Recently, I ended up having a four hour lunch & meeting with one of the Sales Associates at the most premiere and very affluent Meadow Lake Village, a Resort Retirement Community, here in Boise. It is usually for the very affluent. It is the only one of it's kind in Idaho. There are various levels for Seniors from Cottage homes, Independent Living to an Assisted Living new wing that opened up recently.
Long story short, this has been in process for about 8 months. The Sales Associate that I originally met became the Supervisor and is much more creative and open to strategic marketing than his former boss. I met with one of the newer Sales Associates that has done some staging and formerly managed a large furniture company here in Boise. She showed me the various plans in the community. The major drawback for these Seniors is being overwhelmed at the thought of of Downsizing. The company may pay for my initial consultation with the prospective client to encourage and help them in their decision making process to move into their community.
Why did they call me back? The Sales Associate kept my card after meeting him at a Boise Metro Chamber Mixer last fall. He had me come out to the community and showed me around. He loved my portfolio and thought it would be great to have me help their new residents with their move-ins/downsizing. They said, they were still interested in me because they had a great need and (their words not mine) "because of my professionalism, the wonderful Monthly Decorating Newsletter, "Irene's Inspirations" and dramatic transformations in homes." They also appreciated the low key approach of our business through our newsletter and not the aggressive type of advertising. They also appreciated my passion for what I do and think that I would be a great fit with their Seniors. I grew up next door to my grandmother and learned to honor and respect the elderly. This has been a wonderful skill that has really been a blessing throughout my life. So hopefully, I will get the opportunity and go ahead from their board and investors to try this type of marketing to help those that need help to make their decision in moving into their communities.
Another interesting twist to this is that I met the Activities Coordinator. When I gave her my card she said she knew who I was and recognized my business card. We found out we get our nails done at the same Nail Salon! She was very excited at the transformation we did at the Salon with Color, painting and Redesign over a year ago! She wants me to come out and do some Decorating Seminars at their community. Goes to show you to stay in the game, keep your name out there and be professional. You just never know when someone will know you, seen your work or has referred you!
Recent Update: I have now been honored to do three presentations to this wonderful community of seniors. I have also been referred and done some downsizing projects, redesigns, color consultations and interior painting for some of the residents. We also did a redesign staging for the "Meadows" (Assisted Living) Model Homes at Meadow Lake Village. It has been an honor and privilege to work with these amazing seniors at this great community!
© 2008 Irene Woodworth
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