Those of us in the self storage business are very lucky when comes to industry associations.
Other industries are not as lucky.
We have the SSA (Self Storage Association) Annual Convention in Las Vegas coming up next week. For the first time in a long time I am going just as a participant instead of having a booth and working it.
(The truth is I waited too long and all the booth slots were taken. Sometimes I still procrastinate on certain things that later cause me regret. But there is a silver lining for everything and, this time, it’s that I get to focus on my company’s self storage growth.)
However, if you see me, or I see you, let’s connect and see how we can support each other.
But let me get back on task and explain my evolving relationship with our industry association and why I am so impressed by it.
Like many industry associations, the SSA has a hard task because the laws, rules, and regulations surrounding the self storage industry vary state to state. There are no national laws I’m aware of that regulate our business. If the Self Storage Association is going to support us, they need to have some kind of effect on 50 different states’ legislative and judicial branches of government.
When I first got in the business my home state, Kentucky, didn’t have a state association. So my relationship to the SSA for many years was just to use them as an educational tool. (Reason 1 to join the Self Storage Association – they have excellent educational tools)
However, that’s now changed and my respect for this association has dramatically increased.
Let me explain in more detail.
The national SSA was instrumental in forming the Kentucky State Association a few years ago. They also currently manage the State Association. Once formed, they immediately went into action. (Reasons 2 & 3 – they operate at both the state and national level and they are very action oriented)
Our state laws are very antiquated. I mean very. For example, our state constitution still has a clause in it that prohibits anyone from seeking public office if they have served as a “second” in a duel.
So in KY if you sponsored or supported anyone in shooting someone else to settle an upset, well…good luck in a general election.
VERY antiquated laws in general so you can imagine laws and regulations around self storage.
Here’s what the Kentucky branch of SSA accomplished in less than a year after their formation (as I understand it):
- Certified letters no longer have to be sent out for lean sale notifications. We can now send registered letters saving self storage owners hundreds to thousands of dollars a year. (Reason 4 – they understand specific challenges faced by owners and work to eradicate them)
- We can also use “verified” email instead of registered letters. (Reason 5 – they help the industry keep up with technology that can streamline processes that are regulated)
- Our late fees were defined. This is a really good thing because it doesn’t leave the owners open to a judge’s interpretation of what constitutes an excessive late fee. (Reason 6 – they bring clarity to areas that can be difficult to define)
Since the national SSA manages our state association, we also have access to the resources of the national association at the state level. (Reason 7 – National Resources are available that a state-only organization wouldn’t be able to provide)
So here is my coaching: Join the Self Storage Association – both at the national level and in your state. As an owner, or soon to be owner, by joining you are allowing yourself to be supported by a fantastic association. You are helping fund something that truly supports the industry it serves, and you now have access to all the training, resources, and knowledge this industry leader has amassed.
I am always surprised by how many smaller owners are not members. I usually hear something like, “They don’t do anything for me.”
Bull.
This industry is evolving fast. The SSA (as well as the ISS, which serves a different function) stays on top of the fast-paced evolution of this industry, then distributes information on all of these changes to us in a digestible way that is useable and makes a real difference. (Reason 8)
In my state, the money we now save in sales more than funds our membership to the association. (Reason 9 – large return on investment)
So if you are not a member of the SSA (regardless if you are going to the national convention), join it in the next 24 hours.
Join your state association as well.
At the very minimum, attend any state level meetings. Become active. Have your employees attend the state or national meetings. Get trained and grow in your industry. (Reason 10 – Easy access to others in the industry both locally and nationally – relationships are everything!)
I have been guilty of complaining about this and that when it came to the SSA in the past.
- They should do this at the conventions differently.
- I wish they would ask me to speak.
- Why do they still do so many round tables at the conventions, etc.
It’s easy to complain.
No more.
Not after the difference they made for the owners in our state. I was amazed and had to share that with you.
Create the mindset that you are lucky to have such an organization supporting you, and you are lucky to be able to join and support them.
Create that reality and you will be amazed at how much you can receive.
