It’s coming up- that hallowed day for which people around the world die - Voting Day. No matter which candidate you like or which you hate, if you vote your conscience or strategically, if you vote by mail or in person, do it. Vote. My daughter says she doesn’t like either of the major candidates and that not voting is her right, as well. Yes, not voting is a right, but voting is a privilege. If you don’t exercise your privilege often enough, it may slip away from you while you are ignoring it. I ignored it when I was younger, but now that I’m getting older and realizing that I seem to have little power and have accomplished less than I would have like to in my life, I realize that I can still vote. I can study up on the initiatives, the referendums, the policies, the candidates, and I can make an educated choice on the ballot. I can, so I will, and I will hope that others take it as seriously as I do. Apathy never helped anyone, never made anything better, never helped a nation in trying times. I am no longer apathetic about what comes our way, and one way I can let my voice be heard (at least outside of the electoral college) is to vote.

Here’s hoping you have a great and meaningful November 4th.

Two months to go until the 2008 elections and some Voter Registrar offices across the country are still in the midst of trying to find places to set-up voting locations and alternate voting locations. This is a great opportunity for apartment communities to turn a medium to large space in the community into a voting location. If you have a business center, a large lobby area/ office, Community center or room then you have space.

Plus this is what you get back:
1. Free advertising for your community
2. Get to know your neighbors and have them refer business to you
3. It is a civil and patriotic duty
4. Your residents will not have to travel far to vote

Make sure to:
1. Decorate with lots of American flags and 4th of July type items
2. Make sure to have the community and company name everywhere
3. Provide some food and refreshments
4. Provide lots of brochures and other collateral for this event.

Remember this is for one day and it is a good way to give back to the community and show some good will. It will return loads of good busines in return. Contact your local registrars office today. Vote!

Many large apartment communities or high end communities put on regular events to keep up retention and to set them apart from their competitors. The budget for these events can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Most apartment communities just don’t have it in their budgets to put on events, so what should they do?

You might be tempted to talk to your vendors to sponsor an event, but this only works short-term. The problem with asking vendors is that you can beg for just so long until they start saying no, so whom do you ask?

If you are looking to do yearly, monthly, or even weekly events then seek out those with the marketing dollars trying to reach your residents. The first business is insurance. Insurance sales is the toughest job in the world. Insurance companies spend billions of dollars trying to reach your residents. Often the best marketing for this industry is to network. Why not let a local office put on your pool party this summer. Let them cater and host the event. Allow them to mingle, network with your residents, put out some brochures, and a banner. (Note: Do not allow them to put out a podium or make a speech during the event. Networking only.) Other good networking types of businesses that could benefit are your local real estate offices and auto dealerships.

The second business is the nearby supermarket. Talk to the store manager about putting on a monthly Sunday Brunch. So many supermarkets are competing for your residents business and this is a great way to reach them. They can bring store brand products, bring flyers, and coupons are always a great idea. Other businesses in this catgorey are restaurants, bakeries, and caters.

The third business type is the starving artists. They don’t necessarily need to be starving, but those looking to get name recognition are in this group. This group is made up of musicians, singers, and other performancing artists. Many are just looking for a place to play their music. Invite a local quartet who could play for free for your community with thr hopes of landing more gigs such as weddings or other events.

The last business type are the local potter, stain glass maker, painter, yoga instructor and so on. These businesses may be looking to grow or to establish more clients. The best part is that they can help enrich the lives of those living in your community and provide some fun.

The thing to remember is to ask the businesses to do this for free. Let them know you are giving them something as well such as space and an audience of potential new customers. The best part is that your not expanding your budget and providing residents with another reason to stay. Now get going on some fun!