Plain Talk

[blindsquirrel]

Although it may be a distilled version of the print copy, I read the online
article titled "Mission Statement Would Affirm Industry's Dedication to
Public Safety.” My take is that Mr. DeMarco’s primary concern is the
negative image that plagues the security alarm and fire alarm industry in
this country. While his article addresses the negative press in regard to
nuisance alarms, I feel that what he is trying to say is that a rigorously
followed industry wide mission statement would be helpful in projecting a
professional image of the industry, thus minimizing the amount of quick to
judge assumptions that it’s always the alarm company at fault. We may not
agree on the article, but I think we can both agree that the industry
suffers from negative perceptions that consumers have come to believe as
reality.



Ray

 

[Jackcsg]

There are lots of individuals at fault. But since we're going back to the
blame game; who's accountable? Instead of credit checks, the industry should
do IQ tests on the users? The Central Station operators? The Installers? We
may as well start launching pigeons at that point. It's really an
accountability issue. A "Mission Statement"? So prior to 2004 we didn't care
about life safety, protection of assets, and criminal intervention? But know
we do. And it's not any formal action, just the warm and fuzzy. That will
probably sell. Do we put in the fine print of that statement; our stuff
doesn't really work, we're probably going to be wrong, but only 98% of the
time, but it's still good peace of mind, besides you might get lucky, we
have been known to be right 2% of the time. That's a good idea, I'd get
started on that mission. Send me a draft, I can use it for Marketing.

Jack

 

[blindsquirrel]

You're right, many are to blame and the ones accountable are not doing their
job. A "Mission Statement" may not be the answer, but I feel that something
should be done about the deteriorating image of the industry. It's simply a
matter of industry public relations rather than spitting hairs. This
"Mission Statement" is just an example of what could be done in a general
way to improve industry perception and promote a "warm and fuzzy feeling" to
consumers. Of course that is no substitute for addressing the issues you
address, but let's start with what is within reach before tackling the
immense problems that are the root cause of the unprofessional image the
industry projects to the public. Since you are familiar with Marketing, you
must realize negative perceptions are death to any campaign. The way to
defend against that is to avoid or minimize the issue and to focus on the
positive features provided by your company. I'm merely saying it may help
to use this concept on a broader scope to help legitimize the industry as a
professional trade organization.

Ray

 

[Jackcsg]

I agree with you. But consumers aren't the ones being held at bay. These
issues are with Municipalities who respond to these "alarms". The repose,
issues, mission statement, and more importantly at least acknowledging the
facts and moving on towards an effective solution, or at least a guideline
to affirm corrective action, would go farther than another Political "warm
and fuzzy" statement. Let's face it, when there is a lack of communication,
hearsays, and innuendoes fly from every direction. Our responsibility lies
to within the respondents. They're saying we are wrong 98% of the time. They
are spending the resources to prove it, and effectively. They haven't
blanked the public sector with letters, they're going through legislators in
hopes they will take action, and understand the burdens. While the true
Industry says it's not our problem, but if you feel it is...we CAN issue a
"mission statement" to warn off any attempts to hold us accountable. I say,
why doesn't the industry act or implement negotiations towards a more
effective and open form of communication? Instead of the defensive, deny,
deny, deny. Actions, and at least attempted actions, mean far more than
words.

Jack

 

[spike]

You may have missed my point, Jack. It sounded to me like you were saying
that technology solves the false alarm problem and that us old farts were
too set in our ways to embrace all this wonderful new technology. I was
trying to say that I think it's more a money issue. Thanks to these bottom
feeding bastards (and I concur that the 99 installs are the problem), people
have a perception that we work for free because we are so enamoured with
this RMR thing. What a joke, I earn every cent of my RMR.
First thing every morning (that's SEVEN mornings), I scrutinize my activity
report from the station. I'd guess 80% of false alarms are user related.
Most dispatches are avoided with a call from the station and a correct
password but it shouldn't end there... a follow-up call from the dealer who
installed it can go A LONG WAY to prevent a recurrence..... but I'm starting
to yammer on here... borrrrrring.

Tell us more about this flower shop thing, Jack. I'm intrigued ... you
served on that big boat with no wimmin too, didn't you?
(now look, don't go getting your balls all tied in a knot here. I have a lot
of respect for the military and I'm just having fun here... no offense
intended and I don't mean to make light of the tragedies on that carrier; I
just coudn't resist)

 

[spike]

It's always about you, isn't it, Robert?
Where ARE those hip-waders? Why would you give up such a lucrative alarm
business?
Imagine, you close... a dozen or so trained monkeys to install. Easy street!
What went wrong?

 

[Jackcsg]

LOL. I deserved that. I was more relating to the stress levels of owning a
flower shop. Maybe not even owning it, just doing the arrangements. How
stressful would that be. And no I wasn't making a blanket statement to you
"old farts" about technology. Although it does play a part. I have a buddy
who works for a top 25 security company and when he tells me that their
communications bill (Phone, T-1's, etc.) resides around the $130,000.00 per
month range, it makes my testicles retract to the bottom of my throat. I
spent less than $8,000.00 last year...for the entire year. I did so because
I utilize the Internet for routing traffic, with less Telco lines for
back-up. It has given me the opportunity to use cost effective Network
Cameras for video verification. That's my technology speech.

