Bodyguard Careers - Bodyguards and Executive Protection » Doc Rogers

How to Become a Bodyguard

Hucky — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:05:57 +0000

How to become a bodyguard: By Doc Rogers
Considering a career change from your present line of work, maybe the bodyguard industry is the right fit for you? This article gives 10 powerful thoughts to help make this a reality.

1. Do you have the ability to help others? As a bodyguard you keep your clients out of harm’s way and give them the confidence they need to achieve their business and personal goals securely.

2. Continuously learning. As a professional bodyguard you will be constantly obtaining special knowledge (expertise) from your formal training, on-the-job training and independent study (often at your own cost). You should never stop learning the trade.

3. Appreciation for different cultures. You will gain an understanding of the world we live and work in, so you can better protect your clients. As a bodyguard you will learn about the cultures and the traditions of the countries you will be operating in as well as the respect for it’s people.

4. Great salary. Bodyguarding is a labor intensive profession. Charge your clients accordingly. You want to avoid having your fees to low or to high. Provide the best quality service at the best price, at a happy medium. As a bodyguard you won’t starve, but you won’t become a millionaire either.

5. Bodyguarding is a rewarding profession. Bodyguards have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their clients. Bodyguards are not only rewarded with money, but also the feeling of fulfillment in keeping their clients safe.

6. Career security. Even with a weak economy bodyguards are still needed worldwide. Bodyguards rarely take pay-cuts; our salaries stay stable even in these tough economic times.

7. Job mobility. Bodyguards can move to any part of the world and conduct business. Bodyguarding is an excellent mobile occupation that allows you to live anywhere in the world and there’s a big world out there with lots of opportunities.

8. Prestige and respectability. The respect accorded to trained bodyguards rivals that of law enforcement and the military. Bodyguarding is considered a noblest profession, according to folklore it’s the fifth oldest profession in the world.

9. Client versatility. You have a choice of working with high powered business executives, politicians, superstar athletes, famous entertainers and celebrities, as well as everyday individuals who are under threat.

10. Life long friendships. Bodyguards develop life long friendships with other professionals throughout the world. Some of these friends will become your second family while on the road. This is one of the greatest aspects of the job.

Always keep safe and God speed.
Doc Rogers is the author of Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd. Doc has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University and he is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security. To learn how to make a full time living as a corporate bodyguard visit the websites below for more information.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707
http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927
http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

Executive Protection Careers

Hucky — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:21:48 +0000

By Doc Rogers
7 Great Ways to Improve Your Executive Protection Career
Many young EP agents discover that the competition is fierce and a good a EP career is not as easy to acquire as they have expected. When trying to improve your EP career, you should applied the following methods over a period of time; as nothing worthwhile happens overnight. Apply these following improvement tips daily and watch your career takeoff.

1. Love Your EP Career. As bodyguards we wake up each morning protecting clients from insane or psychotic individuals who prey on the rich, famous and powerful. You’ve got to love your BG career because if you don’t love it, you’re not going to last long in the industry.

2. Read EP Literature. Devote a few hours a day reading EP and related topics to keep up on the latest EP trends, to spark new ideas and to get motivated. Because motivation is what guides and maintains your goal-oriented behavior.

3. Improve Your Physical Appearance. Make an investment in a new suit and tie, quality shoes, hair cut, join a gym to lose weight or bulk up. Remember, these are classified as investments not liabilities.

4. Join BG Associations: Join a professional association to network with other professionals in the business and to attend association workshops and meetings. A highly professional association is the North American Bodyguard Association the National the Director is Mr. Elijah Shaw.

5. Get a BG Career Mentor: Having a BG mentor is invaluable for improving your career. Professional mentors have been there and done that. They have the experience, connections and know-how to assist you with your BG career improvement goals you wish to accomplish. Mr. Harlan (Hucky) Austin President of Bodyguards Careers has a career consulting program that is fantastic.

6. Email BG Colleagues: Keep in contact with BG colleagues in the industry you have met. If you haven’t stayed in touch, re-establish contact with an email like this: “Wanted to send you this email to say that our friendship is a strong one and you can call on me if needed at any time.” Include your website and contact information. Don’t take up their precious time or ramble on, but do let them know about any recent BG training you have received.

