Open the Store
Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash
My stepfather often recounts the practice he held dear – opening his farm supply store 30 to 45 minutes ahead of time each day. The motive? Preparation. He loves being ready for the day, ensuring he doesn’t face surprises or last-minute scrambles.
His routine is meticulous: cleaning windows, dusting mats, sweeping the entryway and aisles, adjusting signage, setting the sales counter, confirming adequate cash in the register, sharpening pencils, and ensuring inventory are aptly stocked. He finds satisfaction in these morning rituals, and they set the tone for his day.
A recent Ellis Shopping Report struck a chord with me – a brilliantly laid-out reflection that lost its sparkle when it mentioned two apartments infested with dead bugs. Not an ideal image for a prospective resident.
This is not a critique of our team’s efforts but a reminder of the importance of preparation. Consider your apartment like a store. You should be eager to open it for business every day. Whether you prepare early in the morning or later in the evening doesn’t matter. The essential part is readiness.
One might argue that they don’t have time to check the units they are leasing multiple times daily meticulously. However, let’s reflect on the value of a customer. In our market, the first-year value is upwards of $20,000. And remember, a single dissatisfied customer can sway the opinion of several others with their negative experiences.
We’re in the battle of our lives every day. Every detail matters. It’s all marketing, all the time. Every element of your property, from the curb to the commode to the lease contract, is part of the show, and you’re the star.
Being the star requires world-class preparation. Stellar performers don’t wait for problems to surface; they prepare to prevent them. They open their ‘store’ every day, in every sense of the term, making sure everything is in order, and ensuring their customers always come first.
So, embrace the role and show the world that at your ‘store,’ Customers Mean The World to Us. With meticulous preparation and unswerving dedication, you can make every day a spectacular performance.
