It is important always for property management companies to maintain a good standing in the community. This is why property management companies are always involved in civic events, service clubs and chambers of commerce. Often property management companies also operate parking structures and parking lots and are aware of the need to fill up as many parking stalls as possible for the maximum price point. There are many ways to do this. One of the most inexpensive ways is through free publicity. A car wash fundraiser on your lot during a slow time of the week may be just that opportunity. Lets say for instance that Sunday is your Lots slowest day a car wash for church or youth group might be an idea. Christian radio stations will play public service announcements alerting people the day and time and of course the location, Your Parking lot. The radio station will play the spots 5 times a day for a week. Free airtime and all you have to do is be a Good Samaritan. Just think every good Christian in town will remember to park in your lot, instead of a lot next door. Christian customers may also cut down on Hit and Runs and seldom break into the car next door. Perhaps Saturday is a slow day you can have a local High School Group hold a fundraiser their. High School bands have annual budgets in excess of $40,000. They have 100+ kids in the groups and that means 1.5 parents per kid, who are all your potential customers. Sound good so far? It gets better. Sometimes for a big event you can get the radio station down to do an onsite remote and give away T-shirts and prizes. Thus promoting them selves on your parking lot. Each time announcing who is involved and what location it is at. Come on down we are at the corner of main and 5th street in the Central Parking Lot, bring the whole family. Great for you, the more people who know about your lot the better. Once a person is familiar with your parking lot they are more likely to feel safe pulling into your lot instead of a nearby lot. The price point between competitors may also not be an issue anymore. After all you are the community-oriented business, the other guy is just a parking lot. Just because you are in a business that does not appear to lend its self well to getting your name out there, does not mean you have to take a back seat. Be creative, think outside the box and get er done. Think on this in 2006. |
