Marketing Senior Communities

>> [04:00] - Stumped on Outreach Marketing

>> [06:39] - Building Team Morale

>> [08:32] - Social Media Content

>> [11:13] - Team Building and Training

>> [13:08] - Engaging Residents in Events

>> [15:15] - Small Budgets

>> [17:32] - Events With A Stretched Staff

Here is a sneak peek of the October edition of SproutMonthly: The Apartment Marketing Magazine. Inside you’ll find…

• 8 NEW EVENT IDEAS
• 6 EASY GIFT IDEAS
• ALL THINGS FOLLOW-UP: Our complete guide for follow-up
• SWEATER WEATHER: Our favorite fall sweaters all under $50

Here are a few of the questions Suzanne answers:

• [00:37] - What is your current role and what does a typical day look like?
• [01:55] - What Is Central Leasing, and why was it right for Tricap?
• [05:48] - Why do you think our industry has been so slow to adopt this change in the manager’s role?
• [08:33] - Who is centralized leasing not for?
• [11:30] - What are some challenges to be aware of?
• [18:06] - What are the top benefits of centralized leasing?
• [20:56] - What are standout qualities in employees?
• [26:55] - Getting to know Suzanne better

Connect on Instagram.

Connect on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

>> [01:07] - Get to Know Danielle & Sejla

>> [05:15] - Tips for Transitioning from Property Manager to Regional Manager

>> [14:10] - How Danielle Became a Mentor

>> [21:00] - The Impact of Positivity

>> [23:40] - Getting to Know Your Team

>> [28:25] - A Beneficial Two-Way Street

>> [30:55] - How to Find a Mentor

>> [36:00] - How to Deal with Overwhelm

Connect on Instagram.

Connect on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing.

Connect on Instagram.

Connect on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing.

>> Connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn.

>> Join the FREE Sprout Membership and get an email from me in your inbox each week.

Connect with Multifamily Insiders
MultifamilyInsiders.com

Multifamily Sharespace Facebook Group

Multifamily LinkedIn - Join over 44,000 Insiders!

See the episode webpage at watchyourbusinesssprout.com/sprout-marketing-blog/70-difficult-renewal-conversations

Tips and tricks to have easier renewal conversations when rents are increasing

12 July resident event ideas that are easy and creative

Resident gift ideas for every lifestyle

How to prioritize your leads with saved reply templates

Best places to outreach market your apartment this summer

How to batch social media content with new Instagram template videos

Encourage People to Visit

These can be just a direct shout-out to come to visit with a picture of your community. Get creative with your imagery.

Try holding a cup of coffee or another refreshment and invite them to stop by for a “Sip & Tour!”

Vary pictures of different amenity spaces. Example: Post a picture of the pool with a caption hook, “Want to spend your summer here? Stop by to tour today!”

Include a picture of yourself and do a personal invite to tour with you specifically.

Remember, only about 6% of social media posts are seen by your audience. Combine an old caption with a new photo or video and just like that you have an upcycled post!

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Spotlighting different businesses and hotspots in your neighborhood gives you ENDLESS possibilities for posts.

Ideas:

Your favorite place to get coffee.

Your favorite bakery.

You could do your favorite lunch spot… think sushi, Mexican, Indian, etc.

Your favorite park, grocery store and so much more!

You can also share a post from a business in your neighborhood. Let's say that you follow that bakery and they posted something really neat. Now you can share that post in your stories, make sure you tag them, do an @mention and whatever their handle is and write a fun post.

Example: “Go visit our friends at _____________! They're only two minutes away and we love their chocolate croissants. Thank us later!”

This is a very simple way to get “FREE” content that really helps promote your neighborhood and gets cross-promotion going with other local businesses!

HIGHLIGHT A RESIDENT TESTIMONIAL

Resident testimonials are SO powerful. Take a screenshot of a Google review or a Yelp review or create a graphic in Canva with a few nice words a resident sent via email. You can do this anonymously or include their name with the resident’s consent. Bonus: Ask a friendly resident if they’d be willing to do a video testimonial. You know which resident to ask…the one that loves to chat and isn’t scared of the camera.

SHARE AN FAQ - YOU KNOW YOU GET A TON OF THESE FROM PROSPECTS

Write down the questions that people ask you throughout the week. Then do a regular feature sharing your most frequently asked FAQ’s.

Example: “Hey, it's Friday, and we’re sharing a frequently asked question! You can do it with a video (Instagram stories, reel, TikTok, FB Live). I like the face-to-face interaction, but if you’re not comfortable just do text in an Instagram story. Super, super simple.

TAG-A-FRIEND REFERRAL POST

You can encourage referrals with a tag-a-friend post.

