There is no community without organic relationships. The very definition of community refers to a feeling of fellowship between individuals, and it's these communities that residents really cling to in order to create a space that feels like "home". Community management teams know there's power in an organic sense of community, and how impactful this can be when it comes to resident retention. 5 simple tips you can use to help build relationships, and community, between your residents are:

  1. Organize different sorts of activities -- Excursions, parties, BBQs, holiday events, all of these set the stage for real resident relationships and rapport to develop. When planning events throughout the year, keep your ideas varied to engage as many members of your community as possible.
  2. Work with residents to establish clubs -- Clubs are an excellent way to get residents out, excited, learning, and building valuable relationships with a foundation in shared interests. Community management teams can work with residents to brainstorm ideas and lead clubs that bring everyone together.
  3. Nurture and promote communal spaces -- Communal spaces are enticing to prospects and enjoyable to residents all the same. Parks, community clubhouses, and other shared spaces should be taken care of, promoted, and shown off as the valuable assets they are. It's within these spaces that residents will build these organic relationships at their leisure.
  4. Open social media groups -- Social media platforms like Facebook make it incredibly easy for community management teams to start Facebook groups aimed at their community. In these groups, residents can chat, connect, and share experiences with ease and from the comfort of their own homes. Community managers can encourage conversation with simple photo, contest, or question posts, and simply allow residents to connect through their own comments.
  5. Offer volunteer opportunities -- Teaming up with local charitable organizations puts your community out there in a very positive way, and it's even more impactful when residents join in on the fun. When you have a volunteer event coming up, put the word out to residents and give them the option to help out if they choose. Residents feel great making a positive change, and they're teamed up together to build real and lasting neighborly relationships.

At OccupancySolutions.com, we know that community management teams should never underestimate the power of the community. To learn more about encouraging residents to connect within your community, contact us today.