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By Doc Rogers

As bodyguards we need to protect our reputations as it is priceless in the industry. We need to be committed to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism without hesitation or exception. As bodyguards we must live by established standards when conducting our bodyguard business, working for clients and dealing with competitors.

This applies to our day-to-day BG actions, responsibilities and operational procedures. We must exercise good judgment and be accountable for all our decisions and actions. Decisions and actions must be based strictly on foresight, thoughtfulness, and the protection of our clients and not purely on financial gain.  Sure, reaching our financial goals is important to success, as it puts food on the table and pays the bills. However, what’s equally important is the way the financial goals are achieved.

We must take bold, uncompromising action for the safety of our clients as well as protect their confidentiality. This means releasing confidential information and/or materials is absolutely forbidden. We must also protect them legally by carrying firearms only when in compliance with the law.

When submitting invoices to the head office or directly to the client we must never falsify hours or billing amounts for any purpose. Dishonesty will not be tolerated under any circumstances in this industry of ours.

We have to protect our clients’ reputation as well by being professional to those we meet in the course of the BG assignment. Never abusive, insulting, using foul language or gestures; leave the unprofessional, rowdy, intimidating and threatening  behavior to the street-level, amateur bodyguards.

This means also treating other professional bodyguards working the same event but for different clients with courtesy and respect. If you don’t want to be friendly, at least be respectful in public. Keep your temper and be humble and polite as much as possible.

We need to keep our egos outside of the job and try to foster a professional environment with other BG counterparts. Remember, we are all on the same team; we must lead by example and practice what we preach. Keep ethical, moral, legal, as well as professional and you’ll have a long and thriving BG career ahead. Keep safe and God speed.

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http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

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By Doc Rogers

As we enter the later years of our bodyguard careers we must be conscious of what we put into our bodies. We need to eat for health and not for taste.  We need to keep our body strong through hard exercise and smart nutrition; as bodyguards no matter their age are expected to live healthy lifestyles.

Bodyguards need to keep very fit, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol in excess and late nights. As bodyguards, especially in the later years, our eating habits should be balanced to include meat, vegetables, fruit and carbohydrates.   Yes, meat should be eaten, as it’s superior to plant protein for building muscle and keeping testosterone levels high, so we don’t turn soft in our mature age. Drop all bad habits: cigarettes, colas, ice cream, cake, candy; garbage in, garbage out. This holds true for the youngest to the oldest in our bodyguard clan.

We need to up our strength and cardio training; this should include long sessions on the weight pile to achieve superior strength as well as long session skipping rope, stationary biking or brisk running for high endurance.

On the job front we must be willing and able to tolerate discomfort more than the younger fallas on the bodyguard team. As elder statesmen in the bodyguard industry we have developed the mental toughness to travel 200 days a year and be locked, loaded and ready for work after 3-4 hours of sleep.  Bodyguard assignments have no time for cry babies, whiners or complainers. Sure sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on the older body and reflexes, but that’s the part of the job everyone has to deal with. While on the job be here now; don’t have a “back in the day” attitude. Trade-in your old model for a new one.

While on bodyguard assignments don’t be a lone wolf, BG requires a combination of ability and the willingness to communicate with teammates. Learn from the new school; let the younger members of our bodyguard clan teach the old dogs new tricks, the high-tech and modern advances in the bodyguard field.

As old dogs we should lead by example and show the younger fallas some old school methods of BG from the “golden era.” As older bodyguards we should still be growing stronger, learning everyday and become smarter; if we become sluggish, our shelf-life in the industry will expire. Keep safe and God speed.

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=182707

http://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Executive-Protection-Inspiring-Bodyguards/dp/1425135927

http://international-corporate-executive-protection.com/order.asp

By Doc Rogers

1. Showing up early within your area of operation is key to becoming more productive. These days advance work is being pushed aside and is not given the proper importance or time requirement needed. Showing up at least one day early on your own time will cost you a little additional expense. However, the rewards will be twin-fold in terms of getting your job accomplished. If you believe in the old saying that 80% of success is just showing up, than 90% is showing up early for your advance work assignments.

2. Obtaining the clients itinerary as early as possible. Once you obtained the itinerary go over it with a fine tooth comb. If there are agendas or meetings that you are not sure about, contact the meeting owner (the individuals who will be conducting the meeting or event). Talking personally with these individuals is worth its weight in gold. You’ll learn the fine details, get access to how the meeting or event will unfold. This all helps in the protection process and makes you more productive on the day of the event. You can brief your client on the specific movements within the venues, etc.

3. Obtaining VIP passes and parking as early as possible. When planning for a VIP event for your client, get you and your client’s passes as well as VIP parking well in advance. Never assume they will issue your VIP passes and parking on the day of the event, this could become disastrous. “Murry’s Law” may come into play. To become more productive, meet with the event manager in charge of VIP passes and parking well in advance and you’ll be squared-away.

4. Booking your client’s and your hotel room way in advance. Your room needs to be adjacent to the client’s room, with a fully booked hotel this little requirement could pose a major problem. Make your reservations in advance; speak with the manager of the rooms division of the hotel. If you use the particular hotel on a regular basis, develop a professional relationship with this person. Remember the hotel is considered the client’s home away from home, it’s their castle. The less hassles for you and the client while staying at the hotel the better, this can be accomplished by developing a good working relationship with the managers.

[Read more…] about 10 Ways to Become A Dynamic Bodyguard