Why I Love January

I don't know why, but I can honestly say, January is a great month for leasing. Do you agree? Maybe it is all the people who did not want to move during the holiday months are now ready to make the needed change.

I wonder if the challenging economy with effect our January '09? There sure are a lot of job cuts out there and the paper informs us of new ones each week. I am still going to be optimistic as there are still people renting apartments.

So, I challenge you, what are you doing to get your "unfair share" of the traffic during one of our best winter months? Here is a little checklist to help you make sure you are putting your best designer shoe forward:

1. Landscaping - some of you are still in bloom, while others are living through the miserable winter wet weather. Is there something you can do to spruce up your look? While managing a community in Chicago, I tricked the eye with silk flowers.

2. Night time Marketing - the sun is setting early and lighting is very important. Where I live, it is already dark when the evening rush hits. Add an elegant glow to your community and get people to notice you.

3. Sales Path - put some extra signage along the path to remind people what your community offers. It is a competitive world and you want to make certain people remember you!

4. Step up the Model - what can you add to your model to sell a warm and cozy home environment? Possibly a furry throw on the cuddle couch, fuzzy slippers under the coffee table and a juicy book.

5. Deal Sweetener - talk it over with your team and think of a cool item that you can offer to be one step above the competition. At a community I am consulting with, we decided to offer a Ipod docking station in the kitchen. I love this idea because it helps us lease and since the docking station is a permanent addition to the apartment and adds value to the asset.

6. Guest Card Goldmine - every person that called or visited should be invited back in the month of January. In other words, don't just wait for the traffic to spike, create your own traffic.

7. The team that dresses together works better together. I really beleive this. When we are all dressing alike, it tends to reinforce the concept that we are a team. Head out to the after holiday sales and get a deal on something fun to have everyone wear in the office. Find something really cool and watch the enthusiasm in your office improve.

8. Stay Open - this is not the month to close early! In fact, advertise that you are open. At 5pm, put signs along the road that say "We're Still Open - when others are not!"

Now get yourself prepared for a fantasitc January! If you want more traffic and leases you must have a plan. Always plan your work and then work your January Plan.