The Training Factor - Latest Comments

Re: Flooding and Defeating the Mold Monster

Jonathan Saar — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:46:03 -0000

I appreciate your support and comment. Have a happy Friday!

Re: Flooding and Defeating the Mold Monster

Allyson Dwanes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:10:48 -0000

Your write ups regarding ways on how to defeat mold is of much great importance. Continue posting such sensible information to everyone. Much thanks and more power to your blog!

Re: Fair Housing No No – Which Church Do You Attend?

Jonathan Saar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:34 -0000

Great comment and insights. I really appreciate adding to the conversation and I like how you highlight the seriousness behind the Fair Housing law. Thanks for weighing in!

Re: Fair Housing No No – Which Church Do You Attend?

Kwashbourne — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:20:02 -0000

Training also needs to be complimented w ongoing discussion of different scenarios and real life HUD mystery entrapment that has happened. Most associates don't realize that changes to policies and procedures (like accepting rent after a close out bc the resident has asked for this due to when she receives her disability check) is what u must do to protect your company...that this is reasonable bc it could be explained to an owner and remedied in your pm software monthly.

Yet...how many of us would tell her no? Disability fair housing issues are the most easily overlooked and misunderstood. They also happen a lot. Continuous discussion and going deepervis the answer. You must think with fair housing. Truly think and make the concerted effort to both act in the same manner and yet be prepared to give more than u may feel is necessary...bc it is necessary...and legally evening the playing field to make the housing accessible.

Re: Fair Housing No No – Which Church Do You Attend?

Jonathan Saar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:35:05 -0000

Wow!! Thanks for adding that tidbit. I am sure it serves as a valuable lesson to your team. Thanks for sharing and contributing to this post!

Re: Fair Housing No No – Which Church Do You Attend?

Missy Bentley — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:05:26 -0000

What the pic doesn't show is that on the side of the application, after the "Which church do you attend?" it goes on to ask "How often?" When my team asks why they have to constantly take Fair Housing training, I will show them this application.

Re: Fair Housing No No – Which Church Do You Attend?

Jonathan Saar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:02:05 -0000

I agree Mechelle 100%. That is why regular training and coaching are critical elements to making sure your team is on their toes. Thanks for the feedback!

Re: Fair Housing No No – Which Church Do You Attend?

Mechelle — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:49:04 -0000

The sad fact is that this was probably an innocent question on the guest card. However, as we have seen so many times in the past these sorts of innocent questions can be misused and abused and can get us all in a lot of trouble with the Fair Housing folks. Better to be safe than sorry.

Re: A Recipe for a Successful Apartment Lease

Renee Saar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:05:48 -0000

Ryoungone, it sure sounds like you know your stuff! I think you would be sure to pass the course with flying colors. It seems you picked up right away on what Mary did incorrectly. Good job! Many of us here have worked on site and have seen things like this taking place. You would be surprised at how many people make the same mistakes that Mary did in our video example. It's nice to know there are people out there like you who do a great job and we make it our aim to teach others how to be great multi-family professionals as well. Thanks for watching!
Renee Saar - VP of Operations - The Training Factor

Re: A Recipe for a Successful Apartment Lease

Jonathan Saar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:19:57 -0000

If you had noticed the question prior to the actual scene it posed this: "Can you detect anything wrong with what this leasing professional is saying?" Our training helps lead the learner to the correct conclusion as opposed to just giving information. Our education team designs our courses with complete compliance in mind and also with the pattern of how our learners are engaged. Thanks so much for your feedback.

Re: A Recipe for a Successful Apartment Lease

Ryoungone — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:07:04 -0000

As a multi family professional for 30 years with a CPM, I was somewhat shocked by your video stating that the community was safe for tenants with a security guard at the community. Where have you been?? First, Residents not Tenants, you can't promise safety, and use courtesy officer instead of security officer. Your "training" is setting people up for a law suit. Please educate yourself first before trying to educate others!

Re: Rental Insurance Programs-An Interview with Melissa Foley

george — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:27:24 -0000

Hey,nice post.You have done a great job by sharing this post with us.Really great to finally find a blog I can relate to. Just my kind of thing.

