How to Get into the Executive-Protection Business

Launch your executive-protection business by hiring the best security operatives available.

The world is a dangerous place---just ask builders offering to add "safe rooms" to new homes. This atmosphere has given way to a cottage industry for personal security-guard protection. Launch a company devoted to safeguarding heads of businesses and organizations, hire the right people and invest in the latest technology and your executive-protection security service will save lives.

Instructions

1. Write a business plan identifying your goals, objectives and mission. Prepare a start-up budget. Identify your base of operations: storefront, office or home office. Give your executive protection business a name that instills confidence, strength and longevity. Incorporate if you believe forming a C corp., LLP or Sub-chapter S Corporation is in your best financial interest.

2. Hire security professionals as independent contractors by advertising in trade publications, newspapers and via Internet sites for your executive protection service. Schedule several interviews with each candidate before conducting background and reference checks. Examine firearms permits, security clearances and verify other credentials listed on resumes. Consider using a psychological evaluation test to vet your best candidates.

3. Prepare--or have a lawyer draw up--two contract templates for your executive protection service: a client contract designed to spell out agreed-to fees and services requested by the client and a second version that's to serve as an agreement between your business and the independent contractors you recruit.

4. Solicit clients. Use word of mouth, organizations catering to executives, in-flight magazines and resources frequented by high-profile executives. Prepare a menu of services with associated pricing schedules to cover all bases including client travel, security detail at meetings and appearances, maintaining security at homes and offices and unique situations as requested by individual clients.

5. Orient contractors to your business model so they know what to expect. Work up policies and guidelines. Produce a manual describing the services they're expected to perform while protecting executive clients, including etiquette, dress, demeanor and on-duty restrictions. Spell out behaviors that could lead to dismissal so there are no misunderstandings.

6. Affiliate with other companies in the executive-protection business. Develop a relationship with manufacturers of security cards, building alarm and warning systems, metal detectors, protective gear and equipment your security professionals may recommend to keep the executives in your care safe and well protected.

7. Schedule workshops and seminars on new technology so your contractors will stay on top of security methods, trends and products. Mandate evasive driving classes, surveillance methods and mental agility exercises designed to keep agents sharp during their down time. Spare no detail, and your agency will become a formidable competitor within the executive-protection industry.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you hire your first independent contractor, decide whether you'll require your operatives to work for you exclusively. If you wish to add this restriction, make sure it's in the contract.

References

• David Marks: Celebrity Bodyguard
• Criminal Justice Degree Guide: Private Security Guard
• Ask Men: How to Become a Bodyguard
• US General Services Administration: Security in the Work Place