ISS World Expo 2018

5 Essential Automation Techniques for Self-Storage

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:38:46 GMT

Automation allows operators to streamline their business, drive their revenue-management program and communicate with tenants. Learn more about the tools that can be perfectly tailored for your business.

Speaker: Kevin Kerr, Marketing Manager, Empower Software Technologies Inc.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 31 minutes

5 Essential Automation Techniques for Self-Storage
Bringing together a broad spectrum of automation tactics, our presenter will teach you how to streamline your self-storage operation without diluting management’s ability to handle their tasks efficiently. Understanding the benefits (and potential hurdles) will help you develop a refined automation track that is perfectly tailored for your business.

You’ll learn:

How to use automation tools to drive rental rates
Strategies for automating revenue management
How to automate your marketing efforts and analyze data
Assertive automation of tenant communication
Data-security automation and how it effects your business

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

A Self-Storage Operator's Guide to Customer Reviews

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:56:34 GMT

Looking to distinguish your facility from the competition? Customer reviews may be exactly what you need. Understand the logic behind reputation management and why it’s important to respond to reviews.

Speaker: Jason Barreto, Search Marketing Specialist, The Storage Group
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 43 minutes

A Self-Storage Operator's Guide to Customer Reviews
Looking to distinguish your self-storage facility from the competition? Customer reviews may be exactly what you need. According to a survey conducted by marketing firm Bright Local, 88 percent of respondents trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. Understand the business logic behind reputation management and why it’s important to monitor and respond to reviews of your business.

You’ll learn:

The importance of responding to all reviews
The art of responding to negative reviews
Methods to encourage tenants to write reviews
How reviews assist in SEO efforts
How to ask for reviews

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Acquiring Self-Storage: Predicting Cash Flow and Property Potential

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:41:43 GMT

When acquiring a self-storage facility, it’s important to accurately predict its upside potential, including future cash flow. Learn how to create projections and determine what you should pay for an asset.

Speaker: Mark Helm, Owner, Q2 Self Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 44 minutes

Acquiring Self-Storage: Predicting Cash Flow and Property Potential
When investing in self-storage, it’s important to accurately predict the upside potential of a property, including future cash flow. Today’s crowded buying market and higher sale prices mean you’ll likely have to pay more for good properties. Our presenter will show how to create cash-flow projections for all types of projects and determine what you should reasonably and confidently pay for an asset.

You’ll learn:

How to create an accurate 10-year cash-flow projection
How to be confident in the projections you create
How to determine what you should pay for a property based on cash flow
How to negotiate from a position of strength
How to achieve your investment goals

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Adding Solar Technology to Self-Storage: A Construction Case Study

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:38:04 GMT

Solar panels can be a great addition to a storage facility, and often come with financial incentives. Get advice on this technology from an owner who recently added solar panels to his three facilities.

Speaker: Randy Lucore, President, CR Area Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 44 minutes

Adding Solar Technology to Self-Storage: A Construction Case Study
“Going green” is becoming a popular business model, and building developers are exploring eco-friendly options to save money and create consumer appeal. Solar panels can be a great addition to self-storage facilities, with their large swaths of rooftop space. They can lower utility expenses and may come with financial incentives. Our speaker will share his decision to add this technology to his three Iowa facilities, sharing pros, cons, tips and more.

You’ll learn:

Why the owner chose to add solar panels to his three sites
How to determine if solar is right for your storage property
Tips for planning the system
Considerations for prepping roofs and installing the system
The financial and ecological benefits of solar

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Best Practices and Market Knowledge for Seeking Self-Storage Financing

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:40:54 GMT

When obtaining self-storage financing, it’s crucial to understand the capital markets and how to secure optimal terms. Get insight to markets and lending sources, as well as best practices to acquire funds.

Speaker: Neal Gussis, Principal, CCM Commercial Mortgage LLC; Steve Libert, Principal, CCM Commercial Mortgage LLC
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 52 minutes

Best Practices and Market Knowledge for Seeking Self-Storage Financing
When it comes to obtaining self-storage financing for an acquisition, expansion, refinance or new development, it’s crucial to understand the capital markets and how to secure optimal terms. Our presenters will provide insight to these markets and lending sources in relation to the storage industry, as well as best practices to secure financing and case-study details from actual deals.

You’ll learn:

How local, national and international factors influence the capital markets
How current self-storage market conditions may affect financing
How to choose the best lending source for your project
Best practices to secure optimal financing terms
Creative ways lenders have met borrowers’ needs in the real world

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Building an Effective Self-Storage Website: Designing for Higher Conversions

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:59:25 GMT

Learn the steps to create an effective website for your storage business, one that will increase rentals and positive user interactions. See how simple it is to have a site that looks good and performs well!

