As I’m sure we all know, tensions can get tight in the workplace, and often we don’t have the time to sit down and slowly, methodically, and patiently discuss the situation so that all parties can work productively and harmoniously together (although, this is how disputes should be handled so remember, your HR Manager can be the resource you need to get started).

So, this week we bring you some tips on how to diffuse tension before it gets out of control. When you are approach by an irate co-worker, keep these tips in mind:

First, listen! We are always quick to be defensive right of the bat, or to start listing the reasons why the other person is wrong.  Understanding the other person’s point of view is the key to solve the dispute; so listen very carefully. When you respond, do so in a way that will encourage a solution, such as “What needs to happen for this issue to be resolved?” Choose your words carefully; once you say something there is no turning back. It’s okay to disagree with the person, but it is not okay to engage in a non-professional manner. Don’t take their words personally, this is a work issue, and instead focus on that solution. When responding back, respond with a lower tone of voice and stay calm. By doing so, the person most likely will lower their voice and calm down. Then, you can both discuss the matter more efficiently (saving time and energy) and find a solution.

Maintaining a level of professionalism ensures that both parties will be treated with respect. Always remember that when you feel you’re not being treated with respect that you typically want the parties involved to hear you out, right? Keep that in mind, stay calm during the conflict, and then approach the matter with the only goal being one of a successful resolution. Not only will the tension be diffused, but all those involved will feel good about their awesome team work skills!

Mariela Ramirez, Staffing Associate

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The CAA Expo is next week on Wednesday, April 25^th at the Santa Clara Convention Center-come say hi! The theme this year is “Go for the Gold” and we’ll be at booth #620 to tell you about how we can build your winning team!

There will also be a great raffle prize you can win!

Can’t make it? Be sure to check out our online resources: website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, where we keep you informed on the most pertinent industry news and events! We’re here not only to provide you with the best candidates in property management or to match you with the position that will propel your career, we are also here to make sure that you have the access you need to participate in the Property Management Industry like a champion!

We hope to see you next week!

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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The busy summer season is nearly upon us which means all of us want to not only do our best on the multiple worksites we’ll be sent to, but also look our best, meaning professional! This week we are re-posting a great blog from last year outlining the type of clothing that is appropriate for all property management positions.

“Why does work attire matter? There are many reasons why you should and need to follow work attire policies. In today’s society first impressions mean a lot more then some would like to think. Just recently I walked into a property that I was interested in moving into. As the leaser greeted me, I couldn’t help but notice that she was wearing open-toed heels, old worn-looking jeans, a low cut t-shirt, and her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail. As she gave me the tour of the property I noticed she had a difficult time walking around. It appeared she got tired very quickly (I think this might have to do with the high heels she was wearing) and as we cut across some grass area she almost fell when her heel got stuck in the grass. It was obvious that she didn’t consider her job and duties when she was getting dressed that morning.

I had a difficult time getting passed her appearance and based on her work attire I couldn’t help but question the professionalism of the property and the employee herself.  I know not everyone has an eye for fashion but this is why we have dress code policies. If the employee looks sloppy it makes the property look sloppy too. I thought to myself, “I don’t ever want to give that impression,” so I did some online searching and found some great work attire guidelines that I would love to share that may relate a little more to our industry.

Property Manager/ Leaser: Some properties will have standard attire, such as black, blue, or gray slacks with a black or white top with a collar. Some may prefer a pantsuit. Inappropriate pants would be leggings, spandex, exercise pants or sweatpants. Casual dresses and skirts (split below the knee) are acceptable. Dress/ skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit comfortably in public. Short, tight skirts that ride halfway up the thigh are inappropriate for work. Mini-skirts, skorts, sun dresses, beach dresses, and spaghetti strap dresses are inappropriate for the office too. Dress or casual shirts, sweater tops, and turtlenecks are acceptable. Tank tops, midriff tops, halter tops and tops with bare shoulders are inappropriate. As for shoes; when you know you will be doing a lot of walking (ie: property tours) it’s best to wear flats with a rubber sole. High heels, open-toed shoes, flip flops, and sling-backs are inappropriate. Jewelry, make-up, perfume and hair should be in good taste. Keep in mind that some people are allergic to some chemicals in perfumes and make-up, so wear these substances with restraint.

Building Maintenance/Porter:There are properties that may give you a standard uniform to wear. Some may require you to wear coveralls. If you go to a property that doesn’t require either then the best way to go is with solid color t-shirts and/or sweaters. Inappropriate attire would include tank tops, shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans.  You don’t want to wear anything that may be new that you won’t want to get dirty or mess up. Keep in mind that, just because you work in building maintenance, it doesn’t mean you can show up to work dirty already. Work boots are best but talk to the property manager to make sure you are wearing the best-fitted boots for the job.