Re: Master the Art of Listening

April Atkins — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:58:40 -0000

Since our brains have the capacity to process 275 more words per minute than are actually spoken, we tend to fill up the void with extraneous thoughts. Notice how when someone is speaking, you are partially listening, while simultaneously planning the rest of your day, replaying a meeting that just occurred, or deciding what you will say next. Paying attention is the cardinal rule for good listening. Hear the words, and let their meaning in. If your mind wanders, simply re-focus your attention on the conversation.

Re: Master the Art of Listening

April Atkins — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:51:53 -0000

I remember reading about how doctors who made house calls oh-so-many years ago didn't actually need all that much medical training. They would go to their patient's house and sit and listen to the patient describe whatever was ailing them. This took time but, at the end of the visit, without the doctor really doing anything, the patient would miraculously feel better. As others here have commented, we all just want to be heard and giving the gift of being there for someone and really listening is gold. I used to have a hard time with that since I always felt that I should be doing something to support the other person vs. just being there. The doing always got in the way. Being there and being present and really listening is the best gift we can give others.

Re: Ten Tips to Improve Internet Responses

Jonathan Saar — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:26:52 -0000

Paul thanks so much for your comment. Little reminders like these really help solidify our daily process. Training and reminders are so crucial since our days can get so busy but fundamentals are so necessary. Thanks again sir!

Re: Ten Tips to Improve Internet Responses

Paul Petersen — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:14:29 -0000

Jonathan - Great Tips. I forwarded them onto all my on-site resident managers. Number 2 is so important make sure that you engage the contact and give them a call to action so they know what is next to move forward in the leasing process.

Re: Ten Tips to Improve Internet Responses

Jonathan Saar — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:20:41 -0000

Thanks for your thoughts sir. That is why it is so critical to have a training and coaching program in place. Fear is almost always present because there is a lack of knowledge and empowerment. When that is removed it's amazing to see those wings work and fly! I appreciate you taking the time to comment Mike.

Re: Ten Tips to Improve Internet Responses

mbrewer — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:06:54 -0000

J - All great points. I especially like point number one. You are dead on yet so many companies out there, largely because of fear, template the response.

Hope your day rocks!

Re: Ten Tips to Improve Internet Responses

Jonathan Saar — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:02:12 -0000

Thanks Cynthia! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Re: Ten Tips to Improve Internet Responses

Cynthia — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:47:00 -0000

Jonathan - many of us that work with property management clients know just how hectic the pace is in the leasing office. I will share these 10 tips with my property management clients -- they will be a HUGE help and a gentle reminder. Thanks!

Re: Mystery Shopping –Step Beyond the Guest Card

Jonathan Saar — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:46:51 -0000

Excellent points Mechelle. Thanks for sharing your insights. Creating the interest is critical and many times does not come automatically. Training, coaching and mentoring really help facilitate that ability. I appreciate your comment!

Re: Mystery Shopping –Step Beyond the Guest Card

Mechelle Flowers — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:54 -0000

I couldn't agree more. Completing the guest card is for gathering information, but should not be a measuring feature of the mystery shop. A true "Sales performance evaluation" should be about whether or not the Leasing Professional actually attempted to create enough desire and interest over the phone to get the prospect to come to the community.

Re: Apartment Marketing with Foursquare -Optimizing Opportunities

Jonathan Saar — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:21:21 -0000

I agree MAA. I see it all the time where PM folks are overwhelmed. What I always wonder though is how they feel when they see other local businesses doing well with it? Was it really that hard to set up and manage? I understand the culture shift that is taking place. I foresee though many more understanding the dramatic shift in marketing and that the traditional approaches are not as valid.

Re: Apartment Marketing with Foursquare -Optimizing Opportunities

Jonathan Saar — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00:28 -0000

I could not honestly tell you who set up the notification I highlighted in my post. Mike Whaling highlights a couple good examples though. I agree with you totally on the need for a solid follow through and training program. It means little to set something up and then not to leverage it. It can provide that extra value for a niche environment in my opinion. I am actually trying to set up our own company page for Foursquare and it really does not matter for us at all. At the very least I want to know how it works for a typical community or business. Overall I have seen any PM companies who have posted stats on the how using this tool has helped them. I am confident we will see something soon. :) Thanks for adding to the conversation sir.

Re: Apartment Marketing with Foursquare -Optimizing Opportunities

MAA — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:56:55 -0000

Eric, I was wondering about that too. It's hard enough already to convince so many PMs to keep up with FB and Twitter. Adding FourSquare to the mix might be too much. I would hate for them to get overwhelmed and ignore the social channels they already use.