"Social Media is B.S. and a Complete Waste!" - Self-Storage Talk

dnaylor · #1 (**permalink**) 1st December 2009, 11:34 AM

Hi SST Friends:

Sorry for the brash title to this thread, but that's what many in the self storage industry are saying about Social Media, the global phenomenon that is literally part of more than 300 MILLION people's lives!

I'll be doing a session in Vegas at the ISS World Expo in March and want to get your feedback as I create the presentation on Social Media.

[SIDE NOTE] I don't know if any of you were in the presentation I did in DC (7 Bold Face Lies...) but, let's just say there were grown men and women wearing Pinocchio noses, diving over chairs while screaming "I'm a REAL boy!". It was a blast and the positive feedback continues to flow in.

The reason I did that was based on feedback I got from this forum. So, I do listen, read and try to respond to all of it to shape a memorable and informative session for you.

If you don't mind, please answer the following questions about Social Media:

1. Do you think it's a waste of time and/or money to participate in?
2. What is your number one, burning question about Social Media that you'd love to have answered?
3. What do you like most about Social Media?
4. What do you like the LEAST about Social Media?
5. Anything else?

I'll check back often and try to make this fun from now until the doors open on March 1st in Vegas.

Thanks,

Steve_hajewski · #2 (**permalink**) 1st December 2009, 02:42 PM

Two words: Farm Town.

Anyone that uses Facebook knows what I'm talking about.

Steve

jcarlisle · #3 (**permalink**) 1st December 2009, 04:16 PM

LOL @ Steve.

Farm Ville, Mafia Wars, Zombies (or whatever it's called) are all really stupid applications of Facebook, in my opinion. But there's actually much that your business can do with Facebook that is good.

Gina6k · #4 (**permalink**) 1st December 2009, 07:38 PM

I can't tell you how many ismiles, mafia wars and farmville requests I have ignored. I'm not willing to share my friends info on FB with those apps. I do love bejewled though. Quick 1 minute respite type distraction from work. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

I have yet to snag onto the how-to social network to rent units so Derek, I HOPE I can make your session.

1. Do you think it's a waste of time and/or money to participate in?
So far, yes, it's a waste of time & money. I hope you have the magic answers though.

2. What is your number one, burning question about Social Media that you'd love to have answered?
How to make it pay off!

3. What do you like most about Social Media?
The ability to be connected to friends and family both work-related and personally.

4. What do you like the LEAST about Social Media?
I don't understand what the big hullaballo is all about.

5. Anything else?
Magic answers to make it increase rentals. That should be enough.

dnaylor · #5 (**permalink**) 2nd December 2009, 10:03 AM

Thanks for your quick answers!

Already you can see the polarity on the subject in just 3 replies! Steve dislikes the game Farm Town...which is why many owners want to stay away from Facebook as they don't want time spent playing games, etc. on company time...

...John, thinks those games are "really stupid" and Social Media has great business uses...

...and Gina actually answered the questions (Gina, I can always count on you!) with a sincere desire to try to make it work but no luck so far.

I can assure you there are ways to make Social Media work for you, although it's not magic

but a nice incremental gain.

Keep the answers comin' in folks and we'll have fun with it!

Thanks,

MusicCity Gal · #6 (**permalink**) 2nd December 2009, 10:18 AM

Well I am a huge fan of Face Book! I have 2 accounts, one for personal and one for business. I keep those accounts COMPLETELY separate!!

The one thing I love about FB is the personal aspect. I see photos from my tenants, status updates and most important, BIRTHDAYS!! When they come to pay their rent we have things we can talk about. My tenants are impressed that we care enough to ask questions like Are you Feeling Better? I saw that you got a New Job! Congratulations on that new Grand Baby! etc etc.

That may not seem all that important, but REFERRALS are the best way to get business!! We also use FB to announce / remind our tenants of upcoming Community Events, like Don't Forget the Christmas Parade This Weekend! Tenants may never read the emails I send, but they absolutely read my Status Updates!!

And on a final note, NEVER play the games! I hate them too!! I ignore all requests!!

jcarlisle · #7 (**permalink**) 2nd December 2009, 10:24 AM

The reason I like Twitter is because it's much simpler. It's pared down to just a message/status and maybe a "Twitpic" sometimes. That's it. None of the other stuff. And you can sort the accounts your following into different lists, which is also useful. That way if I'm going to Twitter for a specific reason -- for example, to find out which of my neighborhood watering holes have drink specials that night -- I can just pull up my "things to do" list and not have to purge through everything.

dnaylor · #8 (**permalink**) 2nd December 2009, 10:56 AM

John & Music City Gal:

I agree with both of those points.

Music City Gal: referrals are what this form of networking is all about. The more you know your tenants, the more you can form relationships with them and we all know how powerful strong relationships are! Additionally, it gives you ACCESS to their inner circle if you play your cards right.

Good feedback, let's keep it going!

Thanks!

Autodoc · #9 (**permalink**) 2nd December 2009, 11:50 AM

Tried the Twitter - waste of time

My biggest problem is that I don't have the time to sit and go through all the nonsense you find.

I have even asked some of our tenants if they use Twitter or FaceBook -- most often I get a blank stare.

In my opinion (at least in this semi-rural area) it's not a useful tool.

Gina6k · #10 (**permalink**) 2nd December 2009, 12:01 PM

My biggest problem is I kinda screwed up. I was setting up for a business profile and like the good girl I am, I answered the profile questions etc. So biz/personal are one and the same. After the new year I intend to completely separate the two. Mistake number one with social media, don't do what I did!

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