Bodyguard Services Recession Survival Tips

By Doc Rogers

The following article provides strategies that should help you retain your present clients, as well as attract more business even in these recessionary times.

In today’s economic climate, present and prospective clients are expecting more for their money when hiring protection. This means we must add more value and better service while doing our core bodyguard duties of keeping the client safe and secure at all times.

We need to be looking for ways to make the client’s life easier; providing them with anything they may want (legally) while doing our job with professional efficiency. As professionals we must pay attention to details, no matter how small.

When obtaining information for an upcoming bodyguard assignment, on top of the standard questions we would ask to the secretary or personal assistant about the client (health, medication, risk and threat profile, etc.), we should take the time to know the following other things about the client and have these items waiting in the limousine and executive hotel suite upon arrival:

• Reading Material – Clients preference (Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, etc.).

• Refreshments – Clients preference (Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Avion, Perrier, etc). 

• Snack Food – Client preference (potato chips, peanuts, fruit, etc).

The goals during a tough economy (or anytime for that matter) is to provide dedicated point-to-point protection discreetly, not making the client feel jumpy, uncomfortable or nervous, while providing all the comforts of home.  These strategies provide more benefits for your clients that are cost-effective and classified as value-added service. Showing that you and your bodyguard services have:

• Distinguishing qualities about them.
• Outstanding features to make clients feel more relaxed.
• Excellence, better than everyone else.

Dedicate your time in developing a plan on how you can provide better customers service, added-value, while never watering down your core responsibility of absolute protection. Remember, as a professional bodyguard you are not only paid for your protective services, but also how comfortable you make the client feel.

Gain a reputation for yourself as the man or woman people turn to when they need protection in your city. Make connections here and there to facilitate your bodyguarding services, both domestic and international; keep in touch with those you meet. Start developing your plan and acting on your plan, our business rewards action, so take action and be better than your competitors.

While off-duty, try to live a quiet existence, keeping your expenses low and training high. With training, determination and loyalty you’ll gain the trust of your clients and be admired for your skills in the business. With a high level of consistency you’ll be doing business by referral only and making a comfortable living as a bodyguard. 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