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Thinking Outside the Box-The Key to Success for Executive Protection Agents

LeMareschal

How many times have you seen companies place “Able to think outside of the box” in their job description, or executive protection agents list this term as a skill in their resume? Thousands of times! The question is, can you actually think outside of the box? Do you imagine the unimaginable? Can you see solutions where others only see problems?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, thinking outside of the box means ‘’to think imaginatively using new ideas instead of traditional or expected ideas’’. And according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it means ‘’to explore ideas that are creative and unusual and that are not limited or controlled by rules or tradition’’. We can find that there are plenty of definitions with similarities, and it is considered a “skill” in many professional industries, one that is particularly hard sought after by corporations for their upper management staff.

When we approach this from the #executiveprotection industry, “think outside of the box” is a metaphorical expression that means to approach a problem or situation in a creative, innovative, and unconventional way. In simple words, be able to think beyond the usual or traditional constraints, rules, limitations, or training that are commonly accepted or imposed in a particular context. The phrase “the box” represents the established boundaries or conventional thinking patterns that people often operate within and the training they have received from various schools. When someone is encouraged to “think outside of the box,” they are being prompted to break away from these usual patterns of thought and consider alternative solutions or perspectives that may not have been considered before. Ones that offer significant solutions to unique problems.

Thinking outside of the box for an executive protection agent means approaching the task of protecting the client in a manner that goes beyond conventional methods and strategies, very often outside the norm. There are so many traditional ways to approach scenarios and while the primary goal of an EP agent is always to ensure the #safety and #security of the client, thinking outside of the box allows them to be more proactive, adaptable, and creative in their approach.

Some interesting Synonyms one will find for thinking outside of the box are:

  • pull a rabbit out of a hat.
  • rise to the challenge.
  • square the circle.

Now we’re sure that as an EP agent, there have been many moments in your career when you have had to ‘’pull a rabbit out of a hat’’, “rise to the challenge’’ or ‘’square the circle’’. Clients, protective details’ needs and circumstances can change within seconds and if you are not on your toes and a quick thinker, you won’t be able to solve problems, and you won’t have longevity in this industry.

Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com

For example, there are many colleagues who will, no matter what they face or where they are, practice the same #protective methods. They’ve learned something on a training course, and they will try to apply it in their professional life without wondering if that specific thing is even suitable to their specific situations, clientele, or specific environment. As we always love to observe people, we once saw a solo EP agent who was escorting his client in downtown Athens, Greece. The agent was staying about a meter back from his client, off to his side, but as they were approaching a building, he kept himself in the same position, now putting himself between the wall and his client! The wall poses no threat to his client so why didn’t he place himself on the other side (the most vulnerable one near the street)? Because he wasn’t taught that.

What people fail to understand is that during a class you will learn the very basic concepts and probably 10 scenarios. But real life has 10,000 different scenarios and requires you to be able to think and swiftly react within seconds. A protective detail is like a living organism, and it changes and mutates constantly, and you have to adapt your methods according to the needs and environment.

Although, as we mentioned earlier, while thinking outside of the box is a valuable skill in many fields, including business, science, arts, and everyday life, it is vital for executive protection agents, especially considering you can not micromanage someone in this kind of job. Thinking outside of the box will equip EP agents with the mindset and skills needed to excel at their Craft. By combining traditional #securitypractices with #creativethinking, they can provide a higher level of protection and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving #securityindustry.

Here are some examples of where EP agents must think outside of the box:

