A Self Storage Management Consultant (SSMC) is not someone who comes to your home and helps you organize your cupboards. An SSMC is available for those who are considering the purchase of a self-storage facility or own one and are in a position where they need assistance in making their business viable. Let's take a look at how an SSMC can help and why it is more cost efficient to get the help than to figure it out yourself.

When you own a business, of any kind, it is a lot like having a child. You nurture it, spend innumerable hours on it, spend more money than you ever thought you would on it, and cannot always see it with an objective point of view. No matter how much business experience you might have, you will never see your business the way your clients do. Frustrating as that statement may sound, it is the truth. However, what is even more frustrating is having a business into which you have poured every ounce of time, energy, faith, creativity, patience and stamina into and it still continues to lose money.

This is when it is time to call in an outside point of view. That does not mean you call up your best buddy or a business associate and ask them for advice. They will not be wholly objective, may not have your best interest at heart and are probably not an expert in the field. If you truly want your business to succeed, then it is time to seek the advice of someone in the field and who does not know you personally.

In the mini self-storage industry this would be a Self-Storage Management Consultant who is trained and respected in the field. There are several services provided by the SSMC, some are tailored for those seriously considering the purchase of a distressed storage business, other services are consultations designed for those whose business is in distress, and still others are for those who wish to hand the daily management functions of the facility over to an outside party. Let us first take a look at the services available for the business owner wishing to revitalize their storage facility and drive profits up.

When you agree to bringing in an SSMC for a facility tune-up, it will involve an on-site assessment, staff interviews and market research. Staff interviews are not designed to be invasive or 'spy' on the comings and goings of the owners, but simply to determine their true level of skill for the job they are in. The on-site judgment will cover areas that may need repair or improvement and gauge the mix of units available for rent. The SSMC will take an honest look at occupancy, delinquency, signage, location, curb appeal, amenities and overall services.

The whole process usually takes about five to seven business days. In the end the business owner is presented with a written summary, the time frame for accomplishment of the goals, and whether staff should be re-trained or changed. Any sort of outside business consultation can make staff feel threatened and even hostile, but keep in mind that the whole process is for the betterment of your business. If the business does not become viable, then in the end the staff may not have a job.

Now we will take a brief look at what an SSMC can offer those considering the purchase of a distressed business. Whether the venture involves an existing self-storage facility that is failing or the conversion of a building into a self-storage facility, the best option an SSMC can offer is a feasibility study. The feasibility study will cover a lot of the same components as the consultation listed above, as well as statistics on population, density, economic conditions in the area, building or renovation costs and a business plan.

The feasibility study is an objective point of view, not a guarantee. There is no guarantee in business, but there are likelihoods and the goal for the SSMC is to give an honest summary of the likelihood of the success of your proposed business. Your end document from the SSMC will be something you can take to your investors and bank should you decide proceed.

Every parent wants to believe they know what is best for their child, and no one else. The same is true of business owners. In reality, we all need a little advice when things get tough. Even if it is just to confirm our own instincts. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is your child, or your business, it is worth the extra help and advice.