7. Be Results-Driven. To improve your EP career you need to be results-driven and have a mission-oriented mindset. Focus your attention on your shortcomings. Create a training regimen for yourself: advance work studies, basic and advance EP tactics, report writing and contract writing, as well as motorcade dynamics. I hope these seven tips will help you to achieve your BG career goals. Best of luck and God speed.

The Bodyguard Job Hunter’s Checklist

Hucky — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:18:07 +0000

Bodyguard job hunting is a job in itself, and there are many ways of going about it. Job agencies, sending out resumes and posting ads are the traditional ways to get a BG and they still work. However, there are more ways to hunt for a bodyguard job. Use the bodyguard job hunter’s checklist below for your assistance.

1. Direct approach; knocking on the door of the corporation you are interested in working for and dropping off your resume personally. This may be done whether they have posted an bodyguard job opening or not. This is called “cold calling” contacting the corporate bodyguard department or executive protection unit directly to find out if they foresee any upcoming vacancies.

2. Most bodyguard jobs are not advertised; for this reason it is a good idea to send your resume out to corporations at random. There are always hidden BG jobs waiting to be discovered out there.

3. The old standby networking; however I believe it should be done with a new twist. Don’t ask everyone you meet you are looking for a job, first develop a relationship with that persons, let them know what resources and expertise you bring to the table. How you can help them, and not how they can help you. The more people you develop a relationship and know what you bring to the table the more opportunities you will have.

4. Target overseas companies; don’t be afraid to send your resume to overseas corporations if you are not having any luck locally. Make a list of overseas companies in the areas of operation that you would like to work. Call these overseas companies directly to see if they have any bodyguard job openings.

5. Meet directly with bodyguards; put on some professional attire and meet up with bodyguards that you have met on the social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc). Again, tell them how you can assist them with their operations locally and overseas. Don’t ask for a job, build a friendship, but do bring your resume for his or her review and for verification of your bodyguard training and experience so they know you are a legitimate professional.

6. Look for temporary bodyguard employment; these type of jobs can be found at boxing, mix martial arts (MMA) events, concerts and cultural entertainment and beauty pageants, anywhere there is a need for bodyguards due to local or international stars, celebrities, VIP’s and famous individuals being in attendance. Obtaining a temporary bodyguard job at one of these events, get your foot in the door, you may be called upon for future work or it can lead to permanent bodyguard position.

I hope this has been of assistance and I wish you all Good Luck on your bodyguard job hunt. Keep safe and God speed.
http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

Bodyguard Risk Management: Know Your Enemy

Hucky — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:57:40 +0000

By Doc Rogers

As bodyguards we like to believe that most people are generally decent. However, on-duty everyone is suspect. Threats towards your client can occur in the blink of an eye. Criminal motivation is simple: to take from others and often doing harm in the process. Terrorist motivation is more complicated: to cause fear by violence and by causing chaos.

When on bodyguard assignments across the world or in your own city; these groups need to be identified and their activities avoided at all costs. None of these groups have concern for you or your clients’ well-being. Though far from comprehensive this article will assist you in minimizing the criminal and terrorist risks against you and your clients. The basics of bodyguard risk management include:

1. Who is the Enemy. Ask yourself who is the most likely enemy in your area of operation (criminal, terrorist, or both)?

2. Appraisal and Evaluation. Study and learn the enemy’s goals and capabilities and what is the most risky action they can utilize against your client.

3. Strategic Planning. From historical events study the enemy’s strategies and tactics employed. Such as type ambush attacks used, weapons employed, do attacks occurring on roads, tunnels and bridges, etc. (history often repeats itself).

4. Power and Lack of Power. Identify the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses from recent and/or past significant incidents. This will help you get the broad, overall view, the perspective on the potential risks involved and avoiding them for your clients’ protection.

5. Effective Methods Used. Know the enemy’s effectiveness when carrying out their activities. Are they well organized or disorganized? Do they try to inflict maximum harm on their victims or just take their possessions with minimum violence?

6. Ability to Move. Know the enemy’s mobility and movement; do they attack on foot, from automobiles, motorbikes or a combination, what are their normal escape route procedures?

Planning your bodyguard risk management strategies for client safety should be a careful and deliberate process. As bodyguards we must know our enemies, the risks these so-called enemies’s present to our clients. It’s pretty basic stuff; but having this knowledge has a definite bearing on the bodyguards’ capabilities and the course of action he or she will take for avoidance of such risks. Keep safe my friend and God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

A Short and Concise Motorcade Checklist

Hucky — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:55:56 +0000

To be used as a quick review for all road movements during EP assignments:

• All primary and secondary routes have been checked and mapped.

