Commercial Integrator + Security Sales Nov/Dec 2023 - 6

FROM THE EDITOR
More Similar Than Different
T
here's simply no doubt that the worlds of audiovisual technology and physical
security have much more in common than they have differences.
I experienced this unity firsthand this past September when I attended
CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo in Denver followed immediately by the
Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Dallas.
Candidly, never having attended a security-related show before, I didn't quite
know what to expect from GSX. My predecessor, Scott Goldfine, inculcated in me
that the physical-security market tends to be pretty conservative
simply because the stakes are so incredibly high: Literally,
people's lives, property and livelihoods are on the line.
But, as I walked the show floor at the Kay Bailey
Hutchison Convention Center, I was taken by how
much I heard about leveraging AI for predictive
analytics, migrating to the cloud, embracing recurring
monthly revenue (RMR) opportunities, etc.
Clearly, AV and security integrators are recognizing
and embracing the very same imperatives.
Then, in October, when I attended the Securing
New Ground conference in New York City, I gained
an even sharper view of how CI + SSI can serve AV and
security integrators alike.
During a luncheon session that SAGE Integration vice
president of human resources Lori Hudnall led, security industry
stakeholders discussed a topic that I've covered in CI for years: best practices for
recruiting and retaining top-tier talent.
Being a hiring manager myself for editorial roles, I took copious notes; reading
through them, it strikes me that, whether your firm specializes in deploying digitalsignage
networks or integrating access-control systems, these tips can empower
owners to run more successful businesses.
Arguably, cultivating a strong, appealing company culture is most important to
successful recruitment and retention. Previous generations might have " checked
their values at the door, " but millennials and Gen Zers want to work for companies
whose core philosophies resonate with their own.
Thus, the strongest integrators have clearly defined, compellingly stated core values
that executive leadership fully subscribes to and mindfully cascades throughout
the organization.
Your company's values cannot merely exist on a plaque or in a handbook; every
day, each team member's actions must breathe life into them. Whether it's sustainability,
DEI, social justice or something else, make sure your company gives associates
unifying values to rally around.
With respect to onboarding, the most well-adapted integration firms don't merely
toss new employees into the deep end; instead, they have a mindful, multi-step
process with touchpoints at regular intervals. One example would be 30-day, 60-day,
90-day, six-month and one-year check-ins with new employees.
It's also wise, during the interview process, to ask a candidate where they see
themselves in, say, five years. Make sure that your organization (and their possible
role) aligns with the vision that the candidate sets forth for themselves.
If there's a match and you hire the candidate, it's a great idea to assign a mentor
to that person. This is an effective way of passing along institutional knowledge and
building a durable support system.
6 Commercial Integrator+Security Sales & Integration | Nov/Dec 2023
The mission for CI +
SSI is the same as it
always was for both
brands: to help you
run your business
better. I've come to
learn that businessenhancement
strategies,
just like
technologies, are
more similar than
they are different.
Plus, make sure to regularly update
your employee handbook and give all of
your new hires timely access to it.
Once someone is part of your organization
and doing a great job, don't forget to
recognize them! Superstars are likelier to
stay with an organization that acknowledges
their achievements, so it's wise to
institute an awards program, hand out
gift cards, offer opportunities to accrue
extra PTO, etc., as a means of rewarding
associates for their hard work.
More broadly, it's also critical to engage
with employees on a regular basis; these
" temperature checks " will give you visibility
into any brewing problems or internal
discord. One effective method of doing
this is to regularly conduct employeeengagement
surveys via email.
The mission for CI + SSI is the same as
it always was for both brands: to help you
run your business better. And as I've gotten
my feet wet at security-focused events,
I've learned that business-enhancement
strategies, just like technologies, are more
similar than they are different. CI+SSI
DAN FERRISI
Group Editor, Commercial and Security
dan.ferrisi@emeraldx.com, @danferrisiedit

Commercial Integrator + Security Sales Nov/Dec 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Integrator + Security Sales Nov/Dec 2023