mike beard : community living

Paul McCartney, who sang 'When I'm Sixty-Four' 42 years ago, turned 64 in 2006. It's largely believed that he wrote the song for his father who turned 64 back in 1966, the year before Sgt. Pepper was released.

Are there magic tricks in selling retirement communities to the aging sixties generation. the so-called ZOOMERS? People will retire as their hearts and wallets demand. I think it's advantageous to get their attention early. Whether they are looking now for Mom or Dad or for themselves as they reach retirement age, introduce yourself and your community gratiously now before time or life events catch up.

In today's expanded sense of community the place to meet and greet them is online. In a new spin on the old 'location, location, location' theme, 'location' now refers to a URL, an internet address.

Grab and keep their attention with blogs, FaceBook and other social media models. Did you know that more people are now using social media than email? Nielsen Online also points out that so called 'oldsters' over 50 are outpacing and will soon overtake younger demographics in their use of new media?

Create websites that truly showcase the flavour and inviting atmosphere of your property. Lay out your unique sales proposition in an engaging manner. And of course, list your site with the your local, state or provincial Retirement Community Association.

Allow me to introduce ONE MAN AGENCY. What can one man do? Here's a quick list:

STRATEGIC Brand positioning, community identity concept development, advertising strategies and campaigns, new customer acquisition, sales centre concepts, event marketing and communications

TACTICAL Logo and sales centre design including displays and signage, on target writing and design for print advertising, sales brochures, event logos and invitations, email campaigns, web design and production, internet banners, web analytics, Blog and social media set up, posters, floorplans, photography, video staging and production, sales presentations and speech writing, customer testimonials and case studies, signage, site plans and all print.

PROMPT DELIVERYAll the above is built with hands on production and project management, personal supervision of studio, print and interactive suppliers.