The threat of global terrorism and kidnappings has caused an increase in the demand of bodyguards. Just in 2009, there were 70,951 global incidents of terrorism. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, of those incidents, 7,604 were kidnappings. The opportunities to start a security Bodyguard Business have never been greater as demand grows for business leaders and other high profile individuals such as journalists, activists and others seek protection.Thinking of starting your own business? Don’t know if the bodyguard business is really for you? Interested in breaking the bodyguard business industry? Want to open that Bodyguard Business but don’t know where to start? I give you some basic steps that might pave your way in opening that Bodyguard Business.
According to the American Society of Industrial Security, studies have shown that there is an increasing demand for security services during the past years especially after the tragic day of 9/11. With this increasing demand for security services, starting your own security service business has become a pretty good idea. If you’re interested in the bodyguard business, then where do you start?
Bodyguard Business: Where do you start?
First, determine what kind of security service you want to provide. Is it only the executive protection or bodyguard services? Or also other security services such as patrolling and security staff?
Second, determine the license and permit requirements in your state. Some states, like in California, require that the manager of a security service undergo an oral and written test is required together with a criminal background check. Also, research if your employees themselves need a specific permit or license to work in a bodyguard business. Some states require that bodyguards receive at least 40 hours of training, with 8 hours of continuing security education yearly, with complete background check and license fee. Carrying firearms also require a special permit.
Third, determine your bodyguard business start up cost. Reports have shown that depending on the equipment, costs of training, permits and licenses location and advertisements, starting a bodyguard business require around $10,000 to $50,000. Fourth, once you have secured your capital and staked out the needed licenses, you are ready to hire. It is a good idea to advertise in different police departments. Make sure that the people you hire possess the necessary training in giving executive protection. Try to hire people that would match up to the needed requirements for your permits. Background government service training, either in military, or law-enforcement is definitely a plus. At the outset, outline what your employees are required to do. Create a company policy. Also consider getting insurance coverage. This may cost a little but considering you’re entering into a high risk business, insurance is not such a bad idea. Besides, some states actually require that you have insurance before you can operate a bodyguard business.
Training: It’s a Must in the Bodyguard Business
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Even if you manage to land the top police officers or military-trained people, training is still the most important thing that you should focus upon. Skills taught by the police and the military, though helpful, are not enough to provide quality security services. Bodyguards must acquaint themselves with martial arts, skills in surveillance, risk examination and advance work on the locations your client are going into. Since the bodyguard business is a services business, you’ve got no business if there are no quality services to provide.
Step 1
Do an inventory of personal skills. Individuals seeking to start a bodyguard business without prior security experience will find it extremely difficult to find clients. Few clients are willing to trust their security to an inexperienced business owner. Most states required bodyguards and security personnel to be older than the age of 18. Individuals with criminal backgrounds will find it nearly impossible to obtain licensing and approval to carry firearms. Military, military police, bodyguard, detective or police enforcement experience is essential to start this business.
Step 2
Choose which security services to offer based upon the business’s customer demographic. Security bodyguard businesses offer a number of services to their clients including firearm training, alarm services and installation, special event security and guard dog training. Base services on the business customer’s demographic, for example business travel security may dovetail nicely with foreign speaking bodyguards who can also act as interpreters.
Step 3
Contact the state licensing board to confirm state requirements for private detectives and security licensure. Some states, such as California and Georgia, require security business owners to undergo a criminal history background checks. All security bodyguard employees who carry a firearm must conform to state gun laws and obtain proper licensing to carry a gun. Minnesota requires extensive gun training or police experience prior to issuing a gun carry permit.
Step 4
Write a business plan for the security bodyguard business and apply for loan Startup costs for a security business are high because of additional expenses such as the required licensing to carry firearms, the cost of criminal background checks on employees and regular security training to update skills. Security bodyguard business owners will have to pay for office space, advertising, salaries, insurance and other general business costs. A business plan will help outline expenditures and help educate lenders on the security bodyguards business during the lending process. Free assistance on starting a business is available by contacting the U.S. Small Business Administration at 800-827-5722.
Step 5
Look for office space in professional business buildings. First impressions are vital for security bodyguard businesses since a key to being hired is the level of trust the customer has in the business keeping them secure and safe. Look for locations in professional areas near the customer demographic. Security bodyguard business dealing with residential security may wish to locate close to areas where their clientele live while corporate security business will want a presence near corporate business campuses or areas.
Step 6
Hire staff and bodyguards. Recruit and hire staff away from successful security bodyguard competitors in your area. These employees will have the successful security and bodyguard experience. Experienced bodyguards already have relationships with clients while experienced security support staff already has experience in building a security business. Contact a hiring recruiter with security recruiting experience to help develop a hiring plan. Organizations, such as the National Law Enforcement Recruiters’ Association, are excellent places to find recruiters experienced in this field.
Step 7
Purchase business and liability insurance. This is vital for any security bodyguard business. Many states, such as California, will not issue a license without proof of insurance. In California, private patrol operators who employ armed security guards must have a million dollar policy in case of injury or death.
Step 8
Prepare office and find clients. When decorating the office space keep in mind clients must trust you to keep them safe before they will hire your company. Hire an interior decorator to design a reception area and meeting room that elicits a feeling of security and trust. This helps in creating a good first impression with clients. References (8)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation: 2009 Report of World Wide Terrorist Incidents
- Federal Bureau of Investigation: 2009 Chart of Terrorist Incidents Worldwide
- National Law Enforcement Recruiters’ Association
- International Interior Design Association: Come to Your Senses
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Small Business Planner
- Entrepreneur.com: Business Idea Center - Bodyguard Security Service
- Starting a Bodyguard Business
- How to Start a Security Bodyguard Business
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