When considering serving a local apartment community, one person you need to spend time and effort building a relationship with is the property manager.
If you don’t live onsite at an apartment community, and you aren’t connected to a resident who lives onsite, the most effective plan is to approach the property manager carefully in advance and obtain their approval. Property managers may be skeptical or even against any kind of ministry activity happening in the apartment community, and if that is the case, it is a closed door for the time being. However, property managers often change their minds over time, especially if you are proposing a real way you can care for the community.
If you approach the property manager, respectfully, and expresses clearly that you wish serve, help, and to make life better for the residents, most property managers will hear you out. The goal is to help the property manager see you as a resource for the community and not as someone who is creating extra work for them.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
1. Be considerate of the property manager’s time. Do not attempt to meet with the manager on the first few days of the month, the last few days of the month, and avoid meeting midday. These are the busiest times for property managers. Instead, find a time when they have space in the day and meet with them then.
2. Think about life and work from the property manager’s perspective. Their job requires them to balance the needs and desires of the residents with those of the owners, too. They know about struggles and problems residents face but often don’t have the time or resources to assist with those problems. Approach them with a desire to help with these challenges. How can you make their residents’ lives better and their life easier?
3. Ask about needs. After explaining that your team is interested in serving the community, ask the property manager questions such as, “What needs do you see in the community?” Be open and curious, ask questions, and listen well.
Caution: Do not offer something unless you are confident you can actually provide it. If you say you can provide welcome baskets to new residents, but you don’t have the budget to do that, you have already let the property manager down.
4. Be sensitive and go slow. The property manager doesn’t know you. Take your time to get to know him or her and remember to be curious about the needs residents of the community face.
Building a relationship with a property manager is essential when seeking to serve an apartment community, especially if you lack an onsite connection. Approaching them respectfully, at appropriate times, and with a genuine desire to support both residents and management helps establish trust and credibility. By listening well, understanding their challenges, and only offering what you can realistically deliver, you position yourself as a helpful resource rather than a disruption.
Should you want more tips on connecting with property managers, head into our community!
