So you wanna be a bodyguard?... Tips for new & prospective agents [Archive]

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:11 AM

"Tread Lightly": you're only a guest in somebody's life (or business), tolerated only because of the threat they're under. Some of the resentment people feel about their situation can be redirected at you. So be there, but be discreet and respectful of everyone and everything in your surroundings.
It's an unnatural thing to do to enter someone's home in the middle of the night to lock a window that the maid forgot, or take the dog from a kid's room for a scheduled walk at 0200... But we do what we have to do, do it well, and do it quickly. Don't make unnecessary noises, leave messes (the maids don't work for YOU!), or linger on what's not your property. Everything gets noticed, even what you didn't do, so be proactive about this by being on the lookout for ways to circumvent complaints.
I go as far as turning down any gratuities and food offers. If unprepared, I would rather go hungry than rely on someone to cook extra or make a trip for me. Yes, I do hurt a few feelings here and there, but no one can claim seriously that I owe them anything and flirtation attempts fall flat. Don't open the door...
People will always claim ignorance (of potential conflicts of interest) or the best intentions (they don't matter), but they'll get away with this defense - not you. You're supposed to know better; you're the expert on ethics.

Ex: on the last estate detail I led, I wasn't too proud to come early on the weekends and clean up our station and the adjacent bathroom. Yes, there was a staff for that, but I didn't want to hear one complaint from them about what my guys did in there (some had rough nights, apparently). In fact, all I heard was compliments that went all the way to the client's ears. I often joke that when I leave someone's house, there won't even be fingerprints left behind.
On that same detail, the chefs would feed us, which I immediately recognized as a potential problem, but was told to let go by the company. Sure enough, it took only a couple of months for that situation to come to a head. One of the chefs was gay and loved to lavish the most expensive items on several of us, which wasn't lost on the rest of the staff and bred resentment and rumors. Then some of my guys crossed lines by showing up in the kitchen to ask what was for dessert (!), or leaving dirty silverware at our post instead of returning it (washed) right away. See how the most innocent situation can bite you? I made a command decision, thanked the staff profusely, and assured them that we'd take care of ourselves from then on. Problem solved: be your own man, especially if you're a little short on manners...

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:12 AM

"Eager = Good; Needy/Nosy = Turn Off": be excited about a job - everyone likes that. It's refreshing. Ask how you can best help. But don't bug people right away with questions about how long it's going to go on for, whether you can be permanent on that gig, whether you can fit your other job's schedule, if your buddies can come too, or any other details. All this is only of interest to YOU.
Everybody needs to work, and we all have preferences. Unless specifically asked, keep quiet about your concerns and wait for the intel to come at the appropriate time.
It's natural to have plenty of questions when joining a new team, or assigned to a new client. Some questions have to be asked right off the bat, and people will respect you for them. But stick to the minimum at first (unless you are negotiating yourself with your own client - they'll have their limits, but should disclose as much as possible to you if you are to be effective). Because everybody is always leery of the new guy on the team, don't do or say anything that'll only make team and/or client nervous.
If you feel that folks should tell you everything because you're there to protect them, or are a LEO, remember that to them, you're little more than a necessary evil and a non-productive employee on their payroll...
Things can change later when trust is established, but be cautious at first.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:13 AM

"Listen - Don't Talk": nature abhors a vacuum, and all sorts of intel will come to you if people feel that it's not going any further than you. Most folks can't keep their mouth shut, and this can work to your advantage. But if YOU have a case of diarrhea of the mouth, they'll know better than to share anything with you. So practice silence, if that's not your nature already. We are the quiet professionals, after all.
And as this forum shows, we all enjoy sharing knowledge and experience, so read first and ask questions later; do your homework, it will pay off. If you avail yourself to it, knowledge will "find" you.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:13 AM

Control the "Information Flow": a corollary of "Listen - Don't Talk."
About your clients: aside from feeling good about yourself, why would you disclose the name of a protectee to anyone? My brother is in the industry and I disclosed a client's name to him once. My girlfriend only hears of 'VIPs'. The rest of the time, even when talking to fellow agents, I refer to current and past clients in the vaguest of terms. This is a matter of discipline. Eventually, you'll find that names have a hard time passing your lips and it's SOP to use nicknames or initials (a lot) within a given company or detail.
Whether famous or not, your clients are wealthy individuals and their reputation and privacy are very valuable to them so respect that, even if they didn't have you sign a NDA.

Ex: my last big client (high on the Fortune 500 list) told me that I could use her as a reference when I left her detail. I thanked her, but also assured her that I never disclose who I've worked for - only company names and types of duties are listed on my resume.

This may hurt my career to a certain extent, but I feel that names are irrelevant (if you don't directly work for someone as sole personal security or security director, in which case you can ID them). If after interviewing with someone, a couple of big names are what would seal the deal, I don't want to work for them. Be aware that some clients fish for intel on their friends, associates, and competitors - let domestic staffs do the gossiping.
Then there's PERSEC and professional distance. I shamelessly steal from the spooks' playbook on that one: I deflect questions, feed disinformation, and otherwise keep my lips mostly sealed.
Why? People will be curious, and talk, and speculate about you.
Information is power, so why give it to them? Your client doesn't need to hear about your trip to Thailand from his secretary - actually, it could creep him (or her) out, and questions could arise as to why you felt the need to share (Thailand is a beautiful country, though!).
But you don't want to be a "wall" either because this too makes people feel uncomfortable and will only entice them to dig even deeper.
So I practice the art of "fake openness": I don't volunteer ANYTHING, but when asked a direct question, I answer right away and without squirming. My answers come from a repertoire of ready-made, vague, and innocent "trivia". I'm an open book the pages of which are mostly blank. In the end, you should be perceived as a nice guy with a cheerful and reasonably open personality. But no one should really know you, The Gray Man.
Trying to impress or befriend people on the job is a big and common mistake. Do your job well and stay beyond reproach - if that doesn't impress them, then nothing else will.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:15 AM

"Friendly, Not Friends": a corollary of Control the "Information Flow" and "Tread Lightly", among other subjects such as "position of trust", "professional distance", and "conflict of interest". A complex and delicate issue.
I have no trouble observing that one since it is in my nature to keep others at a distance, but I've seen people resist it tooth and nail. Conflict of interest is a hard concept to grasp, apparently, to wit the casual way people looked at Bill Clinton's indiscretions. Where did I hear that with great power comes great responsibility?
Listen, people skills are critical to keep working: you'll network (schmooze) with fellow agents and have to be accepted in many circles where you don't really belong. BUT, being pleasant and putting people at ease IS NOT a popularity contest any more than our job is one.
Creating relationships (friends and more) on the job is such a minefield... Some detail leaders will specifically order rookies to keep their mouths shut or monitor their every word because of the high potential for screw-ups. I don't like doing this to a fellow agent and it has bit me before where it hurts...
Because you have to navigate that tricky line where people "like" you (many agents bounce for no better reason than personal dislike), but don't want to get too close to you. They have to perceive you as a dangerous individual, but not TO THEM, otherwise they'll resent your presence.
And you don't want anybody to place you in the compromising position of owing them any kind of favor (even perceived only), or of appearing to be friends with you. Since your one and indivisible loyalty goes to the job, the protection of the hiring party, how can you do that job if your loyalties are varied?

Ex: how can your client speak freely in front of you if they suspect that you may be "close" to an employee they are planning to fire? And you can't protect someone you "care" about anymore than a surgeon can operate on family, so you can't be too close to your client either.

As a rule of thumb, ask yourself whether your clients would be comfortable with your private interactions with their entourage. The problem is that many clients are confused themselves and it's up to YOU (the ethics expert, remember?) to be the grown-up and cut loose of any potential ties. Turn down all invitations to socialize, especially with the opposite sex, and all gifts and favors - that'll be a start. Don't be rude, and if people insist, you may have to give in to avoid creating a bigger problem, but not before having made a stand and drawn that line in the sand for them.
So learn to walk that fine line, "friendly, but not friends" (easier said than done, trust me). IME, few people recognize potential conflicts of interest, and even fewer do the right thing and remove themselves from the situation.

ETA: I wanted to expand a bit on gratuities. It is perfectly OK to receive gifts, bonuses, etc. directly from the client, of course. If working there via a company, they should be notified in theory, but I know I haven't bothered them about every fruit basket (we can be the end target of a lot of "re-gifting"...). Out of politeness I usually start by declining - that gives people an out. And if they're serious, they'll insist... and it would be best to accept, then. ;)

But it's really when the offers come from other people that it gets tricky. Some guys jump on everything offered to them and that's just lame in my view. We're well payed pros - we can feed ourselves. Plus as I said, there's often an agenda behind the gesture: people are sometimes trying to get close to you or place you in their debt. Best to stay clear; you'll be establishing a track record of integrity that way. Next time something comes missing, no one will look at you twice, and people should trust you blindly around their valuables and loved ones. Of course a gift can be innocent too, and it's always going to be a judgment call.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:15 AM

Don't Be A "Braggart": our line of work is an island of machismo in the ever more castrated and feminized world we live in. Many guys feel the need to impress fellow agents, clients, and anyone who'll listen, with feats of strength and other war stories. This is a need born out of insecurity so resist it! The more you know, the more you realize how little you know - talking only paints you as a wannabe or poseur. The truly great in this world, regardless of their chosen art, are humble people. They take their profession seriously, not themselves.
It's one thing to share stories with an agent you know, or here on a forum for professionals, and quite another to entertain everyone within earshot with your "toughness" or skills. You'll end up hurting your career by driving away the real pros, and trust me, most of them can very well size you up without your having to utter a single word.

Ex: I was the sorry witness of a typical pissing match once. Two guys were arguing with each other about who was the best shot. No one would back down. A couple questions from me revealed that these jackasses had never seen each other shoot, and one even admitted to never shooting further than 20' away because there was "no need for that"... Testosterone side-effects at their worst. What else did they achieve besides looking like idiots?

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:16 AM

Don't "Sound Like A Rookie": besides bragging, few things help people label you as a newb as gear talk. Don't get me wrong here: we ALL love our stuff and discussing it with fellow pros. That's one of the reasons forums like this one are created. And those are a more appropriate venue for questions than a chance encounter in the field.
But pros also know that all personal preferences aside, a gun's a gun like a man's a man. So if when you meet someone, the first words out of your mouth are "Hey, what kinda gun is dat?" or "So, what kinda boollits you use?"... Expect deafening silence or a terse "It's my sidearm. I load it with proper ammunition."

Ex: I carry a 1911 and everyone knows what it is and why the goddamn hammer is back. It does get glances when exposed, but the last idiot who asked me about it only got "don't worry about it" for answer.

Another thing I hear too often is, "I use brand X because it's The Best!". Ignorance (we've all been there) is something you should keep to yourself as much as possible. There is no best anything. Some things are more appropriate for some people in some situations. So while what gun riding in an agent's holster will tell me something about the man, I don't focus on that to know who I'm dealing with (even some good people carry Glocks! :devil2:).

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:17 AM

"Let Your Work Promote You": just like bragging, keep those business cards to yourself.
There's a time and place to advertise - working someone else's gig or assisting a detail is not one of those. At parties there's always the guy hogging the buffet and the one passing around cards; don't be them - everyone notices and they're never called back.
As I said before, be quiet, be humble, be personable (enough), look sharp, and do your job - this will be your best way to generate business, especially repeat business. I've never heard of anyone requested because of the great war stories they tell or how spiffy their stationary looks.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:17 AM

The "Superman Rule": only human, but don't let them see you sweat.
Again, people (event staff, clients and their employees, relatives and friends) will try and make all sorts of small talk to figure you out. Innocent intentions or not on their part, resist the temptation to share your problems or pains. They are not the shoulder to cry on, you are. When they hear about your bad back or heartbreak, they may act (and may genuinely be) concerned or interested, but before you know it the seed of doubt will be in their mind: can he do the job? How can he protect us in his condition?
Now don't brag ("I bench 350, I can handle anything!"), but don't complain. It's also about "treading lightly" and not being a burden to anyone. You're the rock, the one nothing hurts, not a source of worry.
That's also a tough one to keep up over time. Eventually, people notice your limitations, but by then you hopefully have that all-important "track record" to back you up. "Yeah, that day he may have not been on his A-game due to the flu, but that guy is usually really on top of everything."

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:18 AM

"Be Prepared": so many things go into this, but by that I mean here quit fretting about the latest duty ammo or combat move, and get into the habit of being ready for anything.
When you take a job, be prepared to do it - whatever it takes, and to finish it - no matter how long it lasts. This WILL take a toll on your personal life. If you have a needy girlfriend/boyfriend, make a choice right now because it won't get any easier with time. I work weekends, nights, holidays, and as many hours I can at once to maximize my "investment" in time and travel. Work can be sporadic and when it rains it pours, so be ready for that too. If the friends or woman can't handle it, I don't need them in my life because this is what I do and who I am.
Always have cash, and/or available water/food and extra gear and clothing in your vehicle. Don't drive with a near-empty gas tank - it's Officer Safety 101, but what if you're redirected to another job site at the last minute, or the client's car is unavailable and someone needs to be rushed to the airport?
Always have the basics such as pen/paper/cell/light on you. I was never a boyscout, but I've been doing this for so long that it's shocking to me to run into guys not packing a pen. Worry about that before you sweat the "+P or not" question...

