Summary
In this episode, Jerry Vinci and Brenna Diede discuss the intricate relationship between operations and occupancy in senior living. Brenna shares her diverse background in senior living, marketing, and hospice care, emphasizing the importance of understanding grief and the human experience in leadership. They explore the concept of keeping the back door closed while opening the front door, highlighting the need for effective communication and teamwork to enhance resident satisfaction and retention. Brenna also shares her innovative training exercise that fosters collaboration among staff, and how marketing plays a crucial role in operations. In this conversation, Brenna Diede and Jerry Vinci explore the evolving landscape of senior living, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals within the industry, bridging the gap between operations and marketing, and fostering genuine relationships within communities. They discuss the value of a marketing mindset in leadership roles, the need to change perceptions of senior living, and the significance of creating joyful, engaging environments for residents. Brenna shares actionable insights on how to connect with older adults and the importance of intergenerational interactions, ultimately advocating for a more human-centered approach to senior living.
Takeaways
- You can’t open the front door and close the back door at the same time.
- Keeping the back door closed is essential for retention.
- Understanding grief is crucial in senior living.
- Effective communication fosters community engagement.
- Every staff member plays a role in marketing.
- Empowering staff leads to better resident relationships.
- Feedback loops are vital for continuous improvement.
- Marketing is about telling a story, not just ads.
- Training exercises can enhance teamwork and collaboration.
- Leaders should push staff to grow and take on more responsibilities. Empowering individuals in senior living careers leads to mutual benefits.
- Not everyone is career-driven; some find passion in their roles.
- Executive directors should engage with marketing to enhance community relationships.
- Practicing conversation skills can improve sales interactions.
- Sales conversations are about building relationships, not just closing deals.
- Marketing-minded leaders can drive higher occupancy and better budgets.
- Building local relationships is key in smaller markets.
- Changing perceptions of senior living requires open conversations and education.
- Fostering joy and connection in senior living enhances the work experience.
- Intergenerational programs can bridge gaps and enrich lives.
