How many times have you told yourself, “I need to get organized?” Of course, you always say that while staring at an in box filled with papers stacked a mile high, a computer monitor camouflaged by Post-It® notes and an appointment book covered with so much ink, you can no longer make out the dates.

Although procrastination is usually the main culprit, a false belief that you must “do it all” may be the real dilemma. As business professionals, we sometimes take on too much and as a result, the business tends to suffer for it.

Leaning on a reliable support system could solve most of your problems and put you back on the right path. Why not employ the services of a law firm, finance and insurance company, and a newsletter service to care for your various business needs?

To make things even more efficient, consider joining a dealer program that offers many of these services under one umbrella. These services are available to dealers who want to alleviate much of the stress associated with operating a growing company.

Dealer Programs Can Be a Silent Partner

If you prefer more of a one-stop shop company, a dealer program or dealer sponsor could be your best bet. Not only can these programs provide financial assistance, they can also provide marketing and sales support to independent or regional dealers.

Finance Firms Create a Brand Name

Finance companies render the most important service: buying power. These lending institutions can establish a line of credit for products or grant financial backing when it comes time to expand your account base.

Financing Is a Spring Board to Next Level

Rod Garner, president of Mountain Alarm in Ogden, Utah, says, “Today, I believe there’s a lot of [financial institutions] chasing deals in the alarm industry, so it’s a little different. And you can ask qualifying questions like, ‘How much leverage can I get from your institution? How much will you allow me to borrow against my accounts?’”

Take Proactive Approach to Legal Services

Because security is a specialized industry, it is prudent that you seek out legal representation before that first customer signs on the bottom line. Thus, seeking legal representation from the beginning shows that you are taking a proactive approach to your business.

Contracts Should Be Fine Tuned

David C. Tryon, an attorney with the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur in Cleveland, believes most dealers will be interested in obtaining two things from a lawyer: 1) what should be in their contract; and 2) how they can avoid expensive litigation.

Insurance Is Your Lifeline

“Once you begin with an insurance company, it’s important to [foster] that relationship,” Garner advises. “We’ve had occasion to actually use our errors and omission insurance.”

Newsletters Put You in Touch With Clients

If you ever thought about using a newsletter as a marketing tool, but didn’t believe that you had the time to get one together, why not seek an outside company to create one for you?

Newsletters are an effective marketing tool that not only helps put you in touch with your customers on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Make Sure the Software Fits All Your Office Needs

Today, there are several types of software packages that handle a multitude of functions. Many programs operate on a Windows™-based platform and are multitasking.

These products are offered through software manufacturers that specialize in the security industry. You can also find office management software in your basic, retail computer stores.

Today, there are a myriad of dealer programs and specialized companies available that will walk you through the necessary procedures for organizing and maintaining your alarm company. The key is to make that commitment and follow through.

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