"Tough Target" - Street Smart Guide to Staying Safe

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around personal safety and the importance of being aware of one's surroundings, particularly in the context of Pampered Chef consultants who may work in unfamiliar areas during evening shows. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on a safety program developed by Detective J.J. Bittenbinder, titled "Tough Target." The discussion includes reflections on his presentations and the relevance of safety training for consultants.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares that having a safety expert like J.J. Bittenbinder at a conference would be beneficial, especially for those doing shows at night.
  • Another participant recounts a past event where J.J. Bittenbinder gave a captivating presentation that exceeded the expected time, indicating his ability to engage an audience.
  • Several users mention the importance of having a personal safety plan and being aware of one's surroundings, with one participant sharing a personal experience related to an abduction incident.
  • One participant expresses a desire for more training on safety topics, highlighting that many consultants could appreciate this focus at future conferences.
  • Another participant notes the contrast in engagement levels between threads discussing sensational topics versus those offering practical safety solutions.
  • One participant mentions that they plan to read J.J. Bittenbinder's book and believes it would be valuable for their family.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the level of interest in safety topics, with some participants expressing strong support for the idea of having safety training at conferences, while others note a lack of engagement in the thread compared to more sensational topics. No clear consensus emerges regarding the overall interest in safety discussions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and opinions regarding safety awareness, particularly for individuals working in potentially risky environments. Participants share their thoughts on the relevance of safety education in their professional lives.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants, especially those who conduct shows in unfamiliar areas and are looking for insights on personal safety and awareness.

The_Kitchen_Guy
The_Kitchen_Guy
Silver Member
Messages
12,389
The forwarding of alarming e-mails, that may or may not have basis in truth, has prompted warnings for you to all stay smart. What exactly does that mean? A man I met several years ago puts it this way: "You gotta play it like you're alone out there. You gotta play it like there are no police. You are responsible for yourself to yourself ... and you gotta have a plan."He's Detective J.J. Bittenbinder, retired after 23 years with the Chicago Police Department, many of those years as a homicide detective. He has developed a program entitled, "Tough Target - A Street Smart Way to Stay Safe."
http://b3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01347/38/65/1347075683_m.jpgDet. Bittenbinder made a dinner speech for me several years ago and it was probably the most important talk I've ever heard. I have his book, Tough Target, which you can get at Amazon or your local bookstore.You can read the basics of Street Smarts at this web site. J.J. Bittenbinder says there are four steps to personal safety:
  1. Have a plan
  2. Deny privacy
  3. Attract attenton
  4. Take action!
What you will learn here is that bad guys, like any preditor, prey on the weak, just as a lion looks for the animal that has broken from the pack. If a bad guy senses that you are not weak, but that you are a tough target, he'll pass you for a weaker, easier target.You need a plan - the "goof" has a plan for you so you need a plan for the goof. Let J.J. help you develop a plan and you, too, can be a "Tough Target."(Wouldn't you love to see J.J. at conference? I sure would!)
 
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Thanks for sharing that. And, yes, considering that most of us do shows at night, in unfamiliar areas, it would be a great idea to have someone like him at conference.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
He gives a GREAT presentation! I was co-chair of a huge event for singles about 15 years ago. I contracted with him to do a 40 minute talk, because 1) that's about all the longer people can sit in banquet hall chairs before they get fidgity and 2) we had other things to do that night.After an hour, he looked at his watch and said, "Gee, you folks have other things to do tonight, so I'll wrap this up." He talked for another 45 minutes - the room was dead silent and there was not one person to stand and leave. He is riveting!
 
I would think that the moustache would be enough to keep people riveted!:D
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
He gives a GREAT presentation! I was co-chair of a huge event for singles about 15 years ago. I contracted with him to do a 40 minute talk, because 1) that's about all the longer people can sit in banquet hall chairs before they get fidgity and 2) we had other things to do that night.

After an hour, he looked at his watch and said, "Gee, you folks have other things to do tonight, so I'll wrap this up." He talked for another 45 minutes - the room was dead silent and there was not one person to stand and leave. He is riveting!
Click to expand...
Belinda Ellsworht talks about doing something like this as part of a recruiting/booking event because everyone is concerned about safety.
 
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  • #6
He's the guy to do it - he's not cheap but he's worth every nickel!
 