• All routes to medical facilities and safe havens have been checked and mapped.

• The number of motorcade vehicles has been determined.

• The motorcade formation has been diagrammed and shown to all involved.

• Police escorts know the primary and secondary routes.

• Security drivers are to stay with their vehicles as all times.

• Security drivers are ready for “short notice” moves with vehicle doors unlocked and keys in the ignition.

• All security drivers have had at least two opportunities to conduct dry runs of primary and secondary routes.

• There is a security plan in effect for the security of motorcade vehicles during periods of non-use.

• There is a plan in effect if vehicles in the motorcade become separated.

• Road construction areas along routes have been documented on the Route Survey Report.

• All EP agents and security drivers have been issued appropriate radio communication.

• All motorcade vehicles have a first-aid kit available.

• Arrangements have been made for motorcade IED sweeps if necessary.

• Security drivers have been instructed to refuel vehicles at the end of each shift.

• Choke points or other potential risk sites have been documented on the Route Survey Report.

• All security drivers and EPS know the security plan in place for possible transportation risks.

This Short and Concise Motorcade Checklist can be reduced in size, laminated and provided to all EPU members and security drivers on assignment for quick review and for consistent procedures. All the best and God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

Bodyguarding In the Fast Lane

Hucky — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:12:30 +0000

By Doc Rogers

You have earned the right to guard clients at the jet-set level on a high-budget detail. The myth is that you don’t have to do much on these types of assignments; don’t believe the hype.

These types of details are far from being glamour jobs and bodyguarding a client with a life in the fast lane lifestyle can be very stressful. You need to keep a level head and understand the complexities involved.

Here are a few simple strategies to help you make smart winning moves on when guarding clients with a reckless, self-indulgent and free-spending sphere of activities:

1. Protection. Maintain a mind-locked mental focus; keep alert and tough-minded even in luxury environments and high-class atmospheres. Don’t get sucked into the client’s extreme jet-set lifestyle.

2. Attention to Detail. Be a facilitator for your client; be superbly competent in contributing powerfully to the client’s ability to avoid headaches, stress, and saving him or her valuable time. Learn to make things move smoothly and productively for your client.

3. Client Service. Make yourself an indispensable bodyguard to your client; handle the client with care and dedication. Be a trusted adviser and the strongest protector of the tribe.

4. Budgetary Restraints. Handle your bodyguard budget in a smart, businesslike manner. Your client has a free-spending and glamorizes lifestyle you don’t. Spend on absolute necessities to assemble and produce the bodyguard assignment requirements. All funds must be accounted for and your must eliminate non-necessary expenses.

5. Health. Avoid the trap of following the clients’ self-indulgent, fast lane lifestyle. Do some heart-pounding, blood-pumping exercise on a regular basis. As a bodyguard you should avoid habits that are damaging to your health or cause physical deterioration.

6. Behavior. No irresponsible behavior. Take criticism well, don’t have a defensive attitude; arrogance in the industry can be deadly to a bodyguard career, so act accordingly.

7. Knowledge. Even on jet-set level details you must increase your knowledge, education and insights. Pursue your education seriously. Always striving to become wiser and better than before. Learn form the best and the brightest in the bodyguard industry, keep abreast of the trade and your ear to the ground.

Now we have taken a closer look at the so-called life in the fast line assignments, we now know that it’s not all that it seems to be. There is lots of pressure under the glare of the client’s attention. The glamour of the job disappears quickly. The path to success is to up your work intensity and push harder. Keep healthy and prosper. God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

Neglect These 6 Recommendations at Your Own Peril

Hucky — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:41:26 +0000

The bodyguard industry is not a forgiving place in which to make mistakes; neglect these six recommendations at your own peril.

1. Advance Work: Do your advance work and conduct your country research at all costs. The more prior knowledge you have and the more facts you obtain the better chances you have at keeping your clients safe.

2. Self-Promotion: Bodyguards sell a product; themselves, pure and simple. If no one has ever heard of you, you have no chance to experience the so-called fame and fortune the industry offers. Bodyguards need to be professional and aggressive self-promoters in this day-and-age, because the competition is intense.

