Blogs
Avoiding Change Order Black Holes
Handling those ‘it-will-only-take-a-minute’ requests as they come up.
Business
Behind the Business
The State of the Industry 2023
With the rollercoaster of summer behind us, we take stock of where we stand.
Features
The Manufacturer/Project Manager Connection
CI suppliers can become true partners by enhancing education and collaboration opportunities for project managers.
Events
VITAL Announces Return of IMPACT Series Events
The next session is on Mental Toughness and Peak Performance and will take place on December 7.
Blogs
Talk Less…Listen More
A valuable note for salespeople, manufacturer reps, and everyone else in the CI industry.
Back to Business
The Dangers of the ‘Not Invented Here’ Syndrome
Are you defending your own ideas in the face of better ones?
Features
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
Events like CEDIA Expo provide excellent opportunities for you to share what you saw so that people outside of our industry see, hear, and...
Features
Managing Customer Deposits and Inventory
If you can keep track of these two key cash-flow components, you can amass a large sum of money to reinvest in the business.
Blogs
It’s Not Your First Time, But It’s Their First Time
Being mindful that everything that we call routine is novel for our clients.
News
New D-Tools Data Shows Change Orders Can Be Lucrative
Integrators are five times more likely to earn additional revenue from change orders than they are to lose money. On average, change orders add...
Behind the Business
Federal Issues You’ll Want to Know About
A look at the areas of the federal government that have an impact on custom integration businesses.
Features
Being Present, Pleasant, and Supportive
Design professionals want to include tech and are eager to learn, but are still leery of the lingo.
Awards
VITAL Announces 2023 Leaders in CI Business Excellence
Honors members who strive daily to improve their business operations and profits.
Features
Working With the Big Two
How proper management of gross profit and payroll can lead to a more successful business.
News
Specifi iO Business Management Software Makes U.S. Debut at CEDIA 2023; Wins TechStarter Competition
Designed to better connect integrators and suppliers with clients, Specifi enables dealers to deliver effective proposals and win more business.
Features
The Lure of the Franchise
The attraction behind the concept of opening a business backed by a solid corporate entity that can cover all the knowledge the owner may...
Blogs
5 AI Tools You Should Be Using in Your CI Business Right Now
Artificial intelligence is quickly evolving, but there are ways you can use it to enhance your business today.
Back to Business
The Art of Unlearning
Looking to innovate in your business? First learn to let go of old ideas.
Blogs
Benchmarking the Best
Learning from those with different views than yours can help you keep your edges sharp.
Features
Showroom Spotlight – Beemer Smart Home
For this integration company, home is not only where the heart is — it’s also where the showroom resides.
Blogs
Rethinking Specialty Training
Why train an employee who won’t use the skills for months when you can partner with a specialist who does the kind of work...
News
One Firefly Lands on Inc. 5000 List for the 4th Consecutive Year
Digital marketing agency for integrators is ranked at number 3844.
News
VITAL Reports Record Growth, New Staff
Announces new staff, increased CI dealer membership, and progress over the last 24 months.
Features
Threads: What You Need to Know Right Now
The compelling new social media platform is worthy of consideration.
News
Just Video Walls to Help Dealers Navigate MicroLED Business
Integrator-founded video wall company takes the MicroLED business back to basics with channel-centric approach.
Blogs
Own Your Own SaaviHome
The Denver-based integrator looks to spread its success by being the CI industry’s first business franchise.
News
SaaviHome Launches Smart Home Technology Franchise Opportunity
The turnkey program is designed for entrepreneurs, complete with technology training, marketing support, and access to the company's network of resources.
Features
Shining Those Forks
Although about a restaurant, 'The Bear' celebrates the same qualities that custom installation pros exhibit.
Features
The Power of AI and Virtual Design
Why you should be using this emerging tech to create sales and marketing assets.
Sponsored
Get Into Resimercial; Let Us Help
Vendor partners can provide a huge lift for residential dealers entering the hot light commercial market.
Blogs
“Time Out” For the Win
Taking five minutes just before a project starts to double-check that the full team is ready to go can prevent trouble later.
News
Simply Reliable Introduces simplyreliableOS
The new operating system is a complete end-to-end business operating system for cloud, iOS, and Android.
Features
Identifying and Applying Profit Levers
Recognizing the areas where integrators should focus their attention and knowing when to act on them.
Integration Guides
Working With Distributors — Fighting the Pain Points
How distributors are helping dealers work through the current industry challenges.
Features
Stop Selling Products!
The experience is what people want and will pay for — so stop selling shiny boxes, fun features, and beguiling benefits.
News
Jetbuilt Launches Bid Processing
Designed to simplify sending, receiving, and evaluating bids and to fuel collaboration between integrators, consultants, and end users.
News
VITAL Announces VIP Blackbook Partner Program
Grants new and existing members access to a wide range of partner resources, discounts, and special incentive programs.
Features
The CI and the Side Hustle
Precision Media’s Brian Richards uses his professional talents to create a unique — and extremely successful — AirBnB destination.
