I was privileged this weekend to participate in a piece that Fox News ran on the surging demand for female bodyguards. Over the last 10 years there has been a huge increase in requests for female executive protection specialists. Even though, the overall number for female executive protection specialists is less than 3% I see an incredible potential for growth for any female considering this industry.
By Hucky Austin
One of the questions I’m asked most is, “How do I find work?” It can be very difficult to secure bodyguard or executive protection contracts and I’d like to address what I perceive as a shortcoming in terms of landing good jobs: Self-Promotion.
If going solo is your desire, go after the work diligently and persistently. Sales and marketing is very much a numbers game. You’ll be rejected or ignored a hundred times for every nibble or yes you’ll receive. It’s rough going at first but in time, if you conduct yourself well, apply yourself to personal and professional development, your reputation will bring work to your door or nowadays, your email inbox.
There are no magic pills that you need to take to become successful in the Executive Protection Industry. To put it simply, it’s just hard work nothing more nothing less. Have you heard of the saying, “Work hard now and play later?” This phrase holds great meaning. So many individuals are unwilling to put forth the effort needed to succeed in this field.
Let me explain. In order to succeed in this EP industry or any industry for that matter, you must have the desire and hunger to achieve your goal. And by the way, your goal is to obtain continuous employment in this field. One of the biggest reasons individuals are not successful in this industry is Laziness.
I speak with at least 10 individuals a week, who expect me or someone like me to not only take them to the water, but they also expect me to drink it for them as well. In other words, they count on me to hand over all of my secrets to them so they don’t have to put in any hard work. This is a simply, without doubt, called laziness. Laziness is not a characteristic that will lead to successfulness by any means. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.
Not what we give, But what we share, For the gift without the giver
is bare. ~ James Russell Lowell
Supportive advice can have a powerful impact on those who embrace and incorporate it in their life goals. So many individuals are given great advice and so often do nothing with it.
Recently I offered some knowledge to an individual who was inquiring about the Executive Protection industry. Not only did I provide him with my personal knowledge, I supplied him with the necessary steps he should take in order to get his foot in the door and succeed in the industry.
This individual was one of the few who actually listened and absorbed the information and principles I provided to him. He utilized this information to begin working towards his goals within the Executive Protection industry and was successful in his mission. This knowledge and advice so willingly offered has given this individual an entirely different perspective and has opened doors he never knew existed.
I know that in your mind you think you are the perfect fit for Tiger Media International. However, you failed to mention what you are applying for; was it the custodian, the receptionist or the security position?
By the way, my name is spelled “Thompson” and since I am a female, I was a little put off by the fact that you addressed me as “Mr. Terry Thomsen.” I suppose my first name threw you off. I suppose somebody didn’t do their research prior to submitting their materials.
Speaking of research, you mentioned that you “love to work with animals.” Our business, Tiger Media International, is a public relations marketing firm. No tigers. Or lions. Or bears.
Oh my.
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