Speaker: Ken Turley, CEO and Co-Founder, RIZE Marketing
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 52 minutes

Building an Effective Self-Storage Website: Designing for Higher Conversions
Learn specific steps to create an effective website for your self-storage business, one that will increase rentals and positive user interactions. Our presenter will share tactics and design ideas to keep your online presence up-to-date with society’s expectations of websites and how people use them. Find out how simple it is to have a website that looks good and performs well.

You’ll learn:

Modern design ideas to increase website conversions
Techniques to increase user-friendliness on your website
Important strategies to ensure your website is designed for proper SEO
How to set up an effective rental process
The specific website content and information that drives more rentals online

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Building Self-Storage in Small Secondary and Tertiary Markets

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:35:43 GMT

The characteristics and qualities of smaller markets often make them more approachable for self-storage development. Learn the pros and cons of these markets, and how to make smaller sites financially viable.

Speaker: Mike Larson, Assistant Sales Manager, Trachte Building Systems
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 48 minutes

Building Self-Storage in Small Secondary and Tertiary Markets
Large self-storage projects in top-tier markets may grab headlines and get attention, but small markets are a significant portion of the business and gaining traction as many major markets reach building capacity. Our presenter will discuss the characteristics and qualities of these more approachable markets and properties. He’ll discuss pros and cons, land use and strategies, and showcase several specific examples.

You’ll learn:

The pros and cons of developing a small-market site
How small market demand (and service-area size) differs from urban
Unit-mix and building-type strategies
Management techniques and methods
Ways to make small sites more financially viable

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Community-Based Marketing for Self-Storage: Branding Your Business Through Good Works

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:00:08 GMT

The most genuine way to build your self-storage facility's reputation is through community involvement. Learn about “doing good and giving back,” and how to encourage employee participation.

Speaker: Cheli Rosa, Director of Marketing, StorageStuff.Bid
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 25 minutes

Community-Based Marketing for Self-Storage: Branding Your Business Through Good Works
The most genuine way to attract people to a brand is word-of-mouth. People are far more likely to accept opinions that are passed through friends and family. A wonderful way to build your reputation is through community involvement. In this session, our presenter will share a marketing approach that focuses on “doing good and giving back” in the community.

You’ll learn:

How to devise a plan to create a community-focused brand
Best practices to incorporate your community focus into your office space
Tips for forming relevant and meaningful relationships with local nonprofit organizations
Tips for effective networking and in-person marketing
How to motivate employees to become involved in your community

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Conversions: The Self-Storage Industry’s Diamond in the Rough

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:37:19 GMT

The abundance of empty buildings has made conversions a popular choice for many new investors. Learn how to choose the right site, build a budget and what to expect during the construction process.

Speaker: Caesar Wright, President, Mako Steel Inc.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 43 minutes

Conversions: The Self-Storage Industry’s Diamond in the Rough
Self-storage conversions provide an opportunity for responsible industry growth by taking debilitated, standing structures and repurposing them into contributing, successful enterprises. Our presenter will discuss innovative tactics for conversion and detail the process developers will experience during a project. He’ll teach you how to determine if a building is suitable, the development steps, current trends and more.

You’ll learn:

How to determine if a building is suitable for self-storage conversion
What and who you need to know when creating a budget outline
How to plan and develop construction documents
What to expect during the construction process
Current trends through successful case studies

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Cracked Clauses, Broken Business … Lease Verbiage That Can Destroy Self-Storage

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:48:53 GMT

The words you use with tenants in the operation of your self-storage business really do matter—particularly in your rental agreement. Learn to steer clear of danger and avoid creating unnecessary liability.

Speaker: Jeffrey Greenberger, Partner, Greenberger & Brewer LLP
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 47 minutes

Cracked Clauses, Broken Business … Lease Verbiage That Can Destroy Self-Storage
The words you use with tenants in the operation of your self-storage business really do matter—particularly in your rental agreement. Our speaker will highlight some problematic lease clauses and show how a simple misuse or misinterpretation of language can change the otherwise positive intention of a contract. He’ll help you steer clear these dangers and avoid creating unnecessary liability.

You’ll learn:

The words you should never use in a rental agreement (or face serious trouble)
The legal terms you might be misusing in your lease
How specific words and phrases can change the meaning of clause
The clauses to which you need to pay particular attention
How to describe or explain the rental agreement to new tenants

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Design Principles for Urban-Infill Self-Storage Projects

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 18:29:29 GMT

Recent trends in urban planning have prompted municipalities to rewrite zoning codes. Learn how to “decode” the terms used by planners and find out what they want to see in self-storage facility design.

