First and foremost, we must take advantage of the available technology. The bottom line is that mobile phones, laptops and tablets give us the ability to communicate more efficiently and access information on-demand, to the extent that we can work and present anywhere, contributing both to our own comfort and convenience as well as, most importantly, our customers’. “Resistance is futile.” Get a smartphone, grab your laptop or tablet, and let’s get busy being connected to our colleagues and customers. You may be surprised at the bump in respect you receive from your clients for having and using the latest technology to create a smooth transaction or deliver a clever presentation.

In order to effectively reach new and existing customers, we must build and maintain a robust online presence. It’s not enough to have a website–it must be fed and cared for with every SEO tool at our disposal, including, for instance, keyword maintenance, social media, press releases, and local marketing such as that offered by Google Maps. There are countless companies that, for a fee, will tend to these matters for you (though I don’t recommend sinking your hard-earned marketing budget into campaigns that use alternate websites and tracking phone numbers, as the goal is to promote YOUR website and phone number, building residual links that will create a digital internet legacy, even if you decide to drop or switch SEO firms). There are also many DIY options and free tools, such as those offered by my personal favorite, Jason McDonald, Ph.D. at jasonmdonald.org. We need to remember, too, that we are a mobile culture, and our Internet efforts cannot be restricted to the desktop experience. I am always pleased (and therefore more likely to buy) when I encounter a website on my device that has been optimized for my mobile viewing experience. We need to provide this experience to our own customers. My favorite DIY tool for building a surprisingly feature-rich mobile website is Adam DesAutels’ moably.com. Whatever your level of tech-ability, the tools are readily available to make your virtual presence known.

Another area in which we find ourselves at varying levels of desire, ability, understanding and success is the global push to go paperless. As a compartmented thinker and a lover of all things organized, this is one of my favorite causes. Oh, yeah, and it’s easier on the environment. An easy first step is to eliminate paper estimates and invoices by simply emailing them from your connected mobile device of choice. Access reference material or collaborate on documents via Google Docs or box.com. Use Evernote to track notes, ideas, business cards, documents, names and faces. Use Lemon to track and store receipts. The options and the apps are numerous, and typically more convenient for both you and your customer. Challenge yourself. If paper forms irritate you, they will most certainly irritate your customer. I’ve even found that customers can find an email when they wish to contact me again more readily than a paper invoice. As you progress, integrate your success into your marketing strategy. In this sense, going green can earn you green.

One final thought: Make it easy to get paid! Even though we love our jobs, this is why we do all of this, right? Quickbooks Merchant Services, for one, provides the ability to accept credit cards on your mobile device, on your computer or through an Internet portal. Additionally, Intuit Payment Network allows the transfer of funds directly from a customer account to yours for a nominal transaction fee. You can even link to IPN mobile website from your mobile website for a flawless on-the-go payment experience. Save a trip to the bank and accept payments electronically.

These are just a few of the things I’m learning along the road to being digital;  plus, they justify the fun gadgets! To learn more, or to inquire about locksmith services, visit www.yourlockguy.com.

Many homeowners elect to install double-sided deadbolts (locks that require a key from the inside as well as the outside) due to the proximity of glass to the lock, reasoning that an intruder could easily break the glass, reach in and undo the lock. This is also common on security doors. While it is true that these configurations are vulnerable, the use of this hardware can come at a cost. In the event of panic, fire or other life-threatening emergency requiring quick exit from the dwelling, the time spent locating a key to unlock the door could mean the difference between life and death. Fires in particular can cause extreme disorientation, and even a key kept near the door can be difficult to find in a state of distress. Although much more leeway is given to a single-family home than a commercial or multi-family structure, it is for this reason that most fire and life-safety codes dictate that egress from a dwelling or place of business must not be restricted by locks that require the use of a tool, key or special knowledge.

So what are the alternatives? Some would argue that a key-retaining double-cylinder deadbolt is a solution. In this application, the key cannot be removed from the interior cylinder while it is in the locked position, or the key can only be removed by releasing it from the exterior cylinder. Although these are safer than non-key-retaining locks, the key is easily broken off in the interior cylinder, thus restricting egress completely. Even auxiliary latches designed to protect a door from forcible entry or to perplex intruders who break the glass to access the primary locks can be designed in such a way that special knowledge is required to release them. As such, the only reliable means of increasing security without sacrificing safety is to augment with a security system. Although a security system will not physically prevent entry to the home, it will alert the homeowners as well as the authorities (assuming it is monitored) and give the intruder an incentive to make his visit a short one. Additionally, most security systems allow the homeowner to integrate other safety features, such as fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as conveniences like remote activation and home automation devices. The bottom line is this: regardless of the size of your family or the sophistication of your security measures, be sure that you can get out easily in the event of an emergency.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Lockstar can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

This is the second year in a row that Lockstar has earned this award. For more information about Lockstar, visit http://www.yourlockguy.com.