  • Risk Assessment: Instead of solely relying on standard #security #protocols, different risk platforms, and risk matrix, an EP agent who thinks outside of the box will conduct a thorough #riskassessment specific to their client’s unique circumstances, which will allow them to identify potential vulnerabilities and tailor their security measures accordingly (we was vastly disappointed when we received an #RTVA from a very reputable security company addressed to a female client and no one had bothered to include registered sex predators in her area or sex crimes rates). Being able to be creative and think like the “bad guys” will give you a different perspective to work on with your risk assessment. If you were going to commit a crime against this person(s), how would you do it? What methods would you use to overcome current security protocols? Where are the weaknesses?
  • Adapting to Different Situations: As we already mentioned, a protective detail is like a living thing and is consistently evolving, changing organism. Unforeseen situations may arise during your assignment. New #threats, changing security needs, and what you can and cannot do. Thinking outside of the box means being able to adapt quickly and make split-second decisions based on the circumstances at hand. Nothing is ever a set of little yellow footprints laid out on the ground for you to follow. During a protective detail, you don’t have much time to think, play scenarios out, or do calculations in your head. You have to be fast and effective!
  • Discreetness: While it’s essential for an EP agent to be #vigilant and #protective, sometimes blending into the background can be equally important. An innovative agent will find ways to remain discreet while ensuring their client’s safety. Observe your environment quickly and be able to come up with a behavior, and persona that will justify your presence but not give away your purpose. The days of highly overt agents are becoming more outdated every day. Discreet, quiet, discerning agents are in high demand, and we must adapt to fill these needs.
  • Understanding Client’s Needs: Each client is different, with their own preferences and concerns. Each protective detail is different, with its #threatlevels and its own #protectiveplan. As an EP agent thinking outside of the box, you will be able to understand your client’s needs, the team’s operational needs, and tailor your approach accordingly. One thing that many clients bring up as a complaint, is that they feel “suffocated” by the presence of their EP teams. While it is understandable to have the protective triangle, box, rhombus (you name it) tighter in crowded places, you need to consider the overall circumstances and loosen up the distance between you and the #protectee when the situation and environment allows for it. Knowing how close to be and when to allow space is a very important skill to sharpen for the client’s sake and their overall experience. One wise old practitioner once told us, “Close enough they can see you and nod if they need you…Far enough away that they never have to introduce you.”
  • Preventative Measures: If you are creative when you do your #riskassessments and #threatanalysis, you will have quite a different perspective of risks and threats involved, and this will make you implement better preventative measures to anticipate potential risks.

One may ask, “Do I have to forget what I have been taught?” Absolutely not! Thinking outside of the box does not require one to forget or abandon the knowledge and training they have received. Instead, it encourages the integration of their existing expertise with creative thinking and problem-solving to enhance their effectiveness as an executive protection professional. It really becomes a question of how you can build on what you have been taught and expand on it further through creativity. The “bad guys” use creativity to develop their strategies to overcome your best-laid plans…How can you outthink them? Standard security practices and methods are the essential foundations of the field of protection. They are tried-and-tested approaches that have proven to be effective in various situations and are based on years of experience and research (and learning from mistakes!). These practices provide a structured and reliable framework for handling security challenges and a foundation for ensuring the safety of your clients. Now you must take what you’ve been taught and expand your thought processes to encompass these new ideas and possibilities. So, when you find yourself in situations that may demand a unique or unconventional approach…Can you really think outside of the box?

#ProblemSolvingSkills #UnconventionalThinking #EPIndustry #RiskAssessment #AdaptabilitySkills #DiscreetProtection #covertprotection #covertep #PreventativeMeasures

#EPProfessionals #SecurityChallenges #EPAgentSkills #bodyguards #femalebodyguards #corporatesecurity #familyprotection #executiveprotection #celebrityprotection #protectiveservices #softskills #epcareers #closeprotection #professionalbodyguards

The Necessity of a Client Questionnaire for Executive Protection Operations

LeMareschal

One of the most important and basic functions that a majority of the companies who provide executive protection services are failing miserably to obtain, is the client questionnaire. How many of you have been called by a company to provide services and you found yourself with not enough information about the client, besides a name and a location, and you had to literally fight to get more information from the project manager or the person in charge for the specific client? Don’t worry, we already know the answer and most of you have found yourselves in this situation.

The most important part in an executive protection detail is not to get the client or the contract, but to deliver great services and to excel. In a profession where excellence is directly connected not only with professionalism but also with the level of protection, it is vital for the industry to make sure basic steps are constantly applied. However, no matter how vital it is, many colleagues fail to maintain a questionnaire out of pure laziness, or because they do not know what to ask the client or are too afraid of the client to ask the important questions.

