Where to Outreach: Preferred Employers & Local Businesses
WHERE TO OUTREACH?
Where to Outreach
Outreach works best when it’s intentional. You don’t want to just drive around hoping inspiration strikes — you want to know exactly who you’re trying to reach and why. The key is focusing your efforts on places that connect directly to your residents’ lifestyles, jobs, and daily routines.
Start with your preferred employers or the businesses that employ a large number of people who match your target renter profile. These are your power partners. Building relationships with HR teams, managers, and local employers can open doors to long-term referrals, relocation leads, and even formal preferred employer programs.
From there, expand your circle. Think about where your residents work, where they grab coffee, where they drop off their kids, and where they unwind after a long day. Every one of those touchpoints is an opportunity to make your community known in the neighborhood.
Use the list below as a guide to plan your route and prioritize your visits. You don’t need to hit them all — just pick the ones that make the most sense for your goals and the people you want to reach.
Do Your Homework Before You Go
For larger or harder-to-reach places — like hospitals, universities, and government offices — outreach works best when you start with research. These are busy environments with gatekeepers, so you’ll have a lot more success if you make a connection before you show up.
Start with LinkedIn. Search for job titles like HR Manager, Employee Engagement Coordinator, Admissions Counselor, Relocation Specialist, or Department Liaison. These are often the people who coordinate staff perks or relocation resources. If your community offers preferred employer pricing or flexible lease options, that’s exactly the kind of value they’re looking for.
If you want to go deeper, use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to filter by company and location — it helps you pinpoint decision-makers faster.
When you find the right contact, send a short, friendly message. Keep it personal and to the point. For example:
Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name] with [Community Name]. We partner with local employers to offer exclusive housing perks for their team members. I’ll be in your area [day of week] and would love to drop off a small goodie basket and some quick info about our preferred employer program for your staff. Would it be best to connect by email too?
If the location has tight security or restricted access, don’t give up — just adjust your approach. You can mail a packet directly to your contact or leave it with security or reception, addressed by name. Include your flyer, a brief handwritten note, and maybe a QR code that links to your community specials or virtual tour.
When you do get to visit in person, mention the contact’s name to the front desk and bring something a little extra, like a larger goodie basket. These thoughtful touches help your materials stand out and make it easier for your information to reach the right hands.
Remember this: Outreach starts long before you walk through the door. A few minutes of research can turn a cold visit into a warm welcome.
Medical Locations
Includes: Private practices, medical clinics, large hospitals, dental or cosmetic offices, and urgent care centers.
Healthcare employees often work long hours and value proximity, convenience, and stress-free living. These are some of the best partnerships for preferred employer programs. Bring snack packs, cookies, or goodie jars — something shareable for staff lounges or nurses’ stations.
Tip: Mention any medical discounts your community offers. If the person at the front desk is too busy, ask who handles HR or employee engagement and note that name for follow-up.
Banks, Financial Institutions, and Insurance Offices
Banking professionals are excellent referral partners because they often assist people during major life transitions — moving, purchasing, or relocating. Offer to display their brochures in your office in exchange for them doing the same.
Tip: A “Financial Friday” event or credit-building workshop can make for a great cross-promo partnership.
Government Services
Includes: Police, fire departments, post offices, city departments.
These employees are typically local and community-focused. Outreach here builds goodwill and trust while positioning your property as a proud supporter of public service professionals.
Tip: Bring individually wrapped snacks and clear labeling for departments that have shift work or security restrictions. Leave it with the station admin or officer in charge if access is limited.
Colleges, Universities, and Technical Schools
Target both faculty and student housing needs. Faculty and staff often look for stable, nearby housing, while students seek short commutes and flexible leasing.
Tip: Contact the housing office, HR, or student services ahead of time. If you can’t get in, leave materials with a receptionist and follow up with a friendly email.
Public, Private, and Montessori Schools
Teachers and administrators are ideal outreach contacts because they’re deeply rooted in the community. Appreciation drops (like cookies or coffee packs) go a long way here.
Tip: Ask about upcoming teacher events or appreciation weeks where your community could sponsor snacks or supplies.
Fitness-Centric Businesses
Includes: Gyms, yoga or pilates studios, wellness centers.
These are great for cross-promotion. They attract motivated, health-minded people who value lifestyle amenities like pools, trails, or fitness centers.
Tip: Invite them to host a pop-up or free class for residents, or co-host a “Wellness Wednesday” at their location.
Preferred Employers
Connect with HR teams from major local employers to discuss preferred employer partnerships. They can share your materials with new hires or add you to relocation resources.
Tip: Follow up quarterly with updates or specials so your community stays top of mind.
Restaurants, Hair Salons, and Nail Studios
These businesses thrive on word-of-mouth and are perfect for referral networking. Their employees interact with hundreds of people daily — including your future residents.
Tip: Offer to display their business cards in your clubhouse or social media shout-outs in exchange for them doing the same.
Locators, Brokers, and Real Estate Offices
These partners directly connect with renters and buyers. Stay friendly and professional — they’re often working with multiple communities.
Tip: Keep them updated with your specials or send them a monthly “What’s New” email with photos and rates.
Mom-and-Pop Businesses
Small business owners are your best advocates. They love supporting other locals and can often help spread the word about your community.
Tip: Drop by during slower hours, introduce yourself, and ask if you can leave flyers near the register or community board.