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:18 AM

Always "Appear In Control": this skill actually comes with experience, but you have to learn it ASAP. A big part of what we do is project confidence: it reassures our protectees so they can focus on their life or business, and sends a message to potential threats. You walk tall, carry yourself like a man, pay attention... and smile (not always of course). Relaxed focus. It's a mix of good mental disposition and body posture. Martial arts help, as well as having BTDT, but it's really a matter of having the right attitude ("can do, and will gladly").
This is no big secret how we can "make" each other in the field, unless doing undercover work.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:19 AM

"Burst That Bubble": the "sheep" live in theirs, while ostriches like to stuff their heads in the sand - we can't afford to do either.
You have to remain alert to potential threats AND available to your client's verbal and non-verbal communication. How can you achieve this without keeping your head up?
Unfortunately, so many details are "boring" that even clients encourage us to be distracted, and cell phone use has reached epidemic proportions. I've mentioned in another thread how disturbed I am by this: I simply do not buy that one can react as fast while engrossed in conversation, and have observed many agents claiming the ability to maintain full alertness drop their guard completely when on the phone.
It is just one of those modern life evils (that all of a sudden everyone needs to, and feels entitled to reach you at all times), but no one says that you have to just give in. IF you're going to conduct business while in the field (I know it's unavoidable), keep it short and efficient. Turn your phone off (OFF!) when actively engaged in protective duties. Ever had your cell ring while a team member chats in your earpiece and the client whispers something to you as you're getting them in or out of a car, looking out for threats at the same time?

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:19 AM

"It's Always A Test": well, maybe not, but take it that way anyway.
On the job (and off, if someone spots you elsewhere!), you're always on display, performing for the camera or people's eyes, and speaking on the record. So watch everything you say and how you behave; it will keep you safe and out of trouble.
You could dismiss this as paranoia and be right (guilty as charged, or is it sick?), but over the years I have seen this confirmed many times. Surveillance, client, team leader, the public... there's always someone watching. So keep your guard up, trust no one, and don't say anything (even "in confidence") that you don't want to hear repeated later to you.
Learn to look at your work in a detached and objective manner, as though from an outside point of view: are you what you would want to pay for? Would anyone try and sneak past you? Could anyone take you out easily?
And interactions with security personnel are not regular interactions. Someone approaches you? Talks to you? Asks questions?... What is the agenda?
And their questions may be innocent, but your answers may not (revealing too much), so keep them short. It will discourage attempts to extract anything from you, and keep you from having to explain what you were doing talking to that person later (especially if from the other sex).

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:20 AM

Don't Be Fooled By The Profession's "Glamour": it's not all fancy hotels and sharing the spotlight with Very Important People.
While there is some of that, you'll actually work hard when on the job. Very little of events and exotic locales can be enjoyed while you're running scenarios through your head, scanning crowds for threats, planning routes, and being up before, and in bed after, everyone else. It always makes me laugh when one of us says he went "on vacation" with his client, but maybe it's just me.
Regardless, people considering the profession would do well to realize early on that they'll work long and thankless hours, often on their feet, uncomfortable. It's an amazing job, mind you, but don't be that guy always complaining that he wasn't fed at the party. Can't you go 4 hours without food? Of course you can; you're Superman...
Our clients often fall prey to a sense of entitlement that comes with their status - we have no such right.

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 09:21 AM

"Respect Your Elders": you dream of it, they've done it.
You may have two things they don't, youth and enthusiasm, but don't dismiss them too quickly. Unlike you they know what battles to pick and how to win them, and that skill is invaluable, so watch and learn (no, don't get out of shape and incapable of staying awake on the day shift!).
But I also would like to address something else here. I don't know whether it's an issue of bad manners or too much eagerness, but please respect our time. As I've said before, most of us are full of stories and tips that we like to share - experience is expensive to acquire, but most like to do for others what was never done for them.
This out of the way... why would anyone walk up to an agent, especially in the field and out of the blue, and blurt out: "hey, I'd like to be a bodyguard, let's have lunch so you can tell me all about it!"? Exactly what is my motivation for "giving" you time and free advice?
Those who have met me know that I'm not shy about sharing pointers and intel. I've been known to shoot people detailed emails with company names, rates, types of work to expect, etc. One, it's good karma for me, and two, good networking: I may run into this agent again later in some capacity.
But I've had rookies tell me (not ask) that they'll come and visit me on the job for consultation, or call me (without notice and when convenient for them) to read me their 3-page resumes over the phone... Guys, this is not the way to go about this. Be a little more considerate. Unless you already have a rapport with someone, don't make them your private coach because they were kind enough not to tell you to get lost and figured the few tips they never got could get you started.
Remember those wise Mark Twain words: "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first."

Sumo

12-23-2009, 06:30 PM

all great advice LT. I still consider my self a novice even though I have been working for awhile in this industry. I make some of these same mistakes (probably too often) its always good to be reminded to stand still and shut up (and even...smile once in a while)

Local Talent

12-23-2009, 06:59 PM

I hear ya, Sumo. Difference between me and a "novice"? I usually know exactly what mistake I'm making when I trip myself up... :D
I've seen a lot of guys bite the dust over the years, and this list is so they didn't do it in vain, not that I'm necessarily doing any better than them... :o
I'm sure we all have a lot to share in that dept.

Geo

12-24-2009, 08:01 AM

Hey all,
Hope everyone has a great holiday. Keep me in your thoughts when your all snoring tonight and I'm working. I have a special client that asked me to work overnight. So I took the job. Hey this pays for all my presents...lol

Local Talent

12-25-2009, 10:12 AM

Reading again Sumo's mention of standing still, and in our restless times of ADD and constant distraction, I'll submit this Blaise Pascal quote: "All human evil comes from... a person's inability to sit still in a room."
Our job can be very zen that way - there is so much waiting. And during that waiting, you will be watched. So if you can't stay put, practice stillness because otherwise people will start doubting you.

There'd really be a lot to say about that, but this is a bodyguard's forum, not a place for philosophical or spiritual essays.
Lemme just say that I've seen too many employers try to counter the "common knowledge" that "idleness is the mother of all vices" by keeping their agents "busy". They give you paperwork to fill out (endless reports or tests to take), or other menial scheduled tasks to get you off your butt or prevent you from planning mischief or falling asleep on the job.
Needless to say I deeply resent this: it's insulting to a professional. Don't make me busy, I can very well stay put, and actually often need that to do my job properly. If they don't trust their agents, they should review their hiring practices.

Ex: a recent client asked all agents (especially younger ones) whether they'd be bored at the estate, a trick question. My answer to this was: boring is good. I am getting paid after all, and have seen more than my share of "excitement" on the job. I therefore do not come to work expecting to be "entertained", I come to provide a service.
And then, to fill the down time sure to come, I know ways to be useful, by maintaining equipment, making extra checks usually neglected, or offering help to the residence staff (now that's something clients LOVE to hear).
My boss must've hated me because he had just admitted that , "yes, it is a boring job" when I countered that when an agent claims to get bored I question his ability to do the job... :D

Lone Wolf

01-04-2010, 04:51 PM

LOL LT your to funny, but you make a great point in what you are saying here. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves busy so we can properly do our jobs... Even the most meanial tasks ie equipment maintenance or vehicles or what ever it is.. Mine was the residental network... I was tasked with keeping the network inside the estate up and running 24/7 365. It wasnt an easy task either since the estate was something like 37,000 sq ft and we also had a VPN between the estate in NY and FL that had to be kept going at all times.... What a challenge....

Local Talent

01-05-2010, 01:16 AM

I'd hate to have to relate to you guys some of the things I've been tasked with while posted at estates... Becoming "part of the team" there is one of the secrets for retaining your position, and once you realize that a lot of the clientele's support systems are made up of incompetent, brown-nosing leeches... You can see how busy a bodyguard can get "helping" people out. ;)

There's a line to draw: I won't do anything illegal or (too) dangerous (crossed that one a lot, though). For the rest, it's all about this: does what they ask you to do put anybody at risk by distracting you too much?

xxl610

02-10-2010, 01:24 PM

Thanks for the info. Its nice to see it broaken down.

Local Talent

02-10-2010, 01:41 PM

Thank you, xxl610. Bear in mind that this is one man's take, however. Not everybody agrees on all these points, and I hope that some of the members here will keep chiming in and shedding their own light on the job.

Local Talent

02-18-2010, 08:21 PM

"Be there, and be there early": I'm sure I've related somewhere else the words of one of my first employers: "I don't care how good you are, what good are you if you're not there?" That stuck with me and I've come to the conclusion over the years, many will confirm this, that reliability is the #1 quality for security personnel.

Believe it or not, "lowly" security officers, sometimes paid barely over minimum wage, are expected to report to work 10-15' before their shift starts. The reason is that it gives the officer relieved the time to give detailed pass-downs without having to stay over just to help his/her relief get started and do a proper job.
It's also a matter of courtesy and officer safety, in that the person you relieve may have obligations requiring them to leave on time, and that coming early allows you to sniff out potential problems in your environment before jumping into the job itself. It's often wise to drive/walk around your assigned location instead of rushing in.
Finally, one very important reason for the overlap is also to maintain coverage, of course. You can't have an officer walking off post without relief because he has a pressing need to leave, and giving the company no time to turn around.

Now for us in EP, this still holds true, but the expectations are higher due to the pay rates we command, the threat levels we face, and the caliber of our clients (you are not to make anyone wait for you - this is a major no-no).
So depending on the type of detail, of course, I'd say that the expectation is that an EP agent be at his assigned location 30' before due time.
This also gives the team leader, if we're talking about a multi-man detail, enough time to do a head count, pass radios around, and give his briefing, drivers the time to check their assigned vehicles, etc.

Now I know that some are scratching their heads here, and asking how all this can be legal. Well... it's not: no one can force you to work for free and I know that some companies got into hot water with the labor board for making early, unpaid starts an obligation.
But consider this: the time you "give" when you report early, you get back when your relief does the same for you. I've never seen anyone complain about going home before the end of their shift (unless fired :D)...
And the guy who's always rushing and arriving in extremis, say 2-3 minutes before his due time, WILL be late every time something unexpected happens (flat tire, traffic ticket, fender bender, traffic jam, etc.). Well, tardiness, as I said, is a no-no. A partner or client waiting for you can be at risk because of your failure to plan correctly.

At this level in the industry, you have to stop seeing yourself as a wage earner, and begin to act as a well-paid professional who does whatever it takes to get it done, and places the mission and the team before his petty concerns.

On every detail I've been, there's always the one guy who never seems to manage time well (to be delicate). You guessed it: he/she is also often the first one to go. Not knowing (or abiding by) the above is a sure sign that the agent has not paid his dues and has no loyalty to the team/company/client, in my opinion.

Lone Wolf

02-20-2010, 07:01 PM

Well just my .02 on the subject.. But being on time to work is getting there at least 15 minutes early, being early to work 30 minutes early.; I personally prefer to be 30 minutes early just because being on time is being late in my book...

Local Talent

02-20-2010, 11:11 PM

[...] being on time is being late in my book...
Yeah, that's how one ends up thinking. If I'm waiting for someone (professionally) and I don't see them at 15' till... I start thinking something's wrong. So those showing up right "on time" demonstrate that they're not really in our business (barring an unforeseen impediment, but then they should call ahead).

Lone Wolf

02-22-2010, 07:45 PM

Yeah, that's how one ends up thinking. If I'm waiting for someone (professionally) and I don't see them at 15' till... I start thinking something's wrong. So those showing up right "on time" demonstrate that they're not really in our business (barring an unforeseen impediment, but then they should call ahead).

YUP it is what it is.. Those that "show up" are just that.. They show up... and dont really care about who they are providing relief for or even the profession...

I cant wait to start teaching firearms classes... Man dont be late to the range.. :machinegunner:

Local Talent

03-10-2010, 04:35 PM

"Bodyguarding is not bouncing": there's time for violence and time for diplomacy. If you confront a trespasser/burglar in the middle of the night, they should see your tough side, no doubt. But in your daily interactions while in the employ of your client, gaining cooperation is key to ensure that you'll both keep things running smoothly around you... and that you'll keep your job.

A little respect and willingness to understand others greatly minimize opportunities for conflicts, and puts people on your side. I strongly suggest a verbal judo class (our LE friends probably all received training to that effect, if it wasn't called that).
That way, instead of leaving a trail of bruised egos (that'll turn into backstabbers) in your wake, you'll create allies that can help you do your job and that you can even turn into intel sources.

So unless you work for a rapper (it's an image thing), drop the frown and use smiles and good manners, those social lubricants, to your advantage instead. And be helpful. I'm not talking about making friends with anyone, mind you, but about getting things done and gaining acceptance. Because let's face it, if you play Mr. Macho Man to impress everybody you encounter, people will see it for what it is (insecurity and inexperience) and drop banana peels all over the place to watch you trip. The bigger you are, the harder the fall, and who doesn't want to see that, ya know? Acting all tough and dangerous really turns off a lot of people, too, and your client doesn't need/want to hear that you're scaring anybody (unnecessarily).

Your team is really only the other agents working with you (if there are any, and if you're lucky!). But you'll quickly see the value of an "extended" team made of assistants, domestic staff, drivers, vendors, contractors, valets, concierges, etc. Be respected by all these folks by being professional above all, but never underestimate the power of Mr. Nice Guy.

