You are one of hundreds maybe thousands in the audience. Everything about this show, the experience, the energy is absolutely perfect. Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring that kind of experience to the fans every night? Have you ever wondered what it is like from the inside looking out into a sea of people and it being both your professional and personal responsibility to ensure every single person has the best entertainment experience in the present and now? Have you ever wondered what it's like beyond the barricade?

Being one of the premiere security professionals in the business for over 21 years, Sean Guthrie has enabled fans to experience glimpses and snippets of life on the road through his Facebook & Twitter. "Beyond The Barricade" is a direct interaction with fans through clients he has the fortunate opportunity to work with. Guthrie's diligence to integrity and positive energy through social media is a textbook example of how social media should be used in today's world. His hopes and dreams of making a difference within the realm of what he does every day shows the limitless possibilities of social media that far outshine any negative connotation sometimes associated with one of the major ways we as a community communicate and socialize in today's technologically driven world.

Initially getting involved as a security professional at ground level to eventually running the security program for the NFL including nine Super Bowls for CSC (Contemporary Services Corporation), as well as Final Four Events and the Mike Tyson/Lennox Lewis fight, Guthrie has now been working on the music side for over 11 years. "Having worked in sports I was able to meet and get to know a lot of artists for National Anthems. Getting into the music side of the business just seemed like a natural progression for me as a professional," Guthrie notes.

Social Media and technology has been tool which Guthrie not only utilizes in every aspect of his day to day career responsibilities, but a way to connect with fans giving them a small glimpse into his world and travels, and most importantly a platform to make a difference in the world and "pay it forward" with projects directly associated with Beyond The Barricade.

"My number one priority is my artist, their family, crew, etc. You always have to keep that security buffer in place especially when posting to social media. Every update we do with Beyond The Barricade is done behind the time, never in real time. As long as private information isn't given out, locations are not divulged you can be OK with your choices of what you put out there." Being a security professional one is always in planning mode, always has to be one step ahead of the game assessing situations. The vast capabilities social media and today's technology affords those like Guthrie is limitless to being proactive instead of reactive with their daily responsibilities. The ability to connect with an on-site security person for Guthrie allows him to assess staging, dressing rooms, possible hot spots in a venue; all aspects & variables of the surroundings beforehand that a diagram would never be able to compare to in terms of accuracy. The end result is his proactive approach with security placement in all forms and being comfortable knowing all bases are covered without unexpected surprises. 

With over 5000 followers via Twitter and Facebook Guthrie's Beyond The Barricade truly is that direct link to the fans. There are no hidden agendas, no ulterior motives or personal gain with having the pages. It gives Guthrie and his staff (who updates the pages) a way of connecting with the fans universally and letting them to be a part of the excitement. It also allows him to be able to do his job better to ensure a great experience for the fans. It is the fans voice via these outlets. As Guthrie points out, "Nine times out of ten I am trying to protect the fans from overzealous security. We want the fans to have fun; we want them to come back. And sometimes you have security that tries to put a damper on that. I'm out there talking to the fans, in the crowd; trying to make sure they are OK and getting their monies worth from the show. It's the fans who allow us to do what we love every night." Maintaining the integrity of what he does via social media as well as in person with the fans is something that is very important to Guthrie. 

"For me, it really is about the fans; to make sure they have a great experience every time and come back. It is amazing just taking a little time to say hello, give someone a guitar pick or bring a child up on stage means so much to the fans. I love watching people have a good time, dance and smile. That is what it's all about. I want to make sure they can do that every night." Being able to directly connect with people via social media through these experiences is why Guthrie chooses to utilize for greater good in all aspects of his life.
 

If it didn't seem like Guthrie had a full plate of life in front of him, he is also taking on the challenge of a reality show based on the security profession within the Entertainment Industry. The show still in the design and development stages will be a global Survivor meets the Apprentice to find the best of the best in the security profession. Challenges in Australia, United States and United Kingdom eventually will culminate in the Beyond The Barricade World Challenge. BTB World Winner will get the dream job of being head of security for a prominent figure.

With all the social media updates, daily career responsibilities and projects in the near future there is a great sense presence with Guthrie. Everything he speaks of is done with great enthusiasm, positivity and passion. The relationship and influence of current client and mentor Carlos Santana seems to have a definite impact on how Guthrie approaches everything in his life. "Mr. Santana does everything with such grace, elegance, humility and dignity. He is a very spiritual person and my mentor. He is the real deal." If a person becomes better by the company they keep, being in the presence of Guthrie definitely shows the impact Santana has had on him. For as chaotic, busy and fast paced of a career as Guthrie has, he is very in the present and now. He confesses he is learning to be more that way, not obsessing over things that have happened or could happen, simplifying things and being the best person he can be right now in that moment . Being able to learn and accept another way and better way of living each day and living it to the fullest is something he is putting into practice more and more. 
 

Social Media can be a Catch 22 in today's society. If you venture into it like Guthrie has, with respect for the medium, understanding your own impact on people, love and passion for people as a whole and bringing fun and awareness to the masses it does end up being a win-win for everyone involved. Guthrie's dedication to the integrity in all aspects of his career easily translates into the cyber universe on how social media should be used. He has made his world, career and adventures transparent for everyone to enjoy and share. He has allowed fans to see life Beyond The Barricade from a completely new and different perspective. He has given people an opportunity to get to know him�.

Follow Sean Beyond The Barricade on Facebook here and on Twitter here.
 

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