Private Service News and Commentary

DIVERSITY LOTTERY

2010-09-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

I know people who have been successful getting a green card in this lottery. Please read. It is also possible to apply directly yourself.

Law Offices of Becki L Young, PLLC
Transcending Borders™
September 2010

Visit our website www.blylaw.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© Law Offices of Becki L. Young, PLLC Release Date: September 23, 2010

DISCLAIMER: This information is not to be construed as legal advice. You should consult an immigration attorney whenever specific questions arise.

2012 Diversity Visa Lottery Information

On September 22 the Department of State released instructions for the 2012 DV lottery. Click here for a direct link to the instructions on the Department of State website.

For a fee of $150 per applicant our firm will prepare and submit your application. Please contact our office for details.

Important points to remember:

The online registration for DV-2012 DV Lottery begins noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT -4), Tuesday, October 5, 2010, and ends noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT -4), Wednesday, November 3, 2010.

To enter the lottery, you must meet either the education or work experience requirement of the DV program. You must have EITHER

a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education; OR

2 years of work experience within the past 5 years in an occupation requiring at least 2 years of training or experience to perform. Follow these steps to find out if your occupation qualifies: Go to http://online.onetcenter.org. Select Find Occupations and then select a specific Job Family. For example, select Architecture and Engineering and click GO. Then click on the link for the specific occupation. Following the same example, click Aerospace Engineers. After selecting a specific occupation link, select the tab Job Zone to find out the designated Job Zone number and Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating range.

Natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply : BRAZIL, CANADA, CHINA (mainland-born), COLOMBIA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, ECUADOR, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HAITI, INDIA, JAMAICA, MEXICO, PAKISTAN, PERU, PHILIPPINES, POLAND, SOUTH KOREA, UNITED KINGDOM (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and VIETNAM. Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.
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RENOVATING IN AN UPSIDE DOWN ECONOMY

2010-09-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Interesting and relevant topic!

http://greenandcompanydesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/upside-down-economy.html

Confessions of a Professional Housekeeper

2010-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an article that touches on some issues that tend to be overlooked.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/04/01/confessions-housekeeper/?icid=main|main|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fjobs.aol.com%2Farticles%2F2010%2F04%2F01%2Fconfessions-housekeeper%2F

A meal fit for a king in waiting

2010-02-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/A-meal-fit-for-a.6047876.jp

This is a link to a nostalgic article about a couple in private service to the Royal family in England.

A good interview starts with preparing your message

2010-01-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

I found this to be an interesting short article.

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/31/a_good_interview_starts_with_preparing_your_message/

2010-01-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

The IAPSP announces a new chapter in Chicago!

The International Association for Private Service Professionals (IAPSP) http://www.iapsp.net is proud and delighted to announce the inaugural meeting of its new Chicago Chapter! IAPSP member George Mandas and other Chicago metro-area private service colleagues will convene on January 24th at the Peninsula Hotel on the “Magnificent Mile” for a meet-and-greet and behind the scenes tour of one of the world’s top hotels!

This magnificent five-star venue is consistently rated among the best hotels of the world, and is dedicated to providing guests with exceptional service, elegant surroundings, award winning restaurants and unsurpassed spa facilities.

During the tour, the Peninsula’s Susan Ellefson, will give attendees an insider’s perspective of the hotel’s service commitment, service philosophy and techniques of service delivery. They will also learn the depth of special services extended to high-profile clients – our Principals! These special services include accommodations, privacy, security and transportation concerns.

Immediately following the tour, the group will meet in the Lobby Restaurant to network and enjoy some light refreshments. This time of sharing will be an opportunity to discuss the future of the new Chicago Chapter, to connect in-depth with other local colleagues and to share issues specific to Private Service on a professional and peer-to-peer level. For an additional cost, attendees may also experience the Peninsula’s famous afternoon tea.