Ex: a very inexperienced agent is put in the dog house (graveyard shift at the estate) in reason of his inability to "get along" with a contractor, or even to put aside his own animosity after having been told to back off. His "my way or the highway" attitude not only didn't get results, but hurt his standing at the account.

Local Talent

05-25-2010, 11:33 PM

"Don't Go Stealing Clients": I mentioned conflicts of interest and ethics earlier. People around us will be confused - WE should be the ones crystal clear on what's right and wrong.

If a company assigns you to protect one of their clients... the contract is the company's, not yours. The way I look at it is: I would never have worked there in the first place if my boss hadn't signed that person and sent me to them.
So no matter how I feel about the company, or how the clients trust me, or even how bad they want out of the contract, I never cross that line. It's like cheating with someone's spouse or stealing, and clearly another violation of the "Gentleman's Rule", to run with your employer's client.

Now I know what some are going to say:
1. It happens a lot,
2. What if the client is very unhappy and insists, based on their trust/good rapport with the agent?
3. It's business, and if they're leaving, they might as well end up in "good hands".

OK, but be pragmatic if you're a little short on conscience, then. Like in the case of cheaters, your relationship with a client you took from someone else will always be based on a toxic premise. You displayed poor ethics (even if that benefits them) and they may treat you like they did you a favor by cutting the middle man, or change once they feel they "own" you. Think of what you'll do when it's time to move on to another client...

And we did talk about the "track record" in the industry. Everybody will know, and it's a bad rep to have, not to be trustworthy. The company may also very well take legal action if you signed an agreement prohibiting you from solliciting employment directly from the clientele.

Some companies are clearly paranoid about this, so if you freelance on the side and/or seek your own license, be discreet because that could keep you from getting some jobs.
They are short-sighted, because no one needs a PPO to steal a client, but I think that some bosses feel threatened by enterprising and independent agents. When you expect someone to remain on a $15/hr detail "forever", you're obviously not looking for high caliber pros who can think for themselves, more for folks who'll stay "in their place", so beware of that mentality too.

The above is the same reason why it is frowned upon to pass around business cards at events and such (if you're part of a detail, not freelancing alone). There's a right way to market yourself like there's a right way to network, while some things are in poor taste, if not downright unethical.

Personally, I value ambition and have helped guys better themselves - it's not right to keep anybody down. But I instantly lose respect for those whose plans jeopardize the work and/or standing of the team they belong to at a given time.

Local Talent

05-26-2010, 10:50 AM

"In Doubt, Do Nothing": OK, that might generate some discussion... :D
When I started out in this business, I was all over the place. I broke fights (a no-no), stepped off property to make arrests (a very bad idea), and otherwise thought I was part of the Thin Blue Line (:rolleyes:)... But it's a typical rookie mistake to try and save the world. Do you recall that line from the movie "Colors": "No son. Let's WALK down and &%#$ 'em all". ? ;)

It's way too easy to give in to control issues in private security because of the small areas under our control. But in the end you learn how little you can actually do and how much "window dressing" the job really is. Let's face it, we're more often assigned somewhere to take the fall than to actually solve problems, and we often get in trouble by actually doing or reporting something. The messenger gets blamed.
I've recently had to tell a supervisor of mine to "learn to let some things go", and since he couldn't, he ended up in the "dog house" (not my doing).
Detail Oriented = Good / Control Freak = Bad. :)

So I often use another favorite quote of mine to drive this point for the younger and more enthusiastic members of the teams I'm on:
"One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do, and always a good thing to say." (Will Durant)

This is NOT to say that the job is a sham and that we should sit on our hands! Because another thing I've learned is that stuff WILL happen (and usually on my watch). So we HAVE to be alert and proactive, precisely to prevent things that we can't do much about from happening in the first place.
To put it bluntly, what I mean is that newer agents should first and foremost keep their eyes and ears open... and mouths shut. Watch how the senior guys react, if they're around.

I'm repeating myself here, but if you cover all your bases (punctual, reliable, sharp, properly licensed and equipped, positive, eager, quiet, alert) you'll have won 90% of the battle. That's one area where a lot of military- and/or to a lesser extent LE-trained guys shine, BTW. People don't know what you can do (and probably never will!), but they do know what they see so get that part right first.

Ex: God knows I hate doing that because I encourage initiative and input, but I've had to muzzle guys who would otherwise come up with "great ideas" to share with the clients.
One guy seriously suggested installation of a searchlight to be pointed at the front gate of a Bel-Air estate because that's what he used at checkpoints in the sandbox. Wrong neighborhood.
Another wanted to inform the client that her maid drank on the job. That "intel" was hearsay, courtesy of another maid, and we were being manipulated.
Telling on the client's staff, family, or kids, must be one of the riskiest things to do, BTW. And there's a protocol (fine line) to follow for suggestions on how to improve security procedures and equipment. See: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233

The flip side of all this is of course that if there's a doubt there is no doubt, so you see how confusing things can get.
There will definitely be times when decisive action will be necessary, and this is where your "common sense" (that least common of things) will be tested. :)

Local Talent

05-26-2010, 04:57 PM

Don't Be A "Millennial": also see "Generation Y", "Trophy Generation" or "Peter Pan Generation".
I brushed on that in post #20, although frankly, I've noticed the same thing in greying guys like me so it's not always an age thing. And one of the most dedicated and squared away agents I ever met is 20 years my junior, after all, so I don't wanna generalize too much.

This being said, what I'm addressing here is the attitude that some things (like good EP jobs) are somehow owed to some. If you pay attention, you'll notice that even the older guard can have trouble making $$$. And we have BTDT, paid our dues, and accumulated training and experience. It's just the nature of the beast - there are no guarantees, except for ups and downs.

I don't think that hiring managers or detail leaders expect agents starting out to have lengthy resumes, BTW. I know I mostly look at the person's attitude because it's the hardest thing to change. Sure, sometimes you'll be asked to hit the ground running, but those details aren't usually for rookies. So most of the time, especially when integrated to a detail, you'll be cut some slack. Just don't be surprised to be put on graveyard or weekends for a while, the time to learn the ropes and prove yourself.

I've never seen someone bounce because their groups weren't tight enough or they couldn't produce a diploma from the best EP school. What I did see was loads of guys fall flat on their faces, get transferred, or get fired due to of all kinds of character flaws, however, so keep the right perspective in mind.

A humble, respectful, and eager approach goes a long way. Because getting along with your team mates and walking the line is important, but also because this will never get you in trouble with the clients.
The thing to keep in mind is that we provide a service and that there will be hardships to endure (long hours, schedule changes, physical discomfort and risk, stressful situations, etc.).

Are you patient, quiet, discreet, serious, dedicated... and most importantly a team player? If so, by all means get licenses and training, but the former qualities are highly sought-after in EP and what really matters in the end.
Unfortunately, this is not how kids have been raised in the past few decades. Now, folks expect instant gratification and frequent pats on the back. But it's about the client and about the team before being about you. Be confident - not a jackass. Be giving - not demanding and complaining.
And again, this is where guys who've served (military or LE) have an edge: the "Me Generation BS" has (hopefully) been beaten out of them and they (usually) know to work for something greater than themselves.

Lone Wolf

05-26-2010, 07:24 PM

Like you Im not an expert on these things but what your saying makes very very good sense...

Local Talent

05-26-2010, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the endorsement, Wolf, but don't call me no expert - I've just been at it for almost as long as yourself! Simply pouring out some of my modest observations here in the hope that they'll help the new talent figure the business out better... and prevent my head from exploding at night. :D

This is a forum, not a blog, BTW (!), so all are invited to comment, challenge, and expand. They write books on this stuff, after all... Because as much as I hope I'm making enough sense, there is always another way to look at things. :)

RHINOMAN

05-29-2010, 01:02 AM

Thanks buddy, great words to live by!!

Lone Wolf

06-01-2010, 04:40 PM

Local Talent

06-01-2010, 06:47 PM

Once again LT have to hand it to ya you did an awesome job with this post.. And from my limited experience as well I will tell you that you are 100% right on..

Keep in mind that your actions WILL ALWAYS SPEAK LOUDER THAN YOUR WORDS..

If you knife someone in the back.. Figure its just a matter of time before it happens to you as well...

Thanks for the compliments and words of wisdom, brother Wolf.
I had an incident where the principal's daughter would often sneak out and run off with her friends.. OMG tough situation and it was a no winner it eventually cost me my job.. They would only assign one person to her.. What a pain that was.. But it is what it is.. and from my perspective its just a matter of time until this billionaire's daughter becomes a casualty of her actions...
Tough. That's why we make the big bucks, eh? Sometimes you know the axe is gonna fall and we're just hired for our long necks... I've been lucky in that I've dodged most of those bullets so far, usually by smelling the coffee and leaving the detail before getting burned. Sometimes we gotta be good at identifying threats to our paycheck. "You stay put too long - you take a hit." is my motto. ;)

Lone Wolf

06-02-2010, 01:40 AM

I totally agree with you on this.. I smelled this one coming and just failed to act in advance.. Of course it was kind of funny I had decided in November just before this incident it was time for me to move on I was in the process of submitting my resignation and decided to hold off... Long story short I ended up being able to draw unemployment for a while because of this. If I had of resigned I wouldnt have been able to do that even... I have worked a few small gigs since then and am contacted frequently to do several other small gigs.. But as I have previously stated Im more into the training aspect than the field work now days.. I do have a 4 hour gig next weekend and well... I will be getting 5 hours worth of pay.. So its all good for me... but field work is really getting old..

I used to joke (kinda) about instructors:

There are those that can and do (Field Work)
Those that cant... Teach...

Ahhhh but I realize one really important flaw in this formula...

There are those that have been there done that and now want to share their knowledge with others that may be helpful in the other persons potential future...

Local Talent

06-02-2010, 10:40 AM

There are those that can and do (Field Work)
Those that cant... Teach...
I think that, to a few exceptions, there's a lot of truth in this.
There are those that have been there done that and now want to share their knowledge with others that may be helpful in the other persons potential future...
Hopefully, that's precisely what we're doing here on this very forum!

Local Talent

06-04-2010, 11:23 AM

Look Like A Pro: this should be a bit controversial, too - I'll give you my personal take, but there are others and I hope some will share their viewpoints. They do vary.

As a rule of thumb, I 'd say we can't go wrong with taking our cues from LE or the military. A lot of guys come from those backgrounds anyway, so that creates an expectation regarding what pros should look like. But we're civilians, of course, so standards are relaxed and there are accommodations to be made to fit in with certain clients.

In general and unless instructed otherwise I wear a suit when interviewing (with anyone), escorting corporate folks, or working events.
In LA, "business casual" tends to be the look on most driving/escorting or estate gigs.
And sometimes, we're issued uniforms (even if it's just a windbreaker or shirt with a logo on it) - less leeway there.
I always ask about the dress code at the time of booking, or when interviewing with the person in charge of a detail. Better play it safe and over-dress on your first day, too, rather than risk a faux pas.

So...

Suits: conservative cut, darker colors (can't go wrong with solid black, navy, or charcoal. Discreet patterns like pinstripes are very businesslike and perfectly acceptable, too), single-breasted, two or three buttons max. Double-breasted suits look spiffy and 4-button ones stylish (Are they still? Not following fashion that closely, I'm afraid...), BUT they tend to be cut too tight at the waist and have to be worn buttoned up, both things we can't afford in situations when we may need to conceal gear and weapons and have quick access to them.
It's advisable to have at least one very good suit for interviews and such, but for work I tend to buy off the rack and only midly tailored suits that I don't mind beating up and that can conceal radio and more. Some guys only wear designer stuff and that's great if you can afford it, but although you don't want to embarrass your clients, you don't want to upstage them either.
Shirts should be white to be safe, but light patterns and or colors can be acceptable.
Ties should be conservative in color and pattern, too - nothing flashy or in bad taste.
Dress like the USSS or FBI (like a business person), not like you just walked out of a Miami Vice set (I'm old).

Casual wear: that's business casual, folks! Khakis and polos or other collared shirts - no denim, T-shirts, sneakers, or combat boots. No untucked shirts (I know they're convenient to CCW in our warmer climate) until you're sure they're OK. The hawaiian shirts favored by LEOs will not always be OK (Beverly Hills).
Basically, your outfit shouldn't get you kicked out of a golf course or country club (where you might very well end up during the course of your day, BTW).

Fanny packs for firearms are a no-no with some companies and a must with others so you have to ask.

Unless you're wearing a uniform, stay away from duty-type gear such as black basketweave, Sam Brown, etc. that screams "police" and that no one would wear around the office. So the heavy, tactical look is to be avoided while working EP. Even in uniform, don't go overboard. Neither clients nor their entourages, friends, and families want to feel "threatened" around us (one reason weapons are usually concealed).
We're not rent-a-cops, we're "high end", which means that we hopefully know how to prevent or solve pbs without having to kick too much ass, after all. :)

Exceptions: I've seen young entertainers request that their protectors blend in with their usual entourage and not look so "square". The agents ended up in jeans, sneakers, and untucked shirts.

At times, an all black dress look can be advised (fashion or music industries, for ex.).

And some clients specifically request a "ready-for-war" look as a deterrent, if the threat level (real or imagined) is high. But it's rare. In doubt, leave the bandoliers and level IV in the trunk. Better have to add on some than raise eyebrows.

