6 minute read
SPRING GOALS
Spring. makeover.
Tips to keep your facility fresh and inviting.
Warmer months are again drawing near and bring with them the opportunity to embrace spring’s offer of a fresh start by giving your facility a little extra love and care. The lead-up to spring provides a chance to assess what is working well in your day-to-day maintenance and operational routines and what may need some extra attention to help catch the eye of the next lot of storers ready for their summer adventures (hello boats and jet skis).
Freshen your look
Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Start by taking a personal tour around your facility to “see things through the customer’s eyes”. We recommend working from the “outside in” with a notepad or phone camera in hand, ready to jot down any observations of things that may require tidying or maintenance.
Some things to consider: l Street view and external facade • Is your signage unobstructed? • Do your grounds/gardens look healthy and free from weeds and debris? • Could a quick run of a pressure washer offer a new lease on life for a driveway or brick wall? l Access • Is your entrance free from hazards for both tyres and feet (eg, potholes)? • Are your entrance gates working as they should to prevent unauthorised access or grant entry to the right people? • Is your lighting in working order and sufficient for the hours of access you are offering? l Storage units • Are your roller doors operating smoothly and providing a secure, water-tight space? • Are there any apparent marks or stains that may need a clean or a touch-up with some paint? • Is it time for a routine pest or roof inspection?
With added attention to some of these finer details, it will be no time before customers will begin to muse, “There’s something different about you . . .”
Freshen your processes
Now could be an excellent opportunity to tackle one of your operational goals that you’ve been putting off. For example, perhaps you’ve been hoping to convert your files full of archived storage agreements to scanned copies to improve office space. Often, the hardest part is getting started. Set a small goal like scanning 10 documents per day until you get a chance to spend some quality time working through those filing cabinets. To prevent future filing woes, SSAA has released fillable pdf versions of our 2022 storage agreements which can assist with transitioning to a paperless sign-up process.
Another worthwhile project could be updating your Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) manual to make it more functional for your specific needs. Our OHS help desk experts, Action OHS Consulting, state that one of the biggest mistakes businesses can make is “attempting to ‘do’ safety without understanding the why”.
This can often lead to businesses “becoming reactive” rather than being proactive in getting to know what sort of hazards their workers and customers face daily. Take stock of what habits you or your co-workers already adopt to prevent injuries or precarious situations, and start to write these into your safety practices. For further OHS support, you can contact the SSAA OHS Help Desk or give Action OHS Consulting a call on 1300 101 647.
Freshen your online presence
When Covid and lockdowns were at their peak, we saw a considerable shift from customers browsing
Another way to take advantage of your Google Business listing is to build online credibility by encouraging storers to leave positive Google reviews about their experience. Make it easy for your customers to leave a review by adding a brief note and a link to your Google My Business profile in your email footer or place a sign at the front desk as a prompt. In most situations, the best timing for feedback is when you and the storer are parting ways. Send a thank-you note or email when a storer moves out that includes the option to leave a Google review to boost your Google Star rating.
Freshen your knowledge
They say that knowledge is power, so why not set aside some time to check out our ‘new-look’ online training modules that explore the basics of our updated storage agreements? You can opt to take the entire storage agreement course or select individual topics to suit your learning needs to ensure that you are all over the latest changes.
As the winter months begin to thaw, now is the time to feel inspired, kick some goals and keep business thriving as you step into the second half of 2022. l AUSTRALIA Toll Free 1800 28 77 24 T 02 9890 3844 F 02 9630 5701 E service@lockdistributors.com.au lockdistributors.com.au
Lock Distributors have been distributing and developing security for self-storage since 1986. Protect your business and lock into profits using our top quality products, friendly customer service and unparalleled expertise. NEW ZEALAND Toll Free 0508 562 533 E service@lockdistributors.com.au lockdistributors.com.au
Lock Distributors have been distributing and developing security for self-storage High security • Pick-proof • Thousands of key changes • Range of styles Call us today to find out about a FREE display stand. since 1986. Protect your business and lock into profits using our top quality products, friendly customer service and unparalleled expertise. High security • Pick-proof • Thousands of key changes • Range of styles
Toll Free 1800 28 77 24
T 02 9890 3844 F 02 9630 5701
E service@lockdistributors.com.au lockdistributors.com.au
Lock Distributors have been distributing and developing security for self-storage since 1986. Protect your business and lock into profits using our top quality products, friendly customer service and unparalleled expertise. NEW ZEALAND Toll Free 0508 562 533 E service@lockdistributors.com.au lockdistributors.com.au
Lock Distributors have been distributing and developing security for self storage since 1986. Protect your business and lock into profits using our top quality products, friendly customer service and unparalleled expertise. High security • Pick-proof • Thousands of key changes • Range of styles Call us today to find out about a FREE display stand.
physical stores to virtual ones. With these online shopping habits not expected to slow any time soon, this could be the right time to revaluate your online presence and see if things require a ‘spruce’.
This may be as simple as checking that the facility contact details listed on your website are correct. For those with a social media presence such as a Facebook page, this could mean organising a regular posting schedule to remind your followers that you are still open and ready for their business.
Ensuring potential customers have a positive digital experience when they are first virtually introduced to your business is essential to sway them to take that next step towards signing up. Dedicating some time to set up a Google My Business profile (or managing your pre-existing one) can be an excellent opportunity to ensure that when people search for storage facilities in their area, they receive accurate information about your business.
With a Google My Business profile, you can manage the information displayed on your Google Business listing, such as your facility’s contact details and opening hours. This ensures that potential customers know how best to contact you. High security • Pick-proof • Thousands of key changes • Range of styles
