The Concierge Manual, Third Edition (Paperback)

~ Katharine C. Giovanni (Author), Ron Giovanni (Author) "You have to be the type of person who will labor until the work is done no matter what time it is..." (more)
Key Phrases: sample concierge, errand order form, concierge account, Triangle Concierge, Katharine Giovanni, Meeting Professionals International (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Given our prevailing time-starved lifestyles, concierge services would appear to have a strong future, and this book is likely all the reference you ll need to prosper as a home-based concierge. However, as the author points out (to her credit, as how-to books often go overboard on the rah rah, and downplay the tough parts of the task), these businesses are not for everyone. As she puts it, you must be the [t]ype of person who can have a conversation with a post in the subway, and you have to be willing to go the extra mile, too, at all hours, for your clients. Giovanni comes with impressive credentials. (Full disclosure: She is also the RatRaceRebellion.com Contributing Expert on the Concierge field.) She was a meeting and event planner for over 20 years, and is the Chairman of the Board and Interim President of the International Concierge and Errand Association. She also has considerable entrepreneurship and advisory experience in concierge services, which comes through in cautions and guidance conveyed in grounded, pragmatic terms. The book covers the pre-launch areas that newbies will need -- types of business entities, getting an employer ID number, building a Website, etc. -- but also thankfully devotes one of the larger chapters to sales and marketing, which is where so many microentrepreneurs drop the baton. I would differ with the author on the weight given to business plans (I think many microentrepreneurs get bogged down in them, and should focus instead on a marketing plan and landing the first client), but many experts split on that issue, and admittedly there are good arguments on both sides. All in all, an excellent roadmap for the aspiring concierge, of whom we expect to see many more in the near future, even as demand exceeds supply. --Reviewed by Michael Haaren of ratracerebellion.com

Product Description

Written by industry expert Katharine Giovanni, this extraordinary guide provides all the tools you need to create a successful concierge, lifestyle management, errand service or personal assistant company. Do you want to create an on-site, lobby or corporate concierge service? Or are you looking to serve individuals? From small boutique concierge services to large corporations, this manual will help everyone! The information is all here, presented in a simple, step-by-step format! This books answers some of your biggest questions about the logistics of running a concierge business ... How do I structure the business? What services will I offer? How do I set my fees? How do I set up my vendor service and actually get commissions? How do I create an errand service and hire employees? The basics of starting a new company, such as your business plan, brochure, website and insurance are covered. Plus ... sales, marketing tips and much more! Sure, you could do all the research and learn how to do this business yourself. Why re-create the wheel? The information you are looking for is in The Concierge Manual.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: NewRoad Publishing; 3 edition (January 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931109079
• ISBN-13: 978-1931109079
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,514 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Basic Rules for Success., April 4, 2007

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Blessing!, January 8, 2007

By	Tammie Galloway "Le'Divine Concierge" (Highland,IN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Consider It Done! highly recommends this book, March 24, 2008

By	C. Durbin "Consider It Done! concierge compan... (So Calif, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!