Again, the clients always have the last word. The service is tailored for them. You'll see a lot of tabloid photos of protectors in T-shirts/shorts/flip-flops, or worse, bathing suits while escorting usually younger "celebrities". It may very well be a look imposed by the clients, and if those guys can run and fight in those outfits... good for them, but I personally don't ever go out in public like that so I just would pass on the job. It's turning it into something else and crossing a line in my view.

My own pet peeves: anything that detracts from a professional, serious image. Polished as we may be for EP, we're warriors, not fashion models.
I see a lot of jewelry (diamond studs?! Two guys on my current detail, one over 40 :rolleyes:, sport those) or unshaven faces, smell a lot of overwhelming fragrances (is this a job or a date?), and otherwise notice guys who try too hard to be "themselves" (if you don't lace your shoes 'cause your homies don't... whatever, but on the job?). I think they hurt the industry.
A guy showed up in a turquoise suit for a church event once (and bragged about how sharp he was, when the company had spec'd black). Um, turquoise?
Also, at interview time, a white shirt is still the gold standard. Shoes should be polished and socks worn (too bad I have to say it)!

And you just never know: what is "cool" with one client may not fly with another, so why chance it?
A recent older and conservative client told me once that goatees were the traditional "look of the devil" and I had to ask one agent to shave if he wanted the job on my detail. That's a bit extreme (goatees are an accepted and popular look in plain clothes), but you get the point.
Once familiar with a company/detail/client, you'll know what works: even if unsaid, it should be obvious from the client's and the other agents' usual dress.

And a note on badges because I see that a lot... In CA they are only to be worn while in full uniform, when we're clearly identifiable as security personnel. Only numbered badges bearing the company's name are allowed, BTW, so stay away from generics. My advice is: do not wear those while in plain clothes (breast pocket, belt, or otherwise)! (See B&P Code Section 7582.26.(f))
Will that get you in trouble? Probably not, especially if you act like a professional (I got away with it until I knew better), but the following should be make it clear that there is some enforcement (see patch/badge/uniform violations) so beware: http://www.bsis.ca.gov/customer_service/enforcement/sgcitations.shtml and http://www.bsis.ca.gov/customer_service/enforcement/ppocitations.shtml
If you absolutely have to be ID'd as security, you'll normally be handed a discreet lapel pin.

ETA: I was recently discussing dress codes with a guy who insisted on wearing combat boots with a suit at high profile events... Being always ready to rock is nice, but there has to be concessions made to the environment! They do make perfectly sharp-looking dress shoes with quiet and sticky rubber soles (I like Rockports) precisely for this.
Otherwise, I'm of the opinion that security folks should look sharp and professional, but not overly dressy or stylish. Many fashion tips actually clash with common sense and practicality. So although I personally don't wear clip-on ties when suited up, for example, due to the low risk of altercations, I don't think that those are such a faux-pas. What I do use, OTOH, is tie clips to keep the tie in place if outdoors or running (the jacket is most always unbuttoned). Now tie pins and anything that would become a pb in a fight should be avoided. And armed or not, I wear gun belts (not Sam Browns!) for their rigidity. Those require the tip of the tie to cover the buckle to hide the fact and leave people guessing. Some leather makers even sell gun belts that are thinner only in the front (like 1.25" vs. 1.5" for the rest of the belt), where it shows, for those who value discretion. It all depends on how low-profile you have to be, though.
And again, I do see too many guys dressed like on a date. It detracts from a serious, conservative, professional image on most details. Like the "peace" sign next to "born to kill" on Matthew Modine's helmet in Full Metal Jacket, it just sends mixed messages about your role around the clients. You guys know I'm not for the scowl and frown, but lose the cutesy jewelry, already! :)

Local Talent

07-08-2010, 11:28 AM

Job Hunting Tips: I'll preface this by saying that I'm very much NOT the s%#t, guys. I have seen the real thing in resumes and agents. I don't think I was born to do this, I "stumbled" into it, as I've stated before, and maybe that's why I had to give it so much thought. :)
So I'm always surprised when I get compliments from hiring managers or clients (on my job seeking strategy). Anyway, here's what works for me...

1. Target selection: from the employment ad, the company's culture, or the client's personality, you should get an idea whether you'll fit in or not. A rapper will normally hire physically imposing African-Americans, while a corporation will typically require LE background and serious EP schooling (defensive driving, counter-surveillance, advance, etc.) for protection of its executives. Families with children to look after often turn to female agents. You get the idea. Read the ads thoroughly and look people and businesses up.
When you start out, though, and unless you're lucky enough to score a client through networking, you'll join a company that will profile you and send you to interview with clients THEY feel you'd be best suited for. Learn how they think (they're not always right), so you can apply those lessons when hunting on your own.

2. Contact tools:

- Cover letter: writing is a lost art in our fast-paced (read: ADD-stricken), brave new world. Well, it's not quite lost among head hunters and other execs, so get some pointers!

The cover is a hook to make someone want to look at your resume and eventually meet you, so it's critical. It can be sent along with the resume for a cold or formal submission in response to an ad. It can also be the body of an email, with your resume as attachment.
Regardless of the format, it should be short and sweet, but detailed enough to show your interest in the job (you want it), your research skills (you know what it is), and show why you qualify (you can do it).
Internet tools are all helpful, along with forums like this one, where you can ask fellow pros about clients and companies (often via PM). Imagine how hard that was before the web!
There are all kinds of formats and templates available. Save them and study them, but always make them your own and tailor them to the situation. You want to stand out and sound like someone able to do basic research: they're looking for perceptive people with brains. If you send a generic text lifted from somewhere else, it'll show (or they'll recognize it), and it will tell them that you're lazy or insincere. You also want to sound like someone pleasant to be around and polished enough not to embarrass clients with rough manners and language, so the cover can be a showcase for those skills too.

- Resume: the following is my personal take, and I get enough compliments to share it with confidence... Don't write down your life story! No one has time to go over a multi-page list of accomplishments, and creds, and certs, and testimonials, and references. Again, short and sweet: I make a point NOT to go over one page, and leave the rest for the interview. You want to make them want to meet you and ask questions, so don't put everything on the table.
I've patterned my approach after what luxury brands do in advertisement: a form of "less is more". When Rolls Royce was asked, a few years back, what horsepower their models developed... the company's reps would simply state: "sufficient". It was smart of them not to give a specific number easily outdone by the competition, because it showed that they believed their brand not to have any (competition). So, more modestly, I don't go into specifics and don't mention any clients' names. That circumvents comparisons. What if that guy's client is more famous or richer? What if the other applicant is taller than me? Who cares?
I've seen resumes that list guard card, gun permit, etc. Well of course, you have those: you're a professional! I use one line: "all pertinent state licenses". If they're interested, and if they promise me a job, they'll get to see and copy them. If they list a need for a specific license, you can assure them that you have it in the cover.

Now I know that it's an attitude hard to adopt when starting out: you are eager and even desperate to show your stuff. But think about it, and after a while you'll find yourself doing some trimming. Let them come to you, don't throw everything at them. Play a little hard to get.
Does this cost me a few jobs? I'm sure. More and more people are taking advantage of the current economy to demand copies of creds and even passports sent via email as a first contact.
Well what knowledge of PERSEC principles would I be displaying by doing this? Think. If they're lame or demanding, you may not want to work for them, after all (and that's assuming they're legit).

It should go without saying, but, whatever spelling or grammatical abilities you have, all communications in writing should be checked and double-checked: "attention to detail!", they hammered into me in the service. Clumsy communication skills denote lack of planning, poor education, and little respect for the person on the other end: 3 strikes against any job applicant, especially in our meticulous profession.

It should also go without saying that in our day and age you should own a printer and decent resume paper (white, like your shirt: conservative and not showy). This will allow you to modify your resume at will and print it yourself. I'm not talking about lying, but tailoring. You need to weed out unnecessary items and emphasize the relevant ones, based on what you determined to be the job requirements. It'll show that you're clear on what the job is and qualified, AND respectful of their time.

3. Appearance & demeanor: I've touched on this in "Look Like A Pro". Interview time is show time. Dress your best even if they say you don't have to (don't take that bait). If they say casual, they want to know if YOU know what that means: jeans and T-shirt it is not! Be well groomed, dress sharp, be punctual, appear ready (doesn't anyone always bring a pen and notebook in their breast pocket anymore?), and turn your phone off. It all signals that you respect the profession, the opportunity, and in the end, yourself.

Your demeanor should be professional, as in business-like: confident, friendly, polite, patient, attentive. This is what people want to read in you, not how much you bench press or how tight your groups are. You are in EP, so OF COURSE you kick ass, but so do all the other applicants! What will get you the jobs is that perception that you'll be liked and accepted by the clients and their entourages, and that you'll fit in with the team easily. No matter how good you are, no one wants to deal with unpleasantness.

Now there's always going to be the one criterion required for a job or requested by a client (no females, LE background only, CCW, huge guys, Spanish speakers, etc.) that could disqualify you. Sometimes it can't be overlooked and if you're only told at interview time, it's their mistake... but maintain your good disposition: they'll remember and might just put you on top of the stack for the next job or refer you to someone else. And at other times, if you impress them enough, they may be willing to try you out anyway, especially if you're to be part of a team. Attitude may not be quite everything... but it counts for a lot, believe me. "It's never a waste of time to meet people" is what I tell them when it doesn't work out right away. Well, "people" remember and often do their best to prove me right down the line, it seems.

One last tip: I create a file for every contact I make. I keep hard copies of cover, resume, and responses, with notes on what was said on the phone, names of hiring managers and assistants, etc. This is especially important since the resume is tailored for each application (if I submit again, I don't want to contradict myself if they kept my initial submission), and that way I can get back to the file if there's subsequent contact (and refresh my memory: attention to detail never fails to impress. "Good to see you again, sir; how was your trip in Europe?" Know what I mean?).
This is also useful intel to other agents inquiring about prospective employers and a good networking tool. Who would you refer first, the guy who says, "Hey, hook me up, man, I'm big!" or the one who volunteers, "ABC Protection seems like a good company. You wanna talk to Mr. Smith. They were too busy to see me last month, but he said he was working on a new contract. Know if anyone else is hiring?"... Hmmm.

And finally, Sonny was kind enough to give us some insight into the other end of resume submissions and why all the above matters in this thread: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2507#post2507
So making sure you cover your bases that way is clearly the first step toward being successful. What good is your resume doing to you if it's in the vertical file?!

Local Talent

07-11-2010, 09:47 AM

"Is EP Really For You?": slow as I am, I only now realize that the thread should have started with this... :o

I'm stating the obvious here, but before jumping into any career, one needs a clear idea of what it is, whether one is fit for it, and whether one would enjoy it. Since EP is somewhat mysterious, it's unfortunately all too easy for outsiders to fall prey to misconceptions.
Forget the discussions on hardware, gear, tactics, etc. Forget the movies you saw - just like private investigation and bail recovery, our line of work is secretive and romanticized. Read this forum. Not diagonally, scanning for ads or hints about who's hiring, or selling what. I mean, some of us here are trying to paint a clear picture of the industry: seek, question, discuss, absorb.

If the "money" is the appeal for you, take a look at a lot of posts here and realize how many of us actually struggle. The work has ups and downs and comes in spurts. You can be very busy, making lots of cash while traveling or touring with a client for a few weeks or months... and then what? Some will tell you that the "good" agents are always busy. Right, and then you'll run into them knocking sheepishly on the door of a guard company, looking to score a uniformed gig because their "big clients" are all out of town.

And if it's the "glamour" or "mystery" that draws you, please realize that just like cops don't spend their shifts shooting places up (and going straight back to work! :rolleyes:), bedding strippers, or showing off in exotic sports cars (well, most cops don't :D), EP guys are often sitting around (when lucky to have a seat) or freezing their butts off (shaving your head might not have have been such a slick move, and this comes from a fellow chrome dome). Guarding doors from hotel hallways, house-sitting in a car from across the street, waiting for a client to be tired of having his fun while we have to stay alert and sober... That's more what we do in real life. I suspect that the training addicts go to classes in part to kill the boredom.

To those who'll argue that there is more, I'd say, yes, of course, but the rookies have to expect to pay dues, and the above is what they're really looking at for a good while. The HSLD types are probably not reading this thread from the sandbox, and that guy escorting his client in Bora Bora (I know him) probably doesn't have the time either.
No, I'm writing this for the guys that I see popping up here stating that they've always dreamed to be a bodyguard while apparently having little clue, and for those that I keep running into in the field and who leave me shaking my head, I'm sorry to say.

Last night a couple of guys in a newer luxury car drove by my current client's house and asked the graveyard security if the man was home, a daily occurrence since the address is well known. My co-worker "determined" that they were paparazzi. They probably weren't, but it doesn't matter. His answer? "None of your business, and why don't you get your asses out of here?!" On a public street. He seemed proud of it, too. Well, this is not the job. And a tip: be polite to the paps - they are filming you.
If that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkaI809D1c0 is you, maybe you'll want to work at another level of security where no one is really counting on you to protect their image.
And if you think that this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4phX95mf8ZA is EP-appropriate and legal, you need to take a (domestic) class or two.

I hear a lot of insecure macho "I don't take s*%t from nobody" BS from people recently upgraded from security guard status and who think that looking good in a suit means bursting out of it, that shades are normal eyewear at 2 am, or that acting tough is THE secret to bodyguarding. Well, this is the 21st century: we don't need 300 lbs of fat to stop bullets - they invented kevlar for that a while back... And we live in the era of LIABILITY. So if you don't have brains or people skills, you might just be as obsolete as a dinosaur.

