Before we get started on this month’s column, let me give you a few observations that I’ve made about the new combined AV and security industry publication, Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration.
The people running it are fantastic. Group editor Dan Ferrisi is a first-class writer, communicator and all-around good guy. As I did, you’ll enjoy meeting him. The other people involved in the publication, including the SSI editorial advisory board, are all first-class industry members and they’re knowledgeable players in the industry.
And what that means to you is that, when all the talent that has been assembled to put this magazine together works in harmony, you’re going to be doing some first-class reading and getting some BIG IDEAS. Over the coming months, in fact, you should be able to fill your own BIG IDEA book.
So, with all that being said, let’s get to this month’s BIG IDEA.
Big Idea: The Original Concept
The original concept of the “Big Idea” column was to interview successful entrepreneurs in both the integrator and the alarm dealer spaces. Talk about jumping from a brand-new, multi-engine airplane with a parachute that doesn’t have a ripcord!
Since I haven’t had the ability to get out and interview many dealers, I want to do something different. Let me give you a few perceptions that I’ve made about the security industry after having had more than 40 years of experience in it.
Number one: The industry is not in a state of decline; quite the opposite, in fact! It is vibrant and successful, with — near as I can tell — good people running the companies within it. The face of most of the new people in the industry is that of a young, excited, motivated and knowledgeable manager.
Many of these up-and-comers hail from families already in the industry; others responded to an ad; still others were referred into the industry. Regardless of where they came from, this new breed of recruits is top-notch.
They are really the cream of the crop, and I think you’ll find most of the old timers agreeing with that observation.
What that means is simple: The people hired into alarm companies and integrators have a wealth of knowledge and a fantastic idea base of how to manage. And that’s my BIG IDEA for this month.
But let’s expand on this even further. Just look at how many companies have been acquired by other companies — those that are new names to most people in the industry. This is a good thing, I think.
These new entrants into the industry have already responded to a need that the industry has had; they’re already in place, building things that didn’t exist five years ago and having a great time doing it. And they’re rapidly being recognized by the players who’ve always been here.
How to Launch Your Own BIG IDEA
Now, you may be thinking that developing your own BIG IDEA is extremely difficult. You might think it’s time-consuming and not particularly profitable in terms of the time you’d have to devote to developing the idea, researching it and putting it in writing.
Well, I disagree! So, here’s a suggestion for you: Take out a piece of paper and put your first name at the top of the page, right in the middle. That way, when someone looks at it, they’ll see “JAMES’ BIG IDEA.”
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Write that title.
- Write the date.
- Prepare a brief outline of your BIG IDEA.
- Show it to your spouse, your best friend or anyone whom you trust. Get feedback.
- If the feedback is positive, add the name of any collaborators whose advice you use.
- Finish describing your BIG IDEA
Still with me? Now, leave the finished idea, concept, background, etc., on top of your desk, face down. and don’t look at it for the rest of the day. Read it with fresh eyes the next day and ask yourself this question: Is it worth someone’s time (say, five minutes) to look at this and think about this? If so, you, my friend, are a writer and a thinker regarding what success means in this industry.
And now comes the surprise!
The Big Reveal
If you email your BIG IDEA to [email protected], he will read all entries submitted. Dan and his editorial colleagues at CI+SSI will determine the five best BIG IDEA entries. Then, I will send each winner a writer’s edition of two books that I have written. I’ll even sign them as proof of your ability to create a BIG IDEA and submit it for judgment.
The people at CI+SSI are already working on some new incentives for winners of this first-ever literary contest to serve this industry. (Well, maybe that’s a reach — but big dreamers don’t think of reaching; they just think of winning.)
Have fun, think good things and let the world see your BIG IDEA!
