February 1, 1999

2 Min Read
Automation Debate

Automation Debate

I used to be what you'd call a technophobe. In college, the wee hours of the morningwould frequently find me writing out papers by hand and then reproducing and editing themvia typewriter. My roommate, who had a Macintosh computer with a word-processing program,would have finished the identical assignment hours before, but still I insisted that therewas something romantic about my adherence to anachronistic modes of communication. Yearslater, however, when I completed my Master's thesis, I was forced to succumb to atechnological revolution. I simply could not maintain the same level of quality andefficiency through my old work methods. And I never did myself a greater favor.

Each year more owners recognize the advantages to utilizing software designedspecifically for the functions of this industry. Its use can not only increase yourefficiency and bolster security, it can also assist users in maintaining financialaccuracy, selecting appropriate marketing strategies and delivering higher-quality serviceto their customers. This month's article on self-storage software identifies the mostcurrent and up-and-coming features of self-storage software products. Also included isadvice from industry experts on selecting and purchasing the right software package foryour facility.

Using software or any other enhancements to ensure customer service is a surefire wayto secure loyalty from your customers.  Jill Griffin discusses how to transformcustomers into advocates for your products and services, encouraging word-of-mouthadvertising. Continuing his discussion on hard-nosed marketing, Harley Rolfe points outthat examining different segments of the market empowers self-storage owners to understandthe needs of their different users. While appealing to the different market segments isalways part of the challenge, one way of meeting that task is through strong Yellow Pagesad representation. Pamela Alton provides sound advice for constructing a Yellow Pages adthat's sure to keep the phone ringing.

For those of you who are managers or other facility staff, at some point in yourself-storage career, you may be faced with a change in owner or supervisor. This can be asource of apprehension, especially if you had a good relationship with his predecessor.Kim Alton offers ideas to make the transition to the new supervision a win-win situationfor everyone in her article "New Supervisor? Don't Panic."

I wish all of you attending the Inside Self-Storage trade fair and seminar series to behosted at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss., early this month a great excursion. Please besure to stop by the booth and introduce yourselves--we are always eager to hear feedbackfrom our readers.

Best Regards,

Teri L. Lanza

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