A few weeks ago I posted a thread on Self-Storage Talk about training. I asked managers how much training they’d received when they joined the company. Sadly, many said there was very little training. Most claim they were “thrown into it,” or given a quick tour before getting the keys to the kingdom.
Being a self-storage manager today involves so much more than just manning the front desk and sweeping out units. Managers must understand detailed reports from the facility’s management software program, be able to market in their community, close a sale over the phone, handle lien sales and more. They aren’t babysitters, but a facility’s frontline.
So why, then, do some operators—managers too—not put enough importance on training. I’m not just talking about a few days of training for a new manager, either, but ongoing education. Things change. There are new software programs, new marketing ideas, ways to improve sales calls, new state laws, etc.
Education should be an ongoing commitment from every owner. And every manager should seek it. Education can come in a variety of forms. Perhaps the local community college has a class on marketing or sales, accounting or some other business-related topic. Inside the industry, there are many wonderful resources from Inside Self-Storage, consultants and even your vendors. Here are a couple of resources from ISS:
ISS webinars cover a range of topics including lien sales, the benefits of solar and maximizing online advertising. Excluding Jeffrey Greenberger’s Legal Learning webinars, all can be accessed any time for FREE.
The Self-Storage Training Institute offers a number of educational tools including audiotapes, e-books and the Qualified Storage Manager program, an online education program for managers.
Self-Storage Talk is the biggest and best online forum for self-storage professionals. Want advice on how spring cleaning, locks or billing issues, turn to SST.
The ISS archives has hundreds of articles on everything from self-storage insurance and financing to construction and online marketing. You can access the archives any time, FREE.
And, of course, there's the Inside Self-Storage World Expo. Held twice a year, the expo offers dozens of seminars on a variety of topics, add-on intensive workshops and an exhibit floor packed with industry vendors.
While I’ve clued you into a number of ISS educational offerings, there are many more out there. Contact your software provider and find out what else your software can do. Ask your vendors what’s new. Check out the local chamber of commerce or state association and see what they offer. Education is out there. You just need to find it.