ISS Education Video 2020

Ready for Takeoff! How to Set Up a New Self-Storage Operation for Launch

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:38:19 GMT

Learn how to set up your new self-storage management office and operation to hit the ground running. Topics include timelines, appropriate checklists, strategies and more.

Speaker: Denise Bowley, Owner, Self Storage Science LLC
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 32 minutes

Ready for Takeoff! How to Set Up a New Self-Storage Operation for Launch
There’s a lot to keep your eye on during the building phase of a self-storage project, including preparation to open for business as soon as your general contractor hands you the keys. Our presenter will examine the important steps needed to set up your management office and operation for a smooth and hassle-free transition. She’ll cover timelines, appropriate checklists, strategies and more.

You’ll learn:

Timelines for setting up software, payment processing, hiring, utilities, etc.
Initial marketing strategies for local visibility
Which supplies you’ll need prior to opening
Must-have checklist items during your walkthrough with the general contractor
How to properly set up your computer and files for opening day

This product is also available in DVD format.

The Pillars of a Winning Self-Storage Customer Experience

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:35:34 GMT

There are challenges and opportunities when trying to elevate the self-storage customer experience. Learn how to tap into low-risk, high-reward improvements.

Speaker: John Traver, CEO, XPS Solutions
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 43 minutes

The Pillars of a Winning Self-Storage Customer Experience
The customer experience (CX) has evolved rapidly over the last few years, especially for the modern-day self-storage tenant. This presents both challenges and opportunities for facility operators. Our presenter will help you understand what these are and how CX affects your bottom line. You’ll also learn how to tap into low-risk, high-reward improvements for your CX.

You’ll learn:

How Amazon, Netflix and Uber have impacted customer expectations
How today’s tenant wants to communicate
What one change will save you money, make you money and improve your CX
How you can get your onsite team engaged in the CX process
Which CX metric is the most important

This product is also available in DVD format.

Fostering the Ultimate Self-Storage Team and Culture

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:42:45 GMT

Learn hiring and training techniques that help new managers start strong, plus ways to get your team to exceed expectations while delivering a first-class customer experience.

Speaker: Frank Certo, Self-Storage Consultant and Professional Trainer
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 52 minutes

Fostering the Ultimate Self-Storage Team and Culture
Finding and retaining top self-storage talent doesn’t just happen. Our presenter will focus on hiring and training techniques that’ll help facility managers get off to a great start. He’ll also cover ways to empower your team so they meet and exceed expectations, think big, make better decisions, elevate your brand, and act as responsible property stewards—all while delivering a first-class customer experience.

You’ll learn:

A case study on company culture and how well new employees assimilate
How to find and hire top talent in your market
The importance of an employee’s first 30 days and what they should look like
The secret to thinking big and making better decisions
How to deliver on brand messaging and the customer experience every day

This product is also available in DVD format.

The Core Marketing Strategies Every Self-Storage Operator Must Master

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:33:55 GMT

Learn implementation tips, key performance indicators and pitfalls to avoid across the seven core marketing channels that should be part of every operator’s marketing strategy.

Speaker: Christina Alvino, Founder and CEO, FineView Marketing
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 57 minutes

The Core Marketing Strategies Every Self-Storage Operator Must Master
Marketing is about so much more than creating a website. It’s about implementing an omnichannel approach that combines many marketing channels and reaches every generation. Each piece of the puzzle must work together to communicate a cohesive message. Our presenter will discuss implementation tips, key performance indicators and pitfalls to avoid across the seven core marketing channels that should be part of every operator’s marketing strategy.

You’ll learn:

Core marketing channels on which to focus
What marketing can be done at little to no cost
When to hire a marketing expert
How marketing basics can increase traffic
Immediate marketing action items anyone can accomplish

This product is also available in DVD format.

Square Pegs and Round Holes: Self-Storage Design for Challenging Parcels

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:23:46 GMT

Learn how to maximize square footage on oddly shaped land parcels and space-challenged sites. Discover obstacles you might encounter and how to overcome them.

Speaker: Ken Carrell, Principal, ARE Associates
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 32 minutes

Square Pegs and Round Holes: Self-Storage Design for Challenging Parcels
There’s no need to walk away from a small or challenging land parcel. Our speaker will show you how to maximize your square footage even when space is limited or the lot is oddly shaped. He’ll discuss the advantages to building storage on these properties over traditional sites as well as the obstacles you might encounter and how to overcome them.

You’ll learn:

How to create the best site layout
How to maximize square footage even on small sites
How to determine the best site access
How to take advantage of existing topography
How to use small sites to develop big projects

This product is also available in DVD format.

Lending Platforms and Programs for Every Self-Storage Finance Need

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:27:29 GMT

Learn which self-storage loan programs are appropriate for your needs, whether you seek maximum leverage, nonrecourse, prepay flexibility, the lowest rate or other options.

