Deep Conversations Lead to Great Insights

I recently had a great conversation with one of my good friends, Trent Ratliff, RPM©, MPM© the President of Management at All 3 Realty in Atlanta, GA. We talked about the state of the property management industry, where he goes to learn about new and emerging technologies, and the kind of advice he’d give to a new property manager heading into conference season. One thing that really stuck with me was his "Go ALL-IN" approach—it's how he operates his business, and it’s a mindset that has been key to his success.

Inspired by our chat, I started thinking about how this approach applies not just to Trent’s business, but to property management in general, especially when it comes to adopting new tools and solutions. And as we head into the heart of convention season, it's the perfect time to reflect on how committing fully to new innovations can help streamline our businesses and drive real results.

The All-In Approach

Too often, I see businesses try out new tools or services with just a surface-level effort, hoping for immediate results without fully committing to the changes required. As Trent pointed out, this is a recipe for failure. Success with any new solution requires a deep dive—a willingness to go all in and embrace the change, even if it means shaking up some established routines.

Case Study: Self-Showing Software and Tenant-Led Inspections

When you’re adopting solutions that disrupt traditional practices, such as self-showing software or tenant-led inspections, this all-in mindset is crucial.

Self-showing software, for instance, is a powerful tool that can dramatically improve property exposure and help you fill vacancies faster. But to fully reap the rewards, you’ll need to shift some traditional leasing practices, like updating policies and ensuring your properties are prepped for tenant-led tours. The more you invest in supporting both your team and tenants through the transition, the more successful it will be.

Tenant-led inspections offer another opportunity to streamline operations. By allowing tenants to handle inspections, you can cut down on labor costs and gain valuable insights into the condition of your units. That said, I know firsthand that this change can be met with hesitation.

During my time as a property manager, we stumbled upon a tenant-led inspection solution at a conference. Initially, there was skepticism from the team about how well it would work. We quickly realized that to make it successful, we had to overhaul multiple processes—from how we communicated with tenants to how we tracked and verified inspection reports. But once we committed fully, the results were incredible. Within just three months, we had up-to-date condition reports for every property in our portfolio, something we hadn’t managed to achieve so efficiently before.

This experience taught me that going all in doesn’t just mean implementing a new tool—it means being willing to adapt and change your processes to ensure its success.

‍The Role of Bookkeeping in Business Success

Beyond leasing and condition reports, this all-in approach is just as essential in other key areas of business. One example is bookkeeping. At APM Help, we know that clean books are the foundation of a well-run property management business. While we offer expert assistance, we also encourage property managers to be actively involved in the process.
By going all in—digging into the numbers and addressing any underlying issues—property managers can ensure their books are not only clean but also provide a solid foundation for future growth.

Ready to Go All In?

With conference season just around the corner, I know many property managers are on the lookout for the next big thing—whether it's new tech, innovative services, or operational changes. It can be tempting to seek out quick solutions or hope for instant success. But here’s the reality: long-lasting success doesn’t happen overnight.
The best decisions take commitment. When you go all in—whether it's on a new tool, a process change, or even in how you approach your bookkeeping—you’re setting yourself and your business up for real, lasting results.
So, as you head into those conference halls, ready to explore what’s next for your business, remember: the key to making any solution work is the mindset you bring to the table. Be ready to commit, embrace the change, and dive in fully. That’s how you’ll take your business to the next level.

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