Start A Concierge Business

Start a concierge business today and put your terrific planning and organization skills to work for your clients. 

The terrific part of this business is you can provide the services you're good at and coordinate with others to provide additional services where needed. Being a concierge is robust relationship business where you care for your clients' needs.  

So, you may be asking what is a concierge business?  And what will I do?  

Well, the answer can be many things depending on your particular clients.  

We could rename this service to “Life Director” or "Family Director" or "Personal Manager" where you help manage your clients busy life and offer services which relieves them of the stress and worry.  

You utilize your organization and logistics knowledge to help your client's handle the many details of their life -- personal/family schedules, mail, purchasing requirements, social engagements, etc.   

By handling all of the small details for busy individuals, it allows them to focus on other life/professional issues which interest them more than the routine (yet very important!) aspects of their lives.

As you start a concierge business, you will want to enjoy working with people, delight in helping others make their lives more smooth, and have the ability to handle multiple projects at the same time. This is a very personalized business where you cater to the needs of each of your clients. 

When you start a concierge business, your clients may be busy executives, affluent mothers, tradespeople who travel a lot for business, etc.  Working with these folks will lead to a variety of interesting assignments.

There’s no limit to the services you can offer and assignments which may be requested when you start a concierge business – you may want to determine what you wish to do and what you will coordinate with others to do.  What about partnering with a friend or two to provide more robust services to your clients.   

Some of your services can be making travel arrangements, handling a variety of logistics for your clients to make sure they are where they need to be, when they need to be there, and with the correct supplies/equipment they need to be comfortable or perform their job upon their arrival.  

You can also provide organization services (for homes, offices, files); handle event planning, provide decorating, find or offer child care services, etc.   Work with your clients to establish budgets (where needed), manage to the budget, and get the job done on-time and on-budget to build your solid reputation without surprises!

The Washington Post had a great article giving some real life examples of "life style managers" and the different ways the concierge is blending with every day families -- read "When You Need Another You!"

Niche Notes!!

There are some terrific ways to niche this business depending on your interests:

1.  Provide travel arrangements and services.

2. Help your clients with personal shopping services.

3. Handle organization tasks -- either at their home (closets, cupboards, garages, etc.) or at the office (filing, electronic files, storage closets, etc.)

4.  Handle dispatching or logistic arrangements ensurng people, luggage, and supplies are at the correct place when they are required.

5.  Plan events for your clients.

6.  Do grocery shopping and/or food delivery for your clients.

7.  Care for pets and take them for walks.

Start A Concierge Business - What's It Take?

Dog Walking

Event Planner

Bartender Service

Interior Design

Interests/Skills:  

• People Skills
• Planning & Organization skills
• Innovative, creative problem solving
• Computer skills
• Good Communication Skills

Resources:  Quality transportation, Computer, internet, small supply kit for quick fixes, attractive clothing and well groomed.

Time Required:    8 – 15 hrs/week; can work full-time 30-40+ hrs/week

Training:  Learn about online productivity software you can share with your clients to keep them on-time, on budget, and where they need to be when they need to be – you both have access at a glance on a smartphone or tablet.   Develop your planning and organizational skills to manage and avoid potential pitfalls before they happen. Join the National Concierge Association www.ncakey.org.  Train yourself to be cognizant of the small details – insuring everything is in its place, is organized, and beautiful.   Managing every small detail will build your reputation and help you with referrals for your business.  

Market:  Busy Executives, Tradespeople Who Travel, Home Owners, Affluent Mothers with Business Responsibilities

Home Based:       Yes

Internet:              Yes

Location:              Local, Regional

Start-Up Costs:    $2,000 - $5,000

Minimizing Start-Up Costs:   Keep your initial costs to a minimum when you start a concierge business by using your current transportation, computer, and internet connection.   I'd recommend a good quality smartphone or tablet with wifi capabilities for working with your clients where ever you are located.  You never know when or where you may be called upon to provide logistics support . . . be at the ready.  

  If expensive computer software is needed to support your clients, roll this you’re your services and bill your customers for the use since it supports their business.    Develop solid relationships with vendors who can provide terrific services for you and your clients – negotiate discounted prices wherever possible. 

Do your market research in your area talking to potential clients or those who work for potential clients to understand the services which may be needed and which you would be excellent at providing.   Ask for “warm” introductions wherever possible to get into busy/affluent individuals and be prepared to capture their attention in the first 90 seconds.   

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