By Doc Rogers
Being a contract executive protection (EP) agent and working for yourself on contracts is tougher than it looks. Most people only see the end product of protective coverage being provided to the principle. They don’t see the hours of advance work, the sometimes stressful situations and the demanding schedules that EP agents go through.
They don’t know about the months of living out of a suitcase, being on the road all the time and eating dull hotel food on a regular basis.
This is the business and you can’t escape the downsides. But its still better than earning minimum wage stateside. If you’re serious about becoming a contract EP agent working for yourself you’ll need the right attitude, training and opportunity.
Training should be your foundation of success. Read good books written by professionals in the industry. get certified and attend elite training academies.
In a world of increasing risk and uncertainty professional education counts. It is important for you to learn about threat management, EP tactics and advance work. Educate yourself to grow wiser and get high-paying clients. You must have a burning passion and desire to succeed in this industry. There is no magical way to grow and earn money in the business.
When starting out keep flexible and keep an open mind, solve security related problems and prevent threats. Be willing to pay your dues and be ready to perform physical labor in the form of advance work, conducting field surveys, running the routes, scouting airports, hospitals, hotels and venues that will be visited by your principle.
Be prepared to conduct wall-way duty, guarding the outside of the principals hotel room suite, also known as “halls and walls” duty.
Being a contract EP agent is a pretty good way to earn a living and an honest way to make a buck. After you have built a strong foundation in the business by paying your dues and you have earned the respect and gratitude of your clients, its time to increase your services and income.
Start concentrating your efforts on high-end clients and international protective assignments. When you work for yourself, you set the geographical locations where you want to work. You also reap the benefits.
Pick high and moderate risk locations where prospect clients travel to on a regular basis. Keep your expenses low while diligently building the financial resources for the initial up-front costs and funding of international assignments. Take calculated risks and have the courage to expand your EP business and generate some serious income for yourself.
It is not the purpose of this article to go into the specifics of starting your business. The purpose of this article is to get you motivated to obtain technical knowledge, build your self-confidence and do something that others might not have the courage to do. Be committed to succeed. I know you will. Good luck and God speed.
Doc Rogers is the author of the new book entitled: Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards. Step-by-step instructions on providing corporate executive protection for those new to the industry as well as veterans. Doc is the Director of Diplomatic Protection (DDP) for International Corporate Executive Protection. He is a Certified Protection Specialist and has a Ph.D in Security Administration. Prior to his appointment as DDP for International Corporate Executive Protection he was a former veteran police officer. Doc is widely regarded as the leading authority on Executive Protection In Southeast Asia and India. To learn more about the author and his new book visit: http://www.international-corporate-executive-protection.com or to order online: http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000159783
Thank you all for your kind comments and support. It is a privilege to write articles for bodyguardcareers.com and be surrounded by such esteemed professionals!
Hey Doc, great to see you on bodyguardcareers.com the best source of bodyguard info in our industry. Hope to get a chance to work with you again. It’s always a great pleasure to do so. Peace!
Great stuff and right on target.Especially if your married it’s a tough profession and very demanding.You’ll also find some people don’t pay that well.I don’t know any wealthy people that said they were bodyguards.Just make sure for all the hard work you do you get paid well.
Very…very…Well put!!!
Doc.
Nikida SSCPO-SJ1
Pesident
Second Shadow Close Protection Services