Ideas: Tag a Friend That…

You’d love to have nearby as a walking partner!

You wish was your neighbor so that happy hour could be an hour!

Would love this view.

Get the answers to these questions from a real property manager:

What do you look for in a leasing agent?

What advice would you give?

How did you handle difficult times?

What you will learn in this podcast:

- Advice for Leasing Agents, Property Managers, and Regionals

- What To Look for in Team Building

- How To Stand Out Personally

MAYBE ALL IT TAKES IS LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE?

What you will learn in this podcast:

Advice for Leasing Agents, Property Managers, and Regionals

How To Communicate With Your Team Your Needs

So Much More!

What you will learn in this podcast:

Ways to use Soft Skills: Empathy, Active Listening, and Communication

How to take care of the mental health of you, your team, and your community.

Featured in this week’s apartment marketing podcast:

- 6 Big Branding Mistakes People Make (and how to avoid them)

- 5 Branding Must-Haves for Every Apartment Community

Featured in this week’s apartment marketing podcast:

2 Micro-events

2 Virtual events to host

2 Budget-friendly events

2 Luxury events

Why you should layer your tour information to address pain points for your prospects.

How to focus on your prospect’s lifestyle and tailor your presentation to them.

When to feature your staff, neighborhood, and amenities in a way that serves your prospects.

Get your own guidebook to build your leasing skills.

- What you need to do to grow in the multifamily industry - valuable advice!

- The biggest challenges property managers face - you are not alone!

- Tips to manage a property that’s a larger asset with more residents. What you should automate and what you should make sure you do yourself.

This podcast shares several closing ideas for you to choose from and make your own. Please consider them as a jumping-off point, not a one-size-fits-all, and tailor them to your personality.

If you like what you hear/read/see, it’s a small sample from our Leasing Blueprint Handbook. This is the book I wished I had when I was a leasing professional and why we made it just for you.

Let’s get comfortable closing all those sales!

- Find out which videos you NEED in your marketing.

- How to get done-for-you videos. (We make great videos!)

- A complete guide to DIY your own videos, and our favorite apps to use!

Opt-ins can be a special or discount, but they don't have to be. Information is also a very valuable and coveted item that people want. Below you will find some opt-in ideas that you can utilize today!

Full Episode Info HERE.

- The 2 goal outcomes for social media posts. What are they? And how do you achieve them?

- The secret weapon hundreds of multifamily professionals partner with to shortcut their social media planning and execution.

How 2020 changed our habits 

2 Pillars of Building a Community 

3 Marketing Ideas that Support you and your Local Community

3 Retention Ideas to Create A Corner Of Happiness

3 Event Ideas to Give People An Outlet

1. Drill down on what makes you unique.

2. Talk to people everywhere you go. 

3. Get to work 15 minutes early and establish a start-up routine.

- Get the resources and instructions to host a killer virtual event that everyone will love. We PROMISE. Download them here: watchyourbusinesssprout.com/sprout-marketing-blog/8-heartwarming-events-to-boost-retention

Why easing up on your team might be counterproductive

What your leadership style is - dominator or protector

How to offer the right amount of challenge and support

How to have weekly one-on-ones with your team to drive the results you want

How to progressively escalate conversations (without emotion) to address barriers

Go to episode webpage here.

The example that I use is I would never really be a good team member if Coca-Cola or Pepsi hired me. I'm trying to stop drinking Coca-Cola and Pepsi because I think it's terrible for you and I think it's contributing to a lot of health issues in our country. So I wouldn't have a passion. It’s not the impact I want to have on the world.

So the first question is what is the passion, what are we trying to go build? I want to go find people that have a similar passion. The only way that I can do that is to try to unpack it from my own brain and then recognize if other people have it as well.

People are the most powerful resource a business has, and people are not being tapped into at the level they should be so that they can create impact. And a lot of that is because they're not passionate about what they do or the impact of their work; whether they're with the wrong company or if they're in the wrong industry or if they're just with the wrong team.

The key, as a hiring manager, is to get clear on how I define passion first, so that I can invite people on the journey to go create that impact.

Next you have to define your core values. So often we look at the capabilities or abilities that somebody needs in order to do their role, but just because somebody is proficient at the technical aspect doesn't mean that we're going to work well together. And those core values are really important. Our core values are how we approach the work.

My core values are humble, hungry, and sharp. I just don't work well with people that aren't humble, people that come in with a lot of bravado, boisterous and bragging. They're not bad people; I just don't get them. I don't understand where they're coming from. So subconsciously my trust in them goes down. People that aren't hungry and aren't willing to come in to the office early if we've got some stuff to get done. If I'm coming in at 7:00 and they're coming in at 8:30, I don't trust that we're going to be able to get the work done.

