Women At Risk - In Home Sales Representatives (Part I)
If you are an in-home sales consultant, such as an alarm security consultant or a real estate professional, what are your 
companies’ policies on what you should and should not do if you are attacked by a prospective client when you are in their home during an appointment? Has your Human Resource personnel given you specifics on what you can do to protect yourself if you are attacked or assaulted?
Both real estate agents and alarm security consultants have a much higher "risk" to their personal safety than most sales positions due to the very nature of meeting with complete strangers in their home. The risk is even greater when you are meeting one-on-one with a male prospect with no background information. At least when it is a referral or you quasi-know the prospect, the odds are he will not be a perpetrator looking to do you harm in a confined or concealed location.
The personal security and safety of each of us should be a high priority, especially in this day of high crime against women. Women should develop a Personal Safety Plan for both work and home. This plan should spell out the steps you are going to take to make yourself more aware of your surroundings and the people you deal with; educate you on self-defense strategies and techniques; learn how to protect yourself; and what personal protection options you can take as a secondary level of defense. If attacked or assaulted, this plan will help guide you to instantly respond and “KNOW” what to do without having to “THINK” about what to do to protect yourself.
Companies that employ women (and men) in high risk positions should definitely consider providing personal security and safety awareness training for their employees.
Here are concerns that in-home sales representatives have to contend with. If you are in a high risk position such as an in-home sales consultant or someone who meets clients in their home, make sure you are prepared and know what to do if suddenly attacked or assaulted.
(See Part II)
