Blog Feed: Mini-Storage Messenger Blog

The 2012 Self Storage Almanac Is Now Available For Pre-Order

Published on 2011-11-09 11:41:00

Pre-Pub Pricing: 15% off if ordered by 12/31/11 Regular pricing applies 1/1/12The Self Storage Almanac is the industry’s most respected statistical reference guide and a valuable resource for both seasoned professionals and self storage newcomers alike!Since its first edition in 1992, the Self Storage Almanac has become the most comprehensive statistical reference guide for the self storage industry. Investors, developers, operators, financial institutions, real estate brokers and other busine [..] > read more

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2011 Manager of the Year

Published on 2011-11-08 10:52:00

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2011 Manager of the YearMini-Storage Messenger honors the best in self-storage management with its prestigious 25th Annual Manager of the Year awards. The winner will receive a $250 American Express gift card and will be profiled in Mini-Storage Messenger. The winning manager will have excellent customer relations skills, sound business practices, and the creative edge that has made his or her self-storage facility a success.Does this sound like a manager you know? Entry deadl [..] > read more

The October Issue of the Mini-Storage Messenger is now Available

Published on 2011-10-14 10:58:00

Mini-Storage MessengerOctober 2011 IssueFeatured Articles:CYBER LOAN WORKOUTSOptions & Stategies In the post-recession economy, more borrowers continue to struggle to meet their loan obligations.AUCTIONS AS GRAB BAGSSpecial, Unusual And Stolen Property The TV show "Storage Wars" has created a flurry of curiousity about self-storage auctions, including the types of items stored and the unusual methods employed in foreclosing on customers who do not pay rent.Mobile Self-Storage MagazineFall 2011 I [..] > read more

OpenTech Webinar Now Available On Demand

Published on 2011-10-12 10:53:00

While many people have heard about self-service kiosks in the self-storage industry, most are unfamiliar with how they actually work. In this webinar, Robert Chiti will be joined by a group of self-storage operators from around the country who will share their personal experiences and explain how self-service kiosks function at their facilities. Even if you have seen a kiosk in the past, you will not want to miss this presentation, which will highlight many enhancements designed to resolv [..] > read more

Annual MiniCo Las Vegas Contest Now Underway!

Published on 2011-10-03 10:44:00

MiniCo Insurance Agency,LLC, opened its annual sweepstakes contest for independent insurance agents onOctober 1, 2011. This is the ninth year the company has offered a chance forindependent agents to win a trip to Las Vegas to attend the largest annual self‑storageindustry expo.For eachfull insurance application for a self-storage risk submitted via MiniCo’sonline agent portal between October 1 and December 31, 2011, the independentagent submitting the application will receive one entry int [..] > read more

Benefits and Myths of Kiosks for Self-Storage Businesses the Topic of MiniCo Webinar Sponsored by OpenTech Alliance, Inc.

Published on 2011-09-26 10:23:00

On September 27,2011, OpenTech Alliance, Inc., will sponsor a free webinar for self-storageprofessionals entitled The KioskAdvantage: Self-Storage Operators Unravel Fact from Fiction. OpenTechAlliance President and CEO Robert A. Chiti will be the presenter along with agroup of self-storage operators who will share their experiences usingself-service kiosks at their facilities. The presentation will provideinformation about how self-service kiosks actually work and highlight the manyenhancements [..] > read more

Self-Storage Operators Join OpenTech Alliance’s Robert Chiti for MiniCo Webinar to Discuss the Pros and Cons of Self-Service Kiosks

Published on 2011-09-06 10:58:00

While many people have heard about self-service kiosks in the self-storage industry, most are unfamiliar with how they actually work. On September 27, 2011, Robert A. Chiti, President and CEO of OpenTech Alliance, Inc., will be joined by a group of self-storage operators from around the country to present the free webinar The Kiosk Advantage: Self-Storage Operators Unravel Fact from Fiction. The group of presenters will share their personal experiences and explain how self-service kiosks functio [..] > read more

MiniCo Insurance Agency to Offer Self-Storage Industry Program in Canada

Published on 2011-08-29 10:38:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has formed MiniCo Insurance Agency of Canada, Incorporated, to offer specialty insurance programs to the Canadian market beginning with its premier self-storage insurance program. MiniCo will represent Aspen Insurance UK, Ltd., a subsidiary of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, and will begin underwriting coverage initially in British Columbia with planned availability throughout the country by the end of the year.MiniCo President and CEO Mik [..] > read more

