There are a lot of different commercial security providers out there and not all are created equal. If you’re interested in protecting your business, and I have no doubt that you are, then there are a few things that you need to consider when looking for a security partner. Which leads me to my first point.
#1 Look for a Partner, Not a Vendor
When vetting a commercial security company for your business it’s important to find a partner first, one that will take the time to get to know your business and your mission, as well your culture and priorities. In today’s commercial security field it’s important that we’re customer-centric, employee-centric, industry-centric, and improvement-centric.
What all that really means is that a commercial security firm must know it’s industry, be focused on improvement (advancements are always being made) and put their customers and employees first. At first thought you may think that being customer and employee-centric would be in competition with each other, but that’s just not the case. By being employee-centric today’s quality business security firms are better able to ensure that they are hiring the right employees. Employees that have both the experience and attention to detail that you’re looking for in a partner. As a rule of thumb, it’s good to ask your potential partner what their turn over rate is on employees. A low turn over rate can be a pretty good indicator of high employee morale.
#2 Commitment To Training
In order to stay on top, a commercial security company must be dedicated to on-going training. In today’s business security environment the only constant is change. Which is why a good security partner understands the importance of training their employees on an ongoing basis to ensure that they stay up-to-date on the newest technology, whether it’s CCTV placement, Card Access Control Systems, High Security Key and Lock installs or any number of other business security services that are available. Make sure that you ask any potential commercial security partner how they stay relevant, technologically.
#3 Experience
This is a biggie. Make sure that you ask the question, “How experienced are you in the security industry?” You want to look for a reputable company (check their reviews) that has years of experience. While it’s true that experience doesn’t always equal quality, this is a good question to ask in conjunction with other questions to get an overall picture of who you will be partnering with. Experience provides insight that can’t be gained elsewhere.
#4 Consultant vs. Sales Clerk
You sell widgets, you don’t offer commercial security services. As such you won’t ask a business security company the best way to make a widget. The same goes for the commercial security company. Instead of them just agreeing with everything you need to keep your business safe, you want a security partner that will offer advice on the best way to protect you business. A good partner brings something to the table that the average vendor can’t, and that’s their knowledge and desire to ensure your business is protected. So, pay attention to the questions THEY ask, not just to the answers to yours.
#5 Background Checks, Licenses, Etc…
Be sure to know what kinds of back ground checks are run on employees, and if they are bonded and insured. Keep in mind that the company you do business with will have your name, address, access to the property, and a host of other sensitive information that you want to keep safe. If you feel that answers are coming to slow or are just not up to your expectations, then it might be time to mark them off of your partner list.
So, there you have it. 5 Things to Consider when Looking for a Commercial Security Company . What can you add?
