Here are five steps to prevent you from becoming the Rodney Dangerfield of Bodyguards.
1. Not getting formal bodyguard training from a reputable academy: Take control of your bodyguard career by learning the fundamentals of the job. Not only does graduating from a recognized bodyguard academy give you a sense of accomplishment, it also indicates to prospective employers that you take your career very seriously.
2. Not having clear bodyguard career goals: Having clear goals helps you get your career in order; it gives you clarity of focus and allows you to follow a more constructive path in the industry. Write down each and every bodyguard career goal you have, deal with accomplishing each goal in an organized and logical manner, achieving things with you best interest in mind. Once you have figured out your goals, hustle; network and make things happen.
3. Not having the proper attitude: As a professional bodyguard you need the charm of a diplomat, nerves of steel and the balls of a prizefighter. You have to keep cool under stressful situations and find a solution to any challenge. Contrary to what is often portrayed in the movies, the tough guy attitude isn’t the most professional choice. To build a solid, stable, long-term bodyguard career drop the tough guy behavior. Take a breath, organize your thoughts; maintain clarity and strength of purpose and you’ll come across as true pro.
4. Poor appearance: A wrinkled suit jacket, tie not straight, a stained shirt and scuffed up shoes are not the mark of a professional. To look your best make sure your suit is wrinkle free, your tie is worn properly with the triangular point of the tie meeting your belt buckle and your shoes are shiny. At the end of shift immediately call room service. Get your dirty clothes washed and your suit jacket dry-cleaned. Pay the additional for the express two-hour service. Next spit-polish your shoes to a brilliant shine and then get some sleep. It takes discipline to look your best on grueling assignments. However, sprucing up your looks is well worth the price. You’ll look and feel better in your spiffy wrinkle-free attire in the morning.
5. Poor work performance:I’m not talking about how you perform in the box formation; every bodyguard who has some training under his belt is capable of keeping the principal safe. What I am talking about is displaying a lack of professional maturity on the job and self-sabotage. Bodyguards have to remain professional at all times, being on time and ready to work with determination, motivation and professional efforts. You need to coordinate the principal’s motorcade and foot movements in a smooth professional manner, partake in methodical planning operations, yielding maximum bodyguard results, approaching all work in a serious mode while not ruffling any feathers along the way; don’t make enemies. To improve your work performance you need to take ownership of the assignment, lead the project and deliver amazing bodyguard service. Keep safe and God speed.
About Doc Rogers: He is the author of best seller Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards and the newly released eBook entitled How to Build Your Own Executive Protection Business. Doc is president and CEO of International Corporate Executive Protection Ltd., has earned a Ph.D. in Security Administration from Southwest University, is a Certified Protection Specialist from Executive Security International, a decorated former veteran police officer and is SE Asia’s leading expert on executive protection and corporate security.
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