Speaker: David Smyle, Vice President, Pacific Southwest Realty Services
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 40 minutes

Lending Platforms and Programs for Every Self-Storage Finance Need
Learn about current permanent-lending options—life companies, commercial mortgage-backed securities, banks, credit unions—and bridge programs as well as the various types of debt available. Our presenter will explain which loan programs are appropriate for your needs, whether you seek maximum leverage, nonrecourse, prepay flexibility, lowest rate or other options. He’ll also provide a detailed comparison of rates, terms, fees, and other requirements seen in most loan transactions.

You’ll learn:

The types of loan products available in today’s market
The pros and cons of each lending platform
How to determine which program(s) best applies to a specific scenario
What to expect during the loan process
Terminology and lender expectations

This product is also available in DVD format.

Unlocking the Hidden Value of Access-Control Data and Other Self-Storage Metrics

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:29:17 GMT

Learn which data metrics a self-storage facility of any size should be tracking as well as how to turn them into practical insights to make better business decisions.

Speaker: Thomas Brooks, Managing Director, PTI Security Systems
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 46 minutes

Unlocking the Hidden Value of Access-Control Data and Other Self-Storage Metrics
Now more than ever, self-storage operations are making use of the vast amount of data their facilities generate and collect. How can you make the most of this information to stay competitive? Our presenter will answer this question and others around what metrics a storage facility of any size should be tracking, plus how to turn them into practical insights to make better business decisions.

You’ll learn:

Why you should be collecting and analyzing data regardless of your operation’s size
The types of data that exist in self-storage and how they’re collected
How to become a metrics-oriented organization
The five key performance indicators every facility should be tracking
Other types of metrics you can combine with your access-control data for deeper learning

This product is also available in DVD format.

Financial Forecasting for Peak Self-Storage Operating Performance

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:40:07 GMT

It's critical to anticipate annual facility revenue and expenses. Learn how to review past performance, select benchmarks for measurement, and create a solid budget for the year ahead.

Speaker: Magen Smith, Co-Founder, Atomic Self Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 39 minutes

Financial Forecasting for Peak Self-Storage Operating Performance
You may not have a crystal ball or the ability to see the future, but as a self-storage operator, you still must anticipate your facility’s revenue and expenses each year. It’s called budgeting! Forecasting your financial performance is key to ensuring smooth site operation and profitability. In this session, our presenter will explain how to review past performance, select proper benchmarks for measurement, and create a solid plan for the year ahead.

You’ll learn:

How to stop limiting yourself with stale budgets
How to proactively plan your financials
The right numbers to review and project
Which benchmarks you should be measuring
How to create more value for your storage property

This product is also available in DVD format.

Balancing the Personal and High-Tech Worlds of Self-Storage Customer Service

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:36:18 GMT

Learn how to balance in-person interactions and digital forms of customer service to positively and successfully engage with all self-storage customer types.

Speaker: Jim Mooney, Vice President of Operations, Freedom Storage Management
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 34 minutes

Balancing the Personal and High-Tech Worlds of Self-Storage Customer Service
While there are many customers who prefer digital services, there are still scores of people who demand face-to-face interaction with the companies they patron. To meet the needs of each customer type, today’s self-storage operators must be able to walk in both worlds. Learn how to positively relate to your tenants and prospects on their level—no matter what that is.

You’ll learn:

How to identify which interaction style a customer prefers
How to read body language
Which technology is necessary for tenant interaction today
How to keep customer-facing technology current
How to successfully interact with customers of all types

This product is also available in DVD format.

Make an Impact! Essential Traits of a True Self-Storage Leader

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:44:28 GMT

Learn to identify tools, refine talents and leverage communication to become a more-effective leader. Our presenter focuses on the Powerful Ps: prepare, plan, persistence, prioritize, passion and purpose.

Speaker: RK Kliebenstein, Principal, Coast-to-Coast Realty Advisors LLC
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 38 minutes

Make an Impact! Essential Traits of a True Self-Storage Leader
Self-storage leaders aren’t just owners and upper-level managers, and leadership isn’t confined to the workplace. In this fun and factual session, our presenter will teach you how to recognize and develop your leaderships skills at every level of an organization. He’ll help you identify important tools, refine talents and increase communication to become an all-around, more-effective leader using the Powerful Ps: prepare, plan, persistence, prioritize, passion and purpose.

You’ll learn:

How to prepare for leadership with the correct mindset and tools
How to plan using written goals, timelines, objectives and measuring criteria
The importance of persistence in tweaking plans as needed
How to prioritize what’s important as a leader to reach goals
How to share your passion and purpose to achieve and exceed goals

This product is also available in DVD format.

