LaRose added, “All of your employees can benefit from the SSA Magazine Weekly email every Monday, monthly SSA Magazine, bi-monthly Legal Review, the Self Storage Legal Network, scholarship eligibility, publications like the SSA Demand Study, and so much more. Budget to support the SSA and the continual growth of your employees.”
How can you be sure to get the most from your membership? Create a plan. A simple one-page roadmap can help you navigate and maximize the opportunities offered by the national association and its state affiliates.
On that page, list the key features and benefits of being a member:
- Advocacy
- Legal information
- Education and training
- Networking
- Publications
- Online directories
- Research data
- Scholarship program
Then, jot down what you want out of each of those areas for the coming year.
For example, are the laws in your state causing problems for you and your fellow members? Note those under “advocacy,” and set a calendar reminder to email the SSA government relations team about them.
Or, under “education and training,” what new knowledge could you gain this year to help improve your operations or your bottom line? If you’re a manager, consider pursuing the CSSM designation. If you’re an owner or developer, why not plan to attend the next valuation and acquisition course?
Do this brief exercise for all eight areas in the bulleted list. Make sure you have your calendar beside you so you can add pertinent dates.
By taking just 30 minutes to think strategically about your SSA membership, you can be sure to realize a year’s worth of value and benefits that might otherwise escape your notice amid the demands of your busy schedule.
You can do a deeper dive on each of those eight areas on the SSA website at selfstorage.org/Membership/Benefits.
Questions? You’re always welcome to communicate directly with SSA staff. You’ll find their names, extensions, and email addresses on the website’s “Contact Us” page, along with a handy online form there to use for your question.