My refrigerator is on the fritz. So, I find myself in the situation of researching what my best options are for purchasing a new one. Much like a prospective self-storage customer, I am looking at what’s available out there, what the prices are, and last but not least...who I want to buy from.

Do I have your attention? That’s an interesting question, and one that is of key importance in the area of learning. How many times did you hear the words, “Pay Attention,” as a student in high school or college? The truth is, very little can be learned without paying attention, and much can be learned by following that simple act.

“The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological — technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science.”

Finding the right balance in the number of sales contacts you make can be tricky, but it's really important if you want to close the deal.

A recent trip to New York City- Manhattan to be specific- reminded me how different some parts of our great country are from others. As you may know, Manhattan is a densely-packed thriving hub of a universe in itself. The pace is fast, and the action vibe is non-stop. As you might expect, New Yorkers themselves are different from Texans, and therefore, the most prominent self-storage business there, called Manhattan Mini Storage, use a different approach to marketing to their target audience.

We’ll be glad to help you start a luncheon group in your area but it doesn’t always have to be a formal affair to make a connection…or a new friend!

As a businessperson, you owe it to yourself to do your best to keep up. That doesn’t mean buying every new device and installing new software every other day. But it does mean trying new programs and occasionally taking the plunge with new hardware.

Learning is a life-long process. Learning and changing, even in the self-storage industry, often involve technology, especially in the fast-paced 24/7 information-packed world we live in. And while learning new technology can be frustrating and challenging, it can also be very rewarding.

Word of mouth still makes a big difference in marketing self storage.

Customer service be one of the best forms of marketing. Typically, you think of marketing as a specific effort that you make, and then you look for the desired results. An example would be going throughout your area, and placing door hangers on apartments and homes, and then waiting to see if you get any nibbles. However, customer service as marketing works differently. It’s more of a passive, but ongoing approach.

Two events occurred recently that made me stop and consider how important flexibility is when responding to customers’ concerns.

TSSA presented the Shriners Childrens Burn Hospital in Galveston with $125,000 in a heart-warming visit and tour of the facilities.

I am wondering how many of you self-storage facility owners out there are empowering your managers to make decisions and grow in your company. You will likely be surprised at how much this can help you, as an owner, empower yourself too.

This time of year we all find ourselves very busy. Have you ever just sat in the parking lot of Wal-Mart this time of year? I found myself doing that the other day, watching people who appeared to be pre-programmed robots.

I’m usually very organized with things relating to work or my business. I absolutely believe in having a marketing plan, a marketing calendar and having a schedule for important events. Except that I’m a miserable failure at applying those same principles to my personal life.

Don't just "show them the love" when they're ticked off about something! A constant supply can work wonders.

The TSSA Consumer Guide is an inexpensive, yet professional brochure with many uses.