October 1, 2004

2 Min Read
True Love, Not Treachery

True Love, Not Treachery

Some regular readers of the magazine andattendees of ISS expos already know this, since the preliminary event took placeat our tradeshow in New Orleans last fall. But many do not and, ideally, youonly enjoy such an occasion once, so here it is: Im getting hitched at theend of October.

That being said, those who have been through the process maywell remember the crazy, out-of-the-blue questions your future spouse leveled atyou during the frenzied months leading up to the ceremony. Most of them areinnocent inquiries stemming from bizarre dreams or advice proffered by familyand friends. The conversations run the gamut from names for potential offspringand the true story behind past loves, to the ultimate importance of onesphysical appearance and whether macaroni and cheese constitutes an acceptabledinner.

But the real coup de grace, the question of all questions, isthe one that goes something like this: Sixty-some-odd years is a long time,sweetie (honey, sugar, babe, etc.), and there are a lot of attractive men(women) out there. Are you sure youll still love me when Im old? You wont start looking around for a younger (better, etc.)model? A negative or uncertain response incites the expected hysteria. Buteven an appropriate answer, accompanied with the right assurances, gets you araised eyebrow and the retort: How can you possibly know what you will feel(think, do, etc.) in 20 (30, 40, etc.) years?

Unlike marriage, there are situations in which it is perfectlyacceptable, even encouraged, to get something going on the side, and that is inmatters of business. When it comes to offering products or services tocustomers, there is nothing objectionable about venturing into unfamiliarterritory and expanding the menu.

In self-storage, the most popular mistresses aremerchandising, records storage, boat/RV storage, wine storage and truck rental.Now rivaling these are new beauties: high-security, upscale storage ofvaluables, small-business and postal services, moving services, and add-onbusinesses such as car washes and coffee stands. Pay the proper attention tothese eye-catchers, and the savvy operator stands to satisfy customers and hisown bottom line.

In past issues, weve included substantial articles onrecords, vehicle, wine and mobile storage, as well as truck rental andbusiness-related services. You can find them in our online article archive atwww.insideselfstorage.com. Also check out this editions add-on businessoverview, which highlights the pros, cons and pitfalls of popular ancillaryoptions. In addition, this issue takes an in-depth look at car-wash operations,a venture operators like Sherman Self Storage Center in Coeur DAlene, Idaho,have found remarkably successful.

To whichever ancillary offering your particular eye wanders,always investigate potential partners and use caution before investing to avoidregrets. In self-storage, a little something on the side can be the differencebetween contentment and bliss. Just dont forget your true love in theprocess!

Best wishes,

Teri L. Lanza
EditorialDirector
[email protected]

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