Speaker: Jim Berry, Managing Member, RRB Development LLC
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 49 minutes

Design Principles for Urban-Infill Self-Storage Projects
Recent trends in urban planning have prompted municipalities to rewrite their zoning codes. Our presenter will discuss why these changes have occurred and why it’s often important to approach city staff from this urban-planning point of view. He’ll also share what many planners and municipalities want to see in terms of self-storage facility design.

You’ll learn:

How urban design principles and codes differ from traditional suburban versions
Strategies for applying urban design to self-storage
How to decode terms and strategies used by planners
How to put urban design in context, prioritizing pedestrians and form-based codes
The advantages of urban vs. traditional suburban design

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Digital Differentiation in Self-Storage: From Online Visibility to Content Strategies

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:58:43 GMT

Search engine optimization, paid search and social media are the new platforms for self-storage marketing success. Follow these strategies to increase your online presence and drive more traffic.

Speaker: Kate Bell Satuala, Senior Marketing Manager, Extra Space Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 41 minutes

Digital Differentiation in Self-Storage: From Online Visibility to Content Strategies
Yellow Pages, mass mailings and television are now a thing of the past. Search engine optimization, paid search and social media are the new platforms for self-storage marketing success. In this informative session, you’ll learn five strategies that will help you increase your online presence and drive more traffic to your self-storage facilities.

You’ll learn:

Where and how consumers are shopping today
Why you should care about social media
How consumers’ expectations have increased and why the pressure for all brands is high
How to cover the basics with your search presence
How to maximize the customer experience

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Effective Recruiting, Interviewing and Hiring in Today’s Self-Storage Market

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:01:51 GMT

Effectively hiring quality employees can be an expensive and time-consuming process. These grassroots methods and strategies are designed to attract engaged, competent and productive job candidates.

Speakers: Linnea Appleby, President, Lime Tree Management LLC; Cynthia Ashby, Founder and President, Dynamic Self-Storage Solutions
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 46 minutes

Effective Recruiting, Interviewing and Hiring in Today’s Self-Storage Market
Effectively hiring quality self-storage employees can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It involves finding applicants, reviewing their credentials, and then screening, interviewing and selecting your candidates. Our presenters will share grassroots methods and strategies designed to attract engaged, competent and productive job candidates to your organization without breaking the bank.

You’ll learn:

How to write a solid job description to attract the right applicants for the position
The most effective recruiting strategies
Step-by-step interview methods, from e-mail to special projects
How to navigate the legal minefield of questions and forms
Proper hiring steps, from salary negotiations to building employee relations

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Get That Money: The Secrets to Raising Capital for Your Next Self-Storage Deal

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:39:51 GMT

To successfully raise capital for a project, it's crucial to understand different investor profiles and deal structures. Learn about the investment landscape so you’ll succeed at fundraising.

Speaker: David Blatt, CEO, CapStack Partners
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 53 minutes

Get That Money: The Secrets to Raising Capital for Your Next Self-Storage Deal
If you want to successfully raise capital for a self-storage project, it's crucial to understand different investor profiles, their deal structures and what gets them to say yes to a transaction. Our presenter will walk you through the investment landscape to help you succeed at fundraising. He’ll also explain how to identify qualified developers, a good location, the right cost basis, economic drivers and risk.

You’ll learn:

How to raise debt or equity for a self-storage project
How to structure a deal to best attract capital
How to identify the right investment opportunities
How to identify economic drivers and risk
How to recognize quality developers and locations

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages::

How to Attract Private-Equity Partners to Grow Your Self-Storage Portfolio

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:44:02 GMT

Learn how to “10-X” your self-storage acquisitions and development projects by tapping into private capital. Find out how to present an attractive investment offering to the private community.

Speaker: Scott Meyers, Principal, Self Storage Profits Inc.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 51 minutes

How to Attract Private-Equity Partners to Grow Your Self-Storage Portfolio
Learn how to “10-X” your self-storage acquisitions and development projects by tapping into the billions of dollars in private capital seeking investment into the asset class. Our presenter will show you how to put together a group of private money investors and the proper way to create and present an attractive investment offering to the private community.

You’ll learn:

How to identify different types of investors and debt partners, and how to approach them
How to figure acceptable rates of return and appropriate deal splits with investors
How to use self-directed IRAs and real estate 401(k) plans to secure real estate
Important SEC regulations, and how to determine proper entity structures
How to create a private-placement memorandum to outline projections and expected returns

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

How to Audit Your Self-Storage Facility Like a Pro: A Case Study

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:06:47 GMT

Auditing your storage operation can help you identify weak spots and increase revenue. Beyond identifying theft, owners can use audits to train staff, improve processes and ensure all laws are being followed.

