Selecting the right security firm for your business
Every business owner has to make difficult decisions at some point. Where should you invest your time and money? How can you get the best return on your investment, what security firm should use?
And, with so many security firms out there, how do you choose the right one for your company? As a small business owner, you probably don’t have the bandwidth to figure out which external vendors are best suited to protect your company, this being made more complicated as there are so many variables to consider.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled all of the insider information you need to make the right choice for your business in this blog post. Keep reading to discover useful advice from security professionals who have seen it all before.
Ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
One of the best ways to find a reliable security firm is to get recommendations from trusted sources. You can start by checking the web to see what others have said about the various potential suppliers.
You can also ask your peers in other industries who might have security needs similar to yours. Many business associations are good places to start your search for the right vendor. You may be able to ask your vendor representative to recommend other security firms that they work with. Although these recommendations won’t be specific to your needs, they can still be helpful.
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions.
Security firms come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your business. What specific services do you need?, because you will need to check that this need can be met. Be wary of any vendor that is vague about what they can do for your business. Ask them what their background and experience is?
You want to work with a company that has experience in your industry and knows the challenges that come along with it. What certifications do you have? Vendors in the security industry often obtain certification in particular areas and this can be a good sign that you’ve found a reputable company.
Look for certifications and ratings.
Some security providers are certified by local governments or third-party organizations that make it easier for you to make comparisons. For example, a company may be certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) if it has a majority of minority or female ownership. Other security vendors may be accredited by a third-party organization that certifies service providers in your industry. This can be a good way to find out how other customers have rated that vendor’s service. If possible, find out if your vendor is ISO-certified. This can be a good sign that the vendor has a strong focus on following industry best practices. As an example businesses in the West Midlands have noted all the certificates Wye Security Solutions have, this being one of the reasons that they employed their services.
Try out the service before making a commitment.
Many security vendors offer free consultations or even free pilot programs. This is a great way for you to see their service first-hand and decide if it’s right for your company. Make sure that you get detailed information about the specific team member who’s visiting your business so that you can follow up and ask any follow-up questions that come up. Some security vendors may even offer a free trial contract. This can be a good way to see how the vendor operates, but keep in mind that you probably won’t get the same service level as you would with a paid contract.
Take care to choose your vendors wisely.
Once you’ve found the vendors that are right for your company, make sure to vet them carefully. This includes talking to current customers and checking references. Make sure that you put everything in writing in your vendor agreements to avoid any confusion. You don’t want any misunderstandings to lead to problems down the road.