How to Prepare for a Security Consultation

Get the Most Out of Your Consultation

Are you a business owner planning your first security services consultation? Perhaps you already partner with a third-party security services team and want to update your current safety strategy. In either case, it's important to come prepared to your meeting.

Below, we outline a few steps you can take ahead of time to ensure you make the most out of your consultation. Setting aside time prior to your meeting can help you and the security team of your choice develop a perfect action plan for protecting your business.

1) Make a List of Any Security Concerns

Has your business experienced any security issues in the past? Are there any pressing security needs that you want addressed? Be sure to write them out and have your list ready at your appointment.

This information can help a security team get a better idea of the issues your area has been having and gives them the opportunity to present solutions. Some example items on your list could include:

• Any previous thefts or break-ins
• Recent incidents of suspicious activity
• Customer/visitor complaints
• Lack of a current security plan

2) Determine Your Security Budget

How much are you willing to invest in your security strategy? Do you have a strict budget you are working with? The third-party security team you meet with can help you make the most of your budget. They'll help you identify the most efficient ways you can cover your site while working within any budget constraints.

Something to keep in mind is that you are paying now to avoid hefty costs later. For example, while you may pay a monthly security fee for a combination of guard services and security cameras, this monthly amount greatly offsets property loss that could occur without a security plan. Additionally, security services help protect your employees' and visitors' physical safety, which is an even more important benefit.

3) Decide How Much Time You're Willing to Invest

How involved do you plan to be in your security strategy? Do you want to hire a third-party and have them handle most of the work? Or are you looking for some extra security support supplement your current safety plan?

No matter which case applies to you, you'll want to determine your maximum level of involvement before the consultation. This way, as you speak with the security specialist, you'll give them an idea of the amount of time and resources you plan to contribute to security on your own.

4) Bring a List of Questions

You likely have dozens of questions about the security company you've scheduled a consultation with. While these questions are fresh in your mind now, you may not remember each of them during the appointment.

Don't forget to create a list of all your security questions so that you don't accidentally overlook them during your consultation. Some types of questions you could ask include:

• What sort of security services do you offer?
• How is payment handled?
• Are your security guards licensed?
• Is your company familiar with the area?
• What sort of documentation do you provide?