Remember that first impressions can make or break you. Make sure your clothes are pressed, clean, and that your outfit is safe for the type of work you do. Keep professionalism and safety in mind when getting dress for work and ask yourself, “What does my outfit say about me?” ”

Maria Torres, Fashion Expert and General Great Advice-Giver

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The staffing and property management industries are entering the busy season as the days grow warmer and longer. For residential and commercial properties, there is landscaping to be done, events to prepare for, vacations looming (aka, increased workload), and a myriad of other tasks, both large and small. Some days can feel outright overwhelming.

Last week I received an email from a colleague that contained some really good tips on staying calm during stressful days. You know, the kind of days when you feel like you can’t work fast enough, or the tasks you set out to accomplish fall apart, or even just those days when you wake up with a black cloud over your head, grumpy and exhausted for no apparent reason. Her email addressed all these unfortunate workdays and more, so I thought I would compile my own list of tips to get you through a frustrating workday.

First off, it’s always important to remember that although you may not have control over what happens around you (although you might be surprised at just how much you do), you do have control over how you react to them. Breathing. Staying calm. Giving yourself the time to think before responding. These are paramount to turning an unsuccessful event around. Here are more tips on taking control over a cloudy day:

1. Bad mood day? Accept your emotions (feel them, don’t bury them), don’t take them out on other people (apologize if you do), and give yourself plenty of time to take deep breaths and relax. Some days you’ll have to make the time, but you’ll find that no matter how busy you are, stepping away from the desk and/or task for ten minutes for some personal time can be invaluable. The following link is for an article on WikiHow that gives you tips on how to deal with your bad mood at work and it is excellent! Check it out: How to Turn Around a Bad Day at Work.
2. Ask for help. Are you bogged down in a project? Feeling resentful towards coworkers and employers who seemingly don’t notice that you’re working at maximum capacity and add more to your load? Remember that no one is a mind reader, and expecting them to be can lead to really bad consequences. They are focusing on their own projects. So speak up. If you need help or more time with a project, ask for it. Most people, when given the chance, will seize the opportunity to provide their assistance, especially when the outcome is beneficial to all involved.
3. Is stress distracting you from accomplishing your goals? Stress runs rampant in this country and can be a detrimental deterrent to our happiness and success. Maybe you’re not having one bad day here and there; maybe they are all becoming unpleasant in one way or another. If this is the case, you’re probably feeling rotten outside of work too. That’s no good. I went through a lot of online resources for stress, and the best one I found gives us sound advice on the options we have to control stress levels. It’s so good, I think I will let it speak for itself: Stress At Work. My favorite? Eliminating self-defeating behaviors.  

You know that Renoir Staffing is here to make these tasks easier for you and more successful with our database of talented property management professionals, but we’re also here to provide useful tips on making your day more successful, and therefore your career and/or business!

Have a happy and healthy workday!

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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Being a business and finance student has really opened my eyes to what it takes to run a business successfully.

Firstly, once you’ve narrowed down your prospects while job searching, you should get as much information about the company you’d like to work for, including an understanding of their mission or vision. If you feel that their goals in business match your own, inquire about how your particular skill(s) can be maximized in furthering your career and the growth of the company. Learn all you can.

Secondly, be knowledgeable (and honest) about your strengths and weaknesses, and find the tools to help in your weak areas. If you are not the numbers person, leave that to the accountants; be your best at what you do. It’s always important to learn and grow but equally important not to stretch yourself too thin. Play to your strengths. Communicate your needs and concerns when appropriate. When making an employment decision, look for companies that have a track record of proven success and values. Make sure that the companies GOALS will allow you to grow with the business and that they are goals that you would set for your personal life.

Knowledge is power. Always be available to change.

JoElla Barkus, Accounting Assistant

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It’s busy around the office this week! Have you been running around, trying to play catch-up, move forward on certain projects, leave time to be innovative? In acknowledgement of the busy season’s swift approach, here is one of our most popular blogs from last year: on multi-tasking! Enjoy!

