Driving - You've Gotta Love It!

by Basilio Reyes Jr.
member of SecurityDriver.Com

This is one area of the job that I love the most and one area of the job that is so very important. When I drive I get excited, I get motivated, I get ready to do what I was put on this earth to do. If it wasn't for my driving position, I don't know what I would be doing.....probably still working a job and wishing I was in the EP field and thinking how to get into the profession. Which leads me to the point of my article, how one goes about getting their foot in the door of EP work.

Below is what helped me get into the field. I hope you find the information helpful.

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Being honest with yourself and with others that you will be associated with in the EP field. Constantly remind yourself that there is always room for improvement and then discipline yourself to make those improvements a part of your everyday life. Learn from others and take constructive criticism for what it is...free help! Also, remember that the EP field is a service oriented art. Be prepared to not only drive and protect your principal but, be prepared to walk his dog, drop-off / pick-up laundry, do this and do that. If you can accept this and still do your primary job then you will have no problem being successful. Another very important aspect of this job and I should have listed this first is - Do the Right Thing!! Don't Do Anything Illegal Even For Your Boss!! Believe me, your reputation is on the line and it will follow you.

BE PROFESSIONAL

Professionalism in the EP field is a must, it has to be there! If you were in the military, then bring back (if lost) the experience of basic training. Some of the best training I received was in Air Force basic training. You remember....stand straight, hold up your head, stay sharp, keep clean, respect others, buddy system, etc. Attend courses that will help you in the EP field....public speaking, first-aid, nutrition. Keep up on latest communication trends and certainly know how to operate your principal's cell phone, palm pilot, Blackberry, etc. There is always something to do in the EP field. I wouldn't be too concerned about weapons, since most corporate EP jobs are unarmed positions. To be armed carries a huge responsibility but if your employer feels you need to be armed they should see to it that you’re properly trained through off-duty law enforcement.

TRAINING INVEST IN YOURSELF

I had some training when coming into the field but nothing like what I now have (thanks to my employer.) Read and study about every facet of the field. Something that has worked for me is that I try and read and study certain professionals in the field. For me, sticking with certain professionals helps me to stay sharp in the field. You will find that the training is repetitive, choose your schools and instructors well and use them (follow-up with them, call them, keep your line of communication open with them, get your monies worth or your employer's monies worth out of them) To be honest, I believe they (instructors/schools) appreciate it and it helps to build a following and you develop business relationships in the field. You never know, this is a small world and you might meet them on the road while on assignment or you may work an assignment together.

NETWORK

Yes, that's right NETWORK. Get out and press the flesh, you may want to join security/police/criminal justice organizations, this way you get to know people in the field. This is where you can get your foot in the door, and when a position opens up it may have your name on it. A word of caution - when you attend a networking event be positive, have pen and pad, current (honest) resume, look clean (don't forget the shoes), be sharp, but please don't be a know-it-all or a conversation hog. Pay your dues, learn from the ground up, give the people who have been in the field room to share and talk. I guarantee you, some of the best information is picked up by keeping silent and keeping your ears open. After a while you will know who the movers and shakers are and if you play your hand correctly you will come out a winner.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE OR TAKE ANYONE FOR GRANTED

You should never under estimate anyone in this field. For instance, if one is acting suspiciously then treat that person the same. If meeting someone professionally-never underestimate the importance of that meeting. I was referred to my current boss by someone I met with for about 20 minutes. This person remembered our meeting and knew my current boss professionally, when my current boss networked with him on an open position he referred me. The rest is history. Always be ready, that 5 minute introduction or meeting may be the foot in the door that you need. Another good idea is to use “Thank You” cards for an event you have attended or after an appointment you had with a fellow professional-use them, they work!

READ, STUDY, and then READ some more

Read everything you can on the EP field, study, become familiar with the terminology in the field, read and compare articles from different instructors and learn. Never stop learning, never stop reading and never stop networking.

NEVER GIVE UP

If you have done everything you can do, then continue working, networking, studying and practicing your trade. You may have to take a full or part time job that would help you to get to your ultimate goal. Such as:

	*Security Guard - check out companies that may offer EP work. Be professional, (don't forget the shoes) keep your ears & eyes open, pay your dues, and network!
	*Limo Driver - take a driver job (full / part time), be professional, keep your ears & eyes open, pay your dues, network!
	*Hospitality Industry - good place to meet people, Be professional, keep your ears & eyes open, pay your dues, network!
	Personal Shopper - You may have to take a job at an upscale department store and start as a personal shopper as you get to know people
	Butler - get professional training, start with a catering company and work your way up, pay your dues, be professional, network
	Concierge on Wheels - you may have to start at a hotel, department store and develop your contacts, be professional, network!
	* have personally worked

GETTING THE JOB
	Be Honest with yourself
	Be Professional
	Get the Training
	Network
	Never Underestimate
	Read & Study
	Never Give Up

Well, we have reached the end of this article and I hope the above information will assist you in entering the EP field.

I have one last thing to say and that is - Prayer works.

Basilio Reyes Jr.
Executive Protection Officer
ConocoPhillips