Brainstorming-House Rules 2010

Editor's Notes

• #3: Kim – Welcome! Did you think you were attending a session about student housing marketing? well this is but this is also going to be the best workout of your career! As you can tell by our photos we both have personal dedications to sports. Ultimately everything we do from our careers to marketing requires a certain amount of dedication. I started my career in multifamily as a leasing consultant when I was a college student working for a campus landlord. I have been in student housing 10 out of my 15 year industry experience and love every minute of it. I am privileged to work for a company who embraces creativity, gives me the freedom to make things happen and ahead of or part of the latest trends! To be honest this is the type of personality it takes to be the big marketer on campus.Dan – We are excited about sharing some of our experiences with you today. My background is in both on-campus student housing and privatized student housing. My company currently manages approx 30,000 beds of student housing around the country. I have spent the last 13 years in student housing, and I love what I do! As Kim said, this does take dedication, but we also think it takes just a little bit of… CRAZY 
• #4: A little more about our backgrounds?
• #5: In the spirit of student housing, here is the syllabus we will be following today! Our goal is to give you resources, tools and ideas that will allow you to immediately go back and implement at your communities. As your instructors, we have worked hard to fit as much content into this class session as possible. We see this as buffet style, that is, there is a lot here to put on your tray. We believe you will come away with at least a few take-aways, so we will be summarizing each of our 5 sections with our takeaways, and asking you to come up with your own. Are you ready???
• #6: We are starting this session by talking about connections, because this is really the key to success in working with students. We’ll be spending some time giving you tips on how to best connect with today’s student, and also helping to see why we want to not only connect with our residents, but get them connected with one another and with their college or university.
• #7: When we talk about connections, it’s really about the idea of community. I’m sure you have been a part of communities in the past, where you felt like you truly belonged. This may have been a sports team, an organization, etc… when you feel connected, you feel proud to be a part of something. It’s much bigger than 4 walls and a roof. This is a sense of place, a sense of belonging, of pride. This directly affects several things, including retention, word-of-mouth marketing, and actually making a real difference in the lives of our residents. The research in higher education actually shows that students in a positive student housing community do better in academics, graduate a higher rate, and are retained at their institution at a higher rate. The cool thing about this is that by building these connections, we are actually really making a difference… (this is a good transition to the scrapbooking part)
• #8: KIM: Think about all those great memories you had in college! Remember the good times, the bad times, the break ups the hook ups….how can you create the memories that will scrapbook the future at your own community? Host events, take lots of photos, share with them. It’s not just a community of residents it’s a community of memories! DAN: The special impact of working with students… memories.
• #9: In all of your advertising efforts ultimately your goal is to make the “connection” It’s ok to be edgy and use taglines, photos to draw them in, but be careful not to try too hard or they’ll see right through it! Just tell us what we need to know and forget all the “fluff” we don’t have time to fish out the details. As move forward through the connections in marketing ask yourself are you speaking the language?DAN – something about not trying too hard… 1995 called and they want dope back.
• #10: DAN: I doubt any of you would argue with the fact that your property website is the best marketing tool you have. When it comes to student housing, this is all the more true. Kim is going to get into some more specifics, but one thing I wanted to mention is that in student housing, the webstie development is not a one time thing. This template you see here came as a result of multiple focus groups, research and a lot of different prototypes, and after just 2 years, we are already getting feedback that this is outdated. My point here is that your website deserves constant attention when you are targeting a student market.KIM: Your property/company website is your most powerful and resourceful marketing tool not only to students, but parents and the university. What does your brand represent on your website? Do you clearly state who you are and why students choose you as their first choice in off-campus housing. Make sure you are monitoring your googleanayltics reports to see where on campus is driving the most traffic to your website. We receive approximately 20,000 unique visits each month and the top 10 referring sources always include 3 campus sites along with Facebook, Google, Bing, Yahoo and our corporate website.