We have all been there, ‘there’ being the ever so isolating and energy-draining lure that every Monday morning seems to engulf us in once we walk into our work space ready for administrative combat.  From having to address numerous emails that all seem time sensitive to racing from meeting upon meeting while still fitting in the unpredictable tugs of each day, we can agree that the term ‘multitasking’ is an understatement.  With today’s economic challenges, many companies have felt the all-mighty sting of layoffs and downsizing which has thus drenched  the surviving staff members of these companies with an even heavier load, as they aim to pick up the slack where needed.  This creates an almost chaotic existence among an office that most likely deserves some serious organization and attention to detail, concentration and patience, and commitment to integrity and production.  How can those qualities be achieved may be the question we must ask ourselves and the answer lies with a realistic and solid approach to multitasking.

Prioritizing:  Understanding Your Position

First thing first, do you understand your position and what responsibility you have to your company and team overall?  If not, ask yourself how your job affects the team around you and how your deadlines affect the company as a whole.  What key repetitive tasks do you perform on the daily that aid in generating the overall success of your company?  Once this is realized a miraculous thing happens, you are now ready to prioritize!  Put in order all of the things that need to be done first while also understanding the tasks that need your complete focus without interruption and plan to carry them out from start to finish.  This will help you get them done with little to no interruption or distraction.  For best results, take a task one at a time.  Gage how long each task will take and comingle the time needed to complete it within the time allowed for you to be at work, which for most of us is an eight hour day.  The goal here is to get in the habit of thinking about everything that needs to be done in one day, not one week.  Remember, being realistic will promote a can-do attitude and propel you into feelings of accomplishment and endurance.

Knowing How to Manage Your Time

Technically, we have already addressed this subject with prioritization and since these two are close cousins as well as counterparts they need to be presented separately in order to produce the most potent results in your goal to be a master at multitasking.  Time management is self-explanatory and if implemented can really help you stay on the right road when trying to get work done.  Assess the time you have in a day and divide it amongst all of the important tasks that need to be addressed as well.  For example, block out a time when you are able to review and respond to email messages and voicemails if possible and stick to it.  For those of you that have jobs that require constant communication on email, filter through your emails and organize them based on priority.  This will help you focus on the more important emails that need an immediate response rather than the emails that can wait.  If you have meetings all day, communicate to your clients, customers, employees or anyone that will need to contact you in advance so that they know not to expect a response from you right away.  This could eliminate the amount of emails you receive while unavailable also.

Follow Through

Often times we consider the raw definition of multitasking as doing many things at once while effectively and accurately completing them from start to finish.  This is not advisable when so many people’s jobs rely on accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism.  Instead, consider multitasking the art of organizing and completing a variety of tasks one by one within an allotted amount of time.  This may assist you in viewing the task as something that needs to be done from start to finish, hence the ultimate goal.  Realistically, you may have a series of interruptions or distractions which is why planning can really be a plus in regards to getting things accomplished.  Even still, learn to roll with the punches if unexpected changes do occur in scheduling tasks out for the day.

Consistency

This is very critical in maintaining and mastering effective multitasking practices.  Without a ritualistic approach, how will you know what works for you and what does not?  Committing to a routine would be advisable and the best part about it is that you can always switch it up once in a while if it proves to be ineffective.

The power of multitasking lies with you and anything goes within the boundaries of professionalism and productivity.  So, start tackling your tasks with authority and confidence.  Make them work for you instead of the other way around.  Multitasking does not have to consume us; instead it should sharpen our skills by challenging us to be assertive and professionally poised employees.

Wakema Ligons, Multi-Tasking Extraordinaire

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Renoir Staffing Facebook Page: Our Facebook page offers an endless amount of information: industry-related articles, tips and trends in job searching and candidate sourcing, job postings, the Renoir Staffing company culture, events, and so much more! ‘Like‘ our page to keep up on the latest news!

Renoir Staffing Twitter: We keep our followers up-to-date on the latest news in the property management industry!

LinkedIn: Want to network more closely with our Account Executives? LinkedIn provides you with an in-depth look at the professionals employed here at Renoir Staffing!

We take pride in our efforts to inform our industry. Be sure to check us out regularly!

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I have already seen a popular trend this year.  Since the beginning of January, I have been working with several property managers and owners who want to replace thier current staff.  It seems that the current decision makers are standing firm on performance and if its not there, they replace them.  Owners want properties that are performing.  In this economy there are a lot of people that are still looking for rentals and the owners do not want excuses, they want production. Understandably!

With the economy still soft, apartments have the best opportunity to stay strong with fewer vacancies.  Now is the time to capture all possible traffic and rent to them, because if you don’t, being replaced is a strong possibility as there are many qualified managers and leasing agents that are hungry for work and will do whatever it takes to meet goals. 