3. Luck: In this business there is no such thing as luck. Don’t sit back and hope to get lucky. Put in the time, energy, sweat and grunt-work to prepare to be lucky.

4. Training: In your down-time use these empty hours to train your mind and body. Attend bodyguard classes, advance shooting schools, exercise read industry books, manuals, and trade journals. Pump-up your muscles and brain-cells.

5. Network: Spread your network far and wide. This means making friends with other bodyguards and keeping in touch with people around the world. Having a strong network will determine your professional life. Sure, daily networking is time consuming, but it will expend your bodyguard career and bank account.

6. Tools and Equipment: It is said that a bodyguard is only as effective as the tools and equipment he or she uses. Here are some examples:

A. Resume. Use only quality paper and envelopes when sending out your BG resume to potential prospects. Wrinkled, stained or poorly printed resumes go into “file 13″ (the trash can).

B. Clothing. Wear a quality suit and tie with shoes that are highly polished. You have to look and dress the part to be taken professionally and seriously in this business.

C. Weapons. Carry on the best handguns, knives, batons, etc. Make sure you are trained and licensed to carry that particular weapon. Only carry factory new weapons with all original parts in one hundred percent condition. Any weapon you carry must function normally and be fully operable as your clients’ life may depend upon it.

Keep consistent throughout every aspect of your bodyguard career. Become known as a tough, solid, dependable professional and you will achieve the unimaginable in the bodyguard trade. Keep safe. God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

No related posts.

Honesty Is The Only Policy

Hucky — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:01:22 +0000

By Doc Rogers

There are two things in the EP business that you should never do: lie about your experience and lie about your training. If an EP agent does not have the background or skill required for a particular assignment he or she should be honest about it. If its found out that the agent does not have the background or skills he or she pretended to have they will be dismissed from the detail and be replaced.

The agent’s name will be mud in the small EP community and his or her chances of earning a good living in the industry will be difficult. Never say you have done something in the industry or lie about your background; to do so is absolutely unforgivable.

I once interviewed an agent who lied about protecting a certain Hollywood actor, one that was under contract with our company in which the agent did not know about. He was caught in a lie, the word got out and unfortunately his career was damaged.

If golden opportunities come up but you don’t have the required credentials, background, or experience to handle it professionally; you can hire someone with a thorough background and knowledge of the business to manage the assignment on your behalf, but do not lie.

Be completely honest with the prospect client or the EP sub-contractor and yourself. Learn whatever you can about the EP trade, get educated about the business side of things to be better equipped to understand the assignments you may be offered and absorb valuable insights into the workings of the industry.

But, never lie about your qualifications. You may not get that particular EP assignment, you will surely be remembered for your honesty. Keep safe and God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

Sometimes “Integrity” Doesn’t Mean “Honesty”

The Golden Rules of Bodyguarding

Hucky — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:41:57 +0000

By Doc Rogers

Here are some basic principles that should be followed to ensure bodyguard success:

1. Humility. The better you get in the BG trade, the less you have to prove it.

2. Respect. Temper your BG ambitions with respect at all times.

3. Service. Provide high-quality service with the best protection possible to make the client’s experience a safe and memorable one.

4. Advance Work. Destiny is kind to BG’s who do their advance work.

5. Integrity. Be honorable and honest in your private life and during your interactions as a BG.

6. Professionalism. Distinguish yourself as a dedicated professional with total conviction and discipline for the trade.

7. Health. Keep healthy and in good physical shape. It’s good for business and increases your career and life span.

8. Behavior. Behavior can make or break a BG’s career. Training is a prerequisite, however it will only help when added to courteousness, friendliness, reliability, trustworthiness, and other behavior qualities that make a great BG.

9. Education. Learn all you can and gain experience in the industry. Study the trade, develop your skills, keep on top of the industry and know the ins and outs of the business.

10. Goals. Set short-term BG career goals for yourself. Make strides to reach them each day. One you have reached the mark; make new goals and keep moving in a positive career direction.

11. The Unwritten Rule. Never approach, engage in conversation, trespass or attempt to steal another BG’s client. This is the unspoken and unwritten (until now) policy in the industry. To do so, you would find your career rapidly disintegrating, lose the trust of your peers, and could easily end up in a back alley with your feelings hurt. Cheaters never prosper.