• #11: Important to remember the connection and sense of community in videos, not just floorplans, models, buildings. It’s more value to show the energy, friendships and relationships you have with your students. This principal needs to apply for all video properties. We are too fearful in our industry and it shows in many community videos. Stop being afraid to feature real life! We have more residents tell us they were SOLD after seeing our video playing on the website and TV in our model.
• #12: Like Dan stated earlier the connection is not just about you connecting with your residents, but also about connecting with the university. Show you are just as connected, support and value the university you represent. It’s ok to have some fun, show a personality and it truly becomes a conversational piece! Your giving them decorating ideas they can take back and make their own. Just be careful to keep it tasteful and think smart when shopping. If done right the students will ask where you bought the items to decorate. Think Target, Bed Bath Beyond, Kohls not Pottery Barn!Dan can mention the partnership marketing aspect of furnishing models for free
• #13: The amenities you have in your clubhouse or even the pool should “not” reflect that of a sterile room with four walls, white paint and no sense of excitement. Once again this goes back to making the connection with the university you represent. Be creative with your amenities, make the room FUN and a place they WANT to hang and not just a room to brag about on your website or brochure.
• #14: Yes these are real photos from properties and some are even in student housing! When doing research online I found more of this than the previous pictures we just looked at. Let me ask you do these excite you to check it out? Is this something you would brag to your friends about? These are the questions you need to ask yourself on just about everything especially photos!!
• #15: When taking photos of your amenities show your brands personality. Consider using residents. They want to and will be telling all their friends to check them out online. Let them tell your story. Doesn’t tanning and laundry look so much more fun in these photos than just seeing them alone?
• #16: Mobile has become the preferred method of communication for our millennials. Email is now the new snail mail. With mobile being the “preferred” choice to communicate, locate and find information how are you adapting to their demands? As you can see there are still several methods to contact them, but what really stands out is text to get more details and a coupon.
• #17: Like we saw earlier you can use text for getting more information, but what about talking to your residents? As I mentioned earlier email is the new snail mail and mobile is the preferred method to communicate. You need to Stay connected…on average we have 13-18% of residents actually open emails. They get bombarded with 100’s of emails daily! Many of our residents don’t see what we post on Facebook because they do not have data plans on their phones-too expensive. Most effective method of communication- TEXT!! Keep them in the loop of events, emergencies, promotions and games on Facebook! Text is MOST preferred method of communication!!!
• #18: Dan… We use IRIO for our mobile marketing, which includes functionality like Kim mentioned. One additional piece I thought I’d add is the emergency messaging component we have in place with our provider, IRIO. We use IRIO in many of the same ways Kim does, and we also have a double opt-out system, so even if residents don’t want the regular text messages, they will still receive any emergency messages.Text 47464 with the word BRAINSTORMING
• #19: It's all about the "Connection" - Connecting the students with your community, the university and themselves.  Building the real sense of "Community".  Create memories of a lifetime by scrapbooking the future.  1. Don’t force it. They see through “fake.”2. Connect online and offline!3. Don’t miss out on mobile marketing opportunities.4. Get the residents connected with their school5. Make sure your team sees the big picture of making a difference & creating a “scrapbook” of lives.
• #21: Creating "Raving Fans" within the community and beyond (partnership marketing, community ambassadors, campus liaisons, Facebook and other Social Media) Lots of slides, examples, resourcesKim"Not being involved online = not owning a TV"It's not too late, but it's time to get on board Over 80% of students participate in SM with these numbers you need to be visible and easy to findThink of SM as beyond Facebook and Twitter...what other online sources have you made yourself visible? Flickr, Youtube, Links on Campus Resource websites, School Newspaper (onliine), ILS, Craigslist, etc.Over 50% of twenty something say Facebook is favorite siteNot "if you build it they will come" - You can't just throw it up there.Students LOVE free stuff...have fun do scavenger hunts, trivia to win gift cards, etc.The conversation is happening, regardless of whether you are getting involved.comments, suggestions, reviews...there all happening all online.  Creating a sense of community ONLINE.Working with businesses. Speaking their language. VIP ProgramCollaborative marketing"Student VS Food"Use existing resources in campus community (Campus Newspaper example)The school newspaper is still the most trusted source for studentsHow you can do this on a smaller scale. Principles are the same on- or off-line. Olentangy Village program exampleDanWhere to start putting your focus (ie, Twitter is not where this population is really at right now)Covending concept ("You represent 7 figures of spending power at your property.")"Win winwin"Showing you care"Kim & Dan's top 5" take-aways/action itemsPICK FIVE businesses to meet with.
