Trust is a Must! – Part 2

The 5 S’s to an Onsite Greeting

Building trust in your leasing presentation by creating a “Relationship”

Looking for an apartment can be stressful. Most prospects walk into your office with a load of concerns and anxiety about making this huge financial commitment.  The fact we are busy with other property management issues makes it hard to be empathetic. 

Use these 5 S’s of Greeting to create a positive and friendly first impression.

1. STOP – Stop talking, keyboarding, laughing, crying, whatever, and be ready to give this rental prospect your full attention.  
2. SMILE – Nothing says “You are welcome here” as a warm smile.  Check the mirror and make sure your smile is communicating the right message.
3. STAND – Yes, get off your butt!  Stand up to show the prospect you are here to serve.  Standing shows respect and puts you at an eye-to-eye level for better connection and communication.  This is especially important as we must also keep the 6 foot social distancing.
4. SHAKE – The handshake remains the quintessential greeting in the business world.  It shows professionalism and makes the statement, “I am fully present and qualified to help!”  Stop worrying about COVID!  You can wash your hands when they leave.
5. SALUTATION – The first words out of your mouth creates the framework for this important meeting.  Your voice is pleasant and inviting and your words are fitting.  We can do better than “Can I help you?”.  That is so retail!

The onsite greeting of a rental prospect, a future resident, may last just a few seconds.  Yet, this initial welcome sets the tone for the entire leasing presentation and shows you as helpful and trustworthy.  Your greeting goal is immediate acknowledgement using the 5 Ss above.  

Bottom Line in Greeting:

Never let a visitor feel rental prospect feel as though they are an interruption.