The “Better Business Series” is a 5-blog series created for new and established security firms looking to tighten their operations, reduce overheads and deliver outstanding services to their clients. The series will explore five different ways new and existing security firms can achieve more from the security industry.
Read the series:
1. Five things to consider when starting a security company
2. Four ways to improve security business operations
Better Business Series… Two – 4 ways to improve security business operations
Software and Technology
Software and Technology are now firmly embedded in pretty much every aspect of life. So much so that it is now an expectation, even in the security industry, that companies provide access and technological solutions to clients. The benefit here is that a lot of the technology also provides efficiencies to businesses, too. If everything is running off paper and a monkey in the back office, you need to consider this investment.
Large sites and Patrol services should consider mobile phone applications that allow the security officer to report their live location, take photos, write reports and confirm attendance on patrol routes all from one device. Linking back to a desktop or web app, clients and managers can see what’s going on in real-time.
For alarms, visual monitoring and verification of activations are gaining popularity, even to the point where solar-powered cameras are being used at many construction or remote sites. GPS tracking of your patrol fleet also helps to modify and streamline patrol runs, reduce km and fuel and ensure the safety of employees and company equipment.
Reward and Recognition
Happy staff equals happy customers. Rewarding your team for their efforts and recognising achievements is a good way to build a supportive workplace culture. Celebrating the wins, big or small, helps people know they are on the right track and appreciated by those they work for. It can be something as simple as a coffee voucher or a crisp $20 note, but the intent behind it is to give public praise for hard work and reward those who go above the standard duties to deliver outstanding results.
Templates
One of the best ways to drive performance in business is to systemise everything. A repeatable system makes everyday occurrences faster and easier. You will find that there are plenty of things in your business to systemise or template – client contracts, quote forms, employee files. It reduces the time spent around the office trying to replicate these everyday activities.
Be counted
The impact of the business’s executive being on the ground from time to time cannot be underestimated. Both staff and clients appreciate seeing the face behind the name of the business, standing up and being counted on site. Whilst no one expects the top dog to be around day in, day out, there is an expectation that they aren’t the faceless name of the company – rather, they attend key events, turn up now and again to show their face and ensure they are keeping in touch with those on the ground, and with those who pay their profits.
Want some assistance with your operation? Give me a call.