• #23: Social media can be everything from facebook, twitter, blogging, foursquare, gawalla,uloop, but what really matters is where the students hang out and what they view as social media.
• #24: With Facebook being the most trusted source for millenials let’s start here first. It’s obvious between the ages of 18-34 they spend over 8 hours a week on Facebook and about 22 hours per week online as a whole. The highest ethnicity group who are the most active on Facebook are Asians over 39% says social media examiner.
• #25: Facebook does not follow the theory build it they will come. You can’t just throw it up there and expect 200 followers overnight. In order to get the followers on and off line you must first establish a to-do-list. Were going to do a little exercise to help you better understand how a brand paints a picture, provides insight, entertainment, promotion and creativity in which people follow, admire, trust, respect. Everyone turn to your right and tell the person sitting next to you your favorite page on Facebook and why?One suggestion is to have a student who is either on staff or maybe even hire as an intern to help you with your Facebook conversations!
• #26: This summer I had an opportunity to hire an intern who we called Intern Dave. Dave really gave me the inside scoop on why students will like “you” on Facebook. Of course there are many personalities among students, but when testing his theories I was amazed by how true his tips really were. I’m going to show you a small clip of an interview we did together, but for more video footage check out houserules on facbeook!
• #27: Here’s the reality…Facbook is fun and relaxing. Not going to check out your page to see if the rates have changed or if there are specials. Don’t think of Facebook as a place for deals. People love attention. Want to be on the page. Talk up your residents. Have games, trivia, scavenger hunts
• #29: We take pleasure in getting to know your staff. ½ apt. ½ club Think of them as a DJ you listen to someone you feel you get to know them it becomes a celebrity figure not just a face we don’t know. You become comfortable and want to talk to them, hang out with them at resident events. This ties back to the connection. Connecting your residents with your staff!!
• #30: With 80% of students participating in social media and over 50% say Facebook is their favorite, you must think beyond Facebook and Twitter to bee seen and heard!
• #31: Thinking beyondFacebook and Twitter what other online sources have your made yourself visible. Yes not many students are active on Foursquare, Flickr, but they are active on sites like youtube, craigslist, review sites, listing sites and most importantly the university sites. Are you clearly visible and is your brand expressed on campus sites like off-campus student services and publication sites? The key thing to remember with any online marketing you MUST work your ads to gain all the benefit. It’s not up to the ad to sell your apartments it’s up to you!Google yourself! Look and see which of these potential referring sources make the top of the list or on the first page.students are talking online and beyondFacebook! They love to talk. If something catches our eye or if something is really bothering us we want all our friends to hear about it. We will share our thoughts on facebook, twitter and around campus. We care what our friends have to say and our word spreads quickly regardless if we like or don’t like you!
• #32: DAN: Utlize your students! (Dan will talk about the SMC committee at Campus Advantage). We may or may not want to move this somewhere else, but it’s been key to us coming up with good ideas (letting our students control it)
• #33: Your brand is ever evolving from your past, present and future. It’s not just your core values, personality, and culture that are changing, but the words and actions that contribute to the perception and impression. The key thing to remember about storytelling is there are always a speaker, a listener and the position of the story. It’s the reality of what we say and how it’s perceived by others.students are talking online and beyondFacebook! They love to talk. If something catches our eye or if something is really bothering us we want all our friends to hear about it. We will share our thoughts on facebook, twitter and around campus. We care what our friends have to say and our word spreads quickly regardless if we like or don’t like you!