A client questionnaire is the first thing you must provide from the moment you secure that client/contract. You can either send the document to the client or the POC, or you can fill it yourself with the information you gather as you speak with the client or the POC. It is a very crucial document for executive protection professionals as it enables them to gather vital information, conduct risk assessments, customize security measures, establish client expectations, and facilitate effective collaboration. It serves as a valuable tool for developing comprehensive security plans and ensuring the safety and well-being, not only of the client but also your personnel.

Client questionnaires can help your operation in several ways:

It can help you gather essential operational information about the client and their specific needs. This includes details such as the client’s personal and professional background, their routines and schedules, travel plans, known threats or risks, and any specific concerns they may have. This information helps the protection team tailor their services and develop a comprehensive security plan that addresses the client’s unique requirements.

It will be a helpful tool for your risk assessment and threat analysis. Although some companies believe that one should perform a risk and threat assessment ONLY if they charge the client for it, so if the client isn’t paying, they won’t provide one. Crazy? Yeah! And it happens more often than one may think. But this topic is for another time to discuss. Just keep in mind, you don’t run a risk and threat assessment because the client is buying the ‘’product’’, you run one because IT IS part of your functions, and it will undoubtedly benefit your team on the ground. So, when you run a client questionnaire by collecting information about the client, their activities, and their environment, the information gathered enables you to conduct an initial risk assessment and threat analysis. It will help you identify potential risks, vulnerabilities, and areas of concern that need to be addressed to ensure the client’s safety and security. It allows your protection team to develop effective strategies and countermeasures to mitigate these risks.

As we all know, each client and each operation have its own needs that can vary significantly depending on factors such as their professional background, public visibility, lifestyle, specific circumstances, and geographic location. The information obtained through a client questionnaire enables you to customize your security measures to suit the client’s specific protective needs. This may involve determining the level of security personnel required, implementing access control measures, arranging secure transportation, establishing secure communication protocols, or any other necessary precautions. By knowing your client’s needs, you will also be able to establish clear expectations between you, your protective team, and them. By utilizing a client questionnaire, you enable your clients to have the opportunity to communicate their concerns, preferences, and any specific requirements they may have (Remember, in our industry, what the client wants matters as well). By understanding your client’s expectations upfront, you and the protective team can align your services, accordingly, ensuring a satisfactory and effective security operation.

As a project manager or company owner, you also have a duty toward the people you are hiring. Since you are the one who makes that first contact (services sales as well) with the client, you must be sure you require specific information to pass on to your team on the ground. There is nothing more unprofessional, unhelpful, and inconsiderate than to send your team unprepared and expect them to do a great job. Unfortunately, as we mentioned earlier, it happens way too often. Some people are just lazy to do what it needs to be done, others are terrified of the client and believe if they ask questions (which are necessary for a protective operation) will make the clients angry, and some do not know what to ask! Now we can’t do anything about those who are just lazy, however for those who fear the client, let us assure you that, nothing else shows more professionalism and that you know your field, than when you show interest and make the necessary questions that will enable a smooth and successful protective operation. Consider the fact that, for the majority of the time, you won’t be dealing with the client himself/herself, but with their PA, security manager, agency, etc. Those people will be able to provide this information to you because they already know most of the answers, and for those they do not know, they already have communication, trust, and the confidence of the client. So don’t be afraid to do what your job may dictate.

Now for those who do not know what to ask

Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels.com

Think of the client questionnaire as a mini and first risk and threat assessment. Ask yourself, what would I need to know if I was the agent on the ground hired for this specific client to provide professional and successful protective services? Divide the questionnaire into sections such as:

