Meeting the Needs of Potential New AV Hires with Technology and Innovation

Few industries skew as old as AV. Naturally, this presents a challenge for hiring managers on a variety of fronts. But it’s something companies need to overcome; just because it’s easier to hire than it is to train doesn’t mean it’s better for the long-term success of your company. But with an aging workforce and a mediocre pipeline, finding professionals requires you to evolve. Today, we look at how to make this happen.

A Talent Crisis in the Making?

As discussed in our last blog for companies in the AV and IT Integration space, one of the top predictions for the coming year is the continued battle for talent. Did you know that more than 60% of the industry’s workforce is above the age of 50 and even more shockingly, less than 5% of professionals are in their 20s?

Pair this with the tight-knit environment that is the integration industry, and potential hires may not even know this career path exists. Many potential young hires have “IT tunnel vision,” having no idea that they can gain a career in security or AV industry.

Young talent doesn’t only mean long-term resilience against the inevitable retirement of your workers, it also means fresh ideas. Too many companies are resistant to change, continuing to focus only on what they know, what they are comfortable with, and what has gotten them to this point. Part of this is due to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality, part of it is due to your older employees being stuck in their ways and resistant to change.

The services you offer today won’t always be the services your clients need. The pricing model you offer won’t always be the one your clients want.

Selling the Integration Business to the Tech-Savvy 20-Something

These tech-savvy employees will bring a fresh perspective to your firm and will be more than happy to learn what’s next. But how do you deliver?

Sell the Cool Factor

You found this industry despite the prevalent “AV Nerd” trope of the 80s. You’ve seen the market evolve. Today’s AV is high tech. It’s mobile. It lights up the Vegas Strip and NFL stadiums, and can be controlled from iPhones and iPads. For an industry that’s all about video, mobility, high-tech devices, and communications, it should be easy to sell to a generation who’s obsessed with this.

Pitch the Company

It’s hard to pitch today’s diversity-demanding and collaborative generation on a workplace that’s not. The longer you wait to hire and the older your employees get, the harder it becomes to get new talent. Nothing deters a younger worker from accepting an offer more than being the youngest person at the company by 30 years. Finding ways to overcome this will be your recipe for success.

Foster Growth

You need to pitch the company as a place not just to work, but to grow. How can someone make an impact? How can you demonstrate they will show value? We understand that training is time-consuming, but helping a new generation of talent to enter the workforce will position you for success. One way to focus more time on training? Consider a recurring revenue model.

Facilitate Agility and Innovation

These tech-savvy individuals bring a ton of untapped creativity that you need; it pays to promote your company as a place they can make this happen. However, if you’re living project to project or are relying on outdated technology to manage back-office tasks, agility and innovation are only pipe dreams.

Think of it this way. If your employees are wasting away on paperwork to complete a project, they’re not thinking of ways to better the company. 90 percent of respondents spent less than 25 percent of their time on creative work, and much of this time is spent wasting away on menial tasks and meetings.

Today’s company needs to be nimbler and more innovative than ever if they hope to grow, find talent, and evolve. One place to look? Your business management software—especially CRM, ERP, and project management. With the right solutions in place, you can save employees hours each week and give them more time to spend improving the business.

Cloud 9 ERP Solutions: Your Partner for AV-Focused ERP

Cloud 9 ERP Solutions has worked AV integrators over the years, and have found that one product is perfect for your needs—Acumatica. Easy-to-use, flexible, and integrated, this solution features all the functionality you need to get the job done.

Cloud 9 ERP Solutions specializes in configuring and implementing this solution for AV/IT firms including M3 Technologies Group and more, and we would love to help you as well.

Learn how we helped this AV systems integration firm increase their sales revenue and improve operational efficiencies with Acumatica by reading the case study or watching the video below.

Additional AV Industry Resources

How to Leverage Business Software for AV + Network Cabling Service Companies

Why Recurring Revenue is Key to Success for AV and IT Operations

4 Reasons Audio Visual Companies Need ERP Software