by John Stevens
August 19, 2011 11:31 AM
A lesson that parents often try to get across to their children is that you should treat others the way you want to be treated. When you treat them with respect, they will (or at least should) treat you with the same kind of respect.
The concept is one that has some application in the business world, self storage and otherwise. Typically, employees don’t respond very well to be treated as if they are expendable and could be replaced at the drop of a hat. While that may make them try hard in order not to lose their job, it does not encourage them to do the best simply because they can
When employees feel like they are valued by the company, they start to feel invested in what they are doing, and not just because of the paycheck. They will do their best because they see the perception of the company as a reflection of themselves.
The same concept can apply to the way businesses interact with their customers and the local community. Show that you are in the community for reasons other than to make a profit, and the community is likely to show its appreciation by becoming patrons of your business.
Ed Olson of A-American Self Storage Management Co. has made a donation in the amount of $500,000 to The Nature Conservancy to help it protect forest land in Hawaii, specifically on Kau and South Kona. Forests in both areas happen to be the home for many endangered birds.
Tourism is by far the biggest industry on the Hawaiian Islands. People flock to the islands every month because of the beautiful scenery and warm climate, something which Olson’s donation will help protect.
In 2010, nearly seven million people visited one or more of Hawaii’s islands, the majority of them on vacation. On Oahu alone they spent close to $6 billion.
It is not the first time that Olson has done something to protect the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. IN 2010, he came to an agreement with the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust not to develop over 1,200 acres of land near the Walanae Mountains in Oahu and another 900 acres in Kau.
Thanks to Olson and A-American Self Storage’s sizable donation, the Nature Conservancy will be able to continue insuring that the Hawaiian Islands remain one of the most beautiful places on earth. By doing things like this, it is doubtful that A-American Self Storage will have a hard time finding tenants any time soon.
Sources used:
“Self storage entrepreneur’s $500,000 donation to support Hawaii forest conservation.” The Republic; 19 August 2011.
“No development vowed for 2,000 Oahu, Kau acres.” KPUA.net; 30 January 2011.
Annual Visitor Research; Hawaii Tourism Authority.