There should be a common thread of beliefs that we have in terms of how we approach our work that increases trust. Like Lencioni says on the Five Dysfunctions of a Team: when we have high trust, that's the foundational point of every high performing and high functioning team out there.

Lastly, define the capabilities needed. This is where you can make your bullet-pointed list of: needs to be proficient in this, needs to be able to do this, needs to be able to do that. Go ahead and get that knocked out. It's important, but I see it as the third most important part because if I can find somebody who is passionate about the work and what we're trying to do, someone who is aligned from a core value perspective, I can teach them a lot of the capabilities that they need to a certain extent. If they're really good on the capability side but we're not aligned on a core value and what we're passionate about? I can't train them on that. I can't teach them that.

So those are your three areas: passion for what we're doing, core values, and capabilities.

We are the type of people that don’t stop when it gets hard. We regroup and get. it. done. And we do it in style.

There is something for everyone - budget-friendly, simple, glam…we got it all!

And guess what?

I have a special offer for you. If you’ve been on the fence about joining the Sprout Membership where you can access EVERYTHING you see on the blog and hear about on the podcast-THIS IS YOUR CHANCE.

>> Use code DECEMBER 25 to sign up and get $25 off your membership. Pay by credit card here or request invoicing here.

1. Sparkle Event: Grab-N-Go

2. Recipe Swap

3. Sweet Treats on the Go

4. Hot Chocolate on the Run

5. Milk & Cookies

6. Card Bar

7. Charity Drive

That’s why I was so excited to virtually “sit down” with STRATIS CEO, Felicite Moorman to talk all things Smart Apartments and Intelligent Buildings. She shares how technology is shaping the landscape of multifamily housing and opening up opportunities that we’ve never had before.

Worried your community is too outdated to implement smart technology? Don’t be! Felicite is sharing how implementing small options can save you thousands in the long haul.

This isn’t just for luxury communities or for Gen Z renters! There is a place for smart technology on all assets and across all demographics. Tune in to see how your community can leverage the benefits and start making the SMART move (see what I did there 😉).

Resources mentioned:

Blog & digital graphic.

Marketing your smart tech graphic bundle.

Connect with Felicite Moorman.

Learn more about STRATIS.

Learn more about Sprout Marketing.

These ideas are simple and fun. We’ve incorporated some of the Creative Holidays from November. Grab your free calendar to start planning!

>>Should individual communities set up Facebook ads or should it be tackled at the management company level?

>>Where to start?

>> How important are digital graphics and messaging to the success of your FB ads strategy?

>> How to pick the right ad agency or partner?

>>Why is anxiety on the rise?

>>When does normal anxiety turn into anxiety disorder?

>>What are the symptoms?

>>What practical steps can someone take to alleviate anxiety?

Let’s rewind for a sec…

When COVID and quarantine first started, I found myself going between two reactions involving food. On days where I had time on my hands and was unsure of what productive thing to do, I was eating all the things (and watching the news way too much). And then, on the other days, I was working long hours with my team to make necessary changes to the business to meet the rapidly changing needs of our clients. Since we provide all the flyers and notices that apartment communities use to correspond with residents, we found ourselves swamped with requests from property managers bombarded with change and uncertainty. On those days, I would go to five o'clock and realized I hadn't eaten.

On both days, I wasn’t feeling good. I would either feel overstuffed and restless OR have a pounding headache from too much caffeine and no food. That went on for a good 30 days.

And then I talked with myself. (I hope I’m not alone in talking to myself?)

I said to myself, "You know, Barbara, you don't know how long this is going to be; it's obviously more than just a few weeks. And since this time is going to pass anyway, it's up to you on how you'll come out on the other side."

And I knew that if I kept going down the path that was going, I would not feel good, six, eight months later.

And so I thought, "Okay. When else am I going to have this opportunity to put a little bit more of a focus on my health and on what I'm eating and on moving my body?" I decided to work with a health coach. And today, I'm sharing our interview.

How do we know what our culture is really like?

How can you change it around?

Setting rules actually handicaps your employees.

How to let someone go (and how it can actually be a good thing!)

I know you will benefit from the conversation! Listen to the audio below or check out the video for a full experience and SO many more laughs.

How are they meeting the challenges?

I wanted to know, so I reached out to a few of my friends and colleagues in our industry and I’m so excited to share insights from each of them about handling challenges and overcoming obstacles.

Learn from her today on the topic of HASHTAGS. She’ll cover:

What are hashtags?

Why do you need to use them in your post captions?

How do you do it?

The way they lead and communicate with residents and team members was so impressive, I wanted to visit with COO, Jared Miller, to learn more about what was happening behind-the-scenes to foster such a united front. I think you’ll benefit greatly from his insights as I know I did.