I Can Always Learn Something.

Recently I attended a free social media seminar with my husband and business partner. I used to attend seminars like this one regularly but in the last few years I found myself skipping them time and again. I'd tell myself, “I bet it's just a sales pitch or I just don’t have time.” 

Or, quite frequently, “what will I hear that I haven't heard at a thousand other business seminars?” In other words what do I have left to learn?

   In the early days at KJB I gobbled up every free seminar I could. Labor laws, hiring practices, accounting information, advertising lectures, there was so much to learn and it was all so exciting! Time went on and I joined professional groups that refined my focus on the particular business challenges my company faced. I made great friends and network contacts but the day-to-day grind of leadership caused cynicism to creep in. During 15 years of business leadership I've learned that there is a time for everything – including a time to think big and a time to sweat the small stuff. In 2015 the day to day operations of KJB Security required a LOT of small stuff sweating. Finally, I realized that focusing two steps ahead made me long for the days when running a business seemed so exciting. I really missed the opportunity to learn and grow and get others' insights on day to day problems. I wanted to see more than two steps ahead... I wanted to see the horizon again.

  My way to do that was to get out of the corner office and back in the classroom – the business seminar classroom that is. Which brings me back to my recent outing to the social media seminar. Did I hear anything I'd heard before? Of course, but that's not the point.... the point is tat putting myself in a mindset of learning brought new energy, new excitement back to KJB. Like the captain that turns her ship and crew toward uncharted waters, it's not about what you already know.... it's about what you might learn. My new mid-year resolution is to look for seminars and learning opportunities that I might otherwise have tossed away.

Sure, the invites that come in might be sales pitches.

And yeah, my time will always be at a premium.

But who cares? Because if I've learned anything it's that I can always learn something.

ASPCA Update: Alabama rescue of 300 dogs and cats, and critical aid provided during devastating California wildfires

As a 2015 Business Ambassador, KJB Security Products aids investigations with surveillance device donations.

Earlier this year, we announced our ASPCA partnership to you, our dealers, and shared why their work aligns with our core business value to protect vulnerable populations – those without a voice.

The partnership has been extremely rewarding. The important work the organization and volunteers do across the country to protect animals is awe-inspiring and we are proud to play a small role in aiding their efforts.

To recap, the ASPCA is using several of our surveillance devices to aid their field investigations and response team’s efforts to stop animal abuse and neglect. The field team uses the devices for surveillance purposes and to gather evidence as they work across the country in partnership with emergency responders, humane associations and shelters to rescue animals from life-threatening situations and provide them with the essential care they need.

One such investigation involved the raid at a neglectful shelter in Moulton, Ala. where 300 dogs and cats were rescued. An adoption event to find loving families for the animals was held in July and drew more than 900 people from throughout the southeast. A Weekend of New Beginnings: Alabama Adoption Event Recap shares the story of the new beginnings offered to the animals.

Over 900 people, from NASA engineers to former Marines, came to rescue animals after the ASPCA closed down a dangerous and neglectful shelter.

And while not an investigation, we also wanted to share with you the work they have been doing during the devastating California wildfires. ASPCA teams have been on the ground in Northern California since Sept. 13 providing emergency assistance in the midst of the fires. In addition to conducting home searches and rescues, they have helped treat badly burned animals and provided support to overcrowded shelters. Efforts included the rescue of more than 200 animals and have reunited close to 40 pets with their families after being separated during emergency evacuations. They continue to work to reunite displaced animals in the aftermath of the Lake County fire that burned 67,000 acres, destroying nearly 600 homes and leaving approximately 13,000 peoepl displaced. Read more at: ASPCA Assists LCACC in Providing Support for Hundreds of Animals, Pet Parents Following Devastating CA Wildfire.

Why partnerships with nonprofits and community groups is smart business

Sure, you're in business to make money. Though what if we told you that you are more likely to be successful if one of your business objectives is to help your community

Incorporating principles of community outreach gets your company off to a great start – and invigorates established companies. Think of it as a marketing strategy, one that sets you apart from your competition and creates a business culture that draws people to your company and creates repeat and loyal customers.

