So, I’m (24F) thinking about starting a security services company. Not like, alarm systems. Security guards. I have experience in the field, and one consistency that I’ve noticed is that there’s a huge turnover rate, mainly for 2 reasons. Either the guards are treated horribly, or they want to progress in the field, but there’s no room for it, for one reason or another. I want to start up my own business to try and be better than that. Be better for the people who actually want to be in this field. A lot of people enter this field because they’re a retired cop/military, want to be a cop/military, or tried to be a cop/military, and couldn’t. I want to be better for those people. I just don’t know how to start. I already have a rough draft of a business plan. But once I get into my hyper fixation mode, I realize that there’s so much that I just don’t know how to do. How do I obtain those dumb training videos that everybody has to go through? How do I get my first client? Etc. idk if I’m just ranting right now, or if I actually want help, but if you have any helpful insight, it’d really be appreciated.
P.s. I know security isn’t all that profitable. That’s not the point here
Posted by WestPizza210
11 Comments
Dudette!
“I Want to Start a Business”
” I know security isn’t all that **profitable**. That’s not the point here”
That is the point to start a business: money. We don’t create a business for our ego or to please others, we create for money. And if it is also funny, then better, but it is not a requisite.
Anyways, you have a good point: employee loyalty is key. Now the question is: how do you achieve it? You can’t buy loyalty.
[deleted]
go for it.
Alright, this is definitely up my alley. Let’s start with the questions.
1. Dumb videos. Many times in my industry these are internal, I’m sure someone has made ones for sale or that are public, but internal is usually preferred because you can tailor the message.
2. First client. Always the hardest things. This will depend on the service you offer. I’d suggest starting at small/medium businesses, preferably in an industrial park or perhaps a local storage place. Somewhere you aren’t talking to corporate but to the owner face to face. Those businesses value real people and flexibility. And when you are just starting out flexibility is your super weapon.
I think it’s a pretty awesome idea, and I love the motivation. Let me know if you ever need some help or advice, always happy to help.
Security services is tough but you’re right about the turnover problem. I worked with a nonprofit that used Allied Universal and Securitas for events, and the guards would literally tell us they were looking for other jobs while on shift. The ones who stuck around were either waiting for police academy openings or just needed something temporary. Your idea of creating better opportunities for progression makes total sense because most security companies treat it like a dead-end job when it doesn’t have to be.
For the training videos and materials, you don’t need to create everything from scratch. Most states have approved security training providers that offer certification courses – you can partner with them or license their content. Check your state’s Department of Public Safety or licensing board website, they usually have a list of approved curricula. Some companies like ASIS International sell training packages you can white-label. The boring compliance videos about harassment and workplace safety? You can get those from vendors like Traliant or BIS Training. Don’t waste time making your own when there’s already compliant stuff out there.
Getting your first client is where having field experience helps. Start with places that need coverage but aren’t getting it from the big companies – think small office buildings, construction sites, or local events. I’ve seen security startups succeed by targeting specific niches like cannabis dispensaries or tech campuses where they want guards who understand their unique needs. Also reach out to property management companies.. they’re always dealing with security vendor issues and might give a new company a shot if you can demonstrate you’ll actually show up and communicate properly. The contracts might be smaller at first but it gets you references and cash flow while you figure out the bigger picture.
This is what free market is all about. Do it. Be better and beat the competition.
Are you talking drive around at night or protecting famous people type? Don’t pay attention to naysayers, you could make a sweet living and help others shine in the process. I do think, and probably know, you’ll have to know regs for your area inside and out. This business is bodily harm liability territory (especially these days), by the book baby. Observe and report always, if only. Use to know a security supervisor & he was forever complaining lack of common sense stuff, think I’d test for that. Grow up slow to keep your skis under ya.
Ideas for clients: Scout out first if property security – big property owners get name from public records and reach out. Keep up on the news re property crimes looking for signal current security deficient. Create own job- reach out to owners for spots that aren’t guarded but should. If body – famous or wealthy think agents. I suspect there’s gaps in your market if you look.
Best
Just throwing it out there the margins are probably tight. So depending on your city you will need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the other low cost options
Hello! 30m, I started a cleaning business a little over a year ago and Security was going to be my next.
My brother is the manager at a security firm on the other side of the country and we were thinking of co-founding together, he has the industry knowledge and I have the business development experience
Would love to sit down and chat with you about this time time, maybe over zoom / g meets 🙂
I see this has already became a complete wash of comments but I highly advise you read this.
I can’t speak to the obtaining the videos. Getting your first client is a hard part, but the really think you need to focus on first is HOW and WHY, and WHY YOU.
How your business will function, what is the day to work of you, work of its security guards, etc. I would have a big question of how it’s structured. I’m assuming you contract out the security guards.how are you paid, and how are your contractors paid.
WHY. why is important when it comes to getting clients. WHY should they choose you over some more established security company they always use that may be cheaper (typically I’m assuming your gonna be a higher upfront cost because of a new company, but idk, I don’t know that business)
The Why Is important for coming up with your: “Competitive Advantage”= what advantage your company has that makes you able to compete in this industry.
And that comes to the WHY YOU. Why are you the one that’s gonna make this work. How are you and only you gonna make this work.
Yes you need to make money. But I agree with your statement “that’s not the point” passion before money always.
A few other notes. You say you wanna do better for the security guards. How? How will you bring something to the table to prevent turnover? As you stated with the make up of people who are security guards it’s normally one of those 3 things. How is what you’re doing gonna be different. Lastly on that, one thing I know for sure is if you’re in a business for the employees, that’s a slippery slope. You can treat your employees better than all your competition, but don’t make your company for the employees, make your company something you and only you can make that will do what others do a lil better, or a lil cheaper, or more efficient.
Moving forward with a workable plan is better than the best plan too late.
Don’t over plan. As you develop things will change and past plans will become redundant.
First step – ensure you have a client base.
Get necessary licenses
Recruit you first staff
Fulfill your clients needs.