Business Tools

In keeping with February's Business Issue theme, SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION sought Will Schmidt's, managing director of CapitalSource's Security Lending Group, projections for 2012 as well as his insights on current financing trends and challenges.

Whether an owner intends to hold onto a security systems business long-term, pass it down through generations or sell it, a solid plan is critical to build the value necessary to accomplish those goals. Getting down and dirty to implement and execute today can have you smelling like a rose tomorrow.

SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfine offers more than two dozen notions to help you run a finely tuned business operation.

For this month's column I asked my wife Beverly if she had just one really great idea about spouses working together.

Due to its unique makeup, complexity and lack of academic roots or standardization, training has always been and continues to be one of the electronic security industry’s greatest challenges. This extends from basic industry education to rudimentary and advanced technical skills to business acumen and leadership. In this roundtable, the participants air their concerns, ideas and passion associated with this industry quandary.

Four top integrator executives reveal how they execute highly strategic business plans that provide for practically any contingency. The exclusive roundtable digs into how these companies are adapting to new technologies, services and revenue models that ensure stickiness with customers.

Today's security customers expect — even demand — prompt, courteous and consultative service at a good price or guess what? Not only are they going to go elsewhere because there are myriad alternatives, worse they are going to badmouth your business. In this social networking age, the repercussions could cost you countless customers and thousands of dollars.

Given our propensity for smartphones and interactive technology, the more savvy alarm dealers are gearing their offerings toward this trend. More than ever manufacturers and third-party vendors are really coming up to speed with mostly IP-based, interactive security systems and devices.

Tightly monitoring every facet of operations remains priority No. 1 as installing security firms continue to claw their way out of the economic doldrums. Five veteran CEOs explain how they stopped the bleeding in 2010 and why — although they can’t let their guards down — they expect 2011 to be more fruitful.

Installing security company executives explain their strategies for procuring, maintaining and keeping track of their vehicle fleets. Among their priorities are identifying fuel efficiencies, managing drivers and upfitting.

Offering service and maintenance agreements to your clientele not only provides new streams of recurring revenue but can also go a long way in helping stem attrition. Find out what the proper cost structure components are and how to convince customers to sign on the dotted line.

An astute alarm dealer recently said, "Every time there's a service call, we have the potential to lose a customer."

Until a few weeks ago, Brad Humphries was managing his family's business, Indiana Security Systems, located in Mishawaka, Ind. ...

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