Spring is a time for new beginnings. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and the skies are sunny and blue and the promise of warmer weather is on its way. In the property management business, spring means things are starting to ramp up – people are on the move, and more listings come available.

Spring brings new energy so how can you capture it? Are there some simple changes to the office that might spruce things up a bit? I do not know about you, but I have visited many property management offices and unfortunately, they do not always look very inviting or professional. Paint is cheap and goes a long way. Get the employees involved and do a Spring Cleaning Day. When things are fresh, clean and organized everyone feels more motivated. A bouquet of fresh flowers at the front desk or outside the entry to the office is a simple but cheery way to change things up.

A few years back, I had an Easter egg hunt for my staff. I hid plastic eggs with all kinds of goodies in them. I had a Golden Egg with the grand prize. It was a hoot-seeing adults run around the office looking for eggs. Everyone had a good laugh and it changed the mood in the office.

Change, even if we know it is good for us is not an easy thing to execute. There is often resistance and the thought, “I don’t have time…” The simplest way to implement change is to break it down into smaller tasks, ask for help from your staff, and have a celebration once the change has happened. Also, choose just one new thing to do at a time. One thing is not overwhelming and you will get more buy-in from staff. Get creative and have a contest, or poster board showing the progress of the project.

Spring for many women means packing away the winter clothes and shopping for a new spring outfit. Just as we advise, our clients on improvements to their properties so they do not look stuck in time we need to do the same with our business. I went on a prospect call in 2006 where the property had green shag carpet from the 1970’s and when I asked the owner if they were going to replace it they said, “No, it still looks great.” Well, I did not take that property because although the owner wanted prime rent the property would probably command rent from the 1970’s. They were not keeping up with the times.

So, my challenge to you: What simple, low cost change can you make to have an impact on your staff, clients, and business? Please share your idea and be entered in a raffle to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

Kathleen Richards, is the owner of LandlordSource, The Property Management Coach, and Portola Property Management. She has authored Property Management A-Z, and teaches regularly at community colleges and conferences about property management. She has been active in her field and holds professional designations as Master Property Manager (MPM®) and Residential Management Professional (RMP®) from NARPM®. Kathleen has served at the local and state level on the boards for NARPM® (National Association of Residential Property Managers).

Disclaimer: LandlordSource does not represent the article content in this website as legal advice. It is shared information only and up to the reader to use this information responsibly, seeking legal advice as necessary to their business.