Success Is Within Your Outreach
Security Sales & Integration Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfine shares a “bright idea” to boost your electronic security company, and the industry.
I think we can all agree that the very best ideas are those that bring substantial benefits to everyone involved. However, summoning the inspiration and ingenuity to conjure such concepts is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. What would you say if I told you I had an idea that would positively and profoundly impact your company, its employees and communities served, as well as the entire security industry? I am talking about an initiative guaranteed to produce favorable outcomes in operations, sales, marketing and more. Piqued your interest?
Permit me to digress a moment with some backstory. As I was considering what to focus on this month, I was inspired by a couple of colleagues. One was Kurt Kottkamp of Enterprise Security Systems telling me how he had coordinated the deployment of a new surveillance system for the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. The other was catching up with EPS Security’s David Hood at ESX to hear how he had just climbed Mount Rainier (which, recovering from hip replacement as I write this, seems particularly impressive) to raise money for Kitchen Sage and Steepletown.
In truth, the idea I am leading off our annual Bright Ideas Issue with is not all that new or revolutionary, and in fact has long been embodied by many of the industry’s best-run (not a coincidence) companies. Nevertheless, it is a doozy: engaging in community and charitable service.
While some may scoff at such efforts as investments of time and cost they can’t afford and others simply do not see any value in participating, those that have implemented programs universally dispel those detractions. It does not have to be expensive, and the benefits can be remarkable.
“Our industry is unique in the fact that we service homes and businesses,” Hood told me. “EPS Security can connect with so many people within our communities; by engaging our staff in the community, employee morale is positively affected while ongoing branding efforts and marketing is an inherent result.”
Still not convinced? I spoke to representatives from firms of all sizes and they were of a single mind: community involvement and charitable pursuits should be a core element for all security companies because it is the right thing to do, and oh by the way, the business benefits are undeniable. It’s also a logical extension of the security industry’s prime directive to safeguard people.
“All companies should contribute to their communities in ways that makes sense. It’s particularly natural for companies in the security/ life-safety space, because of the unique role we all play in local neighborhoods and the heightened importance in building trust in our communities,” says ADT’s Alex Price. “The biggest plus is being able to offer our services to those less fortunate,” says Smoky Mountain Systems Owner Dom D’Ascoli. “It puts our company name out to people and businesses that may not know who we are or what we do. Our employees identify with not just what we do, but who we are.”
As with most endeavors the most daunting aspect can simply be getting started.
“Start small, perhaps with something seasonal, trust in the people you select to lead the charge and keep in periodic touch with their progress,” recommends Guardian Protection Services President Joe Colosimo. “Take stock of your company’s identity and look for a cause that best fits your ideals,” advises Select Security’s Joseph Mitton. “Be cautious of spreading yourself too thin; focus on one charity whose mission and cause resonate with your own.” Briscoe Protective Systems’ Denise Rueda adds, “A company needs to look at their individual communities and see where they can fill a need.” Says Stanley’s Beth Tarnoff, “Take a pulse of how employees respond to supporting certain causes to overcome a major challenge – employee participation.”
If your company is already active, kudos. If not, pick the angle (business, community, industry) that motivates you most and just do it. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you’ll find it’s also the successful thing.
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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