This will be an open event. Executive-Level Service Professionals such as Administrative Butlers, Household Managers, Estate Managers, Personal Assistants and Property Managers are all encouraged to attend!

The IAPSP knows that most Private Service Professionals work in an isolated environment where they may never meet many of their colleagues. It is simply the nature of the business. This is why the carefully structured and organized Chapter Meetings provide such a valuable opportunity to increase a network of contacts, ask questions and learn from the experiences and expertise of others who work in Private Service.

Space is limited for the tour. To attend this function, please contact George Mandas at (847) 652-3000 or chicago@iapsp.net by Thursday, January 22, 2010 and get your name entered onto the guest list. There is small $15 fee for this inaugural event; however, the fee is waived for IAPSP members in good standing. The dress code is business casual - no blue jeans please.

Established in 2006, the IAPSP is a non-profit trade association for private service. It is focused on providing a platform for developing professionalism and leadership skills in the delivery of estate service. The IAPSP works to increase confidence, competency and skill by engaging its members in leadership opportunities; providing peer-to-peer networking; and sharing service knowledge within its ranks. For more information on the IAPSP, please visit http://www.iapsp.net.

New Years Eve or also called Feast of Sylvester

2009-12-28T08:03:00.000-08:00

Ray Vavrek is coordinator of the Ganymede Group, based in Colorado. He always posts interesting seasonal information in their monthly meeting announcements.

The Feast of Sylvester

New Year’s Eve is know as Sylvester in Germany, Austria, Croatia; Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Israel, La Festa di San Silvestro in Italy, Sylvesteravond in Holland and Szilveszter in Hungary.
In France, New Year's Eve is called la fête de Saint-Sylvestre and is usually celebrated with a feast, called le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. The feast tends to include special items like pancakes, champagne and foie gras, foods that are supposed to bring prosperity to the household in the coming year. The accompanying party can range from an intimate dinner with friends to une soirée dansante (ball).
Saint Sylvester I was Pope from 314 to 335 A.D. during the time of Constantine the Great. Sylvester was a Roman citizen and was chosen Pope in 314. He continued the work of organizing the peacetime Church. Legend says he baptized the Roman Emperor Constantine, an act that changed the course of European history.
Sylvester saw the building of famous churches, notably the Basilica of St. Peter and the Basilica of St. John Lateran. It is quite probable that the first martyrology [list of Roman martyrs] was drawn up in his reign. St. Sylvester died in 335. He was buried in a church that he himself had built over the Catacomb of Priscilla on the Via Salaria in Rome. His feast is kept on December 31.

Germanic Celebration of Sylvester

The night of the Holy Sylvester, the last night of the year, has always been the night of fools and a funny good time. In many German-speaking areas the change of the year is celebrated noisily and merrily. Guests attend a Sylvester Ball. There is eating, drinking, dancing and singing. It may be accompanied by the popular "Sylvester" custom of Bleigiessen. A small piece of lead will be melted over a flame in an old spoon and dropped into a bowl of cold water. From the shape you can supposedly tell your fortune for the coming year. At midnight, when the old year is almost gone and the New Year is about to start, glasses are filled with champagne or wine, and toasts and hugs go with wishing each other "ein gutes neues Jahr" or “einen guten Rutsch (ins Neujahr)!”

Private Estate For Sale

2009-09-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

<>I was the Estate Manager of Glendorn during the 80’s. …………Werner

The Glendorn Estate is a hidden treasure, tucked away in a valley next to the Allegheny National Forest near Bradford, Pennsylvania. Serving for almost 70 years as a 1,208+/- acre family retreat, it was made available to the public as a luxury Relais & Chateaux resort in 1995. Its beauty has rarely been seen by outsiders. The Big House, as well as the collection of rustic cabins named after family members, the surrounding old-growth forest, spring fed lakes and miles of trout-filled streams create a one-of-a kind wilderness experience

http://www.williamsauction.com/premier/glendorn.aspx?utm_source=GlendornElist&utm_medium=E-mail&utm_campaign=13403

