As any true property management professional will tell you that communication is key and there are a myriad of ways to communicate with tenants. We rely on the tried and true, phone call, email, website, work order systems, social media, and the good old fashioned face-to-face meeting, but the real question: Is your communication effective? Do your tenants pay attention? When they stop listening, or talking, things can deteriorate quickly. If they do not know the story, they may make it up. Here are some tips to help get your ideas across and hold onto a solid relationship.
BE CLEAR – Remember the old standards: Who, what, when, where and why – they are not just for news stories. Addressing these questions is a very clear and simple way to communicate your message. Tenants, just like building owners and managers, are very busy. Opening an email and clearly seeing the message instead of having to read a paragraph is extremely helpful and will go a long way with tenant relations.
BE CONCISE – Be sure to communicate your message with as few words as possible. Don’t be verbose but give the details they need to understand WHAT is happening and WHY.
BE CONSISTENT – Use your branding with every newsletter, eblast, or posted signage. You name it…literally! Use the same font, color, subject line, etc. Tenants will appreciate the consistency.
BE ENGAGING – Make your subject line count! Catchy subject lines and enticing article headlines are a couple of ways to engage your readers. Most of us get so many emails and messages every day. If you want yours read, grab their attention!
BE CORRECT – Grammar, punctuation, and accuracy of information are very important and will instill confidence in you from your tenants. There is nothing worse than having to circle back because you hastily put out the wrong information.
BE COMPLETE – Remember that you know what you know, and they know what they know. Include all the necessary information to eliminate questions in the future. Think of it from the tenants’ perspectives.
BE RESPECTFUL – Your tenant’s time is important. Instead of sending several eblasts a month, try condensing it into a newsletter. Tenants will appreciate being informed without being inundated.
The world is a loud, fast, noisy place. Be obsessed with finding creative and effective ways to communicate and build those relationships. Always give your tenants your attention and keep them informed about what is happening in the building, around the property, and in the surrounding community. It’s the people that keep business humming along!
Want more tips about Tenant Communication? Browse through our blog or connect with us directly:
Beanstalk Real Estate Solutions
Detroit Property Management
422 W. Congress, #200
Detroit, Michigan 48226
(313)446-8060
info@BeanstalkRES.com