Notice Board
you truly enjoy then it naturally grows ; passion for work delivers success . There are very few days where I don ’ t enjoy myself .
The drive behind my videos is to help people learn locksmithing skills , navigate through the industry and gain the confidence they need to be successful .
How does your training work ?
At first , I was contacted by locksmiths with a lock they were struggling to open or needed to develop the knowledge to be able to pick it open . I would arrange a video conference call and open the lock live on camera . This call would be recorded so they had a reference to follow .
This lock would be posted back to them with some training locks and they would pick them on camera for me . With no need to travel on busy roads , and the ability to focus on one lock at a time , this approach has suited busy locksmiths with little disruption to their busy lives . They can watch the recording at their leisure and learn how to pick the lock in their own time .
As all locks open differently , in my videos I like to talk about the nuances and unique aspects associated with each lock . While I am out on a job , I might film how I approach it and how the tools work . People seem to like my live job videos the most because I show real-life examples , candidly , and they enjoy watching the practical demonstrations .
It ’ s not just online
I appreciate that social media is not everyone ’ s cup of tea , so I also offer in person training as well as online . I have a modern , well equipped , training room at home and offer both bespoke and ad hoc courses to individuals and companies . Some of my most enjoyable training has been as a guest trainer in partnership with other locksmith training .
There ’ s always challenges
It ’ s hard to please everyone and it takes time and a lot of energy to work out people ’ s allegiances – for example locksmithing is a complex industry with lot of different approaches to training . My style may not agree with some individuals , so I focus on supporting those who appreciate and like my method of training .
Tell us some tips and hacks I would encourage everyone to go and find their local business networking groups , to pick up skills and business acumen and forge strong local business links . It is important to learn how to promote yourself and run your business efficiently . Never neglect developing your business skills , they are just as important as your locksmithing skills .
If you learn the skills but don ’ t have the business acumen you might find yourself missing opportunities . You need to be able to promote the best version of yourself and always recognise an opportunity , with a view to gaining business . Learn how to quote jobs , manage your stock , how to invoice and market your locksmith business . When you become self-employed you can ’ t just wait for the phone to ring .
Also , try to make contact with local locksmiths and network with them . A collective group is much stronger than its component parts ; everyone brings different skills to the party . I have five other excellent locksmiths in my local area I can call upon for help , and I ’ m always prepared to do the same for them . Everyone has different skill sets , don ’ t be afraid to initiate the contact with them . If you receive a cold shoulder , leave them to it ( ultimately , it ’ s their loss ); don ’ t be put off . Move on to the next opportunity
and keep an open mind - find your local locksmith network .
About Lock101 Limited
Lock101 is run by Brian James , a locksmith who operates in Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas . Brian has been self-employed for the past 18 years and has worked in various trades : garden machinery sales and servicing , arboriculture consultant and practitioner , landscape and fencing contractor , design and construction of wooden buildings , joinery , and more recently locksmithing and locksmith training .
As a locksmith Brian is proud of his unique skillset being able to quickly and efficiently gain entry to domestic and commercial properties utilising the most appropriate methods . He works closely with warrant officers and bailiffs as part of debt recovery teams , with a high percentage of non-destructive opening . His techniques use the latest professional picks , decoders and bypass tools which all form a pivotal part of his locksmith training programs .
help @ lock101 . co . uk 07725 019144 YouTube , Instagram & TikTok : locklab101
JULY 2024
9
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal . co . uk