Make Your Community a Stop on the Tour Route

"If you're marketing to families, why not host field trips to your community from the local schools. This can be an educational opportunity for children to see how a community runs. Have your head service technician explain maintenance. Let the grounds people show off their work and explain their positions. Your office staff can talk about job skills and career opportunities ..." Read More

A Tiny Apartment Transforms Into 24 Rooms

"Our good friend and top Brainstorming Facilitator, Tina Cavaco, sent us this AMAZING link! In Hong Kong, because of the space, apartments are small and expensive. Gary Chang, an architect, decided to design a 344 sq. ft. apartment to be able to change into 24 different designs, all by just sliding panels and walls. He calls this the 'Domestic Transformer." ... Watch The Video Here

Social Media Success for Apartment Communities

"I have a few thoughts to share on the topic of social media today, and I should tell you up front that I intend this post to provoke conversation, and I hope you'll participate! You all know how passionate I am about the need to begin using social media now, because I truly do believe it will play a major role in not only our relationship/retention efforts, but also our marketing strategies. I also happen to believe that its value..." Read More

The Power of Place

"If you've had doubts location-based social networking services were going to really catch on, you should know that Foursquare whizzed past the one-million member mark back in April and just passed 1.8 million; and raked in $20 million in venture funding just a couple of weeks ago. That buzzing sound you hear is the Power of Place, about to go mainstream." Read More

Build the Model Organization of the Future

"Before you invest time and money in traditional strategic planning consider this - only 5-10% of strategic plans are ever implemented. The reason most organizations engage in strategic planning is to reduce anxiety. It's like taking a couple of aspirin for a headache. In this case the headache is the future. The aspirin is a couple of days locked in a room putting checkmarks in the appropriate boxes." ... Read More

Partnerships That Work

"I created and facilitated a one-day workshop called 'Partnerships That Work.' This class was designed for Apartment Community Managers and their Assistants and focused on synergy, teamwork, and delegation. Our challenge and reason for needing such a workshop was that Assistants either felt as though they were not being trusted with enough to do while other felt as though the Manager was dumping ..." Read More

Better Training Through Skill Gap Analysis

"One of the best things you can do to improve your team's training plan is to add Skill Gap Analysis. This step helps the trainer to identify gaps in performance and areas for added training and development.The first step in conducting a thorough Skill Gap Analysis is to create a picture of what ideal performance looks like. This step-called Competency Profiling-takes a look at the attitudes ..." Read More

Five Multifamily Training Ideas

"The Idea - As part of our new manager training we have implemented a Manager Mentor Program. After each new manager comes in for a day of training on company policy and procedures, we select a Resident Manager from the Property Manager's portfolio to provide another eight hours of training at their community or at the new managers community. Both managers are provided with an Agenda ...." Read More

Form An Alliance at Brainstorming 2010: Reality Check!

It's not your typical seminar, conference, or workshop. Unlike any other national Multifamily event, only Brainstorming connects you to the vast power of many individuals working together with one goal: to solve your toughest challenges! You'll receive thousands of ideas worth millions to your company, communities, and career, guaranteed to repay your investment and more! Register for Brainstorming Now!

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Stock up now! All our fabulous door hanger designs (except one - the Halloween design) are on special until July 31st! Buy any two packages at our regular low price of only $25 per pack of 100, and get a third pack absolutely FREE ... that's a whopping 33% discount, making NOW the best time of the year to buy and stock your shelves! Call 727-784-9469 with your order or Click Here to Find Out More!

Playgrounds are not exclusively for kids anymore and are becoming increasingly popular because the concept has been revolutionized to cater to senior citizens. From my knowledge the emerging trend first appeared in the UK as community project in Manchester. The whole idea of a seniors’ playground is absolutely brilliant! Not only is the community brought together, older people, specifically those 60 years old and above, are encouraged to exercise and meet with their peers. In fact, a research conducted at the University of Lapland, Finland reveals that older people who go to playgrounds build muscle, reduce fat, and improve their coordination, speed, and balance. Having fun is the objective. The whole idea is to keep the equipment simple and gentle.

There is a difference between a playground for kids and that for seniors. The equipment installed is designed to exercise a part of the body. An example is the skate machine, which trains leg muscles and strengthens hip muscles. There is also equipment for static-cycling. The machines are user-friendly and offer little chances for injury. Some pieces of equipment are accessible to wheelchair users. Seniors’ playgrounds are designed to be safe for older people. These playgrounds utilize a special rubber mulch not only to pad rough edges, but also to provide cushions on the floor.

Gordon Lishman, director general of the charity Age Concern, said the playground could help older people maintain good physical and mental health. He said: "A well-designed fitness park could be a great way to encourage older people to exercise and socialize. "Exercising a few times a week can make a big difference to someone's health and doesn't have to be strenuous. "Equally, socializing with others can help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. "Many older people aren't exercising enough and we are really keen for local authorities to offer a range of accessible and affordable facilities that promote physical activity in later life.” Maybe just maybe exercising will be as fun as it was when we were children!

Great article in the Dallas Morning News about the role of cuisine in Seniors' housing decisions today.  (Read More)

To compliment its online division, www.SeniorOutlook.com, For Rent Media Solutions has announced a new annual, supplemental publication:  Exploring Life After 55, a housing and resource guide created with the AARP to serve as a navigational guide for senior housing and related services.  Publication areas include Atlanta, Columbus, Florida, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and San Diego.  (Read More)