PWAs and SEO: The Future of Web Design and the Self-Storage Tenant Interface

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:31:42 GMT

Learn how progressive web apps and search engine optimization can work as a key part of your marketing strategy and increase your return on investment.

Speaker: Jason Barreto, Paid Search Specialist, The Storage Group
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 49 minutes

PWAs and SEO: The Future of Web Design and the Self-Storage Tenant Interface
Progressive web apps (PWAs) are websites that look and feel like a mobile app, allowing users to access information and capabilities without having to download anything. Many companies are using PWAs with phenomenal results! They help with search engine optimization (SEO), which is critical for companies that need to be competitive. Find out how PWAs and SEO work as a key part of your marketing strategy and increase your return on investment.

You’ll learn:

PWAs 101: What, why and how
How PWAs compare to traditional mobile apps
How adopting a PWA can increase your search engine rankings and online rentals
What your PWA should include
How to implement your PWA

This product is also available in DVD format.

Lessons Learned From Developing a Mixed-Use Self-Storage Project

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:25:10 GMT

There are many considerations to building a self-storage and retail complex. From zoning to aesthetics, unique requirements and opportunities, learn how to develop a successful mixed-use project.

Speaker: Josephine Hart, Managing Partner, Storage Development Partners LLC
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 32 minutes

Lessons Learned From Developing a Mixed-Use Self-Storage Project
With today's “live, work, play” focus, mixed-use projects meet the growing demand for multiple-use buildings. While the concept seems simple, execution isn’t always easy. There are many considerations to building a self-storage and retail complex, from zoning to aesthetics, plus other unique requirements and opportunities. Learn about one developer's experience and how you, too, can be successful.

You’ll learn:

What criteria to use in identifying a site for a mixed-use project
How to successfully sell the property to the neighborhood
How to determine the true value of mixed-use projects
How to create synergies between self-storage and retail
How mixed-use addresses the new “urban” focus being sought by municipalities

This product is also available in DVD format.

Legacy and Succession Planning for Family Self-Storage Businesses

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:26:50 GMT

Learn the proper planning, discussions and decisions that must be made when one generation intends to pass on its self-storage operation to the next, including valuable lessons learned.

Speaker: Scott Zucker, Partner, Weissmann Zucker Euster Morochnik & Garber P.C.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 48 minutes

Legacy and Succession Planning for Family Self-Storage Businesses
Most self-storage businesses are mom-and-pop operations, with many being family-owned. Some operators may already have experienced generational turnover. Our presenter will discuss the proper planning, discussions and decisions that must be made when one generation intends to pass on its real estate operation to the next, including lessons learned. This is a can’t-miss session for generational operators concerned about the future of their business.

You’ll learn:

The importance of gathering corporate and tax advisors and stakeholders
How to train for the next generation
How to prepare for death or disability
The difference between ownership and management
How to decide whether to keep or sell the business

This product is also available in DVD format.

Let’s Work Together! Achieving Self-Storage Efficiency Through Technology Integration

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:30:58 GMT

Learn how the integration of self-storage technology systems can convert more rentals and decrease costs, while allowing you to be more productive.

Speaker: Christian Thurgood, Chief Communication Officer, Easy Storage Solutions
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 37 minutes

Let’s Work Together! Achieving Self-Storage Efficiency Through Technology Integration
To avoid inefficiency and lost revenue, self-storage operators need to understand how all their technological systems should mesh, including their management software, access control, websites, call center, payment processing and other tools. Our presenter will share case studies of integration and how it converts more rentals and decreases costs while allowing you to be more productive.

You’ll learn:

Which technology tools and systems can and should be integrated
How to execute a seamless integration
How to identify inefficiency in your operation and how integration resolves it
How integration improves the customer experience and facility revenue
New products and services to consider adding to your integrated network

This product is also available in DVD format.

Self-Storage Undercover: The Subtle Art of Competitive Analysis

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:39:24 GMT

All self-storage operators should conduct competitive research to gauge market position and uncover areas for improvement. Learn how to query competitors, extract data and analyze results to maximize profit.

Speaker: Katherine D’Agostino, Founder, Self Storage Ninjas
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 46 minutes

Self-Storage Undercover: The Subtle Art of Competitive Analysis
If you operate a self-storage facility or are looking to build or buy one, you should be insatiably curious about your existing and potential competition. All operators should periodically conduct competitive research to better gauge market position and uncover areas where they might improve. Our presenter will share insight on how to query competitors, extract useful data and analyze the results to help maximize facility profit.

You’ll learn:

Resources to gather information prior to contacting competitors
How to approach competitors and which questions to ask
The type of information that’s useful to collect
What you can expect to learn online, on the phone and in person
How to turn competitors’ strengths and weaknesses into money-making opportunities

This product is also available in DVD format.

