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Getting Started as a Personal Concierge
The word concierge denotes two meanings,
says Dictionary.com. One, from hotel terminology, is
a staff member who assists guests or residents, as by
handling the storage of luggage, taking and delivering
messages, and making reservations for tours. The other,
derived from French culture, is a person who lives in
an apartment house, attends the entrance, and serves
as a janitor.
While there is no formal definition
of the word yet in the dictionaries for personal concierge,
on the contrary, this profession is a booming business.
The boom is brought about by a fast-paced lifestyle
which leaves hardly any room for busy professionals
nowadays to sort out their bills, schedule their activities
(both personal and business), or book their vacations.
A personal concierge is being recognized
as a legitimate profession. Laura Tiffany, in an article
entitled "How to be a Personal Concierge",
which appears at Entrepreneur.com, discloses that the
number of personal concierges is growing fast. She adds:
“Although it's no secret that the personal concierge
field is booming, hard numbers are difficult to come
by. The National Concierge Association, a Chicago-based
group that was founded in the late 1990s as a networking
and resource organization for both personal and hotel
concierges, doesn't yet track numbers or statistics
pertaining to the industry. Cynthia A., a former hotel
concierge who runs her own personal concierge business
in San Diego, estimates there are a few hundred personal
concierges throughout the United States.”
How to get started as a personal concierge?
Consider this as an example of a job description: "Getting
seats to a sporting event, reserving a table at a top
restaurant, or sending a birthday present. Able and
willing to go above and beyond the everyday. Always
ready to go the extra mile with your employer."
While personal concierges are in demand
in the U.S., Britain is starting to catch up. If you
live in any of these two countries, you can start approaching
companies offering such opportunities. Ask these employers
if they are hiring or willing to train you as a personal
concierge.
Of course, not everyone is fitted for
the job of a personal concierge. Individuals who like
to organize, who enjoy assisting others, and who don’t
get bored researching detailed information are encouraged
to try out for this job. Skill and experience with events
management is likewise imperative to the job of a personal
concierge. If you possess all these traits but you are
in a different profession at this time, it’s the
best time of the year to take the plunge. You’ll
probably thank yourself over and over for taking the
chance!
People who have worked as an administrative
assistant or even an executive assistant are predisposed
to the job of a personal concierge. If you’re coming
from this profession, you might initially find running
your own business for the first time rather jolting.
But remember, if you’ve been able to proofread
or otherwise improve your boss’ marketing plan
or business proposal, what’s keeping you from striking
out on your own?
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