Publisher’s LETTER MAGAZINE
Finding Your Niche
700 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Ste C Matthews, NC 28105 704-365-5226 office, 704-365-1026 fax
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y definition, a niche is (1) a special area of demand for a product or service, or (2) a situation or activity especially suited to a person’s interests, abilities, or nature. LP Magazine is an example of a niche publication in that when we started this magazine ten years ago, there was no publication dedicated to the loss prevention industry. With a little research we determined there was an untapped demand for information and educational material on LP topics, which we set out to fill and, hopefully, have successfully done so. The second part of that definition is what I want to address here—finding the career niche that you can identify and fill that suits your personal and professional skills and interests. This topic is top of mind for me right now because I have 26- and 23-year-old sons finishing degrees and searching for career opportunities that fit both their skills and interests. Hopefully, in today’s job market identifying their niche may be a way to differentiate themselves from the many applicants for the few jobs available.
Specialist vs. Generalist
Over the years there has been an ongoing debate around the importance of being a specialist versus a generalist for professional success. If you look at loss prevention over the years, one could argue that successful LP professionals have moved from being strictly security specialists to business generalists, albeit with an LP specialty. I would suggest that a combination of specialized skills with general knowledge is critical for success at every level of the organization. For example, an entry-level store detective must have special skills to identify theft, uncover the facts, interview the suspect, and close the case. To move up in the organization, the skilled investigator must acquire additional skills, such as managing people, as well as general knowledge of retail operations and business principles. The LPQ and LPC certifications are built around this concept. Even if you are one who has this combination of specific and general knowledge, finding your niche can help differentiate you and potentially find a more fulfilling position. Going back to that entry-level store detective, what if he or she is especially interested in computers? Combining those skills could very well help one move into a niche position as a forensic or online investigator. Or perhaps that investigator has a passion for coaching others. Combining those skills could open the door to a position in LP training.
Growing Opportunities
As loss prevention gets more and more integrated into the overall business, there will continue to be more and more niche opportunities available to those willing to look for them. Data and information security is a growing need. Brand protection and online investigations is gaining importance (see “The Threat of Social Media” on page 17). RFID may create new opportunities in logistics and inventory management. Our global economy will certainly open up international opportunities for those who are adventurous or have language skills. Finding your niche takes introspection, self-motivation, ongoing education, risk taking, and looking outside your box. But as every parent tells their child, if you can combine a job with what you are passionate about, you will love going to work every day. Finding your niche will not only give you more personal satisfaction, but also give your company a more satisfied, more motivated employee.
Jack Trlica Editor and Publisher LossPrevention and LP Magazine are service marks owned by the publishers and their use is restricted. All editorial content is copyrighted. No article may be reproduced by any means without expressed, written permission from the publisher. Reprints or PDF versions of articles are available by contacting the publisher. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the publishers. Advertising in the publication does not imply endorsement by the publishers. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any article or advertisement.
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July – August 2011
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LPportal.com
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Jack Trlica JackT@LPportal.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR James Lee JimL@LPportal.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Adrian Beck Robert L. DiLonardo Walter E. Palmer, CFI, CPP, CFE Amber Virgillo CONTRIBUTORS William A. Alford, CFE Read Hayes, Ph.D., CPP Richard C. Hollinger, Ph.D. Mike Marquis, CFI Gene Smith Shane G. Sturman, CFI, CPP Kelby Woodard David E. Zulawski, CFI, CFE ONLINE EDITOR Matt Richardson MattR@LPportal.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Larry Preslar ART DIRECTOR Mindy Kuhn DESIGN & PRODUCTION SPARK Publications info@SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080 ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING MANAGER Bonnie Dodson 828-479-7472 office, 704-943-5797 fax BonnieD@LPportal.com WEST COAST REPRESENTATIVE Ben Skidmore 972-587-9064 office, 972-692-8138 fax BenS@LPportal.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
CIRCULATION MANAGER Kelly Durham, LPQ KellyD@LPportal.com NEW OR CHANGE OF ADDRESS www.myLPmag.com POSTMASTER Send change of address forms to Loss Prevention Magazine P.O. Box 1088 Lowell, MA 01853 LP Magazine (USPS 000-710) is published bimonthly by Loss Prevention Magazine, Inc., 700 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Ste C, Matthews, NC 28105. Print subscriptions are available free to qualified loss prevention and associated professionals in the U.S. and Canada at www.myLPmag.com. The publisher reserves the right to determine qualification standards. International print subscriptions are available for $99 per year payable in U.S. funds at www.LPportal.com. For questions about subscriptions, contact circulation@LPportal.com. Periodicals postage paid at Matthews, NC, and additional mailing offices.
© 2011 Loss Prevention Magazine, Inc.