Look, guys, IME, EP will come to you in most cases. Your LE or service buddies will call you to join them on a detail one day because they know you'll fit in, or you might end up working in uniformed security (like I did) for a company handling some EP stuff and they'll eventually try you out if you're sharp enough.

Now if you're looking at it from the outside, and willing to pay a lot of dues and for out-of-pocket training, this is still doable, but, please, please read up on the job and be humble. If you are not willing to put in the effort, or to grasp what I'm saying here, EP may not be for you. Aren't you surprised by the number of folks asking to be hired, while so few ask how certain situations are handled or what proper protocols are? I am. A few members here have PM'd me, asking for some guidance: this is great! As I said many times, I'm no EP authority, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but at least this shows some effort. That's what forums are for. If you feel that your question is not of a confidential nature, or could benefit others, please feel free to ask online too. Start a thread. Participate. This is how forums grow, and how networking is done. Because just saying, "I'm new, I need a chance" won't do it. Making yourself known by giving insights into how you think and approach the work might. ;)

Again, the number of people who don't belong in the industry (not the rookies - we've all been green, and are all learning and willing to share) is getting to me a bit. SonnyPI's recent frustration with the lack of professionalism of some made me think of this situation, too.

Don't get me wrong, this is no elitist BS - you'll find this on other boards, along with the pissing matches and the backslapping. This post is meant as a reality check. One can make a decent and honest living in uniformed security, in government contracts or management, you know? But while I personally don't buy into the bushido code of the bodyguard-warrior (I see us as mercenaries), there ARE high standards in EP.

SonnyPI

07-11-2010, 10:10 AM

All excellent points LT! :D

A quote/ suggestion some of you may recall hearing in your EP training.

Imagine all of your actions and behaviors are being filmed and that this film will be available for the bench/ judge to view when your actions or circumstances come into question, for what ever reason.

Appearances and protecting the client is THE priority.

When a possible physical altercation is eminent, having your hands raised open rather than with clinched fists appears you are in a somewhat submissive, defensive posture....but we all know that the open hand can be used as an offensive tool.

Avoiding situations, anticipating them and being DIPLOMATIC as often as possible will serve you and the client better.

Cordially, Sonny

Local Talent

07-11-2010, 11:06 AM

Absolutely, Sonny. Now some clients will expect a pitbull-like behavior. A former LA deputy told me that he was once "ordered" to throw somebody out from the client's property. When he proceeded to show the person the door, the client went, "No, you don't understand. I said: kick him out. KICK his ass!". He of course refused and was subsequently replaced.
Well, these clients have to be talked to or left to find someone else - we can't turn into bullies or break the law because of some clients' misguided expectations. They need mob enforcers, not bodyguards.

I am not too proud to do everything I can to assist my clients, but I won't take the wheel of a wrecked car or grab a gun to take the fall for them: http://www2.ocregister.com/articles/nicholas-securities-false-2054387-unsealed-fraud
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-18903/Puff-Daddy-fired-shots-club.html

That's really good advice on the body posture and hand gestures. I've developed what I call the "Doctrine of the Fake Concern" (:devil2:) to circumvent accusations of bullying (I love to watch the rookies' faces when I mention that one!): when checking out a situation or approaching people I don't know, and regardless of what goes on in my mind (that can't be recorded), I come from a "place of caring". I'm here to help. So the words out of my mouth ("How are you doing? Is everything OK? Do you need help? Are you looking for something?", etc.) are non-threatening and not only could not be used against me, but would justify my interactions after the fact if things went south.

Ex: as a rookie, I was once placed outside the gate of a property to screen arrivals for a party. A man was slouched in a car a few feet from us. The driveway was common to several properties and I had no authority to question him there, but I suspected that he was a pap. Since it was a very hot day, I knocked on his window. He pretended to emerge from a nap, so I apologized for bothering him and asked if he was OK. I explained that I thought he had passed out and that it was not a good idea to remain in a hot car like that. I also made up that we had called PD for an unrelated matter and that the place would soon be crawling with cops, so his wasn't the place to be. The guy quickly started the car and took another position across the street, where it was perfectly legal for him to do his dirty job, and where I could get in no trouble for letting him be.
Had I started an altercation he would've owned me since, again, he was not on the property I was protecting.

And when I came to the current estate detail I'm working these days, the "agent" who trained me stated that, "We pretty much control the street". "Is it a private driveway?", I asked. "Well, no, it's a city street." "LAPD controls it, then.", I simply said.

So I repeat, there are ways to achieve what we need to, but huffing and puffing, lying, intimidating, or worse breaking the law, is usually not it. The paparazzi and criminals who target the rich know the law and won't hesitate to set us up for a good shot or an easy buck.

Lone Wolf

07-12-2010, 12:52 AM

Lt, YOU DA MAN!!! Again obtaining the desired results without having to make a donkeys butt out of yourself... Its all in the way you handle the situation. Me personally if I worked for someone that wanted me to kick someones ass to get them off the property I would have to say sorry Im not that kind of person... You want me to protect you.. Thats one thing, beating the crap out of some poor shmuck that is trying to make a living.. thats another.. With that said.. There are those that I would love to have a crack at but realize that it is WAY outside the parameters for common sense.. And that seems to be missing in a lot of situations now days... SO...

I teach my security classes utilizing video and lecture.. One of the things that I teach is how to handle difficult people... I ALWAYS use movie out takes and quotes ie.. You will be nice until its time not to be nice... How do you know when its time not to be nice??? I will tell you.. Voice tone and inflection, professionalism and so on carry a lot more weight than yelling and threatening people this kind of action will escalate the situation rather than calming it.. YES.. There are times NOT to be nice.. SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY...

SonnyPI

07-12-2010, 05:45 AM

Copy all Lone Wolf!
Cordially, Sonny

Local Talent

07-12-2010, 09:11 AM

Right back atcha, Wolf! :)

This attitude adjustment we're talking about is necessary, but not that easy or fast to implement. I know that when I took a verbal judo class over 10 years ago, the instructor thought I was a bit too stand-offish. Now the lessons (like that what most people want from others is respect) have finally sunken in and I'm a lot more laid-back. Live and let live. The fact that I work assignments (estate, surveillance, escorts, etc.) that have mostly removed me from the public helps too.

As you say, there IS a point when the line is crossed and swift action has to be taken. I think that the new guys can be unclear on exactly when that is, or how they can turn things around if they started out polite and respectful at the onset of the interaction. Experience and training (and some innate traits as well) help you "turn it on" (then off) on a dime.

My tip is intended specifically for people who aren't there yet, think that they have to push people around to keep things under control (they only create more problems), and are thrown into EP situations where this is completely out of line.
This is in part the fault of companies manning EP gigs with security guards or soldiers just back from war zones, and without giving them any training or counseling.

Lone Wolf

07-13-2010, 03:10 AM

I agree it is the responsibility of the company to PROPERLY TRAIN new employees. While I believe that if you are going to be in this business you have to have a certain knowledge of basic skill sets, just because you are LE or former military DOESN'T mean that you know what your doing or that you even have the proper training or the personality to do this type of work...

I mean one of the people that I worked for I could barely stand, the principal was a pretty good guy.. IF he was alone.. If his family was with him you would have thought that Dr Jeckle and Mr. Hyde was alive and well...

He was generally rude to people and always treated his staff horrible.. Rather than taking care of the people that were protecting him it was just the opposite...

When his family wasnt around, that was another story.. I dont get it but it is the way it was. I stay in touch with some of the people that still work there. Their turn over has slowed, but bottom line is they wasted a stink load of money on training and retraining personnel...

The prinicpal and his family made the news in New York Times as one of the most difficult families in the nation to work for... Oh well it is what it is...

Local Talent

07-13-2010, 08:58 AM

I find that a lot of people are the way you describe (if not always that difficult): one-on-one, they can be perfectly relatable and approachable, but surrounded by others, they need to keep up the appearances ("I am a powerful person and everybody else is below me"). So the trick is to learn to read them and the situations/dynamics around them to avoid faux-pas (and spare one's pride).

Some can treat you as a confidant when alone and then blow you off when they are in public. Nothing personal - it's part of just being "the help", and this is actually a good reminder of that line we're not supposed to cross. We have to know our place and it varies from client to client, but it's never the friend's or the buddy's.

On training... Yeah, lotsa companies play with fire in the name of saving a buck or because they let themselves get into scheduling binds. In a way, that's good news for the new guys (to whom this thread is dedicated): opportunities and breaks happen that way. And that should be an incentive to get a minimum of training on one's own, because it can then help make the difference between this newbie or that newbie gettting a gig.

Few companies take you in and train you (but some do or claim to, anyway), BTW. I mean that most will expect you to meet a certain standard before hiring you, IME. Those that don't should send you to (usually their) school (see DeBecker).
Then there's the assignment-specific training, because you just don't dump somebody somewhere without a clue. A pro will always kinda fall back on his feet no matter what, but a minimum knowledge of the terrain will minimize screw-ups that are not supposed to take place past a certain level of service (client expectations are high). There too, I've seen some risks being taken, and that's proof that the "warm body" syndrome isn't reserved for minimum wage rent-a-cop jobs. After a few years on the job, you learn to roll with the punches: ask few questions (time, address, dress code) and do your best with what you got. Scary when you don't have the mileage yet, and the thing to remember then is to never ask the client what to do.

Lone Wolf

07-14-2010, 02:57 AM

Well said LT. Very Well said...

black knife

07-14-2010, 08:32 AM

The other day I was sitting in my buddies office. He owns and operates a security business and he also provides the training for the guard card. I was there because my son was taking the guard card test.

This guy walks in and has a gun inside his waist ban (Not concealed) and has a badge clipped to his belt, which was also showing. I looked at the badge and it was one of those security badges you can buy on the internet.

This guy is telling my buddy that he is an EP agent and is a certified EP instructor. I am rolling my eyes and thinking jeez this guy has to be out of his mind walking around with a gun and a security badge.

I am starting to realize that there are some crazy people involved in EP work. These same individuals give the professionals like yourselves on this forum a bad reputation. I have done some small gigs in plain clothes security and man I have come across some idiots.

So I looked at the BSIS website and there is nothing on their website that mentions anything on training other than firearms and baton. No hands on training such as applying handcuffs or any other job related skills. So any smuck can open up a security or EP training facility and provide training other than baton or firearms. That is scary some shit.

I did a class for some security personnel. I covered handcuffing, two on one controls, ground control, and other related training. Some of the stuff I showed was almost the same techniques I showed as a LEO DT instructor. These guys do security work and most of them did not know how to apply handcuffs. Man that does not make sense to me.

So how many individuals that do EP work actually have any type of training for this line of work. Is there a mandatory list of requirements that EP agents need other than a guard card and open carry weapons permit.

SonnyPI

07-14-2010, 08:44 AM

The So any smuck can open up a security or EP training facility and provide training other than baton or firearms. That is scary some shit.

With all due respect black knife, this is partially incorrect. As you know there is no such animal in the state of California as a certified EP agent or instructor. Any schumck may walk around with a badge & gun but all training must be provided by both CA certified trainers and certified training facilities in order to obtain state of California permits/ licenses..
Cordially, Sonny

black knife

07-14-2010, 08:53 AM

With all due respect black knife, this is partially incorrect. As you know there is no such animal in the state of California as a certified EP agent or instructor. Any schumck may walk around with a badge & gun but all training must be provided by both CA certified trainers and certified training facilities in order to obtain state of California permits/ licenses..
Cordially, Sonny

From what I read the training is only related to obtaining a guard card, baton training and open carry permit (firearms). The courses required have nothing to do with any other type of hands on training.

Local Talent

07-14-2010, 09:13 AM

I recently had that same discussion via PM with another member. There is training and training. The facilities/instructors certifying that people meet state standards for state licensing are inspected and licensed by the BSIS. And yes, to the bureau, a bodyguard is a security guard, so the minimum licenses are guard card, pepper spray card and exposed gun permit. I won't mention baton because it's only for uniformed work.

Now what Black Knife is referring to is "the rest". All the stuff that is taught in LE academies, in particular. Some of it is standardized, and if the employers have a need for it, they'll request POST certified agents, for example.

Otherwise, I am frankly not sure what kind of creds a school or instructor would have to have in order to teach handcuffing, report writing, verbal judo, and all the good stuff.

As for the nutjobs... yes, they're out there, along with great numbers of clueless people and wannabes. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0914062pitt1.html

black knife

07-14-2010, 09:23 AM

LT what do you mean POST certified agents....is that former LEO's that have POST certificates?

Geo

07-14-2010, 09:25 AM

what is up knife? Have no heard from you in awhile...Hope all is well

black knife

07-14-2010, 09:37 AM

what is up knife? Have no heard from you in awhile...Hope all is well

I am doing good brother.....just been busy with my BJJ Academy and training. I am going to do that CFS training you mentioned when I get time and money. I have been doing small security gigs......as you know I am a rookie in this field...lol. :D

Local Talent

07-14-2010, 09:46 AM

LT what do you mean POST certified agents....is that former LEO's that have POST certificates?
Either that or some guys put themselves through the academy with their own money.

black knife

07-14-2010, 10:15 AM

Either that or some guys put themselves through the academy with their own money.