  • Personal Information, including full name, DOB, nationality, religion, home address, contact information, and person in charge (if not the client).
  • Professional Information, including current occupation or business, employer/company name, job title, and business address.
  • Lifestyle and Routine, including daily routines and schedule, locations frequently visited (home, office, public places), regular activities (sports, social events, hobbies), any upcoming special events or engagements, associations (social, professional, religious, political), travel frequency and destinations, public exposure, or visibility.
  • Known Threats and Concerns, including any previous security incidents or threats, specific concerns or risks identified by the client or his immediate environment, information about any stalkers, disgruntled individuals, or potential adversaries, any information about the client or anyone in their immediate sphere of influence (SOI) to have been involved in controversial activity (public speech, professional decision, etc.)
  • Travel Information, including planned or anticipated travel destinations, travel dates, and duration, purpose of travel, mode of transportation (private jet, commercial airline, etc.), accommodation preferences (hotels, rental properties, etc.)
  • Support Personnel, including names and contact information of personal assistants, drivers, or other personnel involved in the client’s daily activities.
  • Security Measures, including any current security arrangements, if any (i.e., RST, security systems, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, etc.), details of any existing security personnel or teams involved in the client’s protection, how many people are to be protected, any family members traveling with the client (what, if any family members are NOT included in this assignment), and length of assignment (days, hours per day).
  • Communication Preferences, including preferred methods of communication (phone, email, text), emergency contact information (family members, close associates),
  • Medical Information, including any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies, details of any required medications or medical treatments, emergency medical contact information, and any dietary restrictions, or intolerances.
  • Legal Considerations, including any legal issues or ongoing litigation that could impact security measures or confidentiality.
  • Likes and dislikes regarding his/her EP detail – Additional Information, including the client’s preference about the security team, if they have ever hired any EP services before, why they are not using that firm anymore, and any other specific requirements or concerns the client or the POC wants to address.

Bear in mind that the questions in a client questionnaire may vary based on the unique needs and circumstances of the client, and it may need to be tailored with additional questions or sections. The preferable option is to have a document sent to the client, their PA, or POC for the specific detail and ask them to fill it out for you. That way you can have an extra layer of protection (even a legal one) if anything happens due to information not given to you.

#ExecutiveProtection #ClientQuestionnaire #SecurityServices #RiskAssessment #ThreatAnalysis #SecurityMeasures #ProtectiveServices #ClientSafety #SecurityPlanning #Professionalism #SecurityOperations #ClientExpectations #RiskManagement #SecurityConsulting #ClientRelations #bodyguards #femalebodyguards #womeninprotection #closeprotection #corporatesecurity #corporateprotection #celebrityprotection #protectiveintelligence #threatassessment #lemareschal #lemareschalexecutiveprotection

Protective and Intelligence Solutions for Individuals, Families, and Corporations

LeMareschal

In a world where security threats are increasingly diverse and unpredictable, the need for comprehensive and tailored security solutions has never been more critical. At LeMareschal, we understand this need and have dedicated ourselves to providing top-tier personal security, family security, corporate security, and security consulting services to our clients.

Personal Security: Protecting What Matters Most

Personal security is not just about physical safety; it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re a public figure, an executive, or an individual in need of protection, our team of highly trained professionals is ready to ensure your safety. We specialize in risk assessment, threat mitigation, and crisis management, offering a holistic approach to personal security that is both proactive and reactive.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Family Security: Safeguarding Your Loved Ones

At LeMareschal, we understand that nothing is more important than the safety of your family. Our family security services are designed to provide comprehensive protection for your loved ones, whether at home or on the move. We offer personalized security plans, taking into account your family’s unique lifestyle and needs, to ensure their safety and peace of mind at all times. Our trained male and female bodyguards can protect your young children or teenagers. Trust LeMareschal to keep your family safe, because your family’s security is our highest priority.

Corporate Security: Protecting Your Business Assets

In the complex and dynamic world of business, security risks can emerge from any direction. At LeMareschal, we offer robust corporate security solutions designed to safeguard your organization’s people, assets, and reputation. From risk assessment and crisis management to physical security and cybersecurity, our comprehensive approach ensures that your business is protected from all potential threats. Trust LeMareschal to fortify your corporate security, because the safety and continuity of your business is our mission.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

The LeMareschal Difference

What sets our company apart in the crowded security services market? It’s our commitment to excellence, our comprehensive approach to security, and our team of seasoned professionals. Our team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service. At LeMareschal we understand that each client is unique, with specific needs, wants, and concerns. That’s why we offer bespoke security solutions, tailored to the individual needs of each client. Whether you require personal or family protection, corporate security, or security consulting services, you can trust LeMareschal to deliver.

