Back in the 1980s, most bodyguard “training” consisted of stints in the military. (ESI is the oldest intelligence-based protection services training program in the world, and was founded only 28 years ago.) I was one of the lucky few who fell into this line of work thanks to friendships and “right time, right place” circumstances.

I had to do most of my learning on-the-job. When I started out in this business, I was pretty much the baggage wrangler, and moved my way up through the ranks. Along my move up, I became involved in conducting advance detail duties. One of the most important things I learned is that executive protection work is based on a strong foundation of advance work. The advance team serves as the “eyes and ears” for the detail. Advance work means using a checklist to prepare for all types of scenarios.

At that time (before any formal training on advance work  was in place) it was really something that came out of developing common sense, using imagination to help visualize “worse-case-scenarios” and paying attention to intuition. I actually rather enjoyed doing advance work, because truthfully–it was time to myself when I wasn’t at the beck and call of the protectee I was protecting. It was breathing room, and a chance to look around whatever city we might be in! This is a true story about the importance of conducting thorough advance work. (more…)

IN THE NEWS

Latest Britney Spears Rumors

London: Troubled pop star Britney Spears’ parents have reportedly hired Lindsay Lohan’s former bodyguard who has been trained in the Israel Army.

The bodyguard was seen driving the car that picked up Spears from the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles after she was released from there Wednesday, contactmusic.com reports. Spears’ parents have taken control of her legal, financial and security affairs.

The unnamed bodyguard had first made headlines when he threatened a photographer who kicked Lohan during a commotion in Halloween last year in an underground parking garage in Los Angeles last year.

Source : IANS

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No matter what you may think about this particular client detail (watch for the future BGC story: “Just Say No”) I’d like to point out a few things. First, clearly the bodyguard business is based on networking and “who you know.” It is important that people know who you are, and what it is you do. Send your resume/c.v. to anyone who is in the position of hiring–even if a posted position is closed, or they are not hiring at that time. Employers keep files of candidates. There can be high turn-over in this business. Sometimes, a perfectly capable bodyguard just won’t be the right “fit” with a particular celebrity. Because the relationship can be almost like family, personality and discretion is paramount.

Secondly, Lohan’s former bodyguard didn’t tarnish his reputation by discussing his client’s lifestyle in hopes of a tabloid payoff. He maintained integrity and has developed a reputation for excellence on the job–which is why he was retained for another high-profile (and no doubt highly lucrative) position with Spears. One of the most valuable assets a bodyguard has, is his/her ability to maintain discretion and to manage conflicts in a manner that best represents the client.

Very recently, an extremely popular celebrity was seeking a new bodyguard.

Since this celebrity doesn’t have a lot of time (he’s very popular, remember?) his business manager is charged with the task of finding the appropriate talent for the position.

But business managers are busy people, quite often managing more than one demanding celebrity. And, since this is 2008 and the entire world moves at lightening speed, the manager doesn’t want to have to take the time to read over stacks of resumes in order to present the best candidates to the celebrity…as soon as possible.

See, the popular celebrity with the overworked business manager wants to see your brief and to-the-point CV, so you can be moved quickly to the top of the stack, scheduled for the interview and offered the job…as soon as possible. (more…)

Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion
by George J. Thompson & Jerry B. Jenkins
Published March, 2004   224 Pages

Verbal Judo is the martial art of the mind and mouth that can show you how to be better prepared in every verbal encounter. Listen and speak more effectively, engage people through empathy (the most powerful word in the English language), avoid the most common conversational disasters, and use proven strategies that allow you to successfully communicate your point of view and take the upper hand in most disputes.

I think this is one of the best books I’ve read in terms of using communication as the first tactic in diffusing conflict. Shortly after reading this book, I had the opportunity to “field test” the techniques in a real-world setting. I was working a detail and had to mediate a conflict between a (6’10″ 300-pound) extremely angry man and the principal. The principal was, unfortunately, very confrontational, and was inciting the man’s rage. I found myself in the unique position of using the “Verbal Judo” methods to manage both individuals. I can say from personal experience that the information in this book helped me to resolve the conflict without needing backup from the police, and without harm coming to either individual.

Anna Loginova Russia’s most famous female bodyguard was killed in Moscow trying to prevent her own car jacking.

Two men approached her 2007 Porsche Cheyenne as she stopped at a traffic light. One of the men opened the unlocked drivers door pulled her out of the drivers seat and jumped in. The glamorous 29-year-old and the head of a private security firm died from head injuries after clinging on to the door handle of her car and being dragged along the street at high speed as the car screeched away. Loginova was a highly respected bodyguard who protected millionaire Russian clients.

Last year, 50 Porsche cars were stolen in Moscow, including 12 within the last two months. Only three were ever found.