Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Starting this month, we will begin discussing personal safety and security topics with a central theme—one for each month, that continues through the final week of December. The notion is to introduce a new theme each month and build upon it with 3-4 editorials. Our goal is to cover subject matter that is pertinent, informative and perhaps worthy of practice. We invite you stay with us for the weeks ahead as DCI offers new and practical ways to take charge of your personal safety and security.

October is “International Travel” month. Welcome to the discussion.

Departure Planning –

Success comes from hard work. Rarely does anyone achieve measured success in their chosen profession without putting in the time and paying dues along the way. Striving to be at the top of your game is an admirable undertaking that is deserving of recognition and reward—leaders recognize selfless commitment. After much patience and anticipation, the day of your promotion arrives…It is time for a new business card.

You begin by passing them out like freshly minted currency, which is too hot to handle. Not a problem - that is what they are intended for. However, soon they begin to morph into luggage identification tags and here is where your personal security practices become flawed.

Points to consider:  During transit to and from your business destination, your checked luggage is out of your physical control. It would be unjust to suggest that everyone that handles your personal property during this timeframe is unscrupulous, but the truth of the matter is that one never knows for sure.

Business cards generally offer the holder’s name, business and contact information. However, micro-printing now seems to compel us to include professional or academic titles, licenses and amazingly; photographs. While this information may be required of your particular organization or business, it is excessive for a luggage ID tag. Have you ever received your bags and found that the personalized luggage tag is damaged or missing?

As an alternative, consider a label that includes only your name and contact information at your travel destination. If the bag is misrouted, there is ample information available for it to be reunited with you.

For example:

Mr. John Williams,

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Jakarta.

If you are inclined to do so, a telephone number to the front desk may be included.

Once your business is concluded and round-trip planning begins, it is time to change out that destination card.

It now reads:

Mr. J. Williams

Los Angeles, CA

310.555.1234

Again, if you desire more detailed information, place inside the luggage or suitcase.

You deserve the promotion and the opportunity to promote your business abroad. However, announcing your degree of importance on your personal luggage is unwise and bad business. And by the way,, while you are meeting after-hours, think twice about depositing your business card in that fish bowl at the bar or restaurant. The promise of a free lunch or souvenir Polo shirt is not worth the hassle. Be Safe!