One example is our partnership with the ASPCA. As a 2015 Business Ambassador, we donated surveillance devices to aid their field investigations and response team’s efforts to stop animal abuse and neglect. The field team will use the devices for surveillance purposes and to gather evidence as they work across the country in partnership with emergency responders, humane associations and shelters to rescue animals from life-threatening situations and provide them with the essential care they need.

The ASPCA partnership benefits both them and us. From a product development standpoint, it helps us test the integrity of the devices for this type of purpose and investigation. From a marketing standpoint, it aligns us with a recognizable, credible organization that is doing good works. And most importantly, it has the potential to save the lives of innocent animals – animals without a voice.

Protecting those without a voice is one of KJB's business values. And it can only be fully accomplished when we partner with like-minded organizations.

We hope 2015 is off to a great start for you and we encourage you to identify ways you can partner with organizations in your community this year. Is there a women's shelter or daycare center near you in need of surveillance products? What about the local senior citizens advocacy group that helps family members investigate suspected nursing home neglect and abuse? If your business in online only, there are still many organizations that could sue your support. You might even find that your business ends up being the bigger beneficiary.

It Takes a Village to Keep a Village Safe

Even though most of us live close to our neighbors, we may never truly socialize with them. We see each other leave for work, walk our dogs, mow our lawns, and escort our kids to the school bus. What really gets us talking is often neighborhood crime. We recently posted a story about Nextdoor which is a fast growing community social portal in which shared surveillance is a major focus. Although we in the surveillance industry don’t need proof that it works, this video from a station in San Francisco is further evidence.

Don't miss this video and share it with your clients.

Though this story does not focus on hidden cameras, it does make its point and we think it’s the perfect segue to taking surveillance to the next level…hidden cameras in our homes.
This type of information is helpful to residents who are trying to make the best decisions for their neighborhood and it’s also great publicity for security dealers. Do they know about Nextdoor and the scenarios like the one in the video? The information is out there, the proof is there, now communicate it. Here’s an easy approach to gaining new customers and of course, keeping the ones you have:

· Identify

· Relate

· Communicate

Identify who your customers are. Relate to them and show them that you understand their concerns (make sure you know what they are!). Communicate to them not just about your products but also about industry trends, news, and updates.

So yes, crime does bring communities together and if we can solve their security concerns, maybe they can start talking about a neighborhood barbeque…not crime.

 - Dealers, don't forget to inform your customers about surveillance laws.
Click here for more information. 

What Dealers Need to Know: End User Agreement

In past posts regarding the rules and regulations of the surveillance industry, we talked about the Wiretap Act and the intent of design. Now, let’s discuss the required End User Form for exports.

Each time we export a device on behalf of you – our dealers – we require you to fill out a form listing who is receiving the device and noting that you have done due diligence to ensure that you are shipping to legitimate customer. This means that you agree that your customer, the end user, will use the products in compliance with the Wire and Communications Act and any applicable or similar state and/or local laws and regulations.

 We require this for many reasons. First, our company is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Any export, re-export, diversion, or transfer of any of our products or technology must be conducted in compliance with these laws. Secondly, it protects you and the validity of your company, ensuring that you are in adherence to the regulations as well.

So, while no company likes the seemingly endless amount of red tape, in the surveillance industry, it’s particularly important to know and abide by the rules – for our protection, your protection and the protection of your businesses lifeblood: your customers.

A copy of the End User Notification form will be provided for every export order.

Sometimes Too Much Choice Is A Bad Thing

We all do it. We stand frozen in the grocery aisle overwhelmed by our choices. “Should I buy the whole wheat bread with fiber, the low fat honey wheat, the multigrain, plain white?” We stand there pondering and finally grab something so that we can simply move on. If toothpaste is next on your list, you should consider simply closing your eyes and pointing to a brand on the shelf. Not that some aren’t better than others, but even Proctor and Gamble’s director of global oral-care research and development stated, “We’ve come to realize that fewer is better.” The company (makers of Crest toothpaste) slowed down their production of oral-care products worldwide.