If your property is not doing well, and the heat is on you personally, now is the time to buckle down, get creative, and ask for help!  The rentals and traffic are out there, so bring them in and make your goal and property managers happy!  Shop other properties that are above 95% occupancy and find out what they are doing differently, and make sure your property has “Disneyland” curb appeal (and if it doesnt- get your maintenance team out there)! If you need a special for pricing, be proactive in asking for one and then sell it on craigslist.com or ForRent.com.  Dont forget your residents, make sure they are being treated like kings and queens.  Not only will you get your renewals signed, but referrals go a LONG way!

The bottom line here is rent, rent, rent, and then rent some more!

Good luck!

Lia Lovelady, Account Executive

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In conjunction with last week’s post about the importance of industry events, Account Executive Karen Quennell presents the must-attend events in the Property Management industry of 2012:

It is my firm belief that if you are going to work in the Property Management Industry that you must understand the industry and immediately get involved.

Both CAA Contra Costa and CAA Tri-County have well-rounded programs that provide networking and educational events.

Once a year you get a chance to make a difference by attending the Legislative Conference where you get a chance to personally meet with your individual state legislators and get first-hand knowledge on state legislative proposals targeted at the rental housing industry.  This event will be held on Wednesday, February 15^th at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento.

Last year both CAA Contra Costa and CAA Tri Country conducted Reverse Trade shows that have been beneficial to the Industry Partners and the Property Management Companies. This year promises to be a sellout event with six new property management companies that have signed up. It will be held at Concord Hilton on February 23^rd.

The 23^rd Annual CAA Tri-County Golf Tournament will be held in June 2012 at the Palo Alto Golf Club. This is a fundraiser to assist the Housing Industry Foundation.

One of my favorites not to be missed is the CAA Expo “Go for the Gold” Trade Show being held at the Santa Clara Convention Center scheduled on April 25^th.  This event offers educational seminars and a chance to visit with over 100 industry partner booths.

Don’t forget to save the date for the Ninth Annual GEMM Award Celebration being held on August 23^rd at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.  This is a fabulous event that honors the Best of the Best for 2012.

The Housing Industry Foundation holds The Bay area’s premier Multifamily networking event on Thursday, September 6^th .  This is their annual summit to raise funds to help prevent homelessness.

These are just a few of the numerous opportunities to support and learn about the Property Management Industry. Get out there and enjoy, learn, and network!

Karen Quennell, Account Executive

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Industry events are an important part of one’s growth in their line of work. While it can be difficult to schedule in an event with all your other duties, the rewards you can receive (such as meeting industry leaders, acquiring new knowledge that can improve your skills, and/or promoting your company) have the potential to move you higher up the business ladder.

We often hear that it’s ‘Not What You Know, But Who You Know.’ If this is occasionally true (because let’s not discount the fact that a strong skill-set will get you far!) then networking with the community of your industry can prove to be beneficial to you if you are looking to move into a new position, or simply want to make new contacts in order to promote your business. At the very least, you can demonstrate your knowledge and advertise your expertise with the people who can contribute to the growth of profession or business.

And speaking of expertise, what better way to increase all the knowledge you already possess than to attend functions that give you the all the latest, up-to-date information available in your trade? And, not only are many events designed to inform you, topics that includes increasing your business are often presented in a workshop manner in which you’ll not only been given examples of how a particular tool has been proven effective, but also the way in which you can utilize it to your own advantage!

Networking is also a great form of advertising your company. We all know that branding is only effective if our target audience is exposed to it, and therefore meeting with potential consumers is paramount. But use it not only as an opportunity to spread the word about your company but also as a way to build a relationship with your consumers. You may notice familiar faces at these events as you begin to attend them regularly. Use this as your chance to get to know people on a more personal level; it can only increase your chances of being relied upon when they have a need!

Wondering how to get started? The first place you should go is the Associations that are relevant to your industry. In our case, it’s property management and therefore we belong to, and attend events by, the Rental Housing Association (RHA) of Sacramento, California Apartment Association (CAA), and many more, and the events they have held, such as trade shows and luncheons, have proved an invaluable source of information and opportunities to network.

Another great place to get associated with your industry’s community is LinkedIn Groups. Simply by joining a few relevant groups can open the door to expanding your brand and skills tremendously. You’ll receive emails about current topics of discussion, invites to events, as well as the opportunity to reach out individually to these people, great for the follow-up message after meeting them at a luncheon!

If you’re looking for opportunities to strengthen your relevance to your business community, and we all should be, then attending events should be at the top of your list! The knowledge you’ll gain, as well as the people you meet, can only serve to boost your business or marketability!

Happy Event Browsing!

Jessie Williams, Marketing Coordinator

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