The Three Rs of Customer Experience: Relationships, Results and Revenue

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:32:43 GMT

This data-packed session will teach you the technology tools, tips and tricks needed to create a hyper-personalized tenant journey and customer experience prospects will love.

Speaker: Phil Murphy, President, CallPotential and Next Door Self Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 34 minutes

The Three Rs of Customer Experience: Relationships, Results and Revenue
This data-packed session is for any operator looking to drive more revenue toward the bottom line while building relationships along the way. You’ll learn technology tools, tips and tricks to create a hyper-personalized tenant journey that prospects will love! Our presenter will also take a look at omnichannel communication trends and how comparable industries are investing in their customer-experience endeavors.

You’ll learn:

How to chart the customer journey to identify opportunities to delight and serve
How customer-relationship management can be a huge competitive differentiator
Technology tools that can expand your reach by systematizing and standardizing your efforts
Real-life data from thousands of facilities on tenant-communication preferences
Examples of customer-experience wins in comparable industries

This product is also available in DVD format.

What a Self-Storage Website Needs to Succeed: APIs, Security and More

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:34:39 GMT

Integrating your website with self-storage management software can boost lead generation and conversion. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and boost your Web presence!

Speaker: Stephen Sandecki, Chief Marketing Officer, and Eric Schmiedel, Director of Software Development, Store Space Self Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 51 minutes

What a Self-Storage Website Needs to Succeed: APIs, Security and More
Building and maintaining a Web presence is key to a facility’s success. While it’s common to focus on search engine optimization, user experience and conversion rate, these are only the beginning. Integrating your website with your property-management software can provide a boost to your lead generation and conversion, but it isn’t a simple procedure. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and get the insight to be successful online!

You’ll learn:

How to build a website that converts leads into renters
How to integrate with APIs provided by popular property-management systems
How to manage your developers and ensure your project is on time and under budget
How to ensure your website is secure and not at risk to be hacked
How to avoid flopped Web-development projects

This product is also available in DVD format.

The Power and Impact of Energy Codes in Self-Storage Building

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:22:59 GMT

The energy code has impacted the way all buildings are constructed, including self-storage. Learn about conservation and building science to help with your next project.

Speaker: David Wytmar, President, Groundwork Ltd.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 38 minutes

The Power and Impact of Energy Codes in Self-Storage Building
The energy code has impacted the way all buildings are constructed, including self-storage. They must be built differently than in the past, and requirements will only continue to grow and change. The good news is energy efficiency increases building value, and in this presentation, you’ll learn about conservation and building science in non-technical language so concepts and approaches are easily understood.

You’ll learn:

How the energy code applies to self-storage
How the design of a building adapts to meet the energy code
The elements of the building envelope
Strategies for addressing insulation
Ways to prevent moisture

This product is also available in DVD format.

Doing Your Due Diligence on Self-Storage Investment Sponsors

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:25:50 GMT

Conducting proper due diligence on potential investment sponsors is critical. Learn how to build a team with the right values, resources and experience to ensure your self-storage deal is a success.

Speaker: Scott Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO, Spartan Investment Group LLC
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 39 minutes

Doing Your Due Diligence on Self-Storage Investment Sponsors
The numbers look great. The location is perfect. Demand is off the charts. What could possibly go wrong? A whole lot if you’ve chosen a bad investment sponsor! Without the right values, team, resources and experience, even the best self-storage deals can quickly go south. Learn how to do proper due diligence on sponsors so you can be sure you have the best team working for you and your dream project.

You’ll learn:

What an investment sponsor is
Where and how to find investment sponsors
How to determine a sponsor’s history, vision and values and whether they align with yours
How to suss out a sponsor’s track record and spot a bad sponsor
What communication and support you should expect during the project

This product is also available in DVD format.

Don’t Lien on Me: Avoiding Self-Storage Auctions, What to Do When You Can’t

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 17:37:18 GMT

Learn operational tips and collection techniques to avoid self-storage lien sales as well as the best way to implement procedures if a delinquent account must go to auction.

Speaker: Cheli Rosa, Auctioneer and Strategic Account Manager, StorageTreasures/OpenTech Alliance Inc.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 43 minutes

Don’t Lien on Me: Avoiding Self-Storage Auctions, What to Do When You Can’t
Taking a delinquent self-storage account to auction should be a last resort. Our presenter will discuss several ways to avoid lien sales, including operational tips and effective collection efforts. She’ll also examine the options available should a lien sale prove unavoidable, including conducting your own auction, hiring an auctioneer and using an online-auction website, along with the best way to use each of these methods.

You’ll learn:

How good customer service helps prevent delinquency
Effective collection practices
Tips for conducting a successful lien sale
What to ask potential auctioneers
Best practices for conducting online auctions

This product is also available in DVD format.