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What Does It Take To Be A Personal Concierge?

So, you think you might become a personal concierge? Perhaps you’re still feeling a bit unsure about your decision. What does it really take to be a personal concierge?

Since founding Lifestyle Elements Concierge in 2004, at the age of 23, I’ve certainly learnt a thing or two about what it takes to survive in this industry. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, and although everyone’s experiences are different, here are some of the skills and traits I believe you need to develop to become successful in this industry.

Juggling

I know this may seem obvious when thinking about becoming a personal concierge. Just because you ‘know’ you will need to do this, doesn’t mean it will be easy. You never know what is going to get thrown at you. Are there three jobs that need to be done, all on the same day, in three totally different locations? Do you need to start a job on one day and finish it on another, but the second day is entirely dependent on a third party? In between these days you’ve had five new jobs start. Are you going to be able to stay on top of everything?

Attention to detail

This is certainly not one of my personal strengths. Particularly when I feel rushed, the detail is the thing that goes by the wayside. This is not great. I tackle this in a few different ways. Firstly, lists, checklists and reminders, help me to remember everything I need to do. Ensuring my diary is never too overloaded has also been a large part of my strategy for managing this. If I feel rushed, I just know I’m not going to be nailing everything. It’s impossible and we shouldn’t expect that of ourselves. 

Networking

I know I talk about networking a lot! In this industry it is crucial. Building relationships with potential clients, suppliers, vendors, subcontractors, as well as your current clients, is crucial to the longevity of your business. Networking includes business events, coffee meetings, mentoring groups, social media, email etc. All forms of relationship building communication falls under the category of networking, and you should include as many, if not all, of these types of networking in your tool kit. 

Ability to change track in an instant

The plumber is running late. A client has locked themselves out of the house. The removalist realises things are going to take a lot longer than first planned. A personal concierge has to have the ability to think on their feet, change plans, reschedule appointments, or take a detour, all at a moment’s notice. Being able to handle change and manage everything that goes with it is something that a great concierge learns to do, with relative ease. 

Putting yourself in another’s shoes

So many people, when they hear I’m a personal concierge, think grocery shopping for example, is great fun and easy. It’s not until you have to shop for someone else that you realise there is so much you have to consider. Are there any family allergies? Are they happy for you to switch out a product? Should I ring them to ask, text them, or just make a decision? It can be hard to put yourself in your client’s shoes, especially new clients. It is important to take note of all these little things, as well as clearly asking your clients what their preferences are. Every new piece of information makes it easier and easier to put yourself in their shoes. 

Strong communication skills

You need to be able to clearly communicate with a lot of different people. Your clients are obvious, but you also need to communicate with trades people, cleaners, dry cleaners, not to mention your staff, contractors, or anyone else involved in your business. It can be difficult to juggle all of these. Ensuring everyone is on the same page, has the information they need, and all deadlines and instructions are clear. I swear by email to ensure that everything is in writing and easy to refer back to. Yet lots of my clients prefer phone calls (and long ones at that) to talk through things. It can be hard to let a phone call go to voicemail, but sometimes you need to do just that, to ensure you are getting your work done. You need to be flexible with the preferred communication style of your client, but you also need to ensure that you have the records you need, as well as the time you need, to meet all your demands. 

Obviously there is a lot more that goes into the job of a personal concierge, but if you think you can deliver on all of the items I’ve shared above, then you most certainly have what it takes to become a personal concierge!

What would you add to my list? Please comment below. 

Are you looking for support to start or grow your personal concierge business? Get direct access to Abbie, along with templates, video training, workbooks, resources lists, and interviews with experienced personal concierge business owners when you join The Concierge Secret Society today! Or become a part of the The Personal Concierge Mastermind and get intense, personalised support, 1:1 coaching with Abbie, and join a like-minded community of motivated people.

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