Customer Reviews

The Concierge Manual: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Concierge Service or Lifestyle Management Company

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The concierge business is one that has a lot of potential. Today we see mommy and daddy both working, and both completely exhausted from the pressures of business combined with all the errands and chores of raising a family. A lot of chores you want to do yourself, especially if they involve spending time with your children. Something more important than say cleaning the house or picking up the dry cleaning. The concierge business is really nothing more than a business that performs such on-demand chores for people who need these services.

A good part of the book is about setting up a business. Standard material if you are doing any kind of business. The only comment I'd make is to follow her advice on preparing a business plan. Buy one of the software packages - I use 'Business Plan Maker' - but they are all about the same. They will guide you through the process by asking you questions and showing you how some other people have answered them. It will force you to think through your ideas.

Her comments on sales and marketing are very good. This is often ignored in 'how to set up a business' books. Just remember, no sales, no income.

I am so grateful to have this book, the second edition was awesome but this one goes above and beyond my expectations! I thank God for people like Katharine Giovanni, she has really helped us to complete the vision that was given to us, I go to sleep with her book on my side. Personally, I think this book should be entitled: The Concierge Manual, Success Edition, By Katherine C. Giovanni. Thank You Katharine for not being selfish and for being selfless, if anyone does not become succesful from reading this book and following the strategy she has given, you should re-evaluate yourself, maybe you're in the wrong industry. As for myself and my team, we're about to take this Concierge service to new levels!

As an errand/concierge service company owner in busy Southern California I found it hard at first to know exactly where to focus my energies. This book solved that for me by helping me to slow down, get specific and put all the wonderful and practical suggestions Katherine makes into daily practice.
I highly recommend this book!

Sherri Durbin, owner
Consider It Done!

Definately a best buy for anyone considering starting an errand business. The book was delivered at 3:00 p.m, I finished at 8:00 p.m!! Worth the money!!

I have started my concierge business and this has opened my eyes to so many possibilities that it's amazing. I know see all the things I was doing incorrectly, especially when it came to charging for my services. I couldn;t give it a five because I would have like a little bit more details on dealing with vendors but overall this is a great book to get started!

I didnt read the whole book yet - due to lack of time. What I have read gave me a lot of insight especially the chapter on building a website. There is a lot of information given from Katherine. I recommend this book to all new concierges and even for those in the business. Always something new to learn.

This is a very basic book, it gives no inside information on the concierge industry. The majority of the content of this book is common sense information. I don't think this book has anything to offer unless you want to be told a whole bunch of stuff you probably allready know.

The Concierge Manual is the ultimate source for information when it comes to the errand/concierge industry. It is also the "bible" for established business owners! I have read other books but none give you the inspiration and content you need to be successful in this industry. Whether you are interested in starting up your own errand/concierge service or are already established, you receive the best information available. This book is an ultimate source AND a necessary tool. Katharine Giovanni and Triangle Concierge Consulting are THE leader in the industry and the "top source" media professionals seek out when it comes to the errand/concierge industry. I highly recommend The Concierge Manual and all other products and training Triangle has available. Katharine is inspirational! If you want to be successful in the industry and in your business BUY THIS BOOK!

I recently purchased the kindle version of this book because I suspected it covered a lot of general business information that I already knew. I was hoping that the forms at the end of the book would make this purchase worthwhile and that there would be some specific information on developing and running a concierge business. Unfortunately this book contained no specific concierge business information and the forms are pretty generic as well. The resources listed at the back of the book are self-serving as well and the general business info is pretty light weight. This web site (http://personalconciergeinfo.com/) is a much better resource and its free, and no its not mine.

I bought this book when I decided to open my own errand service. I was nervous buying it, because it was more expensive than most books I buy on here. However, after receiving it, I decided it was well worth the money. Plus, it can be used as a business tax deduction.

There's a nice, clean Table of Contents that breaks down all the stuff she's going to cover. She starts off with basic information that some may already know, but many may not; such as difference between Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC/LLP, Corporation, and S Corporation. She discusses EIN number, writing a business plan, choosing a company logo and the right insurance.

As for advertising, this gem listed so many great ideas for getting your business name out there! I thought I'd thought of everything until I read her ideas. Chapter 5 focuses solely on creating a website. Chapter 6 discusses how to decide what services to offer, what to charge, & how to get everything set up.

She covers information for both big and small businesses. I currently don't intend to be huge, but if I decide to do so, I'll know how to interview & hire employees, independent contractors, & vendors.

She also helped me to brush up on sales & marketing information; as well as refresh my memory on customer service. One of my favorite aspects of the book is her sample forms & applications. I used a combination of hers, some I found online, & some I created myself.

I can't speak for those who have experience in errand or concierge services, but as a newbie to the business, I really appreciated this book. I would definitely buy it again.

Jenn Passmore
Owner of [...]