In an unpredictable world, LeMareschal stands as a beacon of security and reliability. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help enhance your security.

The Art of Brand Management for Close Protection Companies

LeMareschal

During our combined 56 years in the industry, we have seen many close protection companies making huge mistakes marketing themselves, either because they can not afford it and do it themselves (and do it the wrong way), or they choose the wrong marketing company/service to represent them and what they intended to portray to the marketable public is lost or misrepresented.

Brand management is a critical component of any successful business strategy, regardless of the industry or niche. The security industry is highly competitive, and building a strong brand can differentiate your company from the competition. Also, brand management is especially important because it can directly impact the trust and confidence that customers have in the company’s ability to provide effective security services. As one of the unique industries that can build their portfolio by ‘’word of mouth’’, how your clients feel about your services is of huge importance. Effective brand management can help close protection companies build trust with customers and establish themselves as industry leaders, setting themselves apart from the crowd.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key principles of brand management for close protection companies and offer some practical tips and strategies for building a strong and trusted brand.

1. Develop a clear brand identity

The first step in brand management is to develop a clear brand identity. This includes creating a brand name, logo, and tagline that reflects the values and mission of your company. Your brand identity should be consistent across all marketing materials, including your website, social media, and advertising. It should also be easily recognizable and memorable, all the while maintaining simplicity. “Less is more” should be the standard.  While you are choosing your brand identity always have in mind your clientele and ‘’target group’’. What reaches your audience of choice? If you are looking to attract corporate companies or C-Suite individuals, a less ‘’tactical’’ looking brand identity will definitely be more suitable.

Photo by zoe pappas on Pexels.com

Today we have many close protection companies providing very similar services making the competition between them fierce. Are you offering something different? Something unique? Do you have a new or improved method of service? What can you offer or provide that no one else does? If yes, build your brand management around that! In 2002, we saw the need for an agency that would train and provide placement for female close protection agents. And we used that uniqueness to set us apart to build our brand and Athena Worldwide was born. In 2008, after having worked with many UHNW families, we saw the need for a hybrid service that would combine childcare with security awareness and that is how Nannyguards was created. Both of our brands are known and have been operating internationally. 

2. Define your target audience

Knowing your target audience is critical in all brand management. Your brand message should be tailored to resonate with your target audience. Whom are you attempting to reach? Who do you desire to do business with in the future? We see many close protection companies failing when it comes down to this. Many of them believe that they must (or they do) market their services to other security companies. Why would someone attempt to sell a product to its competitor? While that may be acceptable if you are looking for subcontracting opportunities, it is not if you are trying to gain new clients. Simply think, you are trying to advertise your services to companies who provide the same services! Widen your opportunities by expanding your target audience to include businesses, corporations, family offices, luxury travel agencies, luxury transportation services, placement agencies, media corporations, event production companies, etc.

Also, have in mind that your target audience may change due to the latest geopolitical circumstances or threats. For example, many corporations were in need of workplace violence mitigation during the numerous employee layoffs. There were many medical or pharmaceutical corporations that had to hire protective teams for their corporate officers during covid lockdowns. Always think ahead regarding how something that is happening currently can cause-effect, thus giving you the opportunity to reach out to new clients. Understanding the specific needs and concerns of your target audience can help you create effective marketing strategies. Another point to keep in mind is that many corporations push services or tell the potential clients what they think the client needs, rather than listening to the perceived needs and concerns of the client prior to making an assessment. 

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

3. Establish a strong online presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Your website should be user-friendly, informative, and visually appealing. It should also be optimized for search engines so that potential customers can easily find your company. In addition to a website, you should also have a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. HOWEVER, always have in mind that each social media platform is different and has been designed for different users. Let’s begin with Facebook as an example.  Having a presence on Facebook may be ok for a close protection company, and many close protection companies already seem to base their marketing budget and efforts on it. But let’s think for just a moment, who is your target audience? Do you really believe that C-Suite personnel or millionaires/billionaires will be found looking for their next security provider on Facebook? Brand strength and recognition amongst the HNW/UHNW circles are critical.