• #34: Since students love to talk give them the opportunity to talk and ask how they feel? Ask and they will tell. This helps you as a brand learn what areas you need to improve on where you maybe lacking and even areas of strength.Take the opportunities you find online, from others in your community and around campus. Listen to complaints, suggestions or feedback and make change! Improve on your overall customer service, process, and product.It is up to us to build strong relationships, increase interaction among our customers, prospects and peers. Ultimately to gain respect you must learn to connect by seeking out opportunities to connect in person and through online sources your customers trust and value.
• #35: Of course we know students love anything for FREE!! If your looking for greater survey results as in numbers and a good sampling of opinions, then think about offering an incentive to participate in your survey.
• #36: Students want to be part of anything new or relevant. Like the hottest new spot on campus, or incentives to new restaurants, shopping or place to hang out. Student ARE very brand conscious. They want the newest, the best and latest trends. Students are bargain hunters and take advantage of specials, coupons and promotions…in this economy who doesn’t??
• #37: We took this concept and made a UV VIP club. By being part of the “club” you receive extra deals that you can’t get anywhere else on campus. Anything to free food, discount obuckeye clothing, to happy hour deals. We created a shoppers card and promote all the deals online through our blog and our website. This way it allows for growth of new vendors, but also allows the deals to change. It’s a win win for the vendor as they are not committed to a deal for long period time like in print and it keeps the resident intrigued by the constant chages.
• #38: By having your Deals online allows the vendor to update, add or change their special depending upon what is working and what is not working. It’s all about them…NOT you! Remember this VIP deal is to benefit a party of 3. 1s the resident, 2nd the vendor and finally the buzz will benefit us!
• #39: We have continued our partnerships with the vendors beyond the VIP cards. For example Eggfast did UV trivia on their Facbook page to win FREE food for anyone. They also added our page to their favorite page and they tag us in post so it seen on both facebook pages.
• #40: Some other ways to include your partners are through your community events. Some will sponsor or even give extra discounts on your order. Great for you to save and great for the residents to sample the food. If they like it, they will return and keep buying off your VIP deal.
• #41: Campus outreach should be considered just as important if not more than your online presence. What other better way to be seen, heard and understood than right in front of the student themselves. This year we partnered with the school newspaper and a few of our VIPs and headed out to the OVAL which is where all the students hang out at Ohio State every Wednesday from 12-2pm. We made it consistent and each of us created an event on our Facebook pages about who was going to be there and what we were doing. All of us had something to offer. We brought our Buckeye corn hole sets out and for every shot made they won a free t-shirt from us and a special offer like you see here! It was great exposure and each week we captured at least a dozen tours and a few reservations. Well worth the time and investment, more importantly there is nothing better than the exposure and having students talk about you. One thing we need to remember is most of our marketing efforts are not captured immediately and sometimes takes months to develop. Students are procratinators!
