Are you trying to start your own alarm installation company? Starting a business not only requires dedication and total commitment, it takes industry knowledge and skills. With acts of domestic and global terror committed on an all too frequent basis, today’s world can be a chaotic and perilous place. Now more than ever, people are concerned about ensuring their safety.
The services provided by alarm installation companies are in high demand, with millions of potential customers looking to protect their homes and their assets.
Here are some El Dorado’s tips for starting and growing your alarm installation company:
Researching
Before the invention of the internet, doing industry research for starting your own business could be a dicey proposition, even for experienced business owners; prior to the age of digital information technology, gathering reliable information and credible data often required a great deal of grunt work. Things are much easier nowadays, when almost any sort of research can be completed online. Once you’ve done some research, you need training as an alarm installer.
Training
Alarm installation requires technical and problem solving skills, particularly given the high-tech, digitally-driven nature of most modern alarm systems. Consumers expect the best when it comes to installing their expensive, state of the art alarm systems, so it is in the best interests of the alarm installation company to have competently trained employees. Even if you’re already a licensed expert with years of experience, any alarm installer can benefit from taking advanced alarm systems training.
Because there are different types of alarms, there are a number of classes and online courses you can take. Here are a few credible online training resources for alarm installers:
- Electronic Security Association (ESA) National Training School, which has Online Courses and continuing education courses including:
Permitting and Licensing
Few things can kill a business faster than failing to obtain the necessary permits and licensing. It’s not just a matter of getting the right documentation for startup; your alarm installation company also needs stay current, to have licensing and permitting that’s up to date. The permitting and licensing requirements for alarm installation companies vary from state to state, and each alarm installer must be licensed for each individual state in which they operate. Currently, there is no federal license or permit for alarm installers that works nationwide.
It’s always a good idea to check with local and state officials regarding the required permitting and licensing requirements. In most cases, you’ll be required to have alarm installer insurance.
Creating a Business Plan
All business owners should create a solid business plan. An effective business plan details the organizational and strategic framework for your alarm installation company. This includes, but is not limited to, the following categories:
- Executive and Financing Summaries
- Current and Future Financial Plans (Including Taxes, Revenue, and Costs)
- Strategic Market Analysis
- Marketing Plan and Strategies
- Personnel Plan (Including Defined Roles and Responsibilities for management and all employees)
- Overviews of client products and services
- Plans for future growth
Want some help designing your business plan? Check out these examples of business plans for alarm installers:
Developing a Marketing Strategy
A good marketing strategy is arguably the best way to grow your alarm installation business. When your business begins operations, it’s important to get the word out to potential customers. Components of an effective marketing strategy include, but are not limited to:
- Forming Strategic Partnerships with Local Businesses
- Establishing a Vendor Relationship
- Promoting Quality Alarm Systems Products
- Regular Follow Up with Leads
- Maintaining and Receiving Current Client Feedback
