There are many old sayings that describe different avenues or paths to success in business, but there are two that apply especially well to the self storage industry: Knowledge is power and communication is the key to success.
When it comes to small business entities like the self storage industry (the vast majority of owners own only one facility) is primarily made up of, the right knowledge can be the difference between success and failure. Without corporate backing and in the absence of multiple partners, those in the self storage industry have to be self-reliant.
That is where the World Wide Web has come in handy in a number of different ways.
Information is available at the stroke of a key. Numerous web sites such as Self Storage Industry News and Inside Self Storage exist online that are geared towards keeping those in the self storage industry informed of the latest news and trends. A lot of sites also offer webinars to help educate viewers in things that are important to those that work in the industry.
The web has also opened up an entirely new form of communication and advertising with the masses (or specific people)—social media. Whether it is via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Linkedln, YouTube, or any of a number of different methods, social media gives self storage professionals a chance to communicate directly with people that are interested in hearing about what they have to offer (sales, auctions, etc.) in a way that has become more effective than print advertising.
“We have always offered college specials, but this year we decided it was time for something fun, and more in tune with the college customer market than the usual print advertising,” ezStorage President Todd Manganaro.
Self storage facility owners are not the only people that the web has aided in the self storage industry. With the economy making it hard for people to pay the rent on their self storage unit and thanks to the popularity of reality shows like Storage Wars and Auction Hunters, websites like StorageTreasures.com have been born.
StorageTreasures.com is a free service via the web that helps users find self storage auctions within a given area. The site recently launched its own forum online for auction enthusiasts to connect with other enthusiasts so that they can exchange ideas, tips, dates for future auctions, or just to swap war stories.
“The closer it gets to auction day the more questions a would-be auction hunter has.” StorageTreasures President and Founder Lance Watkins continued, “Our community forum gives our users a platform to get the answers they need from people just like them, as well as to share their experiences as an auction hunter. Everyone has something to contribute, whether they just won their first storage unit or their one hundred and first.
Sources Used:
“Storage Treasures Launches Storage Auction Community Forum on Website.” Bengzinga; 06 August 2011.
“Social Media is the Key to Successful Advertising.” Self Storage Industry News; 30 June 2011.