5 Ways to Stay Sharp in the Security Industry: Tips and Tricks for Access Control Professionals
- ProdataKey
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
The security industry is a rapidly evolving space, characterized by constant innovation and change. In order to succeed as an access control professional, you need to be able to build lasting connections and stay updated on the many technological developments that arise. Here at ProdataKey (PDK), we want all of our hardworking dealer partners to be as successful as possible. That’s why in this article we’re sharing our top five tips to help you stay sharp in the security industry.
#1: Be Aware of Emerging Products and Trends in the Security Industry
The first, and most important, piece of advice for staying sharp in the industry is to always be aware of emerging security products and trends. If you let yourself get behind on new technologies and ways of thinking, you may see a negative impact on your business. Jeramie Hockman of Reliable Systems and Services, a North Carolina-based PDK partner, says that the key to staying updated is having the right mindset:
“To keep up to date with technology, I would say to keep an open mind. Change is scary for people, and it's really easy to get caught in a routine.”
Jeramie Hockman - Reliable Systems and Services
There are many ways that you can stay aware of new products and ideas, and in fact, you’re doing one of them right now: reading from a trustworthy media outlet! ProdataKey’s blog is a great example of a place where you can stay updated on the industry as a whole as well as major providers in that industry. Social media platforms and in-person conversations with other security professionals are also promising spaces to expand your knowledge.
#2: Be Aware of Emerging Security and Data Threats
Security technologies are directly shaped by security threats, so understanding what threats exist is a necessary part in better understanding the products that emerge. After all, you can’t fully understand a solution without first understanding the problem.
Jeramie says that understanding big security threats is one of the greatest motivators for change at Reliable Systems and Services: “What has really pushed us as a company to start adapting to different technologies was the fact that there was a large hacking campaign that occurred internationally a few years ago.” By being aware of and understanding this threat, Jeramie and his team could more efficiently determine how to deal with it. So, to stay on top of old and new products in the security world, it’s important to really know what problems you’re dealing with.
#3: Attend Security Industry Events and Expos
Events in the security industry take place year-round, and they are a great opportunity to see interesting new products for yourself and interact with other experts in the industry.
“Get out there and experience some things. Go to industry events, talk to people, get demonstrations, and see what technology is out there,”
Jeramie urges. If there is an industry event or expo taking place in your area, ProdataKey always encourages you to attend.
PDK is proud to take part in many events across the country, ranging from ISC East and West to IML Expos, TEKFest, and many more. On top of these exciting events, ProdataKey also hosts the ProConnect Roadshow, a unique partner appreciation event designed to bring together local integrators, distributors, and top manufacturers. By attending any of these events, you will be setting yourself and your business up for success.
#4: Build a Reliable Network of Access Control Professionals
In the access control world, there is strength in numbers. If you build up a network of reliable and dedicated security experts, you will have a large support system to help you do the best work possible. Ray Cline, President and Co-Founder of TEKnowledge Worldwide, explains the difference between surface-level networking and building strong connections:
“It's one thing to sell products and services. It's another thing to be able to call a fellow security professional and say, ‘I'm doing this project and I want you guys to be a part of it.’ Having those strong relationships is so beneficial to our community.”
By building strong networks, you will always have a team of people behind you to keep you updated on new technologies and trends, and to help you find success in your work.
#5: Participate in Training Programs to Expand Your Security Knowledge and Skills
As new ideas and technologies emerge, there are countless new skills that can be learned. Luckily, there are many opportunities to learn these skills. Many industry events offer training programs, where you can become more familiar with new solutions.
ProdataKey endeavors to keep our partners as knowledgeable as possible through monthly access control coaching sessions, available to watch on the PDK YouTube channel. Each coaching session dives into a new topic to help you learn more about how to install, configure, and sell PDK access control, and what it takes to succeed in the security industry.
The Key to Staying Sharp in the Access Control Industry
Being successful in the security industry is all about building connections and understanding new technologies–because, as Jeramie explains, “you’re doing a disservice to yourself and to your customers by not trying to expand your horizons.” By staying aware of emerging trends and threats, attending events, building a network, and participating in training programs, you can equip yourself with all the connections, tools, and knowledge you need to stay sharp in this rapidly evolving industry.
The ProConnect Roadshow is a special partner appreciation and network event designed to bring together local integrators, distributors, and top manufacturers. This event is the perfect opportunity to enhance your knowledge and build valuable connections with new and familiar security professionals.
