One-on-One: A conversation with Podium’s Eric Rea

This week, SIW editorial director Steve Lasky connected with Eric Rea, the co-founder and CEO of Podium, a privately held technology company headquartered in Lehi, Utah that develops cloud-based software that provides an advanced messaging platform and is a leading review generation software for the security industry, We discussed how Podium can help security companies drive and convert leads through the power of text.

Steve Lasky: Suffice it to say that most small to mid-sized business owners don’t have the knowledge, skills or staff to leverage their company’s business proposition and industry positioning using social media or their website. Security companies are no different. Explain what Podium is all about and how it can drive business and revenue to operations like systems integration firms, alarm companies, consultants and A&Es and even locksmiths?

Chris Rea: Podium is a suite of messaging tools that empowers local businesses to gather and convert leads through the power of messaging. Whether you need to collect more reviews, get found and chosen online, communicate more easily with your customers, or collect payments faster—Podium makes it all as easy as sending a text. No matter your specialty, our tools can help you become a leading business in your field of work both online and at your location.

Our solution brings everything into one platform and one inbox, which means that you don’t have to invest a bunch of time and resources into training your people. We do the grunt work for you, leaving you time and resources to do what you do best.

Lasky: Why is the security industry ripe for a solution like Podium provides and what are the biggest obstacles that organizations might encounter if they consider employing them?

Rea: We believe that the security industry is ready to provide a modern customer experience — and that it needs to do so to stay ahead of the game. In a world of on-demand everything, security businesses must make significant changes if they want to remain competitive. Customer expectations have changed significantly—even since the beginning of the pandemic.

In terms of obstacles to employing a solution like Podium offers, some businesses experience initial resistance among their employees when it comes to implementing anything new — whether procedures or software. But as always, if you emphasize how the value is worth the change and focus on real ROI, people hop onboard pretty quickly. Additionally, the Podium is super easy to implement and use. It saves you time and increases revenue. Once your employees start using it, they can’t stop.

Lasky: Google engagement and positive branding on social media have become keys for many mid-sized businesses in driving new customers through their doors or to their website. How can digital engagement attract new revenue sources, drive leads and help retain existing customers?

Rea: When it comes to attracting and retaining new customers, Webchat is the best place for a business to start. It's the easiest way for your website visitors to chat with your business. Even better, it moves the conversation straight to text, providing unparalleled convenience for you and your customers.

Your google rating, online reviews, and personal messaging also drive a significant number of leads for your company. By sending post-service review requests, you develop a stellar online reputation that attracts new leads and keeps customers coming back. By using automated messaging to follow up with customers and check-in, you increase customer loyalty and maintain those crucial customer relationships.

Lasky: How can Podium solutions help a systems integrator or an alarm company make their field technicians and personnel more effective in doing their jobs and servicing clients? Is there an ROI factor to be considered?

Rea: Podium’s tools help field technicians and personnel work more effectively by allowing them to text their clients. It’s so helpful when you can shoot a text to let a client know you’re on time or running five minutes late, or ask for helpful feedback after a service. Messaging links employees and customers in a personal, helpful, engaging way, allowing your business to deliver a much higher quality customer experience. Text also helps you gather more high-quality reviews. Gathering reviews is increasingly critical to getting found, chosen, and returned to as 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchase decisions.

Lasky: With COVID-19 protocols altering the concept of office and at-home work experiences, how can a cloud solution and the right digital collaborative tools manage a remote workforce and increase a company’s productivity and efficiency?

Rea: The right tools can make a world of difference by keeping not only team members but also customers connected, united, and communicating consistently. They can help keep business personal despite being remote and make sure customers get their questions answered quickly by people who know what they’re talking about.

For information on the Podium software solution, click here.