If you follow the Golden Rules of Bodyguarding you will reach the peak in the industry when added with drive, dedication and passion. Keep safe and God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

A Day In The Life Of A Bodyguard

Hucky — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:53 +0000

The bodyguard industry is a tough profession, not a game. However, if you have a truckload of drive and determination you may have what it takes to become a full-fledged professional in the business.

Let’s take a look at a typical day in the life of a bodyguard. Background: The preparation for this assignment started two days in advance of the actual execution of the client’s agenda.

0100 Hours – The bodyguard has already picked-up the jet-lagged client at the airport who has crossed several time zones and safely delivered him to his hotel suite. In the client’s jet-lagged condition he probably gave little notice of the bodyguard as he swiftly guided to the waiting security vehicle.

0500 Hours – The BG wakes up in his hotel room in the dark gloomy morning hours. Clutching his wake-up coffee he scans CNN and the local newspaper to absorb any new developments.

0530 Hours – The BG heads down to the hotel parking lot to inspect the security drivers (one executive car and driver and one security follow-up car and driver). The inspection was a good one; the drivers looked thoroughly professional and the cars were spotless inside and out with full-tank of gas. The security drivers give the BG a brief of the morning traffic conditions within the grim, dirty and overcrowded city in question.

0600 Hours – The BG heads over to the hotel coffee shop for breakfast. Seasoned BG’s know they may not eat again for the next 8-hours, so they eat a good breakfast to have more energy to burn throughout the day.

0650 Hours – The BG has been fed and is suited-up, ready to meet the most important person in his career – the client. This is the time you get to make a second impression, the first one was at the airport. There are a few general rules you should keep in mind. You want to look professional (dress, walk and talk), you need to project a healthy, alert and friendly image. You should warmly greet the client with a “good-morning, sir.” Don’t expect a reply or attempt to engage in conversation.

0715 Hours – The client exits his hotel suite and the BG performs professionally by escorting him to the elevator and alerting the security drivers to get into position.

0800 Hours – The BG and the client are stuck in bumper-to-bumper gridlock. However, the BG has ran the routes at the same time and has unshakable knowledge that they will make the client’s first meeting on-time. As a professional the BG knows that he is not only concerned with a surprised ambush, but also maintaining the client’s schedule integrity.

1000 – 1400 Hours – The client’s agenda proceeds at a frantic pace; from meeting-to-meeting, venue-to-venue the BG protects the client with precision and agility. Throughout the day the BG utilized his peripheral vision to scan for potential threats, 360-degree checks of the client’s surrounding, always having an escape route in mind. Vigilance pure and simple. On the surface the BG is calm, but beyond that, no matter how hectic things are he has an intensity and a total conviction for keeping the client safe. No one else carries that responsibility but the BG.

1500 Hours – The BG delivers the client safely back to his hotel and escorts him to his suite. Prior to entering his room, the client asks the BG to make dinner reservations at an exclusive restaurant on the other side of town for 1800 hours, and the BG responds “I’m sure it can be arranged, Sir.” Clients expect miracles to happen immediately and its the BG’s job to ensure they do.

1800 Hours – By use of the BG’s professionalism and charisma he secured the reservation for the client. The client enjoyed a nice dinner with a business partner and seemed pleased. The BG kept surveillance of the restaurant keeping his anonymity intact.

2200 Hours – The BG delivers the client safely back to his hotel and escorts him to his suite. The client asked the BG to arrange a 0630 wake-up call and the BG responds “that will not be a problem, Sir.” The BG bids the client a warm goodnight.

2215 Hours – The BG returns to the hotel parking lot and briefs the security drivers on the client’s agenda for the next day.

2245 Hours – The BG writes an activity report to the client’s executive protection unit, providing essential communication and keeping them in-the-loop all the way.

2315 Hours – With the email sent and the client tucked safely in his bed for the evening, the BG heads over to the coffee shop for his second real meal of the day. The BG eats some high-quality food to keep strong and fuel his professional ambitions.

0010 Hours – Lights-out and a new day starts with a 0500 wake-up call.

This is an average day in the life of a bodyguard that demands much. These types of BG’s are an elite group whom are paid well, because they earn it. When asked about the trade, these pro’s normally response with: “I would not change a thing; this is my chosen profession and I love keeping people safe.” That’s a true professional. Keep safe and God speed.