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The Self Storage Show

Jim Ross - 3 Mile Storage Management

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Welcome to "The Self Storage Show," your ultimate resource for everything related to the self storage industry. Hosted by industry expert Jim Ross from 3 Mile Storage Management, this podcast delves into the latest trends, tips, and strategies to help self storage owners and managers optimize their operations and grow their businesses. Each episode features insightful interviews with leading industry professionals, practical advice on marketing, operations, and customer service, as well as i ...
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Truth: If potential renters aren’t answering your calls or emails, it’s because your follow-up process is broken. Most storage owners assume a lead that doesn’t rent right away wasn’t serious—but the real issue is lack of follow-up. People get busy. They compare options. And the facility that stays in front of them wins the rental. In this episode …
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Truth: AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. And the storage owners who embrace it will have the advantage. The biggest operators are already using AI for call handling, follow-ups, pricing, and customer support. If you’re still doing things manually, you’re falling behind. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares how AI is transforming se…
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Truth: If your storage business doesn’t run on systems, it runs on guesswork—and that’s costing you time and money. Many owners rely on memory and manual effort to keep things moving. But without clear, repeatable systems, things fall through the cracks—calls go unanswered, fees don’t get applied, and revenue stays inconsistent. In this episode of …
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Truth: The best self storage operators don’t wait for problems to show up—they constantly refine, adjust, and improve. Most owners only make changes when something breaks. But if you want consistent growth in revenue and occupancy, improvement has to be a daily habit—not a one-time fix. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim explains how top…
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Truth: The way your manager handles the first phone call determines whether a customer rents with you—or your competitor. Most self storage managers answer the phone but don’t actually know how to close the deal. If they’re just giving out prices without creating urgency or asking for the rental, that customer is gone. In this episode of 3 Minutes …
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Truth: Curb appeal isn’t just about looks—it determines whether a customer walks in or drives to the next facility. First impressions happen before a tenant ever talks to your manager. If your facility looks rundown, messy, or outdated, potential renters will assume your service is the same. A clean, well-maintained property builds trust and attrac…
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Truth: If you’re not actively collecting reviews, your competitors are winning before a customer even calls you. When potential tenants search “storage near me,” they don’t just compare prices—they compare reputations. If your competitor has 100+ five-star reviews and you have 12 mediocre ones, they’re going to trust the other guy. In this episode …
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Truth: If you’re not charging for add-ons like locks, admin fees, or tenant insurance, you’re leaving easy money on the table. Most self storage owners focus on rental rates to grow revenue. But the most profitable operators know that ancillary income—small fees and product sales—can add thousands to the bottom line without needing more tenants. In…
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Truth: If tenants don’t feel their belongings are safe, they won’t just move out—they’ll tell others to avoid your facility. Most self storage owners focus on occupancy and pricing. But if your property doesn’t feel secure, even satisfied tenants will second-guess their decision. And perception matters—small security lapses can cost you long-term c…
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Truth: Customers don’t choose the cheapest storage facility—they choose the most convenient one. Most self storage owners think price is the biggest factor in renting a unit. But the real deal-breaker is how easy—or hard—you make it to rent. If your process is clunky, slow, or manual, customers will find a facility that makes it simple. In this epi…
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Truth: Keeping your storage rates the same for too long isn’t helping tenant retention—it’s quietly killing your profits. Many self storage owners avoid raising rates because they’re afraid of losing tenants. But the real risk is letting your margins shrink while your competitors grow. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim shares why smart …
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Truth: If your Google Business Profile isn’t updated and optimized, you’re invisible to potential renters. Most self storage owners think having a website is enough. But when customers search “storage near me,” Google decides who shows up first—and it’s not random. If your competitor has optimized their profile and you haven’t, they’re getting the …
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Truth: Tenants don’t leave because of price—they leave because they feel ignored. Most self storage owners assume move-outs happen after rate increases. But the reality is, tenants are willing to pay more—if they feel taken care of. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, Jim breaks down the 3 biggest tenant experience mistakes that push customer…
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If your marketing is focused on “brand awareness” instead of generating leads, you’re wasting money. Most self storage owners think marketing means getting their name out there—running ads, sponsoring events, or posting on social media without a clear strategy. But here’s the truth: 🚨 Awareness doesn’t rent units—lead generation does. If your marke…
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Self storage owners—customers will pay higher rates if they believe they’re getting more value. Most owners hesitate to raise rates because they’re afraid of losing tenants. But here’s the truth: People don’t leave over small price increases. They leave when they feel like they’re overpaying for a bad experience. Your competitors are already raisin…