Let’s break down some most used social media platforms:

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are all social media platforms, but they differ in their purpose, target audience, and features. Many close protection companies rely on them to market their services and confuse the likes and shares with potential future clientele. Maybe one post or picture of yours got 500 likes and 50 shares on Facebook, by people who can’t use or don’t need your services, what does that mean for your marketing? ZERO, absolutely zero! You spend time, and probably money, to advertise, and the likes and shares are not translated to clients. And let’s just break it down further for clarity. Who composes the majority of your “friends” on these platforms? Just because your Uncle Harry and Aunt Gertrude think you’re the most awesome thing since sliced bread does NOT translate at all in terms of the validity of your business or your service quality.

Now let’s discuss some key differences between these platforms:

a.     Twitter is a social media platform that focuses on short-form, real-time communication. Users can share updates (tweets) of up to 280 characters, and these tweets can include text, images, videos, and links. Twitter is often used for breaking news, live events, and conversations on trending topics. It is popular among journalists, politicians, celebrities, and people who want to stay up to date with the latest news and events.

b.     Instagram is a visual social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. It is popular among millennials and Gen Z users who use it to share their experiences, showcase their creativity, and connect with like-minded individuals. Instagram also offers features such as Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV, which allow users to create short-form video content.

c.     Facebook is a social media platform that allows users to connect with friends and family, join groups, and share content such as photos, videos, and links.

d.     LinkedIn is a social media platform that focuses on professional networking and career development. It is used by professionals and businesses to create professional profiles, showcase their skills and experience, connect with other professionals, and search for job opportunities.

Now as a close protection company, which platform do you feel is best to reach out to your audience and create a strong brand? Most of these platforms do the polar opposite of what we should be doing-posting pictures, names, locations, and assets that do NOT belong to us and we shouldn’t be advertising!

For us, it has always been LinkedIn in combination with blogging, which we will describe soon. We have seen 25% and sometimes more, of our clients coming to us because of our LinkedIn presence.

Have in mind that whatever social media presence you choose to have, you must stay on top of it, with engaging and interesting content that will showcase your audience who you are as a company, the depth of your understanding and knowledge of the field, and what you can offer.

4. The power of Blogging

Blogging is a powerful tool for brand management for several reasons:

a.     Establishing expertise and thought leadership: By regularly creating high-quality, informative blog content on topics relevant to your industry, you can position yourself as an expert in your field. This can help to build trust and credibility with your audience and establish your brand as a go-to resource for information and insights.

b.     Driving traffic to your website: Blogging can also help to drive traffic to your website. By creating valuable, informative content that answers common questions or addresses common pain points your target audience may have, you can attract visitors to your site who are searching for information related to your brand. Any topic that sparks the inquiry regarding further services is valuable.

c.     Increasing brand visibility: Blogging also increases your brand’s visibility online. By creating and sharing blog content on social media platforms, you can increase your reach and attract new followers and potential customers. The more often someone sees a great blog attached to a particular brand name, they will be more and more curious as to who you are and what you are offering.

d.     Improving search engine rankings: Finally, blogging can help to improve your search engine rankings. By creating high-quality, relevant content on a regular basis, you can improve your website’s SEO and increase your chances of appearing in search results for relevant keywords.

In summary, blogging is great for brand management because it can help to establish you as an expert in your field, drive increased traffic to your website, expand your brand’s visibility, build relationships with your audience, and improve your search engine rankings. By creating valuable, informative content that resonates with your target audience, you can strengthen your brand and attract new customers OR media agencies over time. And we all know that being mentioned by a magazine or TV channel due to the performance of your security services can lead to better brand visibility and new clients. We have never paid for an advertisement, and we have had many inquiries from big media outlets to either interview us or mention our story and services.

Now, have in mind, blogging needs time and commitment, it needs you to keep a sharp eye on what is or can be the most interesting topic of the day or week that revolves around security and create great engaging content out of it. What are the people looking for? What services do they need? How can you be a perfect fit to increase your client base? 

5. Focus on customer service

Customer service is an essential part of brand management for close protection companies. Providing excellent customer service can help build trust with customers and establish your company as a reliable and reputable provider of close protection services. Make sure your employees are trained to provide exceptional customer service and that customer feedback is addressed promptly. Always make sure you keep in contact with your clients and run surveys or send emails to ask how they are finding your services and if there is something to correct or take care of. LISTEN to your clients! These are not services for you, they are provided by you for them! What do THEY need? How can you improve to care for them better? Use the feedback to correct or improve your services. Mistakes happen but it will show great leadership skills and that you care for your customers if you fix whatever is wrong. Use feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement and to address concerns. Positive customer feedback can also be used as a marketing tool to showcase the quality of your services. Remember customer feedback can be a valuable tool in brand management and upgrading/improving services and products. What you think is needed may not be needed at all…Listen!

6. Consistently deliver quality service

Your brand is only as strong as the quality of service you provide. Consistently delivering high-quality close protection services is essential in brand management. Make sure your employees are vetted, well-trained, and equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Also, remember your employees can be your brand ambassadors! And don’t forget to regularly evaluate and improve your services to meet the changing needs of your customers. Keep this important point in mind: You would rather have one or two solid, well-run contracts to whom you provide amazing service and products (These customers will tell their colleagues all about you), rather than a dozen sloppily run contracts that are flailing due to lack of quality and poor customer service. (They will also tell all their colleagues about you…And it won’t be good!)

7. Leverage customer feedback

In conclusion, brand management is essential for close protection companies looking to establish themselves as industry leaders. By developing a clear brand identity, defining your target audience, establishing a strong online presence, focusing on customer service, consistently delivering quality service, and leveraging customer feedback, close protection companies can build a strong brand that differentiates them from the competition and builds trust with customers.

Do you have questions? Feel free to reach out to us!

The Grows

Denida & Chris Grow bring a combined 55 years of international experience in the Protective and Intelligence services. They are based in Seattle, WA, and run their companies LeMareschal, Athena Worldwide, and Nannyguards. 

We are giving away 2 full Scholarships!

LeMareschal

We are giving away 2 full Scholarships! Donate to our “Bodyguards for Kids” Fundraising Event and enter to win an Executive Protection Specialist Course offered by Independent Security Advisors LLC, or a Surveillance Driving Course offered by Optimal Risk Group Ltd!


Not only will your donation be making a change and helping children in need, but it is also your ticket to our virtual educational event, and what a line of speakers we have! Plus, it is your ticket to our raffle prizes! Thank you to our donors for their generous offers on the scholarships! You are truly bringing our industry together!

“Bodyguards for Kids” the first annual fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is now officially open and ready to accept your donations. Join us for our two-day virtual educational event as we are hosting 17+ subject matter experts from different countries.


Why participate?
1) Your donation is helping children in need and making a difference in their lives, first and foremost!
2) Your donation is your ticket to our educational event where, for only $39, you will have the chance to learn from 16+ Subject Matter Experts.
3) Your donation is also your ticket to our raffle prizes for a chance to win an Executive Protection course scholarship, books, and other great prizes!
4) This event will unite the security industry. No matter where you stand, no matter how you feel, this is for the kids…Do it!

We have also created multiple options for an individual or a company to contribute, participate in our event, and get highlighted as an Individual or Corporate Sponsor.

Minimum donation for individuals to be listed as event sponsors $250.
Minimum donation for companies to be listed as event sponsors $500.

For detailed information about our event, educational courses, speakers, and their bios please visit: www.bodyguardsforkids.com
After your donations, please contact us at info@lemareschal.com to be sent the event zoom invitation or to be listed for one of the above sponsorships options.

And don’t forget this event is for the kids! Let’s bring awareness about our industry and the human side of Executive Protection!

Executive Protection Agents in a Rare Interview with a Retired Paparazzi

LeMareschal

It’s not very often when we have the ability to interview and learn from our adversaries. While most efforts are seemingly focused only on physical attacks, they do not give enough emphasis to the paparazzi, media, and all that this facet of protection entails. But we’ve got you covered. This is an interview we have been wanting to do for the last 5 years. What we learned from a retired British paparazzi is that pointing a flashlight toward them won’t work, neither you are safe if you block the tail number from your private jet. We also learned how they find information about your clients, who are willing to pay a lot of money to buy your pictures (no, it is not only the media outlets), to what length they will go to distract you and get that picture and why you will be not able to buy their silence.

*Disclaimer: During this interview, you may encounter offensive language content within the realm of your site.*

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***Copyright @Athena Worldwide, a LeMareschal LLC company. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action.***

Marketing tips for Executive Protection Agents

LeMareschal

Perception is everything, protect yourself and build your reputation on solid ground.

*These are part of a panel of personal opinions formulated from my experience in the industry as an EP agent, business owner and recruiter for other corporations. Keep in mind that just because I preach it, doesn’t mean I haven’t made the mistakes. It’s actually the fact I have made some of these and it’s caused me to learn what can work and what doesn’t. You may not agree with me or follow up with the suggestions, but experience is an amazing teacher…”Let he who has ears…”*

1) Know what you know and know your value. (Know what you are willing to sacrifice as well, working more hours, night shifts, holidays, for how much, or how little.)

2) Know what you don’t know and either leave it to someone else or study it (There is nothing worse than someone who is trying to operate in many different fields, and yet, have quite limited knowledge on each field and act as though they’re the authority on it.) Focus on what you are most interested in and master it. Only move on to something else when you have a solid foundation on a topic and you are prepared to expand to something else.

3) “Listen more and talk less” Comment or post on social media only if you have something constructive to say and always stay on point and use professional language.

4) Post or comment only on subjects you know well, subjects you have studied, and subjects you know from real-life experience. There is no need to post daily or non-related posts.

5) It takes specific work and, quite simply, boots on the ground to consider yourself experienced. Having worked EP two or three days a month doesn’t make you qualified enough to disagree or raise your voice with people who have been doing this for 10+ years. Neither are you an expert after one or two years in the industry (You can always see who is who and what they know and don’t know by what they post on social media). Stay humble, lay low and learn your trade well…Your day will come.

6) Maintain a professional image on all business-related social media sites. A suit and tie picture will always be better than a tank top or a duckface selfie.

7) Build a professional LinkedIn Profile, highlight your skills and post all your professional and educational achievements.

8) Stop posting sensitive information, IDs, and license numbers on social media (You are a security professional! If you fail to protect even your own personal information, what does that tell me about how you handle your clients’ information??)

9) Always maintain OPSEC in every post you make. Always think, “How could this be used to harm my client or my team?

10) Protect your data! We have seen more and more security professionals warning their connections that they have been hacked! If your ex-girlfriend can hack your Facebook or LinkedIn profile, then you are probably not very good at keeping your clients or your information safe.

11) Keep high school drama out of social media.

12) Control your emotions, and remain professional at all times…You are your client’s close protection, NOT his/her “Buddyguard”. Friendly at all times, not Friends.

13) Be careful of your connections and the people that you recommend or work with. Have you heard of death by association? Make no mistake, it is a very real factor in our business!

14) Build a professional-looking CV. Keep it simple and to the point. There is no need to hire a CV writer, you know what you have done, trained for, and accomplished.

15) Invest time in building connections. Spend time talking to others or helping them with their projects. I have gained many contracts after the interviews I did with others.

16) Offer pro bono services to companies you respect and want to be involved with.

17) If you are single and have no family commitments, perhaps you work that shift on Christmas or other holidays so someone else can spend the day with his children. You have no idea how being understanding can help you in the long term.

18) Study your clientele and any potential clients. The industry has changed significantly, and the new wave of clients are IT gurus, app developers, cryptocurrency investors, reality stars, etc. Always be knowledgeable on current trends and topics.

19) Be informed on local and international news, threats, and events that affect the industry and the needs or operational aspects of your clients.

20) Don’t be arrogant, there is a fine line between being confident and arrogant. Never cross it…There usually is no way back once the damage is done.

Denida Zinxhiria Grow

Founder & CEO

Athena Worldwide

Athena Academy

Nannyguards

Managing Partner

LeMareschal LLC