Heck yes! There isn’t just room for it, it is essential.
I recently had a phone interview to be a speaker at an upcoming event in Sydney where they said their main focus for the event was really facts, figures, and solid data, to which I kindly replied, “Are you sure you are interviewing the right Kelley Rigby.” After explaining what I do, I proposed a session we could run called “Is there still room for the fluffy stuff?” To which they replied with an enthusiastic YES.
In a day and age where there are great AI programs to make our lives easier, which they do 100%, it is essential to still have the “Fluffy Stuff.”
It seems like every webinar, every seminar, or industry update we participate in always comes back to relationships and community. The technology that is built around us and is there to help us catapult our business, which is fantastic, but if you don’t have the foundations of relationships, then what is the point? I mean when you look at it, the word is quite literally in our title CTS COMMUNITY title scheme. While technology certainly plays a significant role in streamlining operations, enhancing communication, and providing valuable insights, it is the personal touch that distinguishes a successful manager in the industry. Developing rapport, understanding the needs and preferences of the owner, and actively demonstrating care for the community are essential in cultivating positive relationships and achieving long-term success.
If you are sitting there wondering, Kelley, this all sounds great but where and when do I start building these relationships. The answer is yesterday and by simply starting conversations…
Here are some ideas:
1 Pick up the phone and start talking. I feel like a broken record sometimes, but building relationships isn’t hard. You just need to put yourself out there, be authentic and start getting to know your community.
2. Have a community event like a BBQ or a trivia night….
3. Newsletters or video updates are a great way to build your trusted brand.
Nervous about picking up the phone… Here is a script to help you get started!
“Hi Tim, it’s Kelley here, YOUR onsite manager at Rigby Residence. How are you? Tim, I am just ringing to let you know (add information about something that has happened within the complex). While I have you Tim, how are things traveling with your property? Did you need anything or is there anything we can help with?”
At the end of the conversation, you can even say, “Also, Tim, we are going to ring owners every 3 months just to check in, is that OK? Obviously, if you need us before then, this is my personal number”. …… This will lead into more information and conversations.
While technology serves as a valuable asset in the Management Rights industry, it is the integration of technology with human relationships that drives success. As we navigate the dynamic industry landscape, it is imperative not to overlook the significance of the “fluffy stuff” – the personal connections, community engagement, and human interaction that truly make a difference. Therefore, there is undoubtedly still ample space for the fluffy stuff in this tech-driven world, and it is this element that ultimately distinguishes an exceptional manager from a good one.
