The switch from a software you've been using for years to a newer software can be exciting and challenging. It is important to familiarize yourself as soon as possible, which means training! Today, we share some of the available resources to help you and your team become comfortable with AppFolio, Buildium, or Propertyware.
You've made the switch to AppFolio, Buildium, or Propertyware - congrats! Now what? Well, first off, don't panic. There are a number of resources out there to help you and your team learn all of the in's and out's of your new system. Everyone has different learning styles, so it's important to accommodate those when training your team. Below are some resources that can help start you off in the right direction:
Everyone on your team should be able to find something that works for them with this mix of visual and written material. Videos are useful if you are meeting as a large group, and the articles are good for one-off or department specific needs. Add a game or two to heighten interest and retention of information. When a game is involved, people are sure to have fun absorbing the new material!
In Outliers, a book published by Malcolm Gladwell, he states that it takes 10,000 hours to truly become a master at something. If you were to spend 2 hours a day studying Propertyware or AppFolio, that would amount to about 14 years (whoa). Now, I don't know about you, but 14 years is too long for our taste. Tim Ferriss agrees, and has done studies on how to shorten these 10,000 hours to just 6 months. He claims that you can do this by creating a feedback loop, practicing, and by teaching others.
Through our work with new users, we've found that it is helpful to find one or two days a week that work with everyone's schedule to study the new material. Once you find that time, be sure to stick with it until you and your staff feel confident. In addition, APM Help can train your office on all of the features found in both AppFolio and Propertyware as well (in 6 months or less)!
There will be features that you may not find a use for, or maybe you'd rather have a third party managing the accounting side. In this case, APM Help can show you the ropes on leasing, reporting, maintenance, and communication features. In addition, we can manage everything in your account with a dollar sign - a one-stop-shop! If you are ready to familiarize with those features that have been haunting your dreams, then reach out to us on our website or you can call or text 281-949-8755.