Fewer is better
An over-abundance of consumer options is not confined to bricks and mortar retailers; it’s a factor for internet shoppers as well. If your business is web based, you can and should be more picky about what “goes on your shelves.” Don’t clutter your site with any and every gadget or gizmo available. When you spend time reviewing and selecting the best product options to place on your site, look at it through the eyes of the buyer. If buyers have too many choices, they often make no choice at all. This study actually found that cutting product options by 75% resulted in more sales regardless of price.

Delete information overload
According to this study 'website navigation problems' and 'process was taking too long' are in the top 10 reasons shoppers abandon their cart. Fight information overload with these ideas:

• Consider “landing pages"  to promote a specific product line or special. Landing pages are easy to set up within the confines of the site and are easy to promote well qualified, limited options to customers. Landing pages also give online businesses the ability to test market certain products to see what is attractive to shoppers.

• Differentiate products but don’t go crazy. For example, when delineating Zone Shield® products use phrases like EASY TO SET UP or BATTERY OPERATED for Xtreme Life™. These phrases are easy to understand and set the product apart - but you can't use it on every other hidden camera on your page or it means nothing.

• Give top listing to products that do the most. Do your buyers have to wade through pages of hidden cameras that may be cheaper but also do less? If they have to decide which features they want on their camera then you are using up their patience and maybe losing your sale. Instead present your customer with the product that does the most. Think about that toothpaste aisle again - the whitening, brightening,  straightening, tartar busting, gum disease fighting super hero toothpaste is always right at eye level.

• List first the products that do the most for you. If your profit margin is higher or a returns lower on a specific model then throw down a bright shiny red carpet for your customer to stroll up and buy it. In the end time is money for both you and your customer. The less time they spend shopping for a good product or that you spend supporting their purchase the better the experience is for everyone.

What Dealers Need To Know: Why can I record audio on my iPhone but not on a hidden camera?

In October, we talked about the Wiretap Act and the due diligence that is required as a dealer in the sale of personal security products.

This month, we are going to address a question we hear all the time. And as dealers, we suspect you too, are asked to address this with your customers.

There are various forms of the question: Why doesn’t my hidden camera record audio? Can’t I simply record a conversation from my iPhone? Why can I record audio on my iPhone but not my hidden camera?

The answer varies when you consider Federal versus state laws, and when you take into consideration the design and purpose of the device. As long as one party consents to the recording of a conversation, you are not breaking any Federal laws. It gets stickier when you talk about state-by-state laws.

If you live in a one-party consent state, then the state law mirrors the Federal law. Though the person not giving consent must also live in a one-party state. And even so, your recording may not be admissible in a court of law. Two party consent states require both individuals to be aware that they are being recorded.

Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia are one party consent states. In the other 12 states, you must have consent of all parties to a conversation in order to make a recording.

The Intent of Design Is What Matters

You may record with an iPhone because it is not designed to be hidden. A phone is just that – it’s used for audio purposes and also has recording capabilities.

A hidden camera is designed to be hidden and therefore falls under laws governing surreptitious recording. Let’s say there was a voice recorder sitting on the table between two people. It’s not disguised; it looks like a tape recorder. You wouldn't have to be told that it could record something - that's what it's designed to do.

Now what if there was a plant sitting between the same two people. Anyone can see it’s a plant. What do you think might be happening? Well, nothing. Because it’s a plant. The intent of its design is not to record anything. But what if the customer slipped the tape recorder inside the plant? Now it's a hidden recorder! Simply by putting the recorder inside, out of sight, the intent has changed. That intent is what makes that recorder suddenly fall under the jurisdiction of privacy and wiretap laws. What if it were a video recorder that just happened to also record audio? It doesn't matter. If it records audio and is hidden in any way it falls under the jurisdiction of privacy and wiretap laws.

