Staying Relevant

The telecom landscape has changed immeasurably in the last 15 years. Likewise, how MDU owners, developers and management companies ("MDU's") interact, negotiate and contract with telecom providers has also changed. It’s not as simple to say that new technologies and new providers are the primary change.

One of the largest changes I see is the focal point of negotiations between MDU's and telecom providers.

Early in my career, the focus seemed to be only on increasing ancillary income. Let's be honest, that is still a primary driving force, but it is no longer the only focus nor the most important focus.

MDU's focus on increasing ancillary income, limiting their risk of provider/service obsolescence, increasing resident choice, limiting access, wire ownership, wire use and marketing rights just to name a few.

The point is, MDU telecom negotiations are far from one-dimensional.

As subject matter experts, MDU telecom consultants need to stay relevant and ensure that their mission is in lock step with their client - and in many cases, provide the insight and advice to help focus a client's.......well, focus.

Enjoy your week.

Who is your client?

I have served the MDU industry for over 15 years.  In the beginning of my career, the answer to the question "who is your client" (local property manager, regional property supervisor, asset manager, etc.) was pretty clear, or so I thought.  At that time, I was responsible for negotiating long term service agreements for one of the largest cable MSO's. My client, or so I thought, was the asset manager or other national level decision maker.

As I matured in my career and moved into the role of manager, director and ultimately vice president, I quickly realized that each of the levels of management of an MDU owner or management company was in a way my client.  While the local property manager and regional property supervisor didn't sign the agreement and often didn't play a role in the ultimate decision, they were no less my client.  Property and supervisory staff act as the eyes and ears of the asset managers.  While they could possibly lend some help if you maintained a good relationship with them, they could definitely create roadblocks if you had no relationship or a dysfunctional relationship with them.

In my current role as a telecommunications contract rights consultant to MDU owners, developers and management companies, I am pretty far removed from local property management and regional supervisors.  Nevertheless, I must continue to see the business from their point of view if I am to maximize the added value I provide to my clients.

Who is your client?

Reasons Your MDU Firm Should Engage an MDU Telecom Consultant

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE
Top consultants have many years experience in the telecommunications space (voice, video and data) as it pertains to the MDU client and resident base.  Consultants can leverage this experience to work on your behalf.

INDUSTRY CONTACTS
Top consultants have longstanding relationships with your providers, your peers, legal counsel and industry insiders.  Consultants can leverage these relationships on your behalf.

MULTIPLYING TIME
While maximizing ancillary income from telecommunications contracts is critical, it pales in comparison to maximizing your rental income.  Multiply your time - focus on your core business, building and/or leasing apartments, and allow your consultant to focus on maximizing the value of your telecom contract rights.

OBJECTIVE VIEWPOINT
Top consultants can bring an objective viewpoint to bear and assist you in making the best long term decisions on maximizing your telecom contract rights.

ADDED VALUE
The buck stops here.  Top consultants leverage all of these skills to deliver added value:  increased ancillary income, improved contract language and mistake avoidance.

Speak to Blakely Broadband Group, LLC about how we can leverage our skills and deliver added value to you firm.