The GlynnDevins blog serves as a great tool for sharing information regarding the world of senior living. We will be presenting a series of Q & A interviews with some of our associates who can offer their insights on a variety of topics. The first installment is an interview with Jim Glynn regarding the challenge and importance of keeping senior living communities full.
Over the course of the last six years, some of our clients would ask about getting a big-name speaker to help build leads for their community. Art Linkletter seemed to always fit the bill. He had name recognition, and was liked by everyone. And who wouldn’t like him? Mr. Linkletter had one of those personalities that was genuine. He loved telling stories from his unbelievable career. And he was a man who truly believed in the product of senior living communities. He didn’t need to be convinced about the benefits of moving to a senior living community.
He would use his own life as an example of staying active and socially connected. He would tell audiences of older adults and adult children alike that life in a senior living community was one of the best choices someone could make. But in true fashion, he did it in a manner that was entertaining. No one walked away without a morning or afternoon of laughter. And while Alzheimer’s is a serious disease that affects so many, Mr. Linkletter even brought a bit of laughter about that topic, too. Here is one of his stories:
While presenting to a group of older adults at a senior living community, Mr. Linkletter said he noticed a woman sitting in the front row, just smiling and nodding her head the whole time. When he finished, he walked up to her and handed her an autographed photo and said, “Do you know who I am?” She told him, “No, but if you go to the front desk, they’ll tell you!”
Stories like that always brought a chuckle, but then he turned that moment into a way to share information about the latest news about Alzheimer’s research. Always a true professional.
Mr. Linkletter passed away this week at the age of 97. He lived a very full life, and senior living lost a true advocate.
Yup. We’ve all seen it in the headlines. Anchors on television news have used it, and sometimes it slips out of our own mouths. “Facility.”
In the world of senior living, it brings a cringe to marketers. The word (and I won’t use it again) conjures up images of institutions and old-time state hospitals.
So how do you handle it if someone uses the word? Leave it alone? Use it as a “teachable moment” on how senior living is about communities, not f——, well you know.
Or are you okay with using it? After all, you do “facilitate” services and amenities for older adults at your, ah hem, community.
This post should generate some good comments…get in on the conversation. Share your stories about the “f” word.
Chances are we’ve all seen a musical conductor in action at some point in our life. Have you ever stopped to think how much of a physical workout that conductor is getting?
I recently had the pleasure of watching Maestro David Dworkin of Conductorcise® in action as he did a presentation for some older adults. His session gives the audience an opportunity to smile, laugh and maybe even produce a bead of sweat. Why? Because he encourages the audience to also “conduct” to the classical recorded music. It’s a session like Music 101 with a physical component.
What I saw was older adults experiencing the moment. For the hour they were waving their batons, listening to Strauss and Brahms, learning a bit of musical history and just plain enjoying themselves.
One couple in attendance had just moved to this particular senior living community that hosted this event a month earlier. They told me they’re amazed at how much their life has changed since the move. Changed for the better, that is.
So here’s my point: Older adults want to have opportunities to live, learn and grow. This event or others a community has planned provides residents options. They move to a community so they can meet new friends, learn new things, have a care plan in place.
Are your residents engaged and taking advantage of “the happenings” at your community? Their interest and participation typically turns into testimonials and referrals. They’ll sing your praises as you “conduct” opportunities for their future. A-one…a-two.
Here’s a short video of seniors taking part in Conductorcise.
During a recent conference I attended, the senior vice president of global public affairs and communications at Coca-Cola did a presentation on social media strategy. Clyde C. Tuggle’s comments are relevant to any business trying to build relationships online ─ and they definitely apply to senior living communities.
1) Consumers own our brands. We may think we’re in control, but ultimately it’s their experience with your community that shapes what you’re really selling to the public.
2) Look for ways to engage with your consumers. The best way to bring them in is through connectivity. Fish where the fish are, not where you think they are.
3) Do something different. Find a way for consumers to make an emotional bond.
And this last point is probably the most relevant for senior living.
4) Every day is election day. Get in the campaign mode, because the consumer is “voting” every day about your product, your community. Let people know what you stand for, communicate your values and live them.
Think about your operations. Think about your messaging. Why? Because “every day is election day.”