Definately good advice---you're just a wealth of information KG:)
 
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  • #8
Interesting phenomenon...A thread with blood and gore gets thousands of views...a thread spreading fear and paranoia based on an urban myth gets hundreds of views, but here's a thread with a solution to personal security for everyone and it's virtually ignored.
 
This is definitely a topic on which we could ALL use advice or reminders.
 
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  • #10
I always carry a "goof" money clip!
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Interesting phenomenon...

A thread with blood and gore gets thousands of views...a thread spreading fear and paranoia based on an urban myth gets hundreds of views, but here's a thread with a solution to personal security for everyone and it's virtually ignored.
Click to expand...

Interesting indeed:rolleyes: I think I missed the blood & gore though.....darn!
 
Good advice, KG. I travel around a lot by myself. Reminders of how to be smart and safe are always helpful. Thanks.
 
Blood and gore??? Where??? I missed it
 
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KG--you should forward this idea to the HO. I know there are times that my DH was hesitant when I would book shows in certain neighborhoods. Thankfully, I haven't had any problems yet.

It would be really great to get some training in this area, though.
 
I think a LOT of consultants would really appreciate this as a topic at conference!











PS: I didn't ignore it! I've been WORKING! Yes I do that sometimes!
 
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  • #16
luvs2sellit said:
Blood and gore??? Where??? I missed it
Click to expand...
I'm not telling. If you missed it, you were fortunate to have done so.

DebbieJ said:
KG--you should forward this idea to the HO. I know there are times that my DH was hesitant when I would book shows in certain neighborhoods. Thankfully, I haven't had any problems yet.

It would be really great to get some training in this area, though.
Click to expand...
BethCooks4U said:
I think a LOT of consultants would really appreciate this as a topic at conference!
Click to expand...
I agree. A few more positve posts and I will do so. The '07 conference is probably cast in concrete by this time but there's always '08.
 
Okay, put me on the "I'd definitely go to that seminar" list.
 
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  • #18
If nothing else, get a copy of his book.
 
This is great info! Thanks for sharing! :D
 
Just read what's online (the link)...GOOD info! I think I'll order the book, too.
If he was to be at conference, I would attend his presentation too. I think a lot of people really don't think about the danger that lurks out there in this crazy world we live in. My kids and I know where all the sex offenders in our town live...and what they look like...and I think that his book would be great brush up info for my family. Thanks for the info, KG!! A+ for you!!
 
I will get the book and I'd LOVE to hear him speak... I'd love for my 6 daughters to hear him as well. Thanks SO much for posting this. I've not been on as much as I want to be... seems I have this life... rats... but anyway.. .thanks again!
 
I"m bumping this thread because everyone here needs to read this...it's not funny..but necessary for everyone!
 
He would be a great speaker to get at a college! Imagine how many incidents he could help prevent if he spoke to every college kid in America!
 
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  • #24
You can get him - there is a speakers' agency in Chicago that represents him.
 
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  • #25
I'm bumping this ancient thread because J.J. came up in conversation earlier today. Interesting that this thread happened in March - more than three months before Paige disappeared.We all need to be more aware of our surroundings - at all times.
 
I plan on looking at this thread (it is 2 am and I am having problems sleeping) at a later time when I can take it all in.

Even though I live in "the boondocks" I still fear, as a female, going for walks and traveling alone. I feel restricted and that I am missing out on life. Maybe it is a phobia, but I think this site could benefit me and others. Looking forward to viewing it.

Thanks, KG!
 
I briefly worked on an ambulance crew when I was just out of high school. We picked up an woman who was abducted while getting into her car on her lunch break. She never saw it coming and she didn't do anything wrong. She simply turned to place items on her passenger seat...that distraction was all it took. So, while I believe in believing in the basic good of others, I also believe in always having a plan and staying aware of what is going on around you.

Sorry, don't mean to start a thread of testamonies, but I was young at the time and it left a mark on me. I can still remember the look of despair in her eyes.
 
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  • #28
You're exactly right, Leggy - J.J. says that the goof has a plan, so you have to have a plan, too. And you have to look like you're too smart to be a victim. The goof will avoid someone who looks like a tough target - and you have to be aware of what is going on around you.
 
Bumping as this is IMPORTANT info!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #30
In light of the other thread running near the top, I'm going to bump J.J. back up to the top, too!
 
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