Back to Grassroots for property managers in the Canberra region

Grassroots, the biggest property management conference in the ACT and surrounding region, is just around the corner on 6 March 2018. So, book now before 24 December 2017 for the Early Bird Special price of $225 instead of the Regular Price of $275.

Ok, time-critical announcement done and dusted. Now, what is this Grassroots conference all about? Well, it was born out of a need to provide relevant, easily applied, locally-focused training for property managers.

Now in its fourth year, Grassroots shares the wealth of knowledge the Canberra region has in property management. Local property managers don’t have to go to Sydney or Melbourne anymore to keep up to date in their profession.

The full-day conference covers a range of specific technical areas in property management and the opportunity to rub shoulders with the best in the business.

Kylie Maxwell, Director and Franchise Owner of LJ Hooker Queanbeyan, with 25 years experience in the property sector, is a member of the Grassroots management committee.

“Grassroots provides the opportunity for property managers to leave the office and develop their skills further,” Kylie said.

According to Kylie, through Grassroots, the industry is providing tools and strategies for young property managers to cope with a rapidly changing property management industry.

“Grassroots is excellent because it gives your staff the opportunity and knowledge to polish their skills. The more training and support you provide your staff, the more confidence they will have in their ability to do their job,” Kylie offered.

The conference is targeted at those that have been in the industry for less than five years, but also as a refresher for those that have been in the industry longer.

Kylie says Grassroots 2018 has taken on board feedback from previous conferences and broadened the range of topics to include things such as handling complaints with confidence, preparing for tribunals, being resilient and building long-term relationships.

Keynote speakers at Grassroots 2018 will be Amy Sanderson, a property manager with over 20 years experience in the industry, and Matthew Johnstone, an internationally renowned expert communicator. Both Amy and Matthew will share their advice on success and resilience.

Kylie will be presenting ‘What’s really in your Instructions to Act’.

“My session is all about ensuring management agreements are legally binding. I’ll be explaining common terms and phrases that are in the agreement and also how to build relationships with your clients so they are with you for life and are happy to refer your services,” Kylie explained.

Kylie believes communication, time management and being able to build long-term relationships are critical skills for a property manager.

“Many property managers are in their 20s and 30s and don’t have the communication skills to relate to investment clients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s,” Kylie explained.

Other areas Kylie believes young property managers need training include:

• Time management;
• Self-learning;
• Understanding legislation;
• The art of negotiating;
• Evidence for tribunal hearings;
• How to speak with someone over the phone rather than hiding behind a keyboard;
• Building long-term relationships with their clients.

“Property managers haven’t traditionally received a lot of training because businesses have focused on their sales team, but Grassroots give property managers their time to shine, mix with their colleagues and seasoned professionals, and keep up to date with the latest trends and technical information,” Kylie said.

Whether you are a new property manager or a seasoned professional, Grassroots on 6 March 2018 is a conference not to be missed. Oh, and don’t forget the Early Bird Special price of $225 instead of the Regular Price of $275 ends on 24 December 2017.

For more information and to book your tickets, check out their website.

This is a sponsored article, though all opinions are the author’s own. For more information on paid content, see our sponsored content policy.