People have always looked to the opinions of others when it comes to just about everything. We tend to feel that if we can get an opinion from someone that used the product or travelled to the destination than we are getting a true assessment of its value and a much clearer picture of how good it is relative to what commercials or advertising says.
This has become an even more prevalent practice in the internet age where entire websites exist for people to offer their opinions and to give reviews on things. The fact of the matter is that when we see that 125 people gave something a four-star review relative to a handful of poor reviews we make up our minds about using a product or service before we even see it.
A poll that was recently put underway by Inside Self Storage has tapped into this concept in order to promote the self storage industry. On April 21 they began taking what they call a “Best of Business” opinion poll.
Essentially, it is an opportunity for self storage tenants to show their love and appreciation for their respective facility. The poll will be broken down into a variety of categories including:
- Best Door
- Best Management Software
- Best Green Product
- Best Operational Consulting
Votes for favorites in each category will be accepted through June 30, and the results published online in early October and printed in that month’s issues of ISS Magazine. The winners will also be recognized at the Inside Self Storage World Expo in Las Vegas March 14-16, 2012.
This is something that the individual companies will undoubtedly use to their advantage in many ways. For one, people like to be associated with a quality business/product. It gives them more of a sense of worth when it comes to their job when they know how well their service is being received well by consumers.
More importantly, the owner or manager will use their ranking and final standing as something by which to entice more tenants into using their self storage facility. People like to know what others think, so if it good news than you can rest assured that the management will be finding a way to make use of it in at least social media if not other advertising venues.
A prime example of this concept in practice comes from a company in the Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Amazing Spaces was recently recognized as the Best Self Storage Facility in the Woodlands area by going online and voting for the self storage facility they thought was the best.
“Our entire Amazing Spaces team is once again honored to have been awarded The Best in Storage for 2011 by area residents,” said Angela Vaughn, the manager of The Woodlands Amazing Spaces. “Our customers are truly the Best of The Woodlands, and we are committed to continue delivering the highest quality of service and value in The Woodlands area!”
They have an image of the award on their website as well as a full write up on the Woodladsonline.com. Can anyone say free advertising?
Sources Used:
“Playing Favorites: Choose Yours in the Inside Self-Storage ‘Best of Business’ Poll.” Inside Self Storage; 21 April 2011.
“Let Your Excellence do the Talking for You.” Self Storage Industry News; 07 April 2011.