RelaxIN 0 Posted August 15, 2013 All... I'm looking for some guidance and your professional suggestions for those of you who are business-class installers. I mean no disrespect for those who are Diy'ers or hobbyists, I'm just trying to identify with people that are in the business as a business. In summary.. I'm looking to expand my IT consulting practice into the surveillance arena starting out with small businesses and expanding as my experience grows. I have been in IT consultant for over 23 years working on larger Fortune 500 companies. My background is in architecture & engineering and implementation of servers, workstations, network infrastructures, etc.. I have since redirected my focus from the larger companies to the small and midsize business, both in IT and hopefully expanding to the surveillance side of the house. I have implemented at least a half a dozen surveillance systems over the last 2 years, both in the realm of analog DVR and NVR systems. Most recently I have four additional project requests which is leading me down the thought process of, "should I expand my service offerings to include surveillance systems as one of the principal offerings". Having said that, my direct question(s) would be; - Knowing my background in IT, networking, servers, etc..Would be advantageous for me to seek baselevel or intermediate training on surveillance systems and installs..? Or is this something that can be acquired along the way with hands-on experience. - Given your experience and the price point of surveillance systems, and if you had it to do all over again, would you recommend getting into this business...? - With the understanding that all projects are different, what would you say the "average" profit margin has been for you...? Again, I know my question is very opinionated based on your experience, and I also understand that people's opinions will vary based on their experience and work ethic. I simply just want to hear what the pros have to say. Thank you again for your time... And if you feel more comfortable PMing me directly as opposed to replying to this thread, you are more than welcome to do so... Thank you, Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ssnapier 0 Posted August 16, 2013 My advice is learn everything you can about how a camera works, how the lenses affect things, what back spacing is, how the different sensors and compression methods affect performance and then learn it all again. You need to fully understand the camera's performance characteristics in order to really be good at this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
milkisbad 0 Posted August 17, 2013 Hands on experience will be enough, just know what your products can and cannot do. I'm a tech support for an wholesaler, there are installers who call me for every little things which are answered by the user manual that they never read, then there are installers who knows much more than me and rarely calls. Needless to say, the latter are vastly more successful. With IP systems, knowing the correct settings is everything, and will affect the camera image as much as the hardware itself. I would say stick to one or two vendors, then know everything about the system. Especially vendors with decent technical support (sorry if you get put on hold/they just won't hire that many of us and hire people without experience since its cheaper)/website with updated firmware for downloads/user manuals/ software and responsive techs who can answer things you just can't figure out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RelaxIN 0 Posted August 17, 2013 Hey Guys.... Thank you for your feedback... ssnapier... I completely agree with your comment about knowing and understanding the various products. The question that I was asking was... would that be better off obtained by learning it on my own, or by taking a formal training course...? Let me ask the question another way... when you first started into the business, did you take any formal training classes... Clearly you are a Certified dealer/reseller now... I would assume that the Product Manf. provide their own training course on that specific product.... Thoughts... Milkisbad....I am assuming that you learned as you went....? I mean, I'm far from a hardhead... I have an extensive IT background and I'm very hands-on with regards to mechnical and construction. The reason that I'm asking is because I have not been able to find any classes or training being offered in my area. Which by the way is just outside of Philadelphia Pa... Again, just trying to get some input.... and thank you both for your responses... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ssnapier 0 Posted August 17, 2013 Between the manufacturer's sites and youtube there is more than enough information out there to do it for free and relatively quickly as long as you can retain it all. I would also recommend making a small investment in some demo gear to play with and learn what you like and don't like about each product. Either that or plan a trip to the ASIS conference in Chicago in a few weeks and give yourself a chance to get hands on with a TON of gear all in one place. If you do go to ASIS, my only advice there is to remember... those guys are there to sell, so you need to put your marketing filter on and evaluate things based on your own criteria and what makes you feel comfortable. https://www.asisonline.org/Pages/default.aspx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RelaxIN 0 Posted August 17, 2013 Yes... I like to think I can retain things fairly easily, especially being in corporate IT.. which has its own learning curve in itself.. Lol I have been in contact with a few dealers that are willing to loan me some dental equipment from my customers.my immediate issue is I have to rather large projects in place that I need to implement rather quickly. But I don't want to be learning on the job with high dollar clients.. if you know what I mean. Those are the ones that will keep referring to you all day long if the initial job is right. I was not aware the conference in Chicago, I will have to look into that possibly think about heading out there. Thank you again for all your advice and help, is very much appreciated... and if there's any other additional suggestions or comments you have, please feel free to post or PM me directly... thank you again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ssnapier 0 Posted August 17, 2013 Where are you located? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RelaxIN 0 Posted August 17, 2013 I am located just outside of Philadelphia PA in a suburb of Bucks County... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirk_D 0 Posted September 13, 2013 ISC East is coming up. They offer all kinds of classes. Nothing beats experience and the potential for loss though. http://www.isceast.com/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thewireguys 3 Posted September 14, 2013 I am located just outside of Philadelphia PA in a suburb of Bucks County... RelaxIN I am not far away from you and do a lot of work in your area... Many be we can work together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
