
This is why smart home kit vendors offering self monitoring have the potential to grow more quickly by addressing the needs of non traditional security customers. These customers are increasingly interested in home control and potentially security but not in professional monitoring fees. — Contributed by Tom Kerber, Director, IoT Strategy, Parks AssociatesAs Managing Editor, Karyn Hodgson writes exclusive cover stories, such as SDM’s State of the Market series, as well as other feature length articles and case studies. She manages SDM’s Monitoring Today supplement, an annual supplement devoted to central stations and the business of monitoring. She also manages SDM’s Dealer of the Year and Systems Integrator of the Year Award programs. Systems integration is one of Karyn’s “beats”; she manages Today’s Systems Integrator e newsletter
from SDM. Karyn has an MSJ in Journalism magazine publishing degree from Northwestern University, and more than 20 years’ experience writing for and about the security industry. Meet Karyn at industry conferences. 4. Install a home alarm system: While an alarm may not keep burglars from
getting inside your home, it will deter some and bring the police to your home quickly, limiting what a thief is able to take. Home security systems will only work if you always remember to engage the alarm.
It’s frustrating when it’s a wedding photo, but it’s
nerve racking when you’re trying to capture a face or license plate after a break in.

Sign a contract with the company you
want to promote. Make a business plan. Once you have decided upon the type of home security
system you will deal in, you will then be able to determine how much capital you need to raise and whether you have enough funds to do it yourself. Consider whether you can fund your security system dealership yourself through personal funds or credit cards, or whether you should instead secure a small business loan. To obtain a small business loan, you will need to write a business plan to show how your business will succeed and what it will entail see Resources for links to help in writing a business plan and to obtain loans. Whether you’re a senior or simply buying a security system for a senior, I’d recommend Vivint.