If you are like most systems integrators and alarm dealer entrepreneurs, you are always looking for ways to improve, so the New Year might only serve as a boost of creative adrenaline. But this year, there are certain issues in which you might want to take more control over.
One item to begin to assess is the Affordable Care Act (www.securityinfowatch.com/10761821). If all goes as planned, under provisions of the law that go into effect on January 1, 2014, companies with 50 or more workers will have to provide some level of health care insurance. Companies must decide before that date what they’ll do to comply with the law. Right now, no one know what level of insurance will be required and what it will cost and if they will be better off buying it or instead face a per worker penalty. The so-called Affordable Care Act may cause some to opt to lay off workers to get to the below 50 number (In Illinois, that penalty is about $2,000 per employee) or cut workers hours to under 30 a week.
It’s a big dilemma and one which you should start your research on now. Talk to other companies in the security industry and network together to share information. Collaborate on this critical issue and you’ll be better prepared to face it head on.
School security under a microscope
In other areas, there’s the ongoing dilemma with school security and safety. Now, at issue is gun control. I’m not going to take an official stance other than to say that I believe in and support the U.S. Constitution and its rights. That brings us to our comprehensive story on the most recent school shootings, starting on page 00. What’s the formula that might let us breathe easier as we pack our children off to school? No one truly knows, but dealers and integrators believe in back to basics—layering security with perimeter detection, school drills and safety lessons, maybe day-long lockdowns? Of course those schools with totally open access need to get on board now, or suffer in the future. Our exclusive coverage in news is all here, with commentary from leading dealers and integrators across the country.
Finally social media continues to play a role in your success. Yes, it can be time consuming but there are ways to schedule messages, or perhaps you can hire an intern or part-timer to increase your exposure. Don’t forget that regular safety messages, reminders and specials via Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook can keep you top of mind with customers and prospects.
Use 2013 as a starting point to achieve even greater success. And let us celebrate your successes with our Fast50 best practices and ranking program: www.securityinfowatch.com/sdifast50. Enter online today and let us honor you at ISC West 2013 in Las Vegas as one of America’s Fastest Growing Systems Integrators.
SD&I magazine, Security Technology Executive and Locksmith Ledger are all powered by www.securityinfowatch.com, our award winning website. Here, we present not only our magazine content, but breaking news and interviews, webinars, videos, blogs and so much more. Book mark it and use it every day to achieve your successes in 2013 and beyond. And as the industry continues to change and morph with technology, we will be right beside you with the latest information you need to do business better.
Above all—vigilance is key. Stay vigilant with your customers. Ask for their feedback and help them achieve what they need—whether they are currently buying or not. Stay in touch with prospects and help them do business better—whether or not there’s a contract behind it. Your vigilance will also pay off with work in your community. You will be remembered when the time comes. Here’s to a safe and prosperous 2013!