2011 Facility of the Year Awards

Published on 2011-08-25 10:35:00

Mini-Storage Messenger honors the best in self-storage with its prestigious 24th annual Facility of the Year awards. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how your facility stands out from the competition. Winners will be awarded a trophy as well as a profile in the December 2011 issue of Mini-Storage Messenger.Enter to be recognized in one of six categories: Overall Winner New Facility Winner Construction Winner Conversion Winner Specialty Storage Winner International WinnerEntry deadli [..] > read more

D. C. Taylor Co. Sponsors MiniCo Webinar on Solar-Ready Roofing for Self-Storage Facilities

Published on 2011-08-24 11:57:00

The green building trend in the self-storage industry continues to grow both for new construction and existing facilities. On September 21, 2011, D. C. Taylor Co. Regional Manager Michael O’Bryant will present the free webinar A Solar-Ready Roof: What it Means and How to Get One for self-storage professionals. Topics will include the following: What is a solar-ready roof? The importance of evaluating your roof before installing solar Benefits of installing solar Options for solar [..] > read more

New Webinar Presented By OpenTech: Analyzing Your Phone Data for Profit

Published on 2011-07-05 09:17:00

Self-storage operators of all sizes rely on the telephone to make sales and serve customers. In this webinar, self-storage industry experts Cynthia Abraham Hansell and Sue Haviland will share the best practices that large operators rely on > read more

Aran Insurance Services Group Announces Aspen American Insurance Company as Additional Carrier for Self-Storage Product Line

Published on 2011-06-27 10:56:00

Aran Insurance Services Group (MiniCo and the Mini-Storage Messenger's parent company) today announced Aspen American Insurance Company as an additional carrier for property and casualty subsidiary MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC. Aspen will provide Min > read more

Voting for Inside Self Storage Best Of Business Award is Now Open!

Published on 2011-06-23 09:26:00

Inside Self Storage's "Best Of Business Award" voting is now open. The annual opinion poll is a chance for industry professionals to acknowledge their favorite companies and services in such categories as: Best Builder, Best Management Software, Best > read more

The 2011 Buyer's Guide is Now Available

Published on 2011-06-16 08:26:00

The annual Self-Storage Buyer’s Guide is an essential tool for self-storage businesses. The 2011 edition includes approximately 600 listings indexed by supplier/vendor name, product/service, and geographic location. An index of state, national and > read more

Mobile, Social and Local Online Marketing is The Subject of Derek Naylor's Next MiniCo Webinar

Published on 2011-06-15 09:12:00

It’s no secret that online marketing is a must to compete in today’s market. But the game is shifting fast. Smartphones are the computers of the future, and people increasingly rely on them to find local businesses. Add in the explosion and growi > read more

MiniCo’s Marketing Campaign Signals Change and Paves the Way for New Insurance Products and Enhancements

Published on 2011-06-09 11:44:00

MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has launched a new advertising and marketing campaign in anticipation of changes the Phoenix-based company will be unveiling over the next several months. The campaign is targeted to the company’s core customer bases, > read more

Only 3 Days Left To Register For Derek Naylor's Latest Webinar!

Published on 2011-05-23 10:44:00

On May 25, 2011, self-storage marketing expert Derek M. Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions, will present a free webinar for self-storage professionals that will uncover hidden income boosters that owners and managers can leverage easily > read more

Social Media 101 for the Self Storage Operator: The Basics and the DOs and DONTs of Facebook

Published on 2011-05-19 11:57:00

Welcome Back!As I mentioned last week, with this week’s post we’re going to cover the basics of Facebook as well as the DOs and DON’Ts. The reason why I’m leading off with Facebook is, simply put, Facebook is the largest and most commo > read more

SpareFoot.com Co-Founder Hosts MiniCo Webinar Focused on Effective Self-Storage Facility Web Sites

Published on 2011-05-17 08:54:00

Many people believe that spending time, money and effort to build a Web site is all it takes to create an effective online presence for a self-storage facility. The reality is far from that simple. SpareFoot.com co-founder and COO Mario Feghali will > read more