• #42: Covending concept ("You represent 7 figures of spending power at your property.")"Win winwin"Showing you care
• #47: While most of us are not officially affiliated with a university, we need to acknoledge the fact that our students are here for one reason… COLLEGE. My background is actually from the education side, having done my graduate work in education and working on campus in student housing. I used to HATE people like us. Why? Because I believed (and this was backed up by research) that when we “lost” our residents to off campus, they were less likely to succeed. Why does this matter? We need to understand HOW to relate to the university, from both a marketing and relationship perspective.  Dan: perspective from an 'insider'University vocab 101The core message. "We care about your students."Use & promote University/College resourcesBe ready to access University resources.Crisis communications (story of 3 deaths in one student market & working with Dean of students)List of important contacts (It's NOT just the off campus housing dept!)Kim: cross-referencing, sharing experiencesPractical ideas (invite to clubhouse, etc)Story of fire & working with/getting support from UniversityThe University views the student experience as learning, but we need to think of it as an all-inclusive student living-learning experienceoffer rent discounts to students who are working for the University in housing departments.  Great relationship building among the university & your property"Kim & Dan's top 5" take-aways/action itemsThe top 5 contacts you need to make as soon as you get back to your property, and the 5 questions to ask them. Working with the "Helicopter" parent.  Learn how to make the most out of the high level involvement parent of a college student.  Most helicopter parents live vicariously through their children and don't just want to be known as the one writing the check, but involved in their children's lives and futures.  Showing these parents you understand the needs of their children's success and you're going to help them reach it!  It's learning it's just as important to communicate and keep them informed on and off line.Kim: Overview of "helicopter" trend, along with family members who are part of the helicopter "fleet".Reality...over 70% of students seek parents advise to help influence decisions they make.  It's time to buddy up with the parents and let them know, were in this together!Working with their demandsUnderstanding their value as a marketing sourceParent FAQ section on websiteUnderstanding/knowing how to respond to parent concerns/hot buttonsRoommate concernsBoth: Leases - Joint vs Individual Liability (pros & cons)Roommate matching (individual)Overcoming objections for joint leasesDan:Embracing the fact this is THEIR experience tooBalancing out communicationCommunicating with parents of current residents"Kim & Dan's top 5" take-aways/action itemsDevelop event and community strategies within the first 60 days of your new students arriving.  It's all about building & continuing the ongoing relationships and maintaining their trust.  Keeping these student satisfied from the start will become the word of mouth movement for your community!The "6 week window" (Dan)Move in activity survey (Dan) Tailgate Parties (Kim) were on campus show your school spirit, have food, games and tailgate collegiate decor.  Invite friends & family.  This is your time to showcase your community, school connection and for others to experience the lifestyle you create! Calendar of events (Kim) What to expectUnit inspections with in-person feedback conversation (Kim) Sets the tone.Strategies (both) Think of being the "Personal Trainer" at your community.  Your students need educating on your policies,  they need positive re-enforcement, direction & guidance.  This type of customer service is  not what they are looking for...they expect it!  Q&A and Discussion
• #48: At the en dof the day, we are serving the same people. We may be seen as competition, but if we can show the college we genuinely care about these students and their success, we have common ground. It’s back to that dual bottom line. Makin ga difference and making a profit.
• #49: Colleges & Universities have a culture that is all their own. It’s important to try to learn about their culture and speak their language. Here are a few highlights:Engagement & involvement. The research I alluded to earlier shows that themore involved students are on campus, the more successful they are. If we can help to promote this involvement and promote student activies on campus, we are helping this to happen. When we show we understand the need for student involvement, we gain commonality with the campus.Student reosurces; there are NO SHORTAGE of student resources available on campuses around the country. Ensure you connect with these offices and determine (ask) how you can ensure your residents are referred to and aware of their resources. Think of you and your staff as University concierges.Retention: this is the big goal for colleges. They want students to stick around, just like we do. If we can help these studnets be successful and satisfied, they stay in schooland they stay at our propertyStudent development: Campus administrators see the goal of colelge as not just to educate, but to provide opportunities for people to really grow and develop as a person. This is referred to as “student development.” By providing a robust resident activites program that also integrates educational content, we are assisting in student developmentBe aware that at most campuses, the word “dorm” is a 4 letter word. They equate this to “barracks” and prfer the term “residence hall,” since that indicates this is a place where people learn and grow, not just sleep.
• #50: Create a PLAN for university communication. I’d be happy to share ours with you. Just dropme an email.. Here is an excerpt.
• #52: Great relationship building among the university and your property. What you expect and what they expect. Share your lease policy with them so they better understand how to help the student when in time of need. Get involved in off-campus student services. Give them tours, invite them to events, take them to LUNCH, deliver cookies….be in front of them, develop a FREINDSHIP not just a partnership!
• #53: A fire happened during finals week. We lost 9 apartments. No one was injured, but happened at 2am. Off-Campus Student Services helped us to coordinate contacting the families, setting up support groups through the campus, got Red Cross involved and also contacted professors of the students for make up finals.Dan share story about deaths in San Marcos
• #54: Mention late lease-up component.Discuss how you will become more of a consultant. Helping with everything from Furniture, utilities and even cultural events. They are your best source for word of mouth marketing and even talk among one another even in their country before arriving to the University.
