Many might argue that being a bodyguard is perhaps a dream career, with the perception being that bodyguards get to share in the elite lifestyle of the stars they help protect, while drawing on their fame and financial power, through their close association with them.
However, this is not the case. In fact, there are some things bodyguards of the rich and famous are strictly forbidden to do. Here are 10 rules which celebrity bodyguards are expected to follow:
10 Draw Guns With Caution
However movies might depict the profession, being a bodyguard isn't just about drawing guns and armed conflict.
A former bodyguard of the late Hugh Hefner of Playboy fame explained that by the time a gun had to be drawn in defense of the celebrity, the bodyguard had already failed in some respects.
9 No Jumping On The Fame Bandwagon
A bodyguard should never post pictures of himself on social media, while looking after a client. This is a career-killer and one which is strictly frowned upon.
In fact, Anton Kalaydjian, the founder of Guardian Professional Security in Florida and former head of security for 50 Cent, said that when selecting bodyguards, they weeded out anyone who was looking to jump on the bandwagon of the celebrity's fame. These were ruled out as potential protectors of the rich and famous.
8 Details Matter
A celebrity bodyguard should be concerned with the little things. This might mean having a constant eye out for anything suspicious and going to all lengths to understand the client's daily routine.
It will also mean being aware of one's surroundings and the celebrity's immediate circumstances - at all times - having an 'eagle eye,' so to speak. For example, turning the air conditioning on for the client in their car a few minutes before they enter the car (on a hot day).
7 Keep A Low Profile
Who wouldn't want to be seen standing alongside society's rich and famous as a pseudo-appendage, charged with said starlet's protection and defending their life and livelihood?
However, bodyguards have to keep a low profile. This might mean sitting at a table a little away from the celebrity, fitted with an earpiece and mic, with a plate of food in front of you (to appear extra convincing).
6 Be Flexible
When one is a bodyguard, one has to bow to the schedule of the client and to the client's preferences. This could possibly be at one's expense in terms of time and effort or sacrificing one's personal preferences.
One might have to, for example, eat at places that one doesn't necessarily like, or at inconvenient times, to fit in with the celebrity's schedule. When one becomes a celebrity bodyguard, one's schedule is no longer one's own.
5 Don't Become A Buddyguard
This happens when a bodyguard lets down their guard, so to speak, and crosses the line with their client, to become their friends.
This is called being a buddyguard and it's a no-no as far as professional experts are concerned. Bodyguards are advised to keep a professional distance with their clients, or risk being asked to do things outside of their area of responsibility.
4 Know Your Celebrity's Specifics Ahead Of Time
A bodyguard should be well-synched with the celebrity, so that they even know which floor to press when approaching an elevator, with the star they are overseeing.
Kanye West's bodyguard said when he approached a lift with the celebrity, on the first day of his job, he was expected to know which floor they needed to be on.
3 Practice Self-Confidence
The bodyguard should act the part in everything he does and have a holistic approach towards his profession. It is essential a bodyguard always carry themselves with confidence, as this will help to instill confidence in the client.
Furthermore, a bodyguard who walks the walk will be a big deterrent to any potential attacker. It's all in the image, the muscles, and the confident stride.
2 Brain First, Mouth Second
A celebrity bodyguard should be sharp, in terms of staying aware and using street-smart behavior to best deal with any situation which arises. While good communication is an essential career quality, it should go like this: use your brain first and your mouth second.
A special intelligence is necessary when being a bodyguard, as is a good dose of humility. One's best weapon is one's brain, followed by the mouth.
1 Don't be a Jabber Mouth!
While good communication skills are essential, a bodyguard should be one who can keep confidences, especially the confidence of his or her client. His work will mean he will witness things that the public doesn't know about, such as a hidden drinking habit.
He should cover the celebrity by refusing to be a jabber mouth about such things. Protection doesn't mean just protecting the celebrity physically, but protecting their image and reputation, through you covering them with your silence and discretion.