News from the International Association of Private Service Professionals

2009-08-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members!
Brian Foskey, Chef/HM, Williamson, WV, USA
Gregory Castrucci, EM, San Francisco, CA, USA
Marianne Forrest, Chef/HM, Hamilton, MT, USA

Lynette Kuzmich, Property Manager, Telluride, CO, USA

"THE SECRETS OF SERVICE"
Conference is Registration Now Open

After nearly a year of planning, and hundreds of dedicated volunteer hours, the IAPSP is proud to announce that registration is now open for its First Annual Private Service Conference, "The Secrets of Service," which will take place in Dallas, Texas 9-11 October 2009!

This milestone could not have been accomplished without the support, resources and guidance of over 20 Industry Professionals and the input of over 100 community members in our recent survey. This conference is truly for Private Service, by Private Service!

Join us 9-11 October 2009 at the Fabulous Fairmont Hotel in Dallas!

To reserve your space and to learn the "Secrects of Service" success for yourself and your team, please call (213) 220-3788 or email conference@iapsp.net and get your registration started!

Confirmed Speakers & Presenters
Barry Berglund, Berglund & Associates
Jackie Ramstedt, Ramstedt Enterprises
Paul Plamondon, FreeMondon LLC
Donna Shannon, Coyote Visions Management
Dan Carlin, World Clinic
Sayre Darling, Courageous Communications
Heather O'Hara, Facility Partners, Inc.
(Additional exciting speakers, relevant for anyone who works in Private Service, will continue to be confirmed and added as our schedule becomes more finalized in August. Connect to us on Twitter, or check our website for the latest new additions to our roster.)

Current Sponsors
World Clinic
Smith Limosuine
Bio-Pro Research
ScanDigital
Breedlove & Associates
La Bottega
Alternet Estate
Green Irene
MacPherson Academy
FacilityDude
PFC Information Services
(It's not too late for you to promote your business by helping to sponsor our event!
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities please contact:
conference@iapsp.net, or call (213) 220-3788)

Schedule

Friday:
After an Annual Meeting of the Membership, attendees will enjoy the creative energy of our Roundtable discussions on a variety of Private Service topics, followed by a cocktail reception and optional networking dinner in Dallas' historic West End. IAPSP Membership is required in order to attend our Annual Meeting - however, the rest of the day is registration free and open to all Private Service Professionals who'd like to participate.

Saturday: (Conference Officially Begins)
Workshops, breakouts, a community marketplace, special guest appearances and plenty of great food will fill the day with plenty of educational opportunities and exposure to recent advances in Private Service. We'll provide something for everyone - Service Professional and Occupational Service member alike!

We'll finish the day with our optional and inaugural award dinner, complete with entertainment by the Texas Gypsies band!

Sunday:
For a unique and fun finish, a farewell breakfast, and optional tours to highlight Dallas, our host city, will be arranged based on interest. Check your registration form for details.

Registration Fees

We've worked hard to make our event affordable for a wide-variety of budgets. We're sure you'll agree. Registration fees include access to all the daytime Saturday events, and breakfast on Sunday. The award dinner is optional and requires an additional RSVP and cover.

Registration fees and optional events listed in USD:

$425.00 - non-member registration
$404.00 - non-member earlybird* registration (save 5%)
$383.00 - affiliate member (save 10%)
$361.00 - affiliate member earlybird* (save 15%)
$340.00 - IAPSP member** registration (save 20%)
$319.00 - IAPSP member** earlybird* (save 25%)
$50.00 - Friday Networking Dinner
$90.00 - Saturday Award Dinner
Call (213) 220-3788 or email conference@iapsp.net to get your registration started now!
*Earlybird registration ends 7 August 2009**IAPSP Membership requests submitted after 26 September 2009 will not be eligible for this discount

The Fairmont Hotel (800) 441-1414
The Four-Star Fairmont Hotel has offered us an incredible rate of just $139.00 USD per night for a Deluxe King or Double Double room. Make sure to let your reservation agent know you will be attending the IAPSP Conference or register online using the link below. This price is good for up to two occupants. Special upgrade rates are available, as well.

