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Next webinar deals with preparing your company for sale.  Selecting a broker may be the first step.  Register today, here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8406180190928568833
Title: All You Need To Know About Preparing Your Company For A Sale
When: February 7, 2017 at 12 noon EST
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HOW MUCH ARE BROKER COMMISSIONS
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Ken, 
    If l decided to attract an investor to purchase part of my alarm company,  based on your experience, what would l expect to pay a broker as a percentage of the sales price.
Regards,
anon
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RESPONSE
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    Brokers, like other businesses, are competitive.  Some may suggest that "you get what you pay for".  Generally I think you should expect to pay anywhere from 6 to 10%.  For a larger deal, few million, you may be able to negotiate as low as 3%.  Keep in mind that one broker may spend several hours and other several months, still others, years, making the deal.  If the broker gets you your number then they are worth what they charge.  They all work on commission, so if you don't like the commission don't take the buyer's offer or figure the commission when negotiating the price. 
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MORE ON MONITORING CERTIFICATES - SAMPLE LETTER OFFERED
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Ken,
    In regards to the monitoring certificate. Please see attached letter I use for these requests. I refer to remain anonymous. I am sure that as an Attorney you will find pitfalls but, Does this type of letter make me more or less vulnerable? I did mention it might not be complete protection as the customer wanted less devices for a cheaper system. I also mentioned that there is a separate contract (your residential or commercial contract) that govern terms of installation and service. I also said that monitoring service may not continue and they my not get notified of that termination.
     Any Thoughts?
Annoymous
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"Dear Agent,
 Our customer, Named Above, has requested that I provide you with this information
concerning their residential security system. Alarm Company LLC has installed a security system at Mrs. Customer's residence addressed above on July 21, 2016. This system consists of contacts on perimeter walkin type doors and has two interior motion sensors. There are contacts on all windows accessible from ground level. There is one monitored smoke detector in the upstairs hallway near the bedrooms. This system has a local audible alarm and alarm signals are monitored by The Security Monitoring Center located at City State Zip. This installation is considered a basic security system and may not provide complete protection. This installation is covered by a separate signed contract governing all terms and conditions of its installation and operation. The customer is responsible for the testing of this system for its continued reliability. This letter does not constitute the providing of any insurance or any supplemental insurance. You may not receive notification of any service interruption or termination. Please periodically recheck to verify that monitoring service is still active. If you have any questions please call my office at 123-4567."
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RESPONSE
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    I think the above sample letter says way too much.  It describes the system and refers to a contract as well as raising customer responsibilitiy.  Why?  All the insurance carrier asked the customer to get is a "certificate" of monitoring or alarm services.
    I have suggested that you provide anything from a simple letter [I'll offer one below] to a fancy "certificate" suitable for framing.  Either way I think the information is basically the same.  
    Here's a letter:
    "This is to confirm that the undersigned is currently providing intrusion ___  fire ____ other ____ central station alarm monitoring for premises ______."
    You can take that same statement and put it on a fancy "certificate".  If the carrier wants more they can ask for it.
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                                WEBINARS:  Sign up for any or all of the webinars that interest you.
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FREE Webinar Series "All You Need To Know About" alarm industry issues. 
Register for one or all.  Each presentation scheduled for half hour to hour.  Not recorded.

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Title: All You Need To Know About Preparing Your Company For A Sale
When: February 7, 2017 at 12 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about preparing your company for sale
Who should attend: Alarm company owners
Presented by: Kelly Bond, Alarm Capital Alliance kelly.bond@alarmcapital.com
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8406180190928568833
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Title: All You Need To Know About PERS - Personal Emergency Response Service
When: February 8, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: the state of the PERS industry, demographics here now and ahead, financial and business models, PERS solutions available, mobile PERS and where this will likely end up in the near future. Introduction to Essence-USA 's Smart Alerting and partnership with Affiliated Central Station.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Josh Locke, Director of Sales Essence-USA.com JoshLo@Essence-USA.com  734.667.5958 cell:  734.709.5609
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2770642138855812865
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Title: All You Need To Know About consumer alarm contracts
When: February 9, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: What makes consumer contracts different and compliance issues.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9083897168057308673
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Title: All You Need To Know About Automatic Renewal Provisions in Alarm Contracts
When: February 15, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: The why, where and how of automatic renewal provisions in alarm contracts
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:    https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3498770624606417921
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Title: All You Need To Know About Video Surveillance
When: February 16, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: Discuss latest in video surveillance equipment and services
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, video technicians
Presented by: Ari Erenthal, training manager for IPVM, the leading resource for independent news, reviews, and testing of cameras, VMS, NVRs, and more. (862) 414-3078 ari@ipvideomarket.info
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6264618512556065793
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Title: All You Need To Know About Selecting the Right Broker to Sell Your Alarm Business
When: February 23, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about finding the right broker to represent you on the sale of your alarm business
Who should attend: Alarm company owners
Presented by: Ron Davis and Steve Rubin from Graybeards rdavis@graybeardsus.com srubin@graybeardsus.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8548769256865453057
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Title: All You Need To Know About modern nationwide central station operations and how to select the best central station for your needs
When: February 24, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about what you should expect from your modern nationwide central station and how to select the best central station for your needs
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Morgan Hertel from Rapid Response MHertel@rrms.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/507826318172222465
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Title: All You Need To Know About Fire Alarm Systems and Taking Over Fire Alarm Systems
When: March 1, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about issues to consider when installing, servicing or inspecting fire alarm and when taking over an existing system
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, technician managers
Presented by: Jeff Zwirn JeffZwirn@alarmexpert.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4756737271107996417
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Title: All You Need To Know About Standard Fire Protection All in One Agreement Covering Installation, Inspection, Service of Sprinkler System, Portable Extinguishers, Kitchen Hood, Smoke Detectors, Fire Pump
When: March 2, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about the Standard Fire Protection All in One provisions including scope of work, liability limitations, insurance issues, indemnity issues, how to handle subscribers who won't sign or want you to sign their agreement. 
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/658147149875346945
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Title: All You Need To Know About Alarm Licensing and Contracts for DIY 
When: March 9, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about licensing in the alarm industry for DYI. Different types of licenses, where you need them and how you get them. How and when to use License Holders or Qualifiers for your business and how to become a license holder for a company. Risks involved in not being licensed. Contract you will need for nationwide DIY monitoring agreements.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, compliance managers and license holders.
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2585168820901654273
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