• #56: College students are avid readers of their student newspaper…76% to be exact of all students have read their schools newspaper in the last 30 days! Be active in school newspaper, school facebook pages and activities board, events on campus. Faculty members also want to feel a sense of community and connection of the student body. Just remember like anything else you must have a call to action and tie in your brand to your message or promotion.
• #57: If your university has adapted to the latest trends in journalism beyond print then learn what and how you can become involved from photos, to banners, blogging and even events. Find a way to get them talking about YOU!Also consider hiring interns in either Marketing, communications or journalism to help you with your ads, events, social media. These departments within the University will keep a list of employers who hire interns and who else to better help you than a student themselves.
• #58: Show your support and school spirit by adding the University, Newspaper, Activities Board, Programs, Restaurants all on YOUR Facebook page.Add UniversityFacebook pages to your favorites on your page! Tag them in announcements, talk about things they are doing on your page
• #61: Working with the "Helicopter" parent.  Learn how to make the most out of the high level involvement parent of a college student.  Most helicopter parents live vicariously through their children and don't just want to be known as the one writing the check, but involved in their children's lives and futures.  Showing these parents you understand the needs of their children's success and you're going to help them reach it!  It's learning it's just as important to communicate and keep them informed on and off line.Kim: Overview of "helicopter" trend, along with family members who are part of the helicopter "fleet".Reality...over 70% of students seek parents advise to help influence decisions they make.  It's time to buddy up with the parents and let them know, were in this together!Working with their demandsUnderstanding their value as a marketing sourceParent FAQ section on websiteUnderstanding/knowing how to respond to parent concerns/hot buttonsRoommate concernsBoth: Leases - Joint vs Individual Liability (pros & cons)Roommate matching (individual)Overcoming objections for joint leasesDan:Embracing the fact this is THEIR experience tooBalancing out communicationCommunicating with parents of current residents"Kim & Dan's top 5" take-aways/action itemsDevelop event and community strategies within the first 60 days of your new students arriving.  It's all about building & continuing the ongoing relationships and maintaining their trust.  Keeping these student satisfied from the start will become the word of mouth movement for your community!The "6 week window" (Dan)Move in activity survey (Dan) Tailgate Parties (Kim) were on campus show your school spirit, have food, games and tailgate collegiate decor.  Invite friends & family.  This is your time to showcase your community, school connection and for others to experience the lifestyle you create! Calendar of events (Kim) What to expectUnit inspections with in-person feedback conversation (Kim) Sets the tone.Strategies (both) Think of being the "Personal Trainer" at your community.  Your students need educating on your policies,  they need positive re-enforcement, direction & guidance.  This type of customer service is  not what they are looking for...they expect it!  Q&A and Discussion
• #64: Consider all the questions parents ask you and put them online with the answers.
• #65: Designate an area to your website just for parents. Whether it’s an FAQ’s page, tips or what your child can expect. Keep them in the loop…remember 70% of students seek mom and dads advise!!
• #66: I can speak on this one a bit too… maybe w e co-op this slide?
• #67: Dan:Embracing the fact this is THEIR experience tooBalancing out communicationCommunicating with parents of current residents"Kim & Dan's top 5" take-aways/action itemsDevelop event and community strategies within the first 60 days of your new students arriving.  It's all about building & continuing the ongoing relationships and maintaining their trust.  Keeping these student satisfied from the start will become the word of mouth movement for your community!The "6 week window" (Dan)Move in activity survey (Dan) Tailgate Parties (Kim) were on campus show your school spirit, have food, games and tailgate collegiate decor.  Invite friends & family.  This is your time to showcase your community, school connection and for others to experience the lifestyle you create! CalendWhat to expectUnit inspections with in-person feedback conversation (Kim) Sets the tone.Strategies (both) Think of being the "Personal Trainer" at your community.  Your students need educating on your policies,  they need positive re-enforcement, direction & guidance.  This type of customer service is  not what they are looking for...they expect it!  Q&A and Discussionar of events (Kim) ry and step into the parents’ shoes.
