As a CEO, you may rely on others to make necessary protection arrangements for you. This includes your security detail when you are traveling or going to special events. Unfortunately, the person making your arrangements may not know all there is to know about executive protection, and you could end up with a Bodyguard, or worse, a Buddyguard.
What are Bodyguards and Buddyguards?
Bodyguards are untrained thugs who are typically large in stature and hired to protect an individual. However, due to their lack of training, they are not the best option when it comes to real protection and security. They may be able to bench press 400 lbs. but unable to survive a type of semi-organized attack on you.
A buddyguard takes bodyguard one step further. A buddyguard becomes friends with the individual they are trying to protect, something that can compromise their security and safety. You’ll see tons of buddyguards on Instagram taking photos with their clients, which is already one huge breach of security. Because Instagram has location settings, those who have bad intentions can easily find a celebrity and physically harm them.
Buddyguards are also the type to do whatever their client asks of them, and it’s often a matter of time before their actions compromise the safety of the client. There is a treasure trove on YouTube of Hollywood Buddyguard failures. They create a possible criminal or civil liability exposure to the client.
Bodyguards, Buddyguards, and Executive Protection
Bodyguards or Buddyguards do not perform executive protection. Executive protection agents are there for one thing: to protect the individual, not to become their friend. When it comes to buddyguards and executive protection agents, here are a few of the critical differences.
Acting on Client Requests
Buddyguards will often do whatever they are told by their client, which can get them in dangerous situations. An executive protection agent will listen to their client, but always think of their safety, clients reputation, and stand firm in their core values because they know security best.
If a client asks them to do something that an agent knows is not in their best interest, the executive protection agent will explain the situation and why that should not happen. If the client should then insist, executive protection agents will stand firm.
Giving Out Information
Buddyguards have in the past leaked unintentionally or intentionally give out information about a client. The paparazzi might pay them to do so, or when they’re not thinking, they will post their location on social media. Executive protection agents will never give out any information regarding their clients to ensure their safety and prevent future harm.
Prioritizing Safety and Security
Buddyguards may not always prioritize the safety of their clients because they have become friends, and that relationship has blurred the line between client and bodyguard. They may also not be qualified enough or trained to handle such a client, but never divulge that information in the first place, making safety a severe issue.
Executive protection agents always think of the client and their own safety first. When it comes to the client, they will never intentionally put them in harm’s way or do anything to compromise their safety. While a buddyguard may let their client hold a gun or weapon, a security expert will never put themselves or their client in a position to get hurt or in trouble.