That makes sense....in my academy class we had guys that put themselves through on their own time and money hoping to get picked up by an agency. Some did but some did not.

Local Talent

07-14-2010, 04:12 PM

I just met two. Right out of the service they went to Rio Hondo and just finished. Now they're shopping for EP jobs while waiting to be picked up by a local LEA.
You'll see some employment ads specifically requesting POST cert, here and there.

Geo

07-14-2010, 08:26 PM

Knife just let me know when you have time. We will take care of u.

RONIN

07-14-2010, 10:34 PM

LT great info.. and i would like to add something... there is a big difference between confidence and being a cocky a$$hole.. many times i have seen others in our industry brag about how BAD A$$ they are, there bad ass "military" spec ops :rolleyes: career, the bad ass martial arts training, how there so OVER quailifed :rolleyes: for the detail that they are on.. be confident yet humble.. bragging how bad a$$ you are just makes you look like an A$$.. and as a whole makes us "the industry" look bad..

i once was on a two man team detail, with a new team member that i had never worked with who had decided i needed to hear his life story of his bad ass military career.. of marine infantry.. 4 yrs 1 tour to iraqi.. not down grading infantry.. bout how he got into fire fights with insurgents.. he didn't know that i to am a marine, i couldn't get a word in edgewise.. lol

i understand your confident and your proud of what you have done, many many of us have served.. but do not brag, it just shows that you are an insecure individual.. not to mention while your blabbing about how "cool" you are to your fellow team member, you might miss something vital.. like the men jumping the fence with a camera or worse yet a gun....

and by no means ask your fellow team members who else they have guarded, anyone that has been in the business long enough will know to keep there mouths shut.. that also goes for someone bragging to you, you nicely tell them that is nice but you don't put your clients in danger by bragging about who you have guarded.. and let your actions speak for themselves..

watch the more experianced team members.. learn from them..

ronin

sorry if i was to frank about my points..

black knife

07-14-2010, 11:41 PM

Knife just let me know when you have time. We will take care of u.
Thanks brother....I did a little CFS training with Robb Hamic....he became a certified CFS instructor under Pincus. Good stuff brother. For sure man I will give you a call soon...thanks

Local Talent

07-15-2010, 02:39 PM

Thanks RONIN, I couldn't agree more with your last post. :thumbs: It sure IS insecurity that makes people brag, and it usually betrays underqualification, rather than the opposite.

A guy once greeted me on his detail with talk of how I probably had "never reached that income level before", or of "the D-list celebrities" I "may have worked for before" and of the fact that if I screwed up, I'd "never work in the industry again, because this is elite". He turned out to be an utter failure and is no longer on the detail... He had obviously never seen my resume and just assumed that I was another phony like himself.

Without going to that extreme, there is a lot of posturing going on and, as you say, it is very unprofessional, just like name-dropping. I hardly ever see that with LEOs, BTW. Some ex-mil guys will brag about their body-count, and it's in bad form, true or not. No, the worst are the civvies that were "almost" cops or claim military service (invariably in some HSLD unit) but can't produce a DD214. :rolleyes:

SonnyPI

07-15-2010, 03:57 PM

LOL, as an investigator, I was told by this pseudo spec ops lad that "his" unit were not issued 214's; I pressed on with him and it got worse, when he claimed to be a Marine Pilot.?????...just so happens my nephew retired last year from Pensacola NAS as the Marine XO, in charge of all training to include the 53E Super Stallion, and nowhere on any rooster was this wanabee dick wad!
Semper fi
Sonny

Local Talent

07-15-2010, 04:18 PM

LOL, as an investigator, I was told by this pseudo spec ops lad that "his" unit were not issued 214's[...]
Mall ninjas and wannabes... Good stuff. Like the guys who buy old cruisers at auctions and outfit them with wig wags, scanner, and PA system to live the dream... or bring a katana sword to work in case they have to use a silent weapon (true stories, both). :jester:
http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=136 http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=71

Lone Wolf

07-15-2010, 04:41 PM

Mall ninjas and wannabes... Good stuff. Like the guys who buy old cruisers at auctions and outfit them with wig wags, scanner, and PA system to live the dream... or bring a katana sword to work in case they have to use a silent weapon (true stories, both). :jester:
http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=136 http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5&pictureid=71

MALL NINJAS.. SECRET AGENT SQUIRRELS... YOU NAME IT THEY ARE OUT THERE... What can you say...

Local Talent

08-06-2010, 07:06 PM

Guys, I tried to add to the post on "Look Like A Pro", but it was too long to be accepted so I'm posting the addendum here instead.
It's about the need to dress up for interviews...

Ex: I had been in touch with a company once, had even interviewed (dressed to the nines) with the operations manager, but things hadn't materialized into an offer. One day they called me out of the blue and the above-mentioned manager told me to come right away, "as you are, no need for a suit". So I hesitated, but wanted to score and there was a tone of urgency, so I showed up in jeans, T-shirt, and bomber jacket, the way I normally dress on my days off. :) Well, I realized once in the office that I was there to meet the owner (ouch). Then I was told that jeans are actually frowned upon in that company (ouch-ouch). Long story short, I got the job, but I learned the lesson that I should've taken a few minutes to "clean up".

Now fast-forward a few years: I have an appointment to meet the owner of a small company. He doesn't have an office and sets up the meet at an IHOP. "No need for a suit, alright?", he says on the phone. I, of course, don't take the bait this time, show up in my best blue suit, and look completely out of place in the joint. :) But you know what? The man also shows up in a two-piece. He seems impressed and, again, I get the job.
If I had come differently attired, he would've had the psychological upper hand due to being more formally dressed. And I figured that he would probably want to know what I looked like when ready for work, so that's what he got.
Now, regardless of circumstances, it's always suits. When a company specifies "dress to impress", I know they deal with clowns all day, because it should go without saying.

Local Talent

08-22-2010, 12:25 AM

"The Rich Are People Too, Sorta": a few pointers for dealing with them.
I've been working for and around a high-end clientele for over a decade, so after an initial culture shock, some things have been ingrained for so long now that I don't even notice them. But I run into a lot of newer agents, and I see them make so many boo-boos and faux pas that I think that a few tips can't hurt.

Fact # 1: EP clients are rich. The guy who needs "protection" for a few days and advertises a $50/hr job on Craig's List is not an EP client. Our clients are celebrities, entertainment business executives, captains of industry, CEOs, etc. Some are "old money" and have never lived like we do, while others just arrived and are trying their best to forget where they came from. There are exceptions and some very grounded and real VIPs, but don't count on seeing a lot of those.

2. Fact # 2: the rich don't wait. Their time is actually money so you have to learn to respect it. This is one reason why punctuality is so important in our line of work (see tip #29). And this is one reason why you should keep your mouth shut as much as possible, and generally speak only when spoken to. Make a habit of not initiating conversations, but do respond pleasantly to theirs (they'll want to feel you out a bit at times and in a few words you can reassure them that you know what you're doing).
So if you are asked to do something for them, do it now or at the time specified, NOT when you remember or it's convenient to you!
And do what you can to facilitate their movements so that no time is wasted unnecessarily. This means that you should be receptive to (hard to come by) intel on their schedule so that you can look for ways to make things happen more smoothly.

Ex: I spend a lot of time observing and devising ways to save time when with a new client. After a while, gates "magically" open in front of them, the mail appears where they expect it, their friends don't get stuck at the front door because I recognize them (well, I take a lot of notes).
Lately, working the front gate of a celeb whose house is under construction, I've been playing traffic cop with delivery trucks and contractors. How is this security-related? Easy: see fact #3... Saving time is also a matter of safety.

Fact # 3: the rich have a bullseye on their back. Otherwise, they wouldn't need you, right? Fans, paparazzi, stalkers, the media, disgruntled employees, potential carjackers or kidnappers... one way or another, your clients are always hunted. And that's another reason NOT to make them wait.
If you are meeting a client somewhere you should be there FIRST, not only so they don't have to be exposed without protection, but so that you can ensure that the location is safe before their arrival. Yes, this means that you'll have to report there early, and yes, this should go without saying (but of course, I'm writing this after having seen clients stood up by their "protectors").

Fact # 4: the rich are powerful people. They are used to getting what they want, and when they want it (hence the tantrums when they don't). Believe it or not, like private jets and domestic staffs, you are just another instrument of their power: either as a status symbol, or by the fact that you'll neutralize any threat to them, or by the way you'll make everything happen seamlessly in front of them. You'll tip valets and concierges, get their limo to pull up as soon as they're coming out, open doors, etc.

Before I did this I thought that bodyguards just hung around ready to pounce or shoot. In reality, and although there are assistants and domestics, it's likely that you'll be busy enhancing your client's sense of power, especially if the threat level is low. I'm not talking about fixing the occasional breakfast or waxing their car, but you may end up making reservations or chauffeuring them and their friends or family, for example.
Some clients will hand you petty cash to grease palms and "facilitate" things (what, you thought they carried a wallet?). But if they don't, be prepared to face a few expenses for them - you'll be reimbursed later, they're good for it!

Ex: a while back, my client had ordered a food delivery and was unavailable when it arrived. The food was paid for, but his assistant instructed me (on the phone) to hand the man a tip and take the food. My relief had just arrived and looked on incredulously. "I would never pay for clients, they have enough money", he said. I didn't want to hurt his feelings as he's been in the biz for a while (or so he claims), but that showed a lot of inexperience in my book. "The rich don't wait" and everything is made easy for them, so you don't send back food or deliveries and if you think you'll get them to stop what they're doing to dig into their own pocket you're in for a surprise.

Similarly, if in a previous life as a security guard you were told to never sign for anything, or never to take any kind of responsibility in the name of liability (yours and your company's), you can scratch that one out. An EP agent is a trustworthy and smart individual so don't sweat the thousands of dollars in jewelry or clothes left in your care, or the very expensive rides that you'll be asked to drive or park. Do be careful (!) and CYA as much as possible, but don't sweat it: you're a facilitator. And trust yourself... so that others will trust you.

Fact # 5: the rich are helpless. It's a corollary of # 4. Either they have been (silver) spoon-fed all their lives or they became that way because of the army of enablers surrounding them, but they need help to do anything. What they are good at is making money. Otherwise they employ a number of pros to handle tasks that you and I take for granted or would never dream of handing to someone else. And thank God for that, because what would we do if they could protect themselves and their loved ones?

Ex: I was directing traffic at a movie biz exec's estate once, and one of his friends showed up in a Porsche SUV. When I asked her to please back it up against the wall, she just gave me that vacant stare, so I immediately opened her door, told her to enjoy her evening, and parked the damn thing myself (which she fully expected me to do).
When there's a valet everywhere you go, you probably don't even know how to put the car in reverse. When they do drive, the rich drive cars they can't drive, get it?

Fact # 6: the rich are used to gawkers (so don't be one). That's especially true of famous people, but you don't want to stop and stare at what will likely be the lavish lifetyle of all your clientele. Because it shows inexperience, and because you're not there for that. So don't get distracted easily, period. Now a compliment can be appropriate in some circumstances and especially if the client knows you, but in general you should act like the quiet professional that they pay good money for.
Celebrities are also constantly recognized, harrassed, and hounded for autographs. Easy to imagine how that could get to you. Once at home or around their people, they just want to relax and be themselves so act normally around them. You should be unflappable, regardless of what's going on in your mind.

Fact # 7: the rich don't handle disappointment well. Since they don't do anything but earn money (if that), there's usually somebody else to blame for any little thing that goes wrong in their world. They then either throw more money at the problem, or a fit because of all the money they already spend on their staff to prevent delays and inconveniences in the first place.
So what you think is no big deal, especially for people with money to spare, can become one for which you'll easily get blamed.

Ex: my current client started getting nightly food deliveries. I passed the info on to the night guy with instructions to place the container in our (small) fridge. The next day he greeted me with a, "Well, it didn't fit!". He had simply placed the nylon bag on the floor and thought nothing of it. That was NOT OK... So I took out all trays out of the fridge, crammed the food in there, and taped the door shut. Two hours later, the client asked me for the food and I prayed that it hadn't gone bad. I explained to an assistant later what I had to do and he got us a bigger fridge. Don't let the little things stump you! As I often say, we don't create problems, we solve them. Even little ones...

Now all the above isn't meant to advise anyone to become a domestic (although you may take a few cues from the better ones), but (ideally) you'll definitely become part of your clients' "support system". So you do have to learn how they are, what they expect, and how to fit into their environments (personal and business). If you take this to heart they won't be able to function or to feel safe without you around, and that's not only job security, it's the mark of a job well done because we sell safety and peace of mind, my friends.

The job does require an adjustment: it is hard for us Americans to watch people behave like royalty. In a democracy we're all equal, right? Well, we're also in a democracy where money is king, so the rich do rule, whether we agree or not. We're also warriors, unlike the rest of their entourage, so you don't have to, nor want to, develop a rubber spine, mind you. Because the relationship could easily become abusive, if you let it. You can actually very well end up the only one standing in the way of an unchecked ego. And if you negotiate that right, and pick your battles, you'll earn their respect, not the boot.

apamburn

08-22-2010, 03:43 PM

ummm so it IS EP, not EB (Executive Babysitting)...right? Maybe BTI could start offering a course on that....hahaha

Good tips LT.

