Times are challenging for countless people across the United States. Between lay-offs, pay cuts and businesses going bankrupt, a good number of individuals are pounding the pavement seeking employment. “Networking” often plays a key role in obtaining work, but in a recent article, it was suggested that Social Networking on sites like FaceBook and LinkedIn may not be the solution to rely upon when trying to find that dream job.

While these types of networking sites may serve to advertise your skills and abilities, and make you accessible to more people, most often these sites are considered to be more “social” than “business” resources. Also, while you may quickly expand your network to include hundreds of people; how many of these individuals can you really call “Friends?”

This week on the Today Show, Bob Beaudine, author of the book “The Power of Who” shared his thoughts on how to use your network, given today’s economy. He feels that most people are constantly looking to expand their pool of acquaintances and attending events in hopes of meeting individuals who can help them to obtain employment. He tells job-seekers they are all making a common mistake; waiting for individuals who may know OF you, but who don’t really personally KNOW you, to offer you an opportunity.

The likelihood of that happening is very small.  Instead, Beaudine suggests that we should be asking those near and dear to us, who know us best-our friends-for help. Friends will in turn ask their friends for help on your behalf. After all, who better than a close friend can vouch for your character, your skills and your personality?

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Executive Protection – Full Time Position

VP Protection Inc. is a Toronto based company with a combined total of over 100
years of security and policing experience, specializing in Executive Protection. 

At VP Protection, it is our mission to provide high quality service through
professional care and attention, while establishing a successful relationship with
all of our clientele.  We strive to be a leading entity that provides training,
knowledge and consulting services all over the world in the fields of security,
executive protection and strategic crisis management planning for individuals and
businesses alike.

We are currently seeking an individual to fill a full time position with an existing
Executive Protection Team in Toronto ON, Canada.

If you possess excellent communication skills, have high energy, are in great
physical condition, are committed to the highest levels of excellence that you can
achieve in all areas of your life, and follow a path of high ethical standards,
honesty, integrity and self-discipline, you are just the type of person we are
looking for. 

Experience in government dignitary, personal protection, law enforcement or security
is a plus.

Requirements for the job are as follows:

Licensing/Documents

• Valid Ontario Drivers License and clean driving record
• Valid Canadian Passport
• Security Guard and/or Private Investigator License (necessary for successful

candidate)

• Must be able to pass a criminal record check

• Documentation to validate training and experience (as appropriate)

 Skills

• Capability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent sense of judgment and diplomacy
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate with persons of all levels/ages
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexibility

• Computer literacy

If you feel you have the qualifications we are looking for, please e-mail your
resume to rickbenoit@vpprotection.com.  Please type “EP Position” in the subject
line of your e-mail.

Recently, one of my co-workers witnessed a bouncer in a bar in Lowertown,
St. Paul Minnesota. This gentleman no doubt thought he was doing his job;
but in fact he was making matters worse by physically shoving patrons who
were already cooperating; buttoning up their coats, and starting to leave.
The bouncer was actually inciting more anger from the customers, and
creating more of a disturbance for the other patrons of the bar!

Now, I know that many individuals in the Executive Protection business
don’t consider door security or bouncers to be in the same league—I’ve had
individuals express to me that any connection between the two worlds is
somehow derogatory to the profession.
I would, however, like to point out that many a prior bouncer or club
security individual has gone on to become extremely successful EP
specialists (READ BGC ARTICLE: Interview with Elijah Shaw, July, 2008).
Bouncer work is a rung on the ladder; and for many, a stepping stone
towards a successful career.

Here’s my point; success in any job at any level, begets more success. If
you take pride in your work and educate yourself to be the best bouncer or
security guard for miles, you will be noticed. I meet people all the time.
I pay attention to the security folks and the people at the door. Only a
very few ever impress me with their work—but the ones that do—I remember.
I have made it a point to learn their names or to even obtain contact
information. These are individuals who are not only good at their work,
but show up looking professional, have fantastic people skills, and great
attitudes. They know how to communicate with people without EVER having to
put their hands on them. It’s so basic to understanding how to succeed as
a bouncer.

If I can offer any thoughts as we approach a New Year, it’s this; assume
that at every turn you have the opportunity to move up in the world.
Conquer the skills needed for the job you do have, and learn all that you
can. Have as a goal that you want to receive the greatest letter of
recommendation possible from your employer. Make a strategy for yourself;
start at a small, local club and work up to more high-end establishments
where you can meet upscale clientele. Then, transition to a bigger city
where you have more opportunities for your fantastic, polished skills to
be recognized and rewarded. Go to where the wealthy, the famous and those
in need of protection live, work and play. Ready yourself for YOUR “big
break.” It may or may not happen for you, but if you don’t plan and
prepare for it, then rest assured, it will never happen!

Plan big for yourself for 2009—plan to take the small, very necessary
steps that will take you to the top.