Dealers can sell tape recorders all day long and encourage people to record conversations with them. They cannot encourage customers to put audio recorders in plants and record conversations. Customers can buy tape recorders and record conversations with them. But when customers put recorders in plants their intent of use has changed. At that point they are intending to make a hidden recording. By selling any recorder already hidden in a plant, dealers are acknowledging that the use of the device is to record something without another person’s knowledge. In the US it is never legal for a civilian to make a surreptitious audio recording, even if the audio is just being picked up on video.

So, as law-abiding dealers, you certainly don’t want to sell hidden devices that could record audio. Customers should be aware of the implications should they choose to purchase one. If you do sell audio recoding devices, the products must be designed and clearly marketed as an audio recorder.

At KJB Security Products, we do not sell hidden audio recording equipment domestically, except to law enforcement. Only law enforcement can use audio/camera recording. Additionally, we include the following disclaimer on all marketing materials:

Some of the Product(s) purchased/sold by KJB are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Wire and Communications Act (18 United States Code §§ 2510-2522) (Act). The products include those with surreptitious listening devices, which are regulated by the Act. Additionally, the laws of some states, counties, cities or localities may prohibit the possession and/or use of some of the these products. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ascertain, understand, and obey any and all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding possession and/or use of any KJB product. Diversion or re-export contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. ALL OFFERS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

This article is in no way to be considered legal advice. Please review the laws in your own state and seek professional legal consultation as needed.

UnderCoverHiddenCameras.com Is Our Latest Market Pro

Proving that consistent blogging gets results KJB is happy to feature Undercoverhiddencameras.com as our latest Market Pro. In October they began a series of blogs about SleuthGear products, singling out particular lines and products such as the entire Zone Shield line, including Night Vision, and the new Recluse XT.

See the blog on SleuthGear's American designed quality click here.

Read how they helped spread the word about Zone Shield Clock Radio's positive review at The Honest Reviews.

And, while we're talking about positive reviews, it's always nice to share when our dealers believe the same things we do. When asked why undercoverhiddencameras.com was featuring SleuthGear products so prominently, principal Todd Karl said:

"I want and will continue to feature the KJB SleuthGear line mostly because your company has the same business values as I do, to give superior customer service along with superior products that are designed and born here in the USA. Not only do you offer these things but back it up daily."

Our Security Gear Can Save Thanksgiving: How To Be A Relevant Tweeter

Whether or not you've commenced eye rolling at investors rushing to buy shares in Twitter's IPO, you should be using its service. Recently KJB has introduced hashtags to help dealers tap into the rapid flow of conversation happening on the fastest growing social media site (read more here and here.) We know Dealers use hashtags for our brand names such #Sleuthgear and #ZoneShield and that's great, but it's not enough. So we thought a little Hashtag 101 was in order. First, to answer the question, "what is a hashtag?" A hashtag is a search term. Like when you surf Google and type in "Chicken and biscuits near Nashville," Twitter users are searching for their breakfast by typing in the hashtag "#chickenandbiscuitsnearnashville" The '#' tells Twitter to consider the following unbroken line of characters (i.e. no spaces) a searchable term. 

A Twitter search will net a user a lot more truth. While the chicken and biscuit place has more control over what's said on Google (especially if they advertise with search words) they have almost no control over the unvarnished opinions rolling from a tweeter's fingertips. That sounds scary right? Not really… consider the fact that customers were already talking about you behind your back. Words over water coolers have about the same shelf life as random tweets. Now you just know what they are saying. 

