Start your own Concierge Business

Phone: 703-980-1114

As you read the Extra You website did you find yourself thinking, “I could run this type of business!” or, “Helping other people sounds like a fun way to earn a living!!”

If you are a self-motivated, ambitious, determined, and patient person, then you have some of the characteristics required of running your own personal concierge or life management business. However, there are many people entering this field believing it's easy, quick and little to no cost to begin. All of which are incorrect. There are many that start and many that fail because they don't have a solid foundation, the skill set, proper policies and procedures in place nor do they understand how to reach their target market.

Extra You is a small business with limited time and resources and my focus is to deliver quality services to my clients and work on where I'm headed. I'm sure you have "start up" questions and perhaps some of the below will help you with where you are, or plan to go.

1. First and foremost- do your own, free research! A few good websites include Entrepreneur.com, EHow.com, Fabjob.com, and of course you can Google the keyphrase “Start Your Own Concierge Business” to read various articles and blogger suggestions.

2. Determine your business focus. Every personal concierge business needs to decide their focus, limitations, region, and business hours. You can create your personal concierge business to be as full-serviced or focused as you desire.

3. Create a pricing structure. Determining your fee structure is an important first step in evaluating how financially successful your business may be. Most people find they cannot afford to quit their day or night job while starting their personal concierge and life management business. Another couple tips: Don’t forget the importance of charging for mileage- particularly with increasing fuel costs and the wear and tear running errands will place on your personal vehicle. Another important aspect of creating your pricing structure is learning how you can accept credit cards as payment and don't forget to have proper contracts drawn up to protect you and the client.

4. Licensing and government requirements. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or government website for information about what is required to establish a business in your area. You will likely need an LLC or to incorporate (check with your CPA which is best for your scenario) also, which will require establishing a bank account and credit cards separate from your personal finances. You must obtain a business license and be properly insured.

5. Join professional associations. To continue your professional learning and networking opportunities, Extra You recommends joining the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association (ICLMA) or the National Concierge Association. There are many others, which ones you join depends on your area of expertise.

6. Design your business logo. This is often a client’s first impression of you and your business, so you want it to be memorable. Branding is key to your business.

7. Devise a marketing plan. You may want to hire a consultant or ask friends who work in the marketing industry. Even in the personal concierge and life management industry the best advertising is word of mouth recommendation, so the key is marketing to an initial client base that will compound your marketing efforts.

8. Create important business forms. You will need to generate everything from client contracts to business letterhead, and you will need these materials on the shelf and ready to use when your first client or partnership develops.

9. Invest in a website. This can be one of your major start-up costs, so we recommend doing your homework and choosing a web designer wisely. Extra You has experience in the website development arena through both positive and negative learning experiences. "SEO" is key and there are many jumping into this field that truly don't have any idea what they are doing (and you don't know they don't either or the damage that can be done - like getting you blacklisted) and you will spend a lot of time and money and get no where...or get "blacklisted"

10. Hit the streets! Literally or figuratively, you will need to hit the streets and publicize news of your new business. Extra You has experience advertising through radio, in magazines, through Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, and friends and family.

To your success,
Rebekah Phelps
703.980.1114

Also, sign up if you're interested in receiving our newsletter and "stay in touch" with us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/XtraU or www.facebook.com/ExtraYou and Follow us @ExtraYou

To your success,

Rebekah Phelps, Owner and Founder of Extra You, LLC

Rebekah Phelps, Owner