WatchMyStuff is a revolutionary web-based product that eliminates the need for a complex DVR or video management system and allows business owners to be able to see what they need to, quickly and hassle free. WatchMyStuff uses proprietary technology to allow the user to monitor either live or recorded video from anywhere a connection is available to the internet via computer or mobile device. After initial device configuration by the engineers, WatchMyStuff allows a camera to connect automatically to its web-based viewing and camera management system. This one-click connection gives the user the benefits of video surveillance quickly and affordably.

Video surveillance such as that offered by the WatchMyStuff product line is the perfect solution for countless residential and commercial needs. Whether the consumer wants a “nanny cam” to monitor events at home, a “dumpster cam” to reclaim control of waste containers (thus preventing costly disposal upcharges) or simply the comfort of viewing property in real time from the convenience and safety of an internet connection, Lockstar and WatchMyStuff can provide a tailored solution for most needs. Additionally, in the unfortunate event that a crime or other breach of security occurs, the online video storage capabilities will give the user the footage they need to provide to the authorities or other appropriate parties.

The WatchMyStuff product line distributed by Lockstar is essentially a plug-and-play offering, enabling the DIY-minded consumer. Lockstar also offers on-site support and  installation services. Users will be impressed by the ease with which live or recorded video can be viewed from internet-enabled devices such as laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones.

Once the mechanical portion of the key has been cut to operate the lock, most high-security keys also utilize a transponder chip imbedded in the head of the key that must be programmed to the vehicle’s on-board computer using special diagnostic equipment. If the transponder is not properly programmed, the vehicle cannot be operated.

Lockstar chose to invest in the equipment necessary to produce these specialty keys in order to remain competitive in the Denver and Boulder areas’ mobile locksmith markets and to provide their customers with a full range of mobile locksmith services. More information about Lockstar and their product and service offerings may be found at http://www.yourlockguy.com.

Although membership with a locksmith association is not a guarantee of character, many steps are taken by the RMLA to protect the integrity of the association. Participants first attend meetings by invitation and as a guest of a current member. Upon application, a background check is performed to check for felonies and other red flags, followed by a vote prior to final acceptance. The benefits of membership include mutual accountability, fellowship with locksmiths, suppliers and manufacturers, as well as educational and mentoring opportunities. RMLA meetings are currently hosted monthly by the Denver branch of Intermountain Lock and Security Supply.

Also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), and formerly a member of the Missouri-Kansas Locksmith association (MKLA), Brett is proud to be a part of the RMLA and all that it represents. Additional information about Brett Miller and his company, Lockstar, can be found at http://www.yourlockguy.com.

Hire only locksmiths that have been subjected to background checks. The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) has a website called findalocksmith.com that lists only members that have undergone a background check. The same applies to legallocksmiths.com. Membership with a local locksmith association may imply a certain level of accountability as well but will vary by region.

Hire a locksmith that has undergone ALOA proficiency testing. The following acronyms will follow the name listed on findalocksmith.com: CRL (Certified Registered Locksmith); CPL (Certified Professional Locksmith); and CML (Certified Master Locksmith).

Expect a locksmith to be able to provide an unchanging, flat rate quote for certain services such as vehicle lockouts, key origination, rekeys, and, in most cases, residential and commercial unlocks. The only time there should be a deviation from the quoted rate is if there is something that cannot reasonably be expected to be identified over the phone, or if there is a change in the scope of the project. Any changes should be described as early as possible in the project, giving you, the client, the opportunity to approve or reject the adjusted bid. Never should a locksmith be confrontational during such a discussion.

In the event of a vehicle or property opening, expect the locksmith to request ID and proof of ownership demonstrating that you have the authority to access the property.  Similarly, you should feel free to request the locksmith’s ID and business card to establish that he is who he says he is. Most legitimate locksmiths are fully aware of the issues with the locksmith industry and will have no problem providing ID. If you live in a state that requires locksmiths to be licensed (AL, CA, IL, LA, NJ, NC, OK, TN and TX), the locksmith should be able to produce that license for your inspection.

Expect your locksmith to be professionally dressed, preferably in a company shirt, and to be driving a marked service vehicle.

Remember that it is within your rights to refuse to pay when you are presented with a bill that represents an exorbitant deviation from the original quote, except when there is an unanticipated situation or change in scope as mentioned above. If the locksmith has been forthcoming and diligent in his efforts to provide an accurate quote and fair assessment of the situation, you still have the right to refuse to pay for work beyond the original quote, but you will be expected to pay the service call and for any parts/labor expended. The right of refusal is intended to protect clients from paying $300 for a lockout that was quoted at $30, not to provide an excuse for non-payment. In most cases, the worst thing that can happen by refusing to pay a scammer is that they might re-lock your house or vehicle and refuse to provide you the keys. This simply gives you the opportunity to call a reputable locksmith and have the job done right. It’s better to suffer the inconvenience to your schedule than to suffer the anger and humiliation of paying too much.

If you feel that you are the victim of a locksmith scam, you should contact your state attorney general, who is most likely collecting a file of such complaints for use in future prosecutions. The following link will take you to an online tool for making this contact: http://www.aloa.org/AGMap/AG.htm

If you have more questions or need additional guidance, please feel free to call Brett Miller, CRL at Lockstar, 303.887.3737, or visit the website: http://www.yourlockguy.com.