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.
Take the time to read trade journals, bodyguard magazines, go on the Internet to industry related sites and keep your BG resume up-to-date. Learn as much as you can; read books, articles, and go to BG seminars, talk to more experienced BGs. Then when a career opportunity comes up, you will be the most appealing BG candidate for the job.
I know you have heard it many times before that you need to network and join BG groups, but now you seriously need to do so. Many BG groups have a wealth of information available on finding work, how to market yourself and where to obtain good affordable BG training. Don’t just join, participate in group discussions and ask educated questions to the members.
With BG assignments dropping and competition getting worse, it is vital to plan at the operational level to become more technically proficient and focus your services on high-demand BG activities marketed towards potential high-net worth clients, corporations conducting layoffs and other sectors of the community now in need of BG service. Keep your momentum going to gain opportunity and when the dust settles you will be technically and tactically ready for the assignment. Good luck 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
Alonzo and Rick: Good advice guys from experienced professionals in the business!
The above is right on the money, also. Great bloggers here!
I am certainly no marketing expert, but my observations of the business side of security are that we live in a highly ‘reactive’ society, wherein protection strategies and purchasing decisions are often made following major media coverage of tragic events — often times by senior level (non-security) management who are [unfortunately] uneducated and unqualified to competently make these types of decisions. When ‘all is well’, senior executives don’t want to waste time thinking about security, but after global TV coverage, they’re hyper-sensitive.
This past week we were shocked by the events in Tuscon, but are not surprised by the finger pointing that always follows a tragedy like this. History shows us, however, that for a short time, we will see an increased demand for enhanced security systems, processes and headcount. As a matter of fact, one of the news stories last week was whether to have the US Marshals pick up security for US Senators and Representatives. I don’t know that many Deputies in the USMS, but I can tell you that they’re not staffed for that today. So, if you are a competent BG of suitable age (yes, the US government is allowed to age-discriminate in law enforcement positions) you might make some inquiries into the federal system. Likewise, because it would take any agency a long time to get authorized, funded and staffed for a project like this, you might also consider contacting your state’s Republican and Democratic party chairs so that you can introduce yourself, present your credentials and be considered for security details at political events. Most of the time, costs for security at these types of events are not paid by the US govt or by the office-holder, but by PAC’s or party funding. Go where the money is.
Also, contact some of the bigger BG agencies outside of your geographic area and see if you can get added as a stringer/contractor when they have ops in your particular area. Sometimes, it is more cost effective to call someone in a ‘foreign’ location, than it is to send someone from their home office. So, it may not be as high an hourly rate as you’re used to, but you might pick up new clients and build some lasting relationships. Again, market yourself where the money is.
If you have major industry in your area, get to know the security directors through ASIS or by cold calling. When they have protective assignments come up, your business card may be sitting on their desk.
Look to symbiotically partner with other professionals such as psychology firms that specialize in threat assessment…when they get called out to conduct assessments of at-risk individuals, security is often a consideration. You might find a market protecting them, or the clients who are caling them to assist with a troubled employee who has threatened others in the workplace.
Same thing with entertainment venues and significant community events–find out who is responsible for security and get to know them.
Good hunting!
I agree on all your advice, Doc, but I think that it should be a constant pursuit, not something to focus on when unemployed. Actually, I know I cut back on certain expenses when things get slow, and training is unfortunately one of them (it’s an expensive investment).
One thing I’ve noticed is that too many guys seem to network and put themselves out there (post on forums, try and meet people) ONLY to get a job, and it’s very transparent. I think the groundwork (following all the article lays out and more) has to be done beforehand instead, so one can reap its dividends when in need.
All the activities we talk about (training, marketing, networking) are meant to lead to employment, of course, but to the successful agents, they’re a lifestyle, not just a tool.