Executive Protection Articles

During these recessionary times many executive protection agents are looking for work. This article gives you ready to use information on a well-constructed executive protection job search plan.

Networking

Connect with as many target clients or employer decision makers as possible from your list of potential executive protection employers. Reach out to as many contacts within your network that can assist you in getting a solid referral.

Conduct inquiries and come up with additional EP job search networking opportunities with the mindset of providing value to others while enhancing your EP job search network. Share your insight on EP to get in front of potential ideal clients or employers. Imagine yourself as a one-man PR firm with one goal in mind; to land an EP job.

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As bodyguard professionals we should realize that we are a brand and our brand is designed to make clients feel safe and confident during business and leisure activities. You are selling your leadership abilities, problem solving abilities and your ability to operate under pressure successfully while keeping your clients well-insulated and removed from safety concerns.  To be successful your employees or teammates must mold easily into this brand by delivering consistent bodyguard service.

Professional bodyguards are hired for their experience, training, time-management, communication, skills, skills in taking initiative and special skills learned in the military, law enforcement, personal security detachment or private sector – marketable skills.   Security and executive protection (EPU) unit directors are looking for someone who is sincere, that can demonstrate that they have the integrity and good, sound decision making and reasoning skills necessary to become a bodyguard or member of the EPU either as a vendor or an employee.

[Read more…] about Bodyguarding: Understand what you are selling

In today’s executive protection market, companies and individuals with a small number of EP agents can thrive in this competitive market, operating from anywhere. This means assisting multinational corporations with low-profile EP for its senior execs visiting various cities in the U.S. or doing business in unstable countries worldwide.

However, by keeping your EP operation small, it’s going to be tough doing the majority of things on your own (advertising, contracting, invoicing and training).  Everybody in the EP industry is hurting, so the more you can save and help your clients save on EP services the better.

You don’t want to position yourself as a “high-end boutique” EP service provider, during recessionary times clients are looking for extremely high quality EP services at reasonable rates. Think high volume and moderate profit margins by designing your services to have a very low overhead, many EP companies and individual freelance teams go out of business because they create a large overhead structure.

Times are tough for everyone so it’s all about strategy; continue to manage your EP operations carefully with an eye towards meeting the future demands of your clients and prospects so you will be able to fund the initial assignment costs.  This means managing your cash flow so your profits are sufficient to fund your small EP team as well as having funds set aside for larger EP assignments for the future.

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In the bodyguard industry to move ahead we must keep educating our selves’ year-after-year to meet the ever-growing demands and to remain competitive, bodyguard training seminars is a great place to start. There are certain rules which should be attended to; here are some strategies for attending a bodyguard training seminar to get the most from the training experience, adding more skills as well as making professional contacts in the industry.

Arrive at the bodyguard seminar early and be prepared this includes bringing your business cards, researching the bodyguard trainers and speakers at the seminar (backgrounds and specialties). This way you’ll be better informed about the training and be able to carry on a knowledgeable conversation with them and the other attendees. Don’t forget to bring a notebook for writing down notes and information on the contacts you make.

Networking is the bread and butter of the bodyguard industry get to know the attendees at the training event as well as the hosts. Try to look and carry yourself as a professional (haircut, sport jacket and immaculate grooming). By being a clean-cut professional type, you’ll make the best possible impression and be more approachable. Make sure you bring back a stack of business cards from the contacts you make and follow-up with them in the possibility of building a strategic professional relationship in the bodyguard business.

Socialize responsibly after the bodyguard training seminar; mentally gear yourself up to talk with the attendees, the bodyguard trainers and speakers. This means having a stricter game plan; don’t drink or talk to much, extend your hand first, make good eye contact, be a good listener and learn the ropes. Be attentive and respectful to all. Don’t lose focus, keep your objectives clearly in mind – to get plugged into the bodyguard network and learn all you can about the industry. Show your genuine passion and enthusiasm, but never boastful or arrogant.

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The current economic situation has many bodyguards stressed; it’s a tough world out there. The most important thing to do is not to panic, even if you been off the circuit or out of work for awhile. No matter what situation you’re in remember economic downturns don’t last forever and now is a good time to take control of your training, focus on relevant bodyguard marketing and to make wise career choices.  You have to start taking some drastic measures in a calm and professional manner.

Training and marketing needs to become the topic of the day and it’s advisable to start to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your bodyguard services. Devote time to learn as much as there is to know about the industry. Don’t become complacent and master only a few basic BG tasks.

Now is the time to brush-up on your advance work, proper techniques of security, violence risk and threat assessment, stalking and workplace violence prevention, firearms training, intelligence, logistics, medical and other BG technical skills to make you more marketable in the industry.

[Read more…] about The Future of Bodyguarding

To make it through rough financial times we as executive protection businessmen and women need to readjust our EP outlook with serious and committed new strategies. Don’t let worry weigh you down, get out and start building your business with these EP business tips.

1. Business of service. First and foremost we are in the customer service business and should develop a customer service attitude by placing the client first. Show your clients and prospects that they are respected, valued and are significant, that through your service and devotion you will keep them and their families safe by always acting in their best interest. When you focus on what’s right for the client and they see you are bound by a high code of ethics and customer service they will have no doubt in their minds to hire you.

2. Keep focused. Keep your mind focused, positive and strong, don’t run from tough financial times; use it as positive energy to keep goal-oriented each day and to increase your self-discipline in taking efficient action for retaining your current EP clients and attracting new ones. With the clients you do have try to increase the EP assignment volume. Let them know that you are not working only for a paycheck; you’re working because you love to do what you do.

3. Be cost-effective. Run a leaner, more cost-effective and efficient EP business; eliminate all clutter. Start conserving your cash, monitoring your cash flow, ensuring your EP business expenses and your lifestyle are in line with your accounts receivable. It should be your decision to be resilient and overcome any finical adversity in a cost-managed way.

[Read more…] about Five Ways to Improve Your Executive Protection Business in Tough Financial Times