Whether you’ve just got your Guard License and considering joining a large security company to get your first job or you are a well-seasoned close protection officer who has experienced the corporate culture of a large business and is ready to make a change, consider the advantages of working for a small security company first because bigger isn’t always better.
- Small companies are more flexible. Large businesses are known for lengthy chains of command and strict protocols, offering employees little to no freedom to go above and beyond for a client. With fewer layers, small companies allow you greater flexibility. Whether it’s providing exceptional customer support or going that extra mile to get that new customer, working for a small company will give you the chance to show initiative, stand out from other security guards and competitors and the opportunity to advance in your career.
- Clients are more than just a number. Large security agencies employ hundreds if not thousands of people who are only doing enough to scrape by. Being a small business is a unique selling proposition, because it gives you the opportunity to be more personable and engage with clients.
- You can make a big impact because your opinion really matters. Working for a smaller company will give you a greater opportunity to voice your ideas, have them be heard and even put into play. Watching the positive effects your work has on a company as a whole is rewarding and will drive you forward.
- You can have many roles. Small business are resourceful, they put together hardworking teams of individuals with a diverse skill set to get the job done. This often means helping out with tasks that might not fall under your job title and can be a great benefit for anyone who gets easily bored.
- Being part of a small business will allow you to stretch your creativity. With a smaller budget, a smaller business will push you to think outside of the box in order to accomplish your goals. Maybe a new CCTV system is needed and your boss appoints you, the security guard, the task of putting together a fundraiser for the money needed to purchase it.
- You can build strong relationships with employees of all levels in a small business. If you’ve worked for large security firms, you’ll already know it’s difficult and can be almost impossible for large companies to create a close knit, family like atmosphere within their organization. With numerous offices and employees doing different tasks, there is little likelihood all employees will even meet. On the contrary, small businesses allow you to work in a warm and friendly environment where workers know, work closely and support one another.
- There are less rules and regulations needed in smaller work environments, and they are more likely to be bent for you, if your individual circumstances permit. It can be harder to get support during difficult times in your life in big security firms because instead of looking at your individual circumstances, big businesses have to follow work protocol and treat you like the next employee to keep things fair.
- There is room for change. Being part of a smaller company leaves room for innovation making it easier to respond to opportunities and threats. Without as many layers, you can quickly respond to challenges the business is faced with and take on new opportunities as the arise, whereas with larger companies, their lengthy chain of command can mean it can take time to fix what isn’t working or take hold of opportunities that are waiting for the company.
Do you work for a small business or a big one? What do you like most and least about it? Comment below to let us know.