Local Talent

08-22-2010, 04:20 PM

Well... it often does feel like babysitting, yes... And sometimes they leave the (real) kids or the dogs with you, too. Does shopping or trick or treating with a bunch of 8-year-olds sound like fun? How about looking after, feeding, and walking a dog for 12 hours, reporting on how often it goes #1 or #2? :)

The job can be more "The Pacifier" than "Man On Fire", that's for sure. But even grown ups (especially celebs) can require a level of attention that will surprise newcomers.

I know that some will disagree, but after the initial shock and some head-shaking, I came to the realization that the job is what the client says it is. You don't have to take it, but the rich pay (well) for people to do all kinds of silly things. Those schools for dogs are such a joke, for example.

So would you rather transport jewelry to a photoshoot in a bad part of town for $20/hr or house-sit in a high-end gated community for $25? Know what I mean?

ETA: just remembered this anecdote that dovetails nicely with my last post...

A very safe and well paid (about $75K) "house-sitting" (estate protection) gig. Minding the dogs was paramount. The clients "loved" their "babies", but the doggies spent 50% of their time with us, and the rest with the house staff, you see? We walked them around the estate at night, the only time when the poor bastards (pure breed, actually) would see any exercise.
One day, the biggest dog made a mess inside the residence. When questioned, my co-worker stated that he had tried to walk him the night prior, but the dog just hadn't shown any interest. I eventually replaced that guy as the account manager (hmm, I wonder why...) and resolved that this incident wouldn't happen on my watch.
So the dogs would not only get walked at the end of shift, but throughout the night (I'd just take them along on every patrol). And when the big lazy one looked like he was going to "hold it"... I'd start a run around the property with his buddies. After chasing us he'd inevitably feel the need to go #2. Simple.

Sounds less glamorous or exciting than car chases with the paparazzi or limo rides to red carpet events, and they don't prepare you for that crap (literally) in EP school, but that shows the need to go the extra mile. "I don't know what happened" or "hey, it's not my fault" won't cut it when you make so much money for so little work.

RONIN

08-30-2010, 01:15 PM

LT the whole eb "executive babysitting" is why i am on a overseas contract.. most of the people i had to baby sit were at least 10yrs my senior.. most ppl think that getting into the ep field is all fun and games.. its not.. its long nites babysitting someone that when you really think about it, you don't care for..

take for instance, the last ep gig i did before going overseas.. i was guarding a vip's wife.. who i ended up caring for and feeding her 18month old.. not what i got inot the feild for..

Local Talent

08-30-2010, 05:43 PM

Yes, RONIN, I agree. Most jobs are like that, though: very different in reality from what we imagine or the movies portray. See if cops are in car chases and shootings every day - in reality, it's tons of red tape, boredom, internal politicking, and abuse from the public. As for the USSS, for the few hours on top protective details, traveling and running by the limos... how many spent investigating white collar crime or waiting around?

Costner says in the extras of "The Bodyguard" (DVD) that he was thanked by real life bodyguards afterwards for showing them in a good light, and not just as "the help"... I bet!
The movie does show a lot of the negatives, though, with irresponsible clients and entourages, that you have to "convince" constantly that they're at risk. It often feels like saving people from themselves.
Of course, they end up blaming the messenger, resenting our presence, and playing childish games with us - very much like spoilt kids defying the babysitter. It's very pronounced in the entertainment business, but the secretary at the estate of a (past) corporate client still used to say behind my back that "with LT, everything is a threat" and "we like having fun here!"...

And then there's the issue you bring up: we get pulled from the protective role to do completely other things, in part because we are trusted (ideally) and in part because they think we have nothing better to do and want their money's worth (most likely).
I know that coming from a traditional private security background, I was shocked on my first assignments:

1. By the income/work ratio
2. By the lack of supervision or accountability
3. By the low risk level
4. By what I was actually asked to do: as you say, watch kids, walk dogs, gas up cars, etc.

This is what we've been discussing here, BTW: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524

Only in training did I ever draw a gun, do an actual advance, or grab somebody to lower their profile and shove them into a vehicle.
Younger agents looking for real action and meaning will probably be more drawn to overseas PSDs, ops like Secfor's and the like, than by domestic details. The latter often attract older guys, typically off-duty or retired LEOs looking for safe and relaxing gigs. "Where's the TV?", you know?

Since we're in a "tips for newbies" thread, I'd advise outsiders to think about this and read the linked thread, then ponder what they're looking for. Because their first few times on the job will probably feel like they've watched army promo vids about warriors in camo and NV kicking ass and operating the baddest equipment on the planet... only to find themselves mopping latrines and shining boots to no end.
It's not often "wartime" in EP.

ETA: regardless of what the actual job ends up being, we have to remain dedicated and ethical. I've seen more than one guy use the client's confusion to implement his own agenda, as in using the rapport developped with kids (they love bodyguards - real men!) to maneuver the parents, in getting close to the clients to raise his profile in the team or go in-house (to become assistant, or even estate manager), or in flirting with and manipulating young female celebs with no compass.

Bottom line is, we get paid to do a job. Sometimes, it's not what we imagined. We can either stay and try to protect people under the conditions they laid out, maybe educate them as to the best way to achieve security (good luck with that one), or leave to do something more rewarding. The rest is shameful stuff and I'm no Bushido warrior or bible-thumper, believe me.

Local Talent

10-02-2010, 08:50 PM

"Ask not what EP (your team) can do for you - ask what you can do for EP (your team)": too little humility and selflessness in our profession.

I think it partly comes from the fact that we all have macho backgrounds (sports, military, LE, etc.) that tend to develop and steel the ego. And the ego happens to be the "I" that doesn't exist in the word "team", if I believe the poster.
But regardless of the reason, I see way too many guys hung up on themselves and their (supposed) abilities.

Well, I've mentioned elsewhere this old supervisor of mine who used to ask, "what good are you if you're not there?". His mantra referred to tardiness and reliability, but I see it in a larger sense.
In the end, and once you have the job, no one cares how "good" you are (or think you are), they only care about what you actually do.

And too often, the guys who always have a mouth full of their credentials, big name past protectees, or other body counts... are only tooting their own horn to make people overlook their limitations. The bigger they puff themselves up, the less inclined others will be to challenge them on "little things", I guess. They can be camouflaging a lot of insecurity, also.
Once the boots hit the ground, it's funny to hear these ultimate pros' various excuses for not getting to work on time, retaining/implementing simple procedures, wearing proper dress, and otherwise not meeting very basic EP standards.

So how should this reality affect the new guy's way of thinking?

1. For starters, don't let others intimidate you. As I said before, the true pros are humble people. They don't have anything to prove. So relax, focus on doing your best, and watch the rest, the supermen, stutter and stumble. It's entertaining and it creates constant openings! :)

2. Then, and this is the point of this post... please refrain from wearing your past accomplishments and other badges of honor on your sleeve yourself, and throwing them around to get away with a less than stellar performance. No one expects 100% from a rookie. The proof of how good you really are is in evidence every day, in everything you do on the job, though. Whatever creds you have got you through the door, but you now have to walk the walk.
The client, the company, or the team, demands that you turn the focus outward and put as many of your resources as possible into doing the best job possible. You obviously can't do this if your own comfort and personal preoccupations are blinding you.

Note that I'm not saying that one should completely forgo his own self to do the job. We don't commit sepuku after a big screw-up either... :D What I mean is that prima donnas don't belong in EP, where too many people depend on us.
Many times, you'll be asked to be part of a team where each member had to pay his own dues, and has to carry his own weight. So while people can be more or less patient with you, expecting favors, leniency, and accommodations on a regular basis is a bad habit to lose ASAP. "The world doesn't owe you a living"...

shannon1

12-25-2010, 03:53 PM

great information from shannon1 in va.
thanks!!!

Local Talent

01-30-2011, 12:48 PM

A Primer on Networking: although I'm definitely not the expert on that (I hate favors), I see a lot of mistakes in the field and on this forum and have decided to share my observations.

First, "The Network" is probably at the very top of what gets you work and/or keeps you working. We all know we need proper creds, training, background, and attitude to work in EP, but I've seen MANY individuals coming up short in several of these areas get jobs or remain employed on the strength of their connections.
A well connected agent told me once with a straight face that "the good guys are always busy", meaning that quality agents never have trouble working. One, this is clearly untrue, especially in our current economy (many of us have noticed!), and two, this is the same guy who keeps referring to companies and clients a total loser with a dirty background and expired creds, embarrassing himself in the process, because he feels sorry for the guy. This is just an example, but I've seen many people on jobs they didn't deserve, making a very decent living simply because of who they knew.
So never underestimate "The Network": it's a powerful thing.

Now the main problem is the catch-22 nature of the beast. How are you supposed to get to know people when you can't even get past the door?
First of all, if you're not the resourceful type, you'd better get in gear because this line of work is for people who get results. But what is the reason you are getting into EP? Military, police, sports, security background? Have you taken courses? Then you already have met quite a few people who you can either use as references or to get leads.

Beyond that, you can go to industry seminars, offer your services as instructor at training schools (even your local shooting range may have hookups for local gigs), or even volunteer at some events.
You can also join online communities such as this forum. Exposure is key.

Once you have your foot in the door, The Network will be agents you meet or work with, and especially team leaders or account managers, people in a position to request you.
Be organized because you're building a major tool to develop your career. Have a business card and hand it out. Get names and numbers and save them. Create files on clients, companies and agents - don't count on your memory.

But I left out the most important thing: while exposure comes first, you have to turn acquaintances into allies so they have an incentive and willingness to network with you. And this is precisely where I see people stumble. Lack of basic people skills and courtesy.

Let me get out of the way right now that the best way to be called upon often is to be a solid pro. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be handed a job because someone likes me or feels sorry for me. I want to hear that they thought of me because they need the job done and well.
But the affinity element is there because we all prefer to surround ourselves with pleasant people. So be someone that other pros want to be around.

OK, so what mistakes do I keep seeing?

1. Lack of respect and manners.
Do not barge in at somebody's job. If you have a chance meeting with an agent in the field, waiting for his client or whatever, make it quick and don't ask any sensitive questions. Exchange cards. You can follow up later with a call, but never forget that you're the one asking for something so politely inquire when a call, or possibly another meet, would be appropriate.

I've said it before, but I've been floored to see people walk up to me out of the blue and request lunch to pick my brains or ask how they could get on my detail. I've had people I had given a quick bit of advice and encouragement call me at their convenience to read me their resumes over the phone. And get annoyed when told they were catching me at the wrong time.
People see you standing post at an event and hand you a card. That's not how it's done. You have to create a rapport first. Would you hand your phone number to a member of the opposite sex without the slightest introduction, just because you'd like to get lucky once in a while? Same thing. What's their incentive, and what does your forwardness say about you?

Then, thank people. For taking the time to talk to you. For sharing a piece of advice. For anything. Make them feel good about meeting you. And offer to help them in any way, even if you're not really in a position to do so right now. It's the thought that counts, the willingness to reciprocate.
A little subtlety and humility are always in order. Show some of the polish that you're expected to use daily on the job. Be someone they could introduce to their company or clients without fear of embarrassment.

2. Neediness.
Everybody has a story and everybody needs something. That's OK. Just like in the dating analogy I used above, we all have the same thing on our mind (secure job leads and intel in this case!). But desperation is a turn-off. Desperate people are not reliable and make poor decisions. They don't keep promises. Not being employed also makes you suspicious: if you're good. what's preventing others from using you right now?

So it's imperative that you keep your cool. You may be under pressure to pay some bills, but don't pass it on to those who could help you. Don't make your problem theirs. Nobody wants to hire or work with "problems".
What is advisable, on the other hand, is to mention how eager you are to get started. Because people in hiring positions often need to fill spots quickly and they want to know that you're serious, not just putting out feelers.

3. Impatience.
It's often a consequence of #2. Again, if they like you and think you're qualified enough, people will try to hook you up, but don't harrass them. There are just too many people in need of work out there. Let it be known that you're available, advertise your creds, training and experience, then let people be. No pressure.
Of course, you do have to follow up sooner or later, but again without any hint that you need a job NOW and that they'd better tell you what's up.

3. Selfishness.
If you're on the market, it's about them, not you. They have the leads and/or jobs that you need; all you are is a potential candidate/coworker. If you were "The Best" and in great demand, they'd come to you, but that's not the case, is it (you wouldn't be reading this)?
So the attitude to have is: "what can I do for you?" In your cover letters, you can say that you'd love to discuss what you can bring to the table, for example. People want to know what you can do for them - they already know you need a job (and don't care). Again, your own needs are your motivation to get jobs, but of no interest to others.

Talking about networking with other agents, have some currency. What can make you sound worth talking to, or would make them willing to share intel with you? If you have done some homework instead of walking around with "hook-me-up, hook-me-up" on your lips as a mantra, you can offer information on the market, and this is what you should open conversations with, not requests to join their details.
That's where all the research and filing I keep bringing up comes in handy. You do this for yourself first, but all job intel you share will make you sound as someone with inside information, someone valuable, someone who has something they can use. And I'm not talking about confidential client stuff, here, just what companies are out there and how they operate, for example.

I keep running into guys, especially newer and younger agents, in need of guidance. Obviously, I don't expect them to know all the stuff it took me years to gather on the local industry. I share willingly because I think it empowers everybody and this can help me too in the long run. But I'm shocked to see that they apparently expect to keep coming to me like to a well of knowledge without ever having anything to contribute. After giving company names and contacts, advice on how to approach certain people, and coaching on how to interview... seeing them clam up when it's my turn to ask for a clarification on a company they mention makes me realize, again and again, what a one-way-street most people can be. You have to give to receive, right?

