For getting to the parents of students....if it's not too late, find out when orientation weekend is. For nearby residential campuses with dorms, move-in weekend is also a great time. Quite often, they will have big welcome events and you may be able to get the OK to set up a table. The student housing office is going to be a great starting point of contact.

Thus far I've tried emailing a few but I got an email back saying I was affecting their close rate.

This blows my mind. If they believe this, then do resident emails also impact their close rate?? Lead tracking is really off the mark if non-sales emails are seen as a negative rather than a normal course of business...

As far as gaining business, participating in networking activities like association events and here on MFI is a great idea. One important note: Make sure you establish consistency. There are a TON of suppliers who enter a market and are very excited and active at the beginning, only to completely disappear after a few months. So my suggestion is to set up a schedule for attending events, participating online, etc and stick to it month after month - don't let that aspect be the one that falls through the cracks as you get busy.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice I'll take any you've got.

And I just realized board doesn't work the way I thought. let me respond this way.


RE: Amanda Truax
Thanks for the Advice. My plan was to go in first thing in the morning. I'm glad you point out not to do that.

RE: HouzeMe
Honestly I hadn't even crossed my mind and I've got a few in's at the local community college. How would I get to the parents in your situation? I can certainly get flyers in to students hands, parents are another story.

RE: Mindy Sharp
I just got myself a social media manager, I agree not the fastest way but I'll bet its going to be the biggest return in the end. Thanks!

I recommend following managers, management companies on social media, like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and seeing if you can connect in this way. Post links to articles about why it makes sense to carry a renters insurance policy, etc. Post safety tips, etc. I know this is not necessarily a fast way, but it can be very effective.

Also, reach out to the local Apartment Associations and offer to sponsor a meeting or cause they are supporting and become a member. That might be a better way of connecting with Managers and Leasing professionals.

Have you tried directly marketing to students? There are certainly better ways to reach them than through the manager of the building they live in. Also, factor your geographic location into the equation. We have found that cities with Tier 1 schools that also have higher than average crime rates will likely be your best bet when identifying groups of students that are willing to pay for renters insurance. Another interesting point is that, statistically, most students have received help from their parents when paying for rent. Parents place safety above all when it comes to their child living off-campus. Have you considered marketing your services towards the parent demographic?