Dear Heather- Considering Changing Sides

Dear Heather,

You mentioned in one of your blogs that you switched from working as a someone on the property level to someone who worked on the vendor side.  An ILS in our area recently approached me and offered me the chance to join them.  I like my job as a leasing manager now, but I'm kind of wondering what it's like on the other side.  It's been a really rough year for my property, and I have to admit that the offer is tempting.  What's the best thing to do?

-Considering Changing Sides
 

Dear Considering Changing Sides,
Unfortunately, the core of this decision is something you really have to make for yourself.  What I can tell you is that the supplier side of the fence is a completely new view on a bigger version of the world that you're currently living in. 
 
As a current leasing manager, I'm sure that you've got to be a great closer, but I caution you before jumping ship to realize that closing someone on an apartment and being able to sell a service to an apartment community are VERY different.  Everyone has learned to try and survive in the current market, but even there it's only taking you around 5 contacts with a prospect to close a lease.  On the vendor side, I've seen it take 6, 12, or 18 months of contact with a prospect to close the deal.  If you can make your relationships count and thrive for the long haul, then you might be well suited for supplier life.
 
My advice to you is to make an educated decision.  Ask the rep who offered you the job if you can shadow him on one of your days off.  Then you can get a glimpse of what you might be getting yourself into.  You might also ask to see the sales records for the last few years so you know if the service you're looking at is going to stay marketable when you try to work there.
 
For me, switching to the supplier side was a lot of fun.  I love being involved and I love keeping in touch with people.  I took the job because I was ready for a new challenge and couldn't pass up the opportunity to open an office from the ground up. 
 
But that was MY choice.  This is yours, so I advise you to ask yourself what you really want.  There's something to be said for the stability of long term jobs on your resume, and if you have a great relationship and work place currently, it might be worth letting this one pass you by.  Question your own professional fulfillment and what you really want. Go from there.
 
Good Luck-
Heather