4. Lack of resourcefulness.
Another big pet peeve of mine. We live in the internet age. I just cannot believe how much hand-holding I have to do with people who will be in charge of others' safety, never mind investigating threats to their clients or making life or death decisions.
Curious about a company? They probably have a website. The site should list business licenses that you can look up and even company principals names if you're lucky, These names can be Googled or found on certain social sites such as linkedIn, netting you more intel. High profile court cases may reveal certain clients' names, or relationships between companies (who lost their client to whom, etc.). All this is valuable background info to share with others and use to stay away from some contracts or know who's legit, etc.
Sometimes you'll be in the dark, and that's when you have to rely on other people with inside knowledge, but I see way too many guys asking who Gavin DeBecker is or whether Brittney Spears has security (examples). It's all out there, folks, and if you ask, you'll only sound lazy and/or dumb, definitely not the attributes of a good bodyguard!

(more below - long post)

Local Talent

01-30-2011, 12:48 PM

(continued)

6. Being demanding.
I've said it elsewhere, but when you start out, people don't want to hear about your personal likes and dislikes. Beggars can't be choosers. Few of us care to work nights, weekends, or holidays, for example, but be fully prepared to do just that in the beginning.

This guy approached me at work once. He claimed to be very interested in getting a job with my company and asked me to refer him. Although he had no experience, he was a paramedic (good) who had paid for his own EP training (very good) so I put him in touch with my boss... only to hear that he had turned the job down because he didn't want to stand or work the contract hours, both things I had told him about. Wasted my and my boss' time. If he was after exposure, that's not the right kind.

We're "hired guns". We don't complain, we don't talk, we're there to help. Assure people that you want to assist a detail or serve a client, not that you're only after your own comfort and convenience otherwise people will quickly cross you off their list.

7. Lack of persistence.
How many people have done a "hit-and-run" on this forum? How many just use this medium to put their name (and size) out there, don't contribute anything, then disappear when they realize that saying, "hey, I'm so-and-so and I need a job" doesn't work?

"The Network" is a set of professional acquaintances and friends who know you and are willing to work with or refer you. They need to know who you are first, which is obviously difficult to figure out online.
How many bother making any statements that really give insights into how they work or what they've done so far? And how many simply post in the spirit of sharing, to help others find their way in the business, showing some generosity in the process?
Some guys are borderline spammers, I'm sorry to say. They only come on to promote a course they teach or themselves.
Now we ALL have something to sell. But as I said in the above points, a minimum of manners and technique makes all the difference between a warm body in need of a hook up and a pro you'd want to meet.

The persistence aspect is the test. Are you really trying to be part of a community or just hitting people up hoping for a quick buck? It's very transparent when people make no effort on the first part.

Outside of forums, once you've physically met people and exchanged contact info... even if this doesn't translate into a job offer right away, it could one day. For you or them. So nurture the relationship. Call or email once in a while, even if YOU don't need anything. Make sure they remember you and know that you'll hook them up if you can. Otherwise all the work you do goes down the drain.
Again, networking in our line of work is no different from dating or making friends. You have to work on yourself to make yourself attractive and interesting to others, go out and put yourself out there, be friendly and approachable, and then maintain all the contacts you made.

Some are born networkers (I'm not at all), while others have to work at it. But it's a crucial part of our industry. Clearly the most important one for some, as I said.
So I hope that the above can help some devise or rethink their own strategy.

Geo

01-30-2011, 02:01 PM

Great post Lt. I truly see the lack of resourcefulness by many who complain there is no work. I among many have heard "hook me up" hundreds of times. When I advise them to send me their resume with qualifications, certs etc. Many get their pants in a wad. I advise them that because they may be friends or we have worked together does not mean squat. Those who step up usually pass through the ground level but many walk away. I have see so many guys get upset because I have called references, checked there military past etc...To me this show a lack of respect and manners. I get all the time the other company did not call my references or do a background check. I advise well there Stupid and may creating a liability from the start. I have had guys in LE who have not had active guard card certs in years get upset because I advise you need to update your stuff. Again how dare you question me. Really? Our firm has to have all the insurance, certs licenses etc to make sure your sorry ass gets paid. This goes to Lt's thoughts on a quick buck. I don't care for it and those want it are warned not to apply. Another example is those guys who feel they are above standing on a post for hours and try to to position themselves next to talent, red carpet. I have heard responses when they have been questioned "Don't you know who i am or what I have done or what unit I have worked it.? Again with us no matter your background we start everyone out the same. That may only last for a shift but it truly shows their mindset when someone can stand for 12 hours and still smile.

Further I also have take issue to guys that feel that stuff they did 20 years ago for example military or police training or a perhaps a class is going to suffice in today's society. This is not about what training is better or school vs school. This is about doing stuff to keep you current in this ever evolving society. Whether it's in the States, Europe or the Far east. I believe guys need to take updated training. The training can have a range from tac medicine, shooting, driving. I think you guys get what I am saying. As in resumes, your training needs to be updated. I am in disbelief sometimes when guys agin get their ass chapped when they are told that some of their stuff is very outdated. Feel free to respond. All the best. Geo

Local Talent

01-30-2011, 03:06 PM

Right on, Geo. It's entitlement. No matter how many dues you think you have paid elsewhere, you're always a rookie on your first day with a new detail. I've seen so many highly credentialed guys fall flat on their faces (usually because of personality issues) that I'm not buying the old "I graduated from [big name school]", "I protected [famous VIP]", or "I put in 20 years with [prestigious LEA or branch of service]" anymore. Show me, don't tell me.

I'm so convinced of the above that when I'm the one approaching people to get hired, I do the opposite of flaunting creds. I never mention names of past protectees and remain fairly vague about training and background. I much prefer to focus on what's immediately visible: presence, dress, manners and willingness to work hard.
I keep my resume very simple (again, respecting people's time and not feeding them inflated BS). And while I'll answer pointed questions, I usually end up simply having a conversation about my attitude toward the business so that clients/team leaders/managers get a feel for what they're getting. Ego is always checked at the door.

I know this sounds harsh, but you can't cry everywhere that you're not getting hired if you look sloppy, you sound annoyingly needy, your command of English is poor, or as Geo says, you have a chip on your shoulder and expect a job to be handed to you no questions asked.
You also have to make it clear that you understand "the mission", because so many people aren't clear on the concept. "I'm big and tough and take no crap from nobody" might land you the back door of a lame club, not an EP position.

The stakes are high and we're talking about fairly elite employment here, not getting hooked up by a buddy to work at the local factory.

Local Talent

02-24-2011, 01:36 PM

"Perception Is Most People's Reality": it's an "acting gig", brother. :)
Have you noticed that some people are very good at what they do, while others are experts at advertising that they are (tooting their own horn or getting on the ball when watched)? Ideally, we'd be both, but I'll leave the first part alone here to concentrate on the second.

Regardless of how skilled/trained/professional you are, or how much you can handle, it is vital to get in the habit of "putting on a show". By that I don't mean misleading people, I mean being aware that you are constantly being watched and "performing" for someone while on the job (see: http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?t=223).
One, there's the deterrence aspect inherent to every private security job (we're proactive, not reactive by nature), and two, you're shaping people's perception of you and building the track record that may end up saving your job one day. Because stuff, even only minor stuff, happens, and even the best drop the ball on occasion.
Now if you have created the reputation of a dedicated professional for yourself, people will tend to cut you some slack ("Knowing him, if he missed that, anybody else would have"). If you look like just another warm body, you'll soon test my theory that security folks are circuit breakers, replaceable and taking the blame for everything that ever goes wrong ("That's it: that guy was useless anyway. Get me somebody else."). Good people being rare, and therefore hard to replace, I'm sure you get what I'm saying.

And by "advertising" I don't mean that you should go around bragging and telling war stories. Au contraire: that's paper thin and unprofessional. No, stick to the basics: be on time, dress sharp, carry yourself like a pro, be quiet, attentive, and helpful. Be protective of clients and their entourage (get up, cover, assist); it will be appreciated and noticed. Drop your cell, turn off the TV, put the food away, and look 100% alert everytime someone is near you. Don't think you can just "turn it on" when your clients are around, and then revert to condition white - every set of eyes matters (there's usually a mouth attached to it).
A lot of guys mistakenly think that only the client's opinion matters, BTW. But clients only knows what they see of you (not much, unless you're a 24/7 protector, and those guys don't need my advice anyway), while they hear rumors and pick their trusted ones' brains all the time. A maid can get you replaced - this is not a government or union job.

I realize that domestic ops are fairly low risk and routine (trust me, I do). We all have to fight complacency at times because so much is just window dressing. But to secure and keep jobs, I really think that we have to make an effort to at least put on a good show. It becomes second nature after a while and you'll catch yourself scanning your surroundings even in the "safest" of places. And that's good! If you were perfectly safe, there'd be no need for security and you wouldn't have that particular job. We get paid to expect, and prepare for, the worst so the least we can do is look like it.

Now you wanna hear something funny? I've worked with so many actors/bodyguards in LA (at one point ALL my coworkers on a detail were SAG) that I'm actually floored to see how few of them can actually act the part. If looking sloppy and unconcerned is the best they can come up with while "impersonating" an EP agent... they should probably take that paycheck a bit more seriously because the acting thing is probably never gonna work out. ;)

Local Talent

05-22-2011, 10:58 AM

Preparation: The other day I received a call from a team member informing me that my relief, a newer guy, would be late. Why didn't he call me himself? He didn't have my number: two strikes at once! "Hey, at least I knew who to call to get it if it came to that" was his rationalization. :rolleyes:
This just confirmed a point I've made over and over again here that people use the convenience of cells to do a half-assed job. You need to be self-sufficient. How is your boss going to react if he gets a call after midnight because agent X doesn't know how to reach agent Y? What if you don't have signal or the use of your phone?

Before reporting to an assignment, you should gather all the intel you can: locations, names and contacts of all teammates (and especially the team leader's!), and job requirements. If personal info on clients and staff, or venue organizers/hosts is available, get that too - it's priceless.
If the job is to last any length of time, enter the contacts in your phone (not just on a piece of paper that'll eventually get lost) so they're on you at all time. Let's say you're sitting on an estate, the team leader should've prepared a contact list. Enter ALL the numbers on your first shift.

That "do you have so-and-so's number?" that I get asked all the time is irritating. Because ALL the contacts of all teammates and current company employees are entered in my phone as soon as I get them. When I leave a detail or company, the info is archived away - you just never know when you'll work with the same people again.

Punctuality: Every time I set up a detail, I send out all that the guys need to know: at the very least dress code, location, and time, but also any intel available and useful to prepare (duration of the job, indoors or outdoors, parking accommodations, threat level, food or no food, etc.). I put myself in everybody's shoes and disclose whatever I can to help them gear up and be as comfortable as possible.
And almost every time, somebody is late and calls me to ask for directions. In the age of Mapquest and TomTom, folks don't know how to look up an address or estimate travel time. LA traffic being the recurring "excuse", I've long given up on hoping for smooth starts and timely reliefs, but that's not right.

Dress code: when a black suit is specified, it's not a suggestion. If you don't have one, just say it (and be prepared to be passed over), but don't show up in that light grey one because your girl thinks it's so sharp.
Similarly, jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and untucked garments are NEVER OK in EP unless specifically authorized at a given assignment. So don't assume and embarrass yourself or make someone send you home.

I've just heard (not a first time for me) that I "sweat the small stuff". That's great. I know we live in a "good enough" world, and that's why the Japanese and Germans have been kicking our butts with their superior products, of course. I only drive domestics, so I know the price to pay for that, but US cars are cheap - we aren't. ;)
The thing is, in EP we take people's money to ensure their safety and it's a serious responsibility. If you don't think so, please get another job. If you were rich and could afford the best of everything, would you put up with, "Well, I'm doing my best!", "But I'm only 2 minutes late!", or "I forgot/I dunno/no one told me/I thought it was OK"?

Unfortunately, the state of the industry being what it is (flooded by wannabes and bottom-feeding companies), you get one loser after another, and end up lowering your expectations ("he's not so bad", "he's a nice guy" - wow, talk about "elite"). I'll be honest, it's been getting to me lately.

So if you're a newcomer, please don't pollute the biz by being part of the problem. Be proud of the service you provide and the rates you command (in that order), and stand out. You'll be the exception if you don't look and act like some schmuck who doesn't care or a spoiled prima donna, believe me. People WILL notice, and you WILL reap the benefits. It's not that freaking hard not to be a POS.. but it's rare.

Many new guys come on the forum and ask what the big EP secret is... To me it's not about the ultimate school, the strongest network, the elusive CCW, or the baddest physique. It's about commitment and dedication. Everything naturally trickles down from those, like a domino effect, and they will be in evidence in every little thing you do or say.
So if you can't be prepared, on time, or dressed appropriately, I know exactly what your commitment and dedication level is... and so does everybody else (clients and people who have access to them, potential threats, etc.).

And this, my friends, doesn't come from some idealistic bushido warrior type, but an already old hand who realizes how much of what we do is pure window dressing. But I do like the pay so I do what I have to do to keep it coming.
And we may be mercenaries, but it doesn't mean that we don't have a code.