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The most expensive thing at your self storage facility isn’t your property, payroll, or marketing—it’s your empty units. Every vacant unit is lost recurring revenue, yet many storage owners don’t realize how much money they’re leaving on the table. For example: 📌 If your average unit rent is $150/month and you have 10 empty units, that’s $1,500 los…
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If you’re not charging (or enforcing) late fees, you’re losing thousands in revenue every year. Many self storage owners hesitate to enforce late fees because they don’t want to upset tenants. But here’s the truth: Late fees aren’t about punishment—they’re about behavior. If you don’t enforce them, tenants have no reason to pay on time, leading to …
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If you’re not optimizing your Google Business Profile, you’re handing customers to your competitors. Most self storage owners focus on ads and promotions, but when people need storage, the first thing they do is Google "storage near me." If your facility isn’t showing up at the top, your competitor is getting the call instead of you. In this episod…
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If your self storage facility isn’t filling up, it’s not just a marketing problem—it’s a follow-up problem. Most storage owners think they need to spend more on ads or lower their prices when leads don’t convert. But the truth is, most leads don’t rent because no one follows up. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, I’ll show you the real reaso…
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Self storage owners—your rental process might be costing you move-ins. Today’s renters expect fast, seamless online rentals. If they have to call, visit in person, or wait for office hours, they’ll book with a competitor who makes it easier. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, I’ll show you the biggest mistakes storage owners make in their re…
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Self storage owners—your facility’s condition determines whether customers stay or leave. If you’re not regularly inspecting your property, your tenants are—and they notice the small details that you might overlook. In this episode of 3 Mile Management Minute, I’ll show you the most common maintenance issues that cause customers to leave—and the si…
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Self storage owners—your biggest revenue opportunity isn’t in empty units. It’s in the tenants you already have. If you’re only raising rates for new move-ins, you’re leaving thousands of dollars on the table every single month. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, I’ll show you a simple rate adjustment strategy that can increase your revenue—…
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Self storage owners—how many rentals are you losing every day because of bad phone calls? If your managers aren’t trained to sell on the phone, they’re just giving out prices and hoping customers call back. Most don’t. In this episode of 3 Minutes with 3 Mile, I’ll show you exactly what’s going wrong—and the simple fix that can turn more phone call…
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🚀 Thinking about switching your self storage site to new management software? In this video, Jim Ross breaks down the key steps to make the transition smooth and stress-free. From cleaning up your data to training your staff and keeping tenants informed – we’ve got you covered. Need help with the process? Head over to www.3milestorage.com and let’s…
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Transform your self storage customer service training with the latest in AI technology! In this webinar, Jim Ross showcases how to leverage ChatGPT’s advanced voice feature to improve sales call flow and role-play customer service scenarios with real-world accuracy. Here’s what you’ll take away: How to integrate ChatGPT’s voice feature into your tr…
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🚀 I'm absolutely loving the endless possibilities AI offers! Recently, I decided to play around with Google’s Notebook LM, and what happened next was mind-blowing. 🤯 In just a few clicks, it created a 10-minute podcast featuring two hosts discussing my book, "3 Zones Of Excellence" from 3 Mile Storage Management! 🎙️📚 The conversation was so realist…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the strategic opportunity of leveraging a local military base to increase self-storage rentals. Military personnel often need storage solutions due to relocations, deployments, and limited on-base housing. Learn how to connect with your local base, build partnerships, and effectively market you…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," I share a memorable story from my early days in the self-storage business—the first unit I ever sold at auction. Imagine my surprise when that unit turned out to contain a vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle! Discover the unexpected and exciting aspects of running a self-storage facility, and learn why eve…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we dive into the reality of self-storage move-in specials and how the "genie is out of the bottle." Once these promotions became a staple in the industry, there's no turning back. Learn how to strategically use move-in specials to attract customers while maintaining your facility's profitability and compe…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we talk about the importance of giving your self-storage business a regular "health checkup." Just like you go in for routine checkups to ensure your health, your business needs the same attention to stay in top shape. Learn how to evaluate your operations, identify areas for improvement, and ensure your …
