The following video/blog posts were a very last minute idea I had right before the holidays for one of our student properties. The timing was a bit off given they were preparing for finals and their annual holiday trip back home. We only received two entries and they both arrived on the final day of the contest. I have to admit my expectations were not flying high but when I watched the entries for the first time, I got stoked about the future use of video in our operation.
The quality is marginal and in the same respect in adds a great deal of authenticity. I cried with laughter as I watched this one;
And, this one brought a smile to my face;
Given that we operate under the mantra of fail faster than anyone else, we felt fine getting them uploaded and posted. Now we have a position to move from and are collaborating the next promotion with a couple of our fanatical residents.
Here is a link to the community blog we have up and running Brookside Apartments.

Maybe a little rough, but I like it! You are right that it adds some authenticity to the process. I can easily see prospects surfing through fun testimonial videos more than looking at floorplans they can't really envision!
But I have to ask - what's with the political posts on the Brookside blog? Isn't that a bit risky?
Posted by: Brent Williams | January 03, 2009 at 11:36 AM
B,
Thank you as always for dropping a comment.
Thank you for the show of support on the videos - I think that future efforts will be much more dialed in.
I have some thoughts on the political posts - some more obvious than others. I would love to hear what you think the risks are.
Have a great weekend. M
Posted by: Mike | January 03, 2009 at 12:43 PM
looks like fun times, we have tried to do similair things in the past with some of our properties. it always turns out to be fun
Posted by: Myrtle Beach foreclosures | January 03, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Myrtle Beach,
Thank you for the comment. We look forward to doing some more of this. Our hope is to refine and organize it a bit more next time around.
We are having a lot of fun with resident testimonials, however.
Take care. M
Posted by: Mike Brewer | January 04, 2009 at 05:24 AM
Mike, Good Morning,
Pretty cool, Rock On! As a recommendation for increased participation, if you are doing any type of give away for say renewals, perhaps you could tie a video into it. You get something, the resident gets something.
I believe the central theme should always be FUN, Very few management companies promote fun, they may say they do, but all of their crazy rules of what you can't do overshadow fun.
As for the quality, I am not sure that matters, other kids looking at it know they were home grown, and I think there is power in that.
As for the political post, leave it is my vote, but I bet you knew that anyway!
Posted by: Eric Brown | January 04, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Good Morning E.
You are right, I could have predicted your response to the political post. I think I recall one from your Urbane blog that drew comments for several days.
Thanks for the feedback - we really are in the beginning stages of something great at this deal.
Have a great Sunday.
M
Posted by: Mike Brewer | January 04, 2009 at 08:06 AM
I love the enthusiasm of the kids in the first video!
Posted by: The Landlord Times | February 23, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Looks like a lot of fun. Its good to get kids to do videos and jingles, they have a lot of energy.
Posted by: James | February 23, 2010 at 09:14 AM
I believe the central theme should always be FUN, Very few management companies promote fun, they may say they do, but all of their crazy rules of what you can't do overshadow fun.I like the video which really creates good awareness among others.
Posted by: reputation management | February 26, 2010 at 10:42 PM
These are actually pretty funny, heh. If you gave them some more time, I'm sure they'd really amaze you!
Posted by: Chuck Marvin | July 07, 2010 at 09:31 AM
The music in the first video adds to the poem, makes it more appealing.
I do Property Management in St John's
Posted by: Nicholas | May 05, 2011 at 07:16 AM
Great yeah...Those guys just rock it like anything.
Posted by: Property manager phoenix | October 04, 2011 at 12:46 AM
Awesome, I Like this video.....
Posted by: Property management Miami | December 14, 2011 at 01:50 AM