In addition, the Fairmont would like to offer you additional guest services simply for enrolling in their President's Club Program. It's free and will provide you with those little extra touches you may not normally receive. Go for it!

This year, it's important for all out of town attendees to reserve and stay with our host hotel to make sure we can keep our conference affordable! (IAPSP pays for rooms not used in our reserved block, whether they are used or not.) Please click-through to our special page on the Fairmont website and get your room reserved now! You will also find a link to a complete list of the benefits that come with the President's Club Program.

Follow us on:

We'll post additional details and updates on our new website once it comes online. Until then, you can also follow us on Twitter @IAPSP to get the latest news on our event as it happens! Click here to set up your very own Twitter account. You only get messages from the people you request them from, so make sure and search for the IAPSP and then click on follow! We'd love hear your tweets if you're savvy enough to send them, but we'll welcome you into our flock even if you're missing a few feathers!

Please call (213) 220-3788 or email conference@iapsp.net
to get your registration started now!

Free!
Email services are now available for all paid members of the IAPSP! If you're already a member, we've issued you a mailbox and all you need to do is claim it! Fully functional, with tons of added features, your email can be downloaded to your desktop email client (like Outlook or Eudora), or accessed from any internet-enabled computer. Contact membership@iapsp.net to learn more!
Offer Expires: 30 days after your renewal date, if dues go unpaid.

Community Podium Announcement
Brian C. Foskey
with help from Evonne Avalos, PA (Los Angeles, CA)
Hello, IAPSP!

I am currently a Private and Corporate Chef in Williamson, West Virginia, but originally from the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. I have worked in Private Service for two years and I hope to meet and network with others who share my enthusiasm for helping to meet the needs of our Principals.

Although my culinary career has already taken me many places, I am seeking additional opportunities for work and hope that further adventures will continue to expand my skills as a chef and develop my talent and knowledge of Household Management.

I would love to share my knowledge and learn from other Service Professionals who have similar skills and interests. Please email prochef100@earthlink.net to contact me, or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to chatting with you soon!

È mio piacere essere al suo servizio!
"21st Century Service Professionals" scheduled to arrive in Italy By Giovanni Lodigiani
Fellow IAPSP Members, I am very pleased to announce the upcoming release of the (nearly 400 page) Italian translation of the most important household management textbook at the international level, "Butlers and Household Managers, 21st Century Professionals," written by the world's most famous authority on butling, Mr. Steven Ferry, and translated by myself, Giovanni Lodigiani.
The book is being published by BookSurge (USA) for the International Institute of Modern Butlers (USA) - the most well regarded international professional association for butlers - and will be available soon on Amazon.com as well as Amazon.co.uk. All the best,Giovanni LodigianiEditor's Note: "21st Century Professionals" is also available in Spanish and has just been published in Russian by Alpina Business Books of Moscow. Visit www.amazon.com, KEYWORD: Steven Ferry.

Change is good! Usually.
Sub-Groups Announced at LinkedIn

As you may know, the IAPSP has had three distinct discussion/news groups on LinkedIn for nearly a year. Many of you have applied for membership to at least one of these separate groups and have been enjoying sharing news and discussion with your colleagues. LinkedIn recently introduced a new feature which allows for the creation of subgroups. This feature will make it easier to locate and manage multiple groups. For these reasons, we have set up two new subgroups within the main IAPSP group that provide exclusivity to our two largest membership segments: Service Professionals and Occupational Services members.
If you would like to continue taking advantage of the updates from these groups, please use the search feature at the top of the linked-in home screen, entering the keyword IAPSP after selecting [groups] from the search drop down. You can