PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE Wrapping Up the Year ALOA membership and being a part of this wonderful association. Without your involvement, ALOA wouldn’t be what it is. To be the force in the security indus- try that we need to be, it takes all of you attending meetings, taking classes, giv- ing input and volunteering for local and national board positions. Thanks to all of you who have made an impact this year in ways large and small. And thank you for putting your trust in me to be presi- dent for another year. I look forward to serving you in 2020. I The Security Industry in 2020 and Beyond The business world is ever changing, and the security industry is no different. In the past decade, we’ve seen the growth of offerings in smart locks and Bluetooth- enabled devices, and we’ve sadly seen the growing concern for active shooter situa- tions affect what we install in schools and other institutions. We’ve seen automotive technology rapidly change, and so many new tools and equipment have been in- troduced to make our professional lives easier. Who would have thought 10 years ago that locksmiths could do so much professionally with mobile apps as well? As we begin a new year (and a new decade!), take a moment to think about what you’d like to see from ALOA and the industry in 2020. What can we help you with? What projects would you like WWW.ALOA.ORG t’s hard to believe that 2019 is coming to a close. It seems like I was just writing this same message for the end of 2018! Thank you for another year of “It’s important for us to assess our businesses and careers this time of year, but it’s also essential to slow down a bit and be with loved ones.” us to be involved in? We all know how important it is to keep up with changes in the industry and the world around us, so please let the ALOA Board and staff know what you’d like to see from the associa- tion. Whether it’s specific educational offerings, legislative efforts, member ben- efits or any number of other things, we want to know how we can best help you and your businesses. Business and Career Check-In With 2019 wrapping up, it’s also a great time to take stock of your business and career. What have you accomplished this year? What do you hope to accomplish next year? Take some time to go over your financials, lists of customers, inventory, etc. Where are your opportunities for improvement? No matter how successful a business is, there are always ways to improve. Perhaps you can expand into additional service offerings. Maybe you can tweak pricing or scheduling, or maybe you can change the way you handle ordering so you’re more efficient. If you’re looking to hire additional employees, be sure to check out Noel Flynn’s article on hiring and motivating employees in this issue of Keynotes. He has some great advice on how to handle this challenging area of business management. As we enter December, I also hope ev- eryone can enjoy a little extra time with family and friends. It’s important for us to assess our businesses and careers this time of year, but it’s also essential to slow down a bit and be with loved ones. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a joyous time for all the momentous holidays of the season. And best wishes for a happy, healthy and pros- perous New Year! Respectfully, Jim Wiedman, CML President ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. [email protected] DECEMBER 2019 KEYNOTES 5