I agree with you, and think most of us here identify with the $99.00 crap.
The 90's were full of Mass Marketing junk. Half the dealers who peddled it
are gone, and the Borg have them buried in the Matrix. They don't even call
them customers any more, they're called "Contracts". They are the best
Marketing Tool respectable alarm dealers who sell value could ever have.
As soon as I can figure out the RMR of a flower shop...I'm there.

Jack

 

[spike]

LOL. I deserved that. I was more relating to the stress levels of owning a
flower shop. Maybe not even owning it, just doing the arrangements.

This isn't helping at all.

How

stressful would that be.

You'd be surprised how upset some of these gals can get at a "sloppy"
arrangement jack... remember...Hell hath no fury like a woman thorned!

And no I wasn't making a blanket statement to you

"old farts" about technology. Although it does play a part. I have a buddy
who works for a top 25 security company and when he tells me that their
communications bill (Phone, T-1's, etc.) resides around the $130,000.00 per
month range, it makes my testicles retract to the bottom of my throat.

This is making me uncomfortable again, Jack

I

spent less than $8,000.00 last year...for the entire year. I did so because
I utilize the Internet for routing traffic, with less Telco lines for
back-up. It has given me the opportunity to use cost effective Network
Cameras for video verification. That's my technology speech.

As long as you're only using the cameras for verification, that's fine. But,
be careful using "cameras" and "internet" in the same paragraph.

I agree with you, and think most of us here identify with the $99.00 crap.
The 90's were full of Mass Marketing junk. Half the dealers who peddled it
are gone, and the Borg have them buried in the Matrix. They don't even call
them customers any more, they're called "Contracts". They are the best
Marketing Tool respectable alarm dealers who sell value could ever have.
As soon as I can figure out the RMR of a flower shop...I'm there.

Don't despair, Jack. If the wife likes the first arrangement AND I get
laid... I'll be back for another. That's RMR (I only get it monthly now)

 

[spike]

I hope you are doing at least as well.

Well... we're both sitting here in front of our computers on a Friday night
so I'd guess I'm doing at least as well as you are.

 

[Jackcsg]

I never thought of flowers in that manner before, but you poor bastard,
you've got a legitimate point there. I think you hit on something. This
could be bigger than Viagra?

Jack

 

[Jackcsg]

Thanks Rob, that all makes perfect sense. Spike would get laid at least
maybe once or twice a week, and sales would be awesome. "Floral Harmony" I
like that. I can deal with the delivery part too; that's an industry
standard somewhere....

Jack

Jack, You're going about this all wrong! You're thinking flower shop with

cute> selling flowers, you're selling "Floral Harmony". You will give the
person a

 

[spike]

I never thought of flowers in that manner before,

say no more, say no more, nudge, nudge, wink, wink

but you poor bastard,

Weep not for me, friend. Helmut, the tunneldigger, does not go unsatiated
the other 29 days.

you've got a legitimate point there. I think you hit on something. This
could be bigger than Viagra?

I'd have to surmise that, from the amount of email offers of Viagra I
receive, NOTHING could be bigger.

 

[blindsquirrel]

Well said. Effective action is long overdue.

Ray

 

[G. Morgan]

As I said, I consider
myself only a mediocre salesman.

I consider you a shitty salesman.

 

[G. Morgan]

I'm on my way to the airport for a little AGL fun. See you later. :^)

What's AGL? Assult/Gun/Landing strip?

 

[pudding]

I havent got a clue what you are on about. Please explain what you mean.

 

[blindsquirrel]

Rob, the two issues you mention are core to the problem. I feel multiple
strategies are needed to effectively battle both false alarms and industry
PR. Zeroing in on the offenders would allow more effective initiatives to
reverse the growing false alarm problem and to also help in developing
punitive measures to hold specific companies accountable.



In regard to the Mission Statement concept, I feel it should go further than
a literal policy document. You make a good point that only insiders would
be privy to the details of the statement. A campaign to get the word out
would be helpful to raise awareness levels of both authorities and
consumers/users that the industry has taken the necessary measures to
address issues affecting the alarm industry.



A tactical effort against offenders, and a campaign to increase awareness
may work positively to improve overall perceptions of the industry. These
are pretty rough ideas that would take significant effort to refine and
implement. A chronic problem takes ongoing measures, continually evolving
until the most effective approach is developed. Present actions cannot be
relied upon to affect anything the same inadequate results.



Ray

 

[Frank Olson]

What's AGL? Assult/Gun/Landing strip?

Robbert hopes to keep his fun "Above Ground Level" this time. I guess he
getting tired of the root cellar.

 

[spike]

I mis-typed. I intended buy, not be:
The manufacturers get you to buy two detectors instead of one. Why would
they mess with that?

You coyly didn't divulge your 100% effective method so I just surmised you
might be using two detectors instead of one.

 

[Paul]

Robbert hopes to keep his fun "Above Ground Level" this time. I guess he
getting tired of the root cellar.

POOR guy. Is it all you can tell? POOR Guy