Electical Contractor

Brand equals image in today’s business world Branding is the key strategy of 2004 and beyond. It seems as if branding, brand management, awareness and loyalty are everywhere. Books, lectures, courses and strategy abound.

Nine Points to Help Reach Agreements There are hundreds of books and articles on the “art” of negotiation. Many of them are helpful, but too many are filled with war stories whose instructions may be hard to apply to your specific issue. Some people are natural negotiators.

Managers and owners have specific needs As a result of numerous lawsuits filed against hotel and resort owners in the 1980s through the 1990s, the industry appears to be one step ahead of many others in the development of systems and procedures designed to protect guests and their personal property

Think that security is the end-all in residential systems? That mindset will get you nowhere today in the home systems market, and most companies know that. Security may be part of a residential system design, but even more importantly homeowners want convenience.

Recently, a contractor in Iowa called me and asked if I knew about a Code change on A-based meters that was published in this magazine. A friend had borrowed his copy and he couldn’t get the information.

Trade shows are one of the few business events that just about everyone looks forward to, and exhibitor booths are one of the star attractions. Trade shows have a way of making business fun, and you just can’t beat that.

Customers are increasingly using performance specifications to define power, communications and control systems for commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.

Public places need easy access—and reliable security For those of you who are in charge of security at a museum, or any other public facility that allows unrestricted public access, it’s a tricky environment in which to provide protection and detection.

Inventory management tools are a boon for distributors and contractors alike Running leaner, more efficient and higher-profit operations is on the mind of every electrical contractor.