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The Raving Fan Factory
By making great work the goal, you can create super-satisfied customers who are five times more likely to recommend your business.
Forget Your Feelings
Getting the results you want means paying less attention to how you feel and more attention to what you do.
The Unseen Engine of Operational Excellence
Leveraging the overlooked power of habits, routines, and processes to drive business results.
Winning by Waiting
The first one in doesn’t always take the prize — there is power in being the second mover.
Differentiating in a Post-AI World
Standing out in our future business climate won’t be a matter of whether you use AI; it will be a matter of how.
Outsource Everything
Changing times and new technology bring the opportunity to reevaluate how you run your business.
Creating a Culture of Learning
Stave off stagnation by encouraging your team to always be trying new things.
Getting Past the Fear of Selling Service Plans
Worried about how your clients might react to the introduction of premium support plans? Don’t be.
Plugging Into Smart Power
San Diego’s Lightworks successfully adds Savant Power to its sales and installation capabilities.
Game Theory and the Art of Cooperation
Four simple principles for creating better business relationships.
Breaking Down Your Sales Process
Seven steps for your sales team that should lead to more closed deals.
Get in the Ring
Now is the time to get involved in recurring monthly revenue — before the decision gets taken out of your hands.
Taking Strides With Independent-Living Technology
How CEDIA Member of Excellence Automated Spaces changed the conversation around this growing product category.
Predicting the Year Ahead
Some industry trends and guidance to consider as 2023 comes to a close.
The Dangers of the ‘Not Invented Here’ Syndrome
Are you defending your own ideas in the face of better ones?
The Art of Unlearning
Looking to innovate in your business? First learn to let go of old ideas.
Shades Week: From Building Partner to Shading Client
Dell Smart Homes installs 41 Hunter Douglas shades in the renovated office of one of its trusted building partners.
Can’t-Miss Courses at the CEDIA Conference
Start your CEDIA Expo 2023 planning with these education sessions.
Don’t Mark Up Your Screw Ups
The four key areas to focus on to maximize bottom-line growth.
Embracing Radical Incrementalism
Why using small, consistent improvements is the best way to achieve long-term goals.
Sustainability and Assisted Living
Smart home technology creates opportunities for more independent living.
What Job Are You Really Being Hired to Do?
Knowing and understanding the needs of your client is a vital part of the sales process.
Why Aren’t You Selling Lighting Yet?
Two industry-focused sales professionals discuss the obstacles custom integration dealers face entering the market — and ways to overcome them.
Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned at Philmont
A 12-day trek through the rugged terrain can provide a lot of business lessons.
The State of the Industry 2022
A look at the year we’ve had and a snapshot of where we are right now.
Stay Close to the Action
Keep a finger squarely on the pulse of your business by getting out of your bubble.
Hold Your Opinion
A simple trick to make better decisions by keeping your sense of personal pride on the sidelines.
Stepping Up Your Service
White-glove treatment requires dedicated staff and clear-cut processes — is it right for your business?
Should You Become an Electrician?
Looking at the pros and cons of adding electrical services to your company.
Transforming the Home Office
Could the most important room in the house be the one the client sits in for eight hours straight?
Building the Ultimate Employee Tractor Beam
Some ways CI businesses can attract employees in a competitive job market.
Modern Smart Lighting Almost Sells Itself (Almost)
The latest smart lighting systems offer major benefits and improvements to home life, and it’s up to custom integrators to make sure their clients...
Paul Starkey vs. Staffing
The legendary serial industry problem-solver turns his attention toward one of today’s biggest residential integrator pain points.
Zoomification and BYOM
The quest to create the ultimate wireless videoconference setup, including crystal-clear sound.
State of the Industry 2021
A bird’s-eye view of how custom installers are handling a very busy year that includes mounting supply issues.
2021 Fall Product Guide
Keeping track of the many new gear introductions of the past few months.
Availability Bias: Are You Pulling Your Weight?
How availability bias causes you to overestimate your own contributions, why it matters, and what you can do about it.
Avoiding Calcification
It is important you keep from becoming complacent in both your business and your personal life.
The Curse of Knowledge
The unseen challenge plaguing your communications — and what you can do about it.