3 Steps to Capitalize on Upselling Security Technology
Here’s how upselling an organization on upgraded video surveillance, access control and integrated security technologies can help to foster deeper loyalty with existing customers.
It’s the responsibility of security integrators to consistently present customers with the best in new technologies and emerging features that will enhance their overall security coverage, adding value and longevity to their systems. This seems like an obvious statement, right?
While it’s important to have a sales team intent on growth and seeking new prospects, substantial profits could be lost when not equally focused on bringing attention to new solutions or security elements that will aptly serve existing customers. It’s called “upselling,” and it’s not a “dirty” word.
In fact, upselling an organization on upgraded video surveillance, access control and integrated security technologies can help to foster deeper loyalty with existing customers.
By consistently engaging the current customer base and keeping decision-makers informed of new products and compatible systems, not only will profits be elevated with a steadier stream of recurring revenue, more long-term, integrator-customer relationships will be created, built on a foundation of knowledge and trust.
Following are just a few guidelines that will help nurture customer relationships, while establishing your team as an invaluable, expert security source.
1. Be proactive interacting with customers.
Perhaps the most impactful factor to finding success in upselling is to maintain constant communications with the customer base. It’s easily proven that customers who are continuously interacting with their security system and their integrator are more likely to invest in upgraded technologies.
More often than not, these same customers also turn out to be the longest-standing partnerships. Don’t assume the customer will know when there’s a need for something new or will be proactive in calling you to ask about enhancing their system.
Inform decision-makers of new technologies that may be suitable for their businesses through effective, targeted digital marketing strategies, personalized promotions or sales calls.
Recognize areas where upgraded technologies not only offer more protection, but can improve overall business practices in ways the customer may be unaware.
As more beneficial, incremental services are presented to improve upon a customer’s current security system, greater trust will be built with the end user, and the less likely they will become a former client.
It’s also important to schedule regular system reviews with customers — on a quarterly, annual or as-needed basis — so more intimate knowledge of the system can be gained and you will be primed to present solutions in response to any problems that arise.
Any issues from faulty or outdated equipment — equipment the client might otherwise never have realized was malfunctioning until a security incident occurred — will be detected more efficiently.
Not only will the security team have been hands-on in proactively catching functional errors instead of discovering the issue in reaction to some catastrophic event, the security integrator will be the first touchstone when the end user is looking to consult on a new approach to remedy the problem.
2. Showcase a more holistic approach.
When evaluating a customer’s ongoing needs and which new or upgraded technologies would serve them best, always do so in a well-integrated, unified fashion. Video surveillance, access control and intrusion monitoring are no longer puzzle pieces to force together.
With the proliferation of more and more cohesive technologies, integrators can present a streamlined, singular approach to security from the onset.
With many services expensed via a subscription-based fee — instead of a large, upfront cost — the addition of new products and services is more palatable for budget-conscious end users.
3. Be cognizant of common pain points.
No matter what market they serve, business owners are always confronted with challenges that require them to evolve their security systems and practices. Ensure that the team is well-versed in these ever-changing pain points, and how new technologies can help to alleviate them.
Incorporate an objective element within the sales approach, so your expert recommendations of more up-to-date equipment or integrated technologies won’t feel like a “snake-oil” sales pitch.
For example, gravitate toward technologies that can address false alarms — a rampant issue across nearly all vertical markets, plaguing organizations both large and small.
Introduce thermal imaging technology, real-time intrusion monitoring and video-verified response in sales presentations and marketing as possible solutions.
Present interactive solutions that help to establish a cybersecurity roadmap for customers to ensure that they’re more effectively protected against malware and other potential cyber threats.
Offer enhanced video technologies — not just CCTV — with augmented analytics capabilities to track traffic patterns, develop best business practices and to pinpoint events instantaneously with the click of a button.
Upsell in ways that will give organizations reason to be more thoroughly engaged with their security investments, so they can see better results and continue to view the security integrator as a singular, go-to expert. The integrator will see results, too, in more long-term client relationships and a healthier bottom line.
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About the Author
Drew Alexander
Drew Alexander is Director – Commercial Excellence for Stanley Security.
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