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we break down the key rate definitions used in the self-storage industry. From standard rates to promotional rates, and everything in between, understanding these terms is essential for maximizing revenue and ensuring clarity with your customers. Learn how to effectively communicate rate structures and ma…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we highlight a staggering statistic: There are now just as many self-storage facilities in the U.S. as there are Subway, McDonald's, and Starbucks locations—combined! This explosive growth in the self-storage industry reflects the increasing demand and opportunities in the market. Learn what this means fo…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore the concept of constant and never-ending improvement in your self-storage business. Learn why continuous enhancement of your operations, customer service, and marketing strategies is crucial for staying ahead in the competitive self-storage industry. Discover practical tips for fostering a cult…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we tackle the critical question: Are you wasting your PPC ad dollars by directing traffic to a subpar website? Learn how an ineffective website can undermine your pay-per-click advertising efforts and discover strategies to optimize your site for better results. Ensure your PPC investment drives real valu…
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Introducing our "3 Minutes Vendor Spotlight" segment featuring StorageReach. StorageReach is an automated platform built for storage facilities. It helps boost online visibility by gaining reviews, gathering valuable customer feedback, and managing your online reputation. All without breaking the bank! Learn how StorageReach can enhance your self s…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the importance of community and support for self-storage owners. Learn how leveraging resources, networks, and partnerships can help you overcome challenges and achieve greater success. Discover the benefits of not going it alone and how connecting with others in the industry can enhance your b…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we dive into the critical question of customer acquisition costs. Understanding how much you’re willing to spend to acquire a new customer is essential for budgeting and marketing strategies. If you're ready to refine your customer acquisition strategy and maximize your marketing budget, visit www.3milest…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore the benefits of filming and uploading a 30-second video to the photos section of your Google Business Profile. This quick and engaging video can significantly enhance your online presence, attract more customers, and provide a dynamic view of your self-storage facility. Learn practical tips on …
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the crucial steps of taking photos and videos to document the process when prepping a unit for self-storage auction. This documentation not only ensures transparency but also helps resolve any disputes and provides a clear record of the unit's condition. Learn practical tips on how to effective…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we delve into the process of interviewing and hiring the ideal self-storage manager. A great manager can significantly impact your facility's success by ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service. Learn effective strategies for conducting interviews and selecting the right candidate to mana…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss why the most expensive item at your self-storage facility is an empty unit. Discover the financial impact of vacant units and learn strategies to minimize vacancies and maximize your rental income. We’ll share practical tips on how to keep your units occupied and your business thriving. If you'…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore how customer reviews directly impact your self-storage rentals. Positive feedback not only builds trust and credibility but also attracts more potential customers to your facility. Learn effective strategies for encouraging and managing reviews to boost your rentals and enhance your business re…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss strategies for dealing with challenging customers in the self-storage industry. Sometimes, it's best not to renew their month-to-month agreement and suggest they find storage elsewhere. Learn how to identify these "headache" customers and handle the situation professionally to maintain a positi…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we take you through the process of renting a self-storage unit from your own facility online to test the customer journey. Discover the insights gained from experiencing your rental process firsthand and learn how to identify and resolve potential issues to enhance customer satisfaction. This exercise can…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore the benefits of adding your self-storage units as products on your Google My Business Profile. Discover how this simple optimization can improve your listing's visibility, attract more customers, and provide detailed information about your offerings. Learn practical tips on how to effectively s…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we dive into the power of self-storage podcasts as a valuable learning tool. Discover how tuning into industry-specific podcasts can provide you with insights, strategies, and tips from experts to help you enhance your self-storage operations. Learn how to leverage this resource to stay informed, inspired…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we explore the benefits of creating friendly competition alliances with other local self-storage locations. By forming partnerships and referring customers to each other for a referral fee, you can ensure that customers always find the right unit size, even if it’s not at your facility. Learn how these al…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we invite you to join "Q&A w/ Jim&Jim," where Jim Ross and Jim Mooney Jr. go live with members of the self storage community to answer questions and discuss all things self storage. Tune in every other Friday for an hour of insightful conversations starting at 12:00pm EDT. Register now at: https://3milest…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the importance of maintaining transparency in your self-storage business's Profit & Loss (P&L) statements by using a proper chart of accounts. Learn how clear and detailed financial reporting can enhance your decision-making, improve financial health, and build trust with stakeholders. We’ll sh…
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In this episode of "3 Minutes With 3 Mile," we discuss the importance of frequently updating your Google Business Profile to optimize your self-storage facility's online presence. Learn how regular updates can improve your visibility, attract more customers, and enhance your business's reputation. We'll share practical tips on what to update and ho…
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