All Articles Tagged Business Tips

Deborah Smith | 02/21 10:35 AM, 0 Comments

If you were a plumbing or tile contractor and wanted to grow your business, you’d invest more in new media and search engine marketing (SEM), ramp up your b2b networking activities, find some new products and be on your way. The same equation holds true for integrators in growing markets who have a firm grasp on their business and are successfully targeting higher-end customers. But because most electronics systems integrators live in a universe of constantly changing technologies and shaky market conditions, many companies are finding it harder to make… View this story

Steve Ipson | 10/09 07:39 AM, 0 Comments

Looking to build revenue from your integration business? Joining a dealer program could deliver more value – and more autonomy – than you’d expect. Consider these benefits:Recurring revenue: If you’re looking to introduce new revenue streams to your business, a dealer program may be the answer. Programs that offer new technologies and other advancements can help you develop the value-added service offerings that lead to recurring monthly revenue.Networking: Joining a dealer program is like belonging to a private club. You’re part of a like-minded group with common experiences – perfect… View this story

Jeremy Burkhardt | 09/29 06:44 AM, 2 Comments

Apple didn't invent the MP3 player, computer, tablet or cell phone. The company, in my opinion, just executed the technology better. Manufacturers come and go and almost all are trying to sell as much as they can as fast as they can. Today, I watched a video of me introducing some executives at a co-sponsored concert in 1996. I was loose and said, "Now here are some dorks in suits and ties that just want to sell you a new control system." Well, I was a bit of an ass,… View this story

CE Pro Editors | 06/15 06:43 AM, 0 Comments

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) has announced a new CEDIA EXPO feature: the Old School vs. New School debate and panel discussion. The Old School vs. New School debate will feature a Twitter-based discussion between CEDIA members on the merits of both new and established business practices. The debate will wrap up with an in-person panel discussion at CEDIA EXPO 2011. Attendees can follow the CEDIA_OldSchool and CEDIA_NewSchool teams on Twitter as they battle out why they do the things they do when it comes to technology,… View this story

Adam Levy | 05/09 06:08 AM, 1 Comment

When I talk to custom electronics pros about how they market themselves, the word “builder” comes up within the first couple of minutes. Often, the word is uttered in the first sentence. But a word I don’t hear dealers say nearly as quickly is “mover.” While focusing on builders is a great way to get business from consumers that are moving into newly constructed homes, it doesn’t do anything to reach those that are moving into existing homes. And nine out of 10 movers are doing just that — transitioning… View this story

Jason Knott | 10/06 01:24 PM, 0 Comments

If you want to make more money in the custom electronics industry, you might think about becoming an installation or service technician with IT skills. Not a programmer, not a designer, and certainly not a salesperson. Indeed, over the past five years, the only employee group in the custom electronics industry that has seen an increase is installers. Heck, even being a company owner the past few years has not been a walk in the park. CE Pro well documented what happened to owners of integration companies last year during… View this story

Tom LeBlanc | 09/08 07:43 AM, 0 Comments

The days of servicing customers with a “wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am” mentality are long gone for custom integrators. To be clear, we’re talking about the aftermarket service provided by an integrator immediately following an installation and for years to come. No more can dealers install it, collect the money and never talk to the client again. Indeed, ongoing service has become an important revenue generator. According to the recently completed CE Pro Service Survey, more than two out of every three integration companies report that their service department earns profit. It’s a definite… View this story

Julie Jacobson | 06/02 06:28 AM, 0 Comments

One of the industry’s favorite business instructors is Leslie Shiner, and she has published a gem of a book calledA Simple Guide to Turning a Profit as a Contractor. The book is written like a conversation between a consultant (Hope) and several players. Here, Hope discusses change orders with Mike the contractor. Change Orders Add Money AND Time ... Hope spent some time looking at [Mike’s change-order] form. “I see you have some good information here, Mike. You have a place for a description of the change, what it will… View this story