Times are tight this year for everyone. Marketing budgets have dwindled and it's becoming increasingly hard to attract new residents. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all of the free marketing available to you. What a better way than to help people in the process????
Charitable giving has long been a marketing technique in the apartment industry. Help the community, get your name out there, it's a win win for everyone! Times are tougher than ever, the need for giving is greater than ever, and your need for new residents is likely greater than ever! So take advantage of this opportunity and select a charity to help out with this holiday season. Get your employees, residents and community involved and you'll see great success!
In case you need some inspiration, here are some ideas of charities you can get involved with this holiday season.
1. Toys for Tots
Provides toys for children in need
2. Make A Wish
Make an ill child's wish come true. You can donate or volunteer your time.
3. Salvation Army
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
Offers a variety of giving opportunities, including Coats for Kids and the Angel Tree
4. Holiday Mail for Heroes
Send holiday cards to American soliders overseas
5. Feeding America
http://www.feedingamerica.org/
Food banks across the country are running low in these tough economic times. This is a great organization!
6. Soles 4 Souls
Soles4souls has a mission of helping people by providing them shoes in those areas of the world where there is no shoe store, much less the money to buy shoes.
7. Sponsor a neighborhood family
There's nothing better than helping out someone in your own backyard. Odds are there are residents in your community who are facing tough times. It's likely no secret as they're already in contact with you because of their rental payments, so why not take an opportunity to ask these families if they'd be interested in some assistance for the holidays. I know it seems like an overwhemling task, but I've seen it done successfully and it has had a great impact on the community. Here are a few tips:
In your newsletter, send a notice to your residents about your campaign, maybe call it Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and ask residents who need a little help to just send in a letter about their need. You can also ask neighbors to send in a letter about another family in the community. Sort of like a "nomination." You may get one or two or you may get a handful. Don't turn anyone away, anyone who sends in a letter will get something.
Next begin your campaign by taking compiling a list of things that are needed and getting the word out there. Keep the families identities anonymous. Send letters, put signs up, host a resident giving party, contact local businesses...you can secure a great number of items for these families!
I hope some of these ideas inspired you to get involved. The holidays are a great time to begin a giving program, and once you get the hang of it, it's something that you can implement all year long!
Morgan Oney, CAM
http://www.mynewsletterconnection.com/
Internet and email newsletters for you to communicate with your residents! They're creative, interactive, and best of all, affordable!
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