Realty411Guide.com PAGE 38 • 2012 reWEALTHmag.com

Wow, you have the keys! NOW WHAT?

You are at YOUR self storage facil-ity. Even though occupancy is lower than you want it to be, suddenly you feel your excitement level building. Why? This is your dream, you are an entrepreneur now. You see the future, your dream and are ready to make it happen.

What does the average renter think about when they think self storage? Downsizing? De-clutter? Too much stuff, but want to keep it?

Think about how often you see self storage facilities. It must be a busy busi-ness with people storing their treasures, because self storage is everywhere.

It would be nice if those of us in self storage had a magical self storage wand to wave and “Voila, we have 100% occu-pancy!”.

Unfortunately the average is 76% oc-cupancy. Why? Because we do not use everything available to us. So, how do I promote my facility. What will make my place stand out and above the rest?

Owning or managing a self storage facility will allow you to get to know the customer service industry up and close and personal. BUT, it goes beyond that!!!

How do you spread the word about your facility? Do you do any of these?

•What is your web presence? Do you have a website? Is it accurate? Does it do what you want? Have you tried local advertis-ing? Flyers, newspapers and signs.

•Community sponsorship; i.e., churches, community sports, parades...

•Media: do you have a Facebook or Twit-ter account? Air spot on the radio, TV news commercial?

•Your current clients: Did you let them know that there was a change in manage-ment, have you asked them to tell friends? Have you let them know you appreciate them?

•Are you promoting it: car wash, free dump day, customer appreciation day?Typically when visiting a self storage unit facility, you will be greeted by the self storage manager or owner.

First impressions are always the BEST! Customer service, that’s a huge key to success in this industry. We go through a checklist in our training, it goes something like this:

•Find out the needs: large vs. small, long term vs. short term

•Why do they need self storage? Then appeal to them on that level: moving, busi-ness, divorce, downsizing, college student.

•Have you told them about the discounts, perks and added advantages you offer? 24 hour security, easy rental payment, temperature controlled units.

•Don’t forget to tell them about how they can save money: referrals, upgrading, first month free, savings for auto pay.

Market Your Self Storage Facility at

Maximum Velocity!•Let them know about extended services: need a truck? How about a business center? Boxes? No problem we offer those here. Let them know everything that they can do in your one stop location.

•Have them fill out a visitor’s card and the show them around, let them know the units available in the size they want. **Extra tip: follow up with them if they leave and reach out asking if they found what they needed. If not you are still there to help.

You can bet that “in the day of the life” of a self storage owner or manager, it will rarely be a dull one. It takes patience and the outstanding ability to communicate well with both agencies, your staff and your tenants.

Your potential hinges on happy tenants. With the right tools and the right educa-tion or coaching, your experience as a Self Storage Owner or Manager can be the start of a rewarding career in the self stor-age industry.

Kevin Rollings, CSSM© is the owner and CEO of Alcatraz Storage, Hoosiers Self Storage, and Self Storage Facility Management.

Whatever the situation is Kevin and his team have the answers! Visit online at: www.selfstoragefacilitymanagement.com and get your 30 minute evaluation FREE!

by Kevin Rollings, CSSM©