• #68: Realize how valuable the parents are as marketing source. We hear many times how often parents talk with other parents at work which may be 2 hours away about where their kids are living, how they are being treated and the condition of the property. Be smart and network with these parents! Invite parents to join your Facebook page.
• #71: Develop event and community strategies within the first 60 days of your new students arriving.  It's all about building & continuing the ongoing relationships and maintaining their trust.  Keeping these student satisfied from the start will become the word of mouth movement for your community!The "6 week window" (Dan)Move in activity survey (Dan) Tailgate Parties (Kim) were on campus show your school spirit, have food, games and tailgate collegiate decor.  Invite friends & family.  This is your time to showcase your community, school connection and for others to experience the lifestyle you create! Calendar of events (Kim) What to expectUnit inspections with in-person feedback conversation (Kim) Sets the tone.Strategies (both) Think of being the "Personal Trainer" at your community.  Your students need educating on your policies,  they need positive re-enforcement, direction & guidance.  This type of customer service is  not what they are looking for...they expect it!  Q&A and Discussion
• #72: Kim, maybe you can start by talking about this, and I can fill in w/how we did this as a theme at all move-ins. 10,000 fans currently across the portfolio.
• #74: Communicate with them on what you want them to know on Day 1! This goes back to get your point across tell us what we need to know and make it about us!
• #77: were on campus show your school spirit, have food, games and tailgate collegiate decor.  Invite friends & family.  This is your time to showcase your community, school connection and for others to experience the lifestyle you create!It’s important to remember having community events and often. Remember this goes back to what we talked about in the beginning and the connections. They are looking to meet new friends so, be the host where they can make those connections and create these memories!
• #78: Most popular and biggest turn out of any other community event. Don’t be afraid to still host tailgate parties at your property even if you are more than a mile from campus. Give them a place to get excited, offer free food, games and most importantly make sure you go all out with your school spirit!
• #79: This is another where I can jump in after whatyou share to add anything that comes up. We can chat more next week.Get ideas, input from your residents. They love to have a voice and tell you what they wantBy having a team or group of others including staff and residents part of the planning will help to assure all details are being carefully executed. With event planning having more ideas, task managers and a team on your side is a guarantee for a smooth event! No event will ever go off with flying colors without an event checklist. Also a sense of accountability. Next you need to spread the word. Make it BIG from flyers, newsletters, signage, create an event on Facebook and invite fans and fans friends, to even invite local vendors to participate! The more the merrier and the goal is to get people talking about your event You may not have a huge budget to work with for your events, but this does not mean you don't do it right
• #80: After you have planned your event you need to tell them and they will spread the word for you! Think about signage, flyers, event on Facebook and event on your website.
• #81: I can mentionResidentAssistant.comand some other resources here.
• #82: We still use print for some things and one method of communication they still love getting from us is our newsletters that are posted on the doors each month. The newsletter is about them. Events going on in the community, around campus and important announcements. We also feature a resident of the month on the back side with a photo and short story about who they are. They love seeing themselves and because we don’t send a whole lot of print to them in the mail and it is repetitive they pay attention.
• #84: You must communicate with your student residents who’s the boss! You wear the pants in this house and it must be expressed. Your not the fun police either, but you must be firm , fair, and consistent otherwise they will abuse your property and eventually you. They are smart and know how to get their way…just ask mom and dad!Also great opportunity to chat about future plans, what they like, don’t like and opportunities to make enhancements.
• #85: I can add to this one as well just to talk aboutphilosphy of policy being for the good of the community. Think of being the "Personal Trainer" at your community.  Your students need educating on your policies,  they need positive re-enforcement, direction & guidance.  This type of customer service is  not what they are looking for...they expect it!