So how do you make this conversation work for you? Thats where KJB's hashtag campaign comes in. By all means, keep tagging Zone Shield and SleuthGear but realize it's only reaching the eyeballs of people who already know the product. The goal is to snag the attention of new people. Pretend you're at a Superbowl party thrown by a guy you'd really like to impress. Marching up to the dude and name dropping your brand is probably not an effective way to impress him. Instead you'd find out what he's talking about, simultaneously sort your thoughts, then relevantly inject your products into the conversation. In this analogy Twitter is the Superbowl party, all of its users are the guy throwing the party, and the hashtag is the conversation. 

Here's an example, instead of the Superbowl it's the Thanksgiving table: About a week before Thanksgiving everyone in America is going to vent their frustrations with impending family visits on social media. They'll most likely tweet about it with some version of the hashtag #ThanksgivingHassle. How do you make yourself relevant in that conversation? 

Like this:

Now a significant chunk of people tweeting #ThanksgivingHassle have just seen that you offer a product that might help them… at the very least it'll make them smile. Congratulations, you got the eyeballs of the people who didn't already know about your products - which is what the most effective marketing does. 

By the way, even if you cut out loudmouth sales tweeting don't decide that your new strategy is to type a constant stream of consciousness. This makes you the Twitter equivalent of the weird Thanksgiving relative muttering in the corner. 

Use these wider hashtags to get into the conversation and out of the corner. In addition to reminding our Dealers about relevant conversations, KJB also promises to retweet at least two of your own tweets every time you use the hashtags we suggest. The value here is that your feed becomes more relevant and stays higher in the larger conversation. All of sudden everyone at the table starts listening to you. Be relevant, be funny, be conversational and everyone on Twitter will keep listening. 

Now pass those chicken and biscuits down here please.

For news and tips on the evolving world of social marketing check out these links:
Four Tips for Tapping Into Twitter Conversations
How To Be Relevant On Twitter Without The Help Of Influencers

What Dealers Need To Know About The Wiretap Act

Due diligence required in the sale of personal security products

Are you well versed in the ins and outs of the federal Wiretap Act? Do you clearly apprise customers of the legalities of using the products you sell? Is there a prominently displayed disclaimer on your website and marketing materials regarding proper usage of hidden cameras and other devices?

If your customer plans to record telephone calls or in-person conversations without consent by the person they are recording, they should also be aware that doing so is illegal.

Let’s start with the definition of the law, which is aimed at protecting citizens’ privacy in communications with other persons. Typically, when you think of a "wiretap," the first thing that comes to mind is someone listening to your telephone calls. However, the Act protects more than that.

Under the Act, it is illegal to intentionally, or purposefully, intercept, disclose, or use the contents of any wire, oral, or electronic communication through the use of a "device." The Act contains specific language prohibiting the manufacture, distribution/sale, possession, and/or use to secretly intercept or record someone’s communications without their knowledge.

You should also be aware that hidden video devices with audio capabilities are also covered under the Wiretap Act and selling the devices is a violation of the law. It’s particularly important to know the features and capabilities of any hidden camera product you import, as there may be an audio recording feature.

Further, be cognizant of your advertising practices. Video recording and audio devices may not be marketed as covert or hidden recording products. Remember, only law enforcement may purchase and use hidden audio devices.

With regards to our company, it is KJB Security Products’ policy not to sell audio/video equipment domestically, except to law enforcement. Additionally, we include the following disclaimer on all marketing materials:

Some of the Product(s) purchased/sold by KJB are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Wire and Communications Act (18 United States Code §§ 2510-2522) (Act). The products include those with surreptitious listening devices, which are regulated by the Act. Additionally, the laws of some states, counties, cities or localities may prohibit the possession and/or use of some of the these products. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ascertain, understand, and obey any and all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding possession and/or use of any KJB product. Diversion or re-export contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. ALL OFFERS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

So, what are you doing to protect yourself, your company, your customers and the public? Are you doing enough? We’ll dive deeper into the legalities of hidden camera use as well as examine specific cases affecting not only the end user, but the dealers as well.


This article is in no way to be considered legal advice. Please review the laws in your own state and seek professional legal consultation as needed.