Computers are our friends. The line is so iconic that it is difficult to figure out exactly where it originated. Over the years it has become not just computers, but modern technology that has been perceived as ‘our friends.’ Modern technology allows to do all sorts of things that as close as a few years ago people thought were impossible. The only problem is in figuring out how to use modern technology in order to see how friendly it can be.
Modern technology can be a tremendous boon to people in the self storage. Social media has opened up a whole new realm for advertising that was not an option a decade ago. Now if a business does not have at least a web page, Facebook profile, and a Twitter account it is often considered to be behind the times.
Technology can be a great benefit to the day to day operations of your self storage facility as well. Kiosks that look a lot like ATM machines have been in use for a few years allowing tenants to acquire a unit or pay their bill during off-hours. As handy as they are they do require a substantial invest up front, not to mention maintenance costs.
Modern technology has provided an almost cost free alternative to this option. Thanks to advancements in smartphone, tablet technology and website development self storage owners can create a virtual kiosk that will allow tenants to conduct business whenever and virtually wherever they want.
As great as innovations like this sound they are essentially useless to owners and managers if they do not know how to use them. Those that want to get help making the most of modern technology for their self storage facility can get some help at the upcoming Inside Self Storage World Expo in Las Vegas.
Owners and managers can take advantage of any of four different educational tracks geared towards helping them learn how to use some of the latest developments in technology and software to make their self storage facility easier to run and more cost effective.
A technology marketplace will also be available and will feature a pair of seminars, one on the increasing uses of mobile technology in self-storage and how to make the most of the various kinds of social media to benefit your self storage business.
The Inside Self Storage World Expo is scheduled for March 14-16, 2011, at the Paris Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas.
Sources Used:
“Industry Technology Explored at Inside Self Storage World Expo in Las Vegas.” Inside Self Storage; 03 February 2011.
“PhoneSmart Highlights New Pocket-Sized Kiosk Technology for Self Storage Industry.” Self Storage Industry News; 28 January 2011.
“Social Networking and Self Storage Starting to go Hand-in-Hand.” Self Storage Industry News; 10 November 2010.