Speaker: Magen Smith, Owner, Magen Smith CPA
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 37 minutes

How to Audit Your Self-Storage Facility Like a Pro: A Case Study
Learning how to effectively audit your self-storage operation can help you identify weak spots and increase revenue. Beyond identifying theft, owners can use audits to train staff, improve processes and ensure all local laws are being followed. Our presenter will share real examples of audit results and how owners not only found deficiencies in their operations but improved their business.

You’ll learn:

Actionable steps to audit your facility
Sneaky ways some managers have lined their own pockets
Why theft isn’t the biggest reason to audit a property
Real-life examples of how audits have increased revenue
Common operational issues found throughout the industry

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

How to Execute an Online Self-Storage Auction and Make the Most of Your Sale

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:46:58 GMT

Online auctions continue to grow in popularity as a way of settling outstanding tenant debt. Get insight on how to choose an auction date, what to include in your listing, how to attract bidders and more.

Speaker: Lonnie Bickford, President, StorageAuctions.com
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 46 minutes

How to Execute an Online Self-Storage Auction and Make the Most of Your Sale
Online auctions continue to grow in popularity in the self-storage industry as a way of settling outstanding tenant debt. The platforms are simple to navigate and enable operators to reach a wide range of bidders. Our speaker will provide insight on how to navigate the process, addressing issues such as choosing a date, what to include in your listing, how to attract bidders and more.

You’ll learn:

The benefits of online auctions
How to attract bidders to your online sales
How to set up a great listing and what to include
The best time and day to schedule auctions
How to manage your auction costs and fees

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

How to Use Data to Make Smarter Self-Storage Marketing Decisions

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:55:51 GMT

Data tells a self-storage operator which of his marketing efforts are working and can guide his strategies. Learn how to collect relevant info, adjust marketing and validate efforts through experimentation.

Speaker: Christopher Baird, CEO, Automatit Inc.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 42 minutes

How to Use Data to Make Smarter Self-Storage Marketing Decisions
Data is the power of Internet marketing. It tells us what’s working and what’s not, and it guides our next strategies. It helps us answer questions such as, are visitors leaving our website too quickly? Are social media efforts worthwhile? Professional marketers collect and mine relevant data points, adjust marketing and validate their efforts through experimentation. Learn how you can, too.

You’ll learn:

The data sources that are worth your attention
What constitutes good and bad data
The stories data can tell you
How to create quality “data recipes”
How data can be applied to win the Internet-marketing game

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Industry Best Practices for Self-Storage: Insights From a Fellow Operator

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:05:06 GMT

Owners can maximize their profit through sound best practices. Learn how to cultivate well-trained managers, control operating expenses, optimize your online exposure and raise your rental rates.

Speaker: Ron Osborne, Owner and CEO, Keylock Storage
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 43 minutes

Industry Best Practices for Self-Storage: Insights From a Fellow Operator
Self-storage owners can maximize the growth and profit of their facilities through sound best practices. Our presenter will discuss how to cultivate well-trained managers, the importance of site audits, the need to raise rates, and why it’s critical to have an effective online presence. He’ll also offer insights to site safety, curb appeal and outsourcing to vendors.

You’ll learn:

How to cultivate well-trained managers
How to control operating expenses
Why it’s critical to optimize online exposure
Why it’s necessary to regularly raise rates
The value of maintaining facility curb appeal

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages:

Landmine-Aversion Therapy: How to Avoid Detonating Your Self-Storage Dream

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:03:23 GMT

Six of the industry’s top consultants point out the landmines that can trip up owners entering the business. Whether you’re building or buying an existing facility, you need this information.

Moderator: Jim Chiswell, President, Chiswell & Associates LLC
Panelists:
Linnea Appleby, President, Lime Tree Management LLC
Benjamin Burkhart, President, BKB Properties
Bob Copper, Owner and Partner in Charge, Self Storage 101
Rachel Parham, President, Noah’s Ark Development
Jo Beth White, President, Development Services Inc.
Format: Streaming Video
Duration: 46 minutes

Landmine-Aversion Therapy: How to Avoid Detonating Your Self-Storage Dream
This session will draw on the collective experience from six of the industry’s top self-storage consultants. With more than 100 years of combined industry knowledge, our panel will point out the landmines that can trip up owners entering the business, whether you’re building a facility from scratch, converting an empty building or acquiring an established facility.

You’ll learn:

Which issues can become deal-killers before you even begin
Traps to avoid when choosing a development site
The art and science behind the right unit mix
Why lease-up forecasting can get you into hot water
Why it’s important to navigate the quagmire of modern marketing

This product is also available in DVD format, both as a single and as part of the following discount packages: