The Do's & Dont's When Working with a VIP

It not cool to do the following: ask for AUTOGRAPHS, take a PICTURES, post on SOCIAL MEDIA or act like a GROUPIES/FANS ETC.

Being the “talk of the town” means the town will follow you everywhere you go. All VIPs/high profile celebrities require reliable, foolproof security. This is not necessarily because they are spoiled or were born with a silver spoon in mouth - but because they face serious threats, due to all sorts of reasons; possible political involvements, philosophical activities, religious beliefs, and or moral perceptions. As personal as they may be, they are often unacceptable to the public.

Throughout their careers, there are days and/or events where they interact with their audience - the general public. However, this audience comprises of a million people with a million views and a million mindsets. Therefore, when a celebrity makes an appearance representing an entity or concept that attracts conflict, it sets off alarm bells.

Especially these days, when the internet has made stalking, monitoring, following and communicating a whole lot easier, the private lives of influential personalities are very smoothly intruded. Therefore, many celebrities appear to be in a state of constant need of security, and it is only right. You, being a security officer, are in charge of your subject’s security. Not just from armed people or muggers, but also from exuberant, pushy fans who will most probably hog the celebrity, even their personal space.

Your job is to make sure your clients sleep in peace at night, knowing that they are being looked after.

DO your job - which is to make sure that every step the person takes is free of trouble.

DON’T smother them - even if you are starstruck! Sneaking in an autograph or pictures is a big no. They already have millions of fans bugging them, you on the other hand, spend days with them. You already are on the other side!

DO try to restrain within the bounds of decorum - don’t do anything that you think may, in any way, bother the person you are assigned to guard. Respect your uniform/position and respect your client. Additionally, sharing or releasing of some personal information related to your client on the sly through social media, for instance, is frowned upon.

DO be courteous, albeit professional - Remember, the person, and all of the property you are to guard is your responsibility; a responsibility you have been given keeping your skills and aptitude in mind. However, the kind of person you are (honest, loyal, respectful etc.) is all in your hands. No kind of training can train you to develop certain human characteristics. It is all really in your hands.

DO stay alert - keep your eyes and ears open, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Being a security guard, you should be trained to do just that.

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that if your client is not content or doesn’t feel secure, you haven’t done your job right.

#DOsDONTs #VIP