Self-Storage Talk Community Manager John Carlisle, who loves to meet new people, signed up several members for the online community he manages while at the ISS Expo Tacoma, Wash. SST now has more than 4,400 members including facility owners, managers, consultants and vendors. They meet regularly online at www.selfstoragetalk.com to ask questions, get advice, share information and stories, and generally support one another. Discussions cover every feasible industry topic and even a few non-industry hot points.

There's a real camaraderie on the site, and many friendships have been born through the forum. It's John's job to oversee the community, helping those who need it, making sure everyone plays "nice," moderating fresh discussion and guarding the well-being of the project. Oh, and membership is totally free!