Social Media 101 for The Self Storage Operator: An Introduction

Published on 2011-05-11 10:04:00

I talk with a lot Self Storage Owners and Operators, either through e-mails or over the phone. Some have been in the business for decades, others have only been operators for only a couple of years , and without fail, most of the conversations I have > read more

Only Three Days Left To Register: Tom Litton Addresses Collections and Auctioning Techniques for MiniCo Webinar

Published on 2011-05-09 09:17:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – On May 11, 2011, self-storage management expert Tom Litton will present a free webinar for self-storage professionals entitled Effective Collections & Auctioning Techniques, which will address the following topics:• 20 Proven > read more

The May Issue of the MIni-Storage Messenger is Now Available!

Published on 2011-05-06 10:02:00

May 2011 IssueFeatured Articles:NATURE'S WAKE-UP CALLS2011 Insurance UpdateFrom a destructive hailstorm in Phoenix, Arizona, last fall to devastating earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan recently, severe weather conditions have cost billions of dolla > read more

Special Offer On The Messenger For New And Returning Subscribers

Published on 2011-05-05 11:55:00

As a former or new subscriber to the Mini-Storage Messenger, you know the true value of our publication as an Owner/Operator/Investor and for some reason or other you've let your subscription expire. We understand that you lead busy lives and it > read more

Self-Storage Marketing Expert Derek Naylor Uncovers Hidden Income Boosters for MiniCo Webinar

Published on 2011-05-03 11:11:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Derek M. Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions, asserts that every self-storage facility has at least three hidden “goldmines” that can be capitalized on easily, ethically and systematically to increase net operating > read more

Pictures From MiniCo's Annual BBQ

Published on 2011-05-02 11:52:00

MiniCo's Pre-Summer Barbecue (Note PRE-Summer. Yes, by the time Summer actually rolls around, all of us Phoenicians are tucked away in the confines of our air-conditioned offices and homes. Think of our summers as reverse winters.) is a long standing > read more

PhoneSmart Un-Conference Sponsored by MiniCo and the Mini-Storage-Messenger

Published on 2011-04-29 09:30:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – The 2011 PhoneSmart Un-Conference will be held June 7-11, 2011, at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Kohala Coast, Hawaii. MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, and Mini-Storage Messenger, the company’s flagship publication are n > read more

Tom Litton Presents MiniCo Webinar on Collections and Auctioning Techniques

Published on 2011-04-28 10:41:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Collections and auctions are critical elements in the operation of self-storage businesses. On May 11, 2011, renowned self-storage industry professional Tom Litton, President of Litton Property Management, Inc., will present a free > read more

In Case You Missed It...

Published on 2011-04-19 10:24:00

Here's a Direct link to last weeks FREE Webinar:Rent Growth Races Against Time Before Interest Rates Rise Presented by Peter Ingersoll CEO, Safe Harbour Equity, Inc., and Vice Chair, California Self Storage Association Rent Growth Races Against Time > read more

Published on 2011-04-14 11:24:00

IN THIS ISSUE The Hat Lady Speaks Kit$49.95Increase demand, occupancy and income. That's the goal of the latest publications from industry icon M. Anne Ballard. The kit includes The Hat Lady Speaks: Marketing Self-Storage (print edition) and its comp > read more

April Issue Of the Mini-Storage Messenger Now Available!

Published on 2011-04-13 10:26:00

In This Issue:Outstanding Green Facility 2011Vault Self Storage, Surprise, Arizona Solar System Powers Desert Facility An architectural flaw in the roof system at Vault Self Storage led the facility's owners to install the first fully solar powered s > read more

The Basics of Refurbishing Your Facility By Terry Campbell

Published on 2011-04-12 12:29:00

The Great Recession, which our domestic economy is slowly recovering from, has caused many facility owners and would-be owners to adjust their business strategies. The primary reason for the adjustment has been lack of adequate financing, which has d > read more

Last Chance To Register for Rent Growth Races Against Time Before Interest Rates Rise Webinar!

Published on 2011-04-11 11:40:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Investing in self-storage properties and other commercial real estate requires an understanding of many factors including interest rate movement and inflation. On April 13, 2011, Peter Ingersoll, CEO of Safe Harbour Equity, Inc., w > read more

The Mini-Storage Messenger's Webinar Archive

Published on 2011-04-05 10:15:00

As you know, the Mini-Storage Messenger has a long history of presenting monthly free educational Webinars for the Self Storage Industry, but did you know you have access to the full archive of past webinars? We've listed a sample of the We > read more

Win A Trip To PhoneSmart's Hawaii UNconference!

Published on 2011-03-29 09:42:00

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows has been recognized as one of the greatest resorts in the US…and one of the Greenest. It produces most of its own electricity during daylight hours with solar panels. Look at the Maunalani.com site and you wil > read more

Photos From MiniCo's March 12th St. Baldrick's Event

Published on 2011-03-24 10:26:00

As most of you know, MiniCo held an event March 12th at the Skeptical Chymist in Scottsdale, AZ to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The Event was a rousing success with over $30,000 being raised and 66 individuals having their heads shaved (inc > read more

MiniCo Webinar to Address the Impact of Interest rates on Self Storage Investing

Published on 2011-03-22 10:19:00

Interest rates change as the clock ticks. And while interest rates are presently at an all-time low, that may not last. As interest rates rise up and dip down, it’s crucial to have an understanding of what drives these movements. The US Federal Res > read more

We Want You Back!

Published on 2011-03-18 15:14:00

If you're a former subscriber to the Mini-Storage Messenger, you know the true value of our publication as an Owner/Operator/Investor and for some reason or other you've let your subscription expire. We understand that you lead busy lives and it > read more

Janus International Sponsors MiniCo Webinar on Door Replacement and Facility Renovation

Published on 2011-03-15 11:06:00

On March 23, 2011, Temple, Ga.-based Janus International Corporation will sponsor a free webinar for self-storage professionals entitled An Owner’s Perspective on Renovation and Door Replacement. City Storage LLC Founder and Managing Partner G > read more

MiniCo At The Inside Self Storage World Expo

Published on 2011-03-10 12:21:00

Have you registered for The Inside Self Storage World Expo in Las Vegas at the Paris Hotel and Casino yet?Chances are if you’re reading this post you already have, but if you haven’t, this is the largest trade and educational show in the Sel > read more

A Quick Guide On How To Use Your Digital Publication

Published on 2011-03-07 11:10:00

So you’ve purchased the digital version of the 2011 Self Storage Almanac or you’ve newly subscribed to the digital Mini-Storage Messenger and you’re asking yourself, now what?How do I access my content?Can I download and save a copy of either t > read more

Free Self Storage Auction Directory is Now Available

Published on 2011-03-04 14:56:00

An affordable and highly visible advertising method for operators to satisfy lien law advertising requirements, Find Self Storage Auctions is a next generation dynamic online Self Storage Auction listing directory developed by Self Storage industry i > read more

Four MiniCo Employees Pledge to Go Bald in Support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Published on 2011-03-03 10:29:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Four employees of Phoenix-based MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, will shave their heads in solidarity with children affected by cancer at a fundraising event for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to be held March 12, 2011, at the Skepti > read more

World-Renowned Self-Storage Marketing Expert Presents Webinar on the Four Closely Guarded Secrets Your Internet Marketing Company Hopes You Never Discover

Published on 2011-03-02 10:10:00

International self-storage marketing expert Derek Naylor is pulling back the curtain on Internet marketing companies to unveil the top secrets they may be keeping from their clients. On March 9, 2011, Mr. Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Soluti > read more

THE EFFECTS OF SELF-STORAGE RENOVATION AND DOOR REPLACEMENT ON INCOME THE FOCUS OF MINICO WEBINAR

Published on 2011-02-28 10:52:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Today’s self-storage market is more competitive than ever. A company may have a user-friendly Web site and excellent marketing, but if the facility appears outdated, unsafe or simply unattractive, it may lose renters. On March 23 > read more

DEREK NAYLOR OFFERS TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE SELF-STORAGE INTERNET MARKETING AT NEXT MINICO WEBINAR

Published on 2011-02-25 10:03:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – The Internet is a wildly popular tool for marketing self-storage businesses, and for good reason. With online marketing companies popping up every day, it can be difficult to know which ones are offering strategies that may work an > read more

MINICO WEBINAR OFFERS INFORMATION ABOUT SELF-STORAGE RISK MANAGEMENT AND TENANT INSURANCE

Published on 2011-02-15 09:09:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – On February 17, 2011, representatives from MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, will present the free webinar Tenant Insurance: A Critical Piece of Your Risk Management Plan for self-storage professionals. The speakers will be Jim Clemmen > read more

PROFESSIONAL AND EFFECTIVE CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS THE FOCUS OF NEXT MINICO WEBINAR

Published on 2011-02-07 10:19:00

Most consumers overwhelmingly prefer to do business with people who are likeable and pleasant. Self-service is an attractive option to some consumers because it allows them to avoid unprofessional or unhelpful sales and service representatives. For s > read more

TENANT INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT THE FOCUS OF NEXT MINICO WEBINAR

Published on 2011-02-02 09:55:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Recent industry surveys indicate that as many as 70 percent of all self storage facilities do not make insurance available to their tenants. This statistic demonstrates that the majority of facility owners and managers do not yet u > read more

OPENTECH ALLIANCE HOSTS NEXT MINICO WEBINAR TO DISCUSS OPERATING A SELF-STORAGE FACILITY WITH ONE STAFF MEMBER

Published on 2011-02-01 12:18:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – On February 9, 2011, Larry Rolando, Vice President of Business Development for OpenTech Alliance, Inc., and Steve Lavery, Vice President of Property Management for Herman & Kittle Properties, Inc., will present a free webinar f > read more

MINICO AND “MINI-STORAGE MESSENGER” ANNOUNCE SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2011 PHONESMART UN-CONFERENCE

Published on 2011-01-31 14:52:00

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – MiniCo Insurance Agency, LLC, has announced its sponsorship of the upcoming 2011 PhoneSmart Un-Conference. MiniCo’s flagship publication, Mini-Storage Messenger, is also named as a sponsor of the self-storage industry networking > read more

A Call For Entries!! 2nd Annual Outstanding Green Facility Award

Published on 2011-01-26 08:37:00

> read more

FREE Webinar Series - Register Today!

Published on 2011-01-25 11:43:00

How to Successfully Operate a Mid-Sized Self-Storage Facility with One Person Date: February 9, 20111 pm ET / 12 pm CT / 11 am MT / 10 am PTPresented by:Larry Rolando,Vice President of Business Development,OpenTech Alliance, Inc.Speaker Steve Lavery, > read more

Does Your Facility Have All The Coverage It Needs?

Published on 2011-01-12 10:12:00

Since 1974, MiniCo has focused on providing quality property and casualty insurance products for this unique risk. MiniCo is committed to distributing these products through independent insurance agents. Today, over 2,000 independent agents acce > read more

UPCOMING WEBINAR—Marketing Money Traps to Avoid at All Costs

Published on 2011-01-11 12:50:00

In today’s competitive self-storage environment, marketing is a must, not a maybe. In this webinar, Derek Naylor will demonstrate marketing traps to avoid and discuss innovative new technology that can help facility owners more accurately calculate > read more

MiniCo Offers Pre-Publication Discount on 2011 Self-Storage Almanac

Published on 2010-11-10 08:59:00

MiniCo has announced that it will publish the 2011 Self-Storage Almanac at the end of the year with shipment anticipated by December 23, 2010. First published in 1992, the Self-Storage Almanac, a statistical reference guide for the self-storage indus > read more

Self-Storage Marketing and Conversion Ratios the Focus of MiniCo Webinar by “Hat Lady” Anne Ballard

Published on 2010-11-03 12:10:00

On November 10, 2010, highly respected self-storage industry expert M. Anne Ballard, known industry-wide as “the hat lady,” will present the free webinar Converting Your Traffic, Calls and Walk-Ins into Move-Ins. Ms. Ballard’s presentation will > read more

Self-Storage Marketing Expert Derek Naylor Hosts MiniCo Webinar on Improving Sales, Marketing and Customer Service

Published on 2010-09-22 13:43:00

The three key skills needed to thrive as a self-storage manager in today’s competitive marketplace are sales, marketing and customer service. On October 19, 2010, Derek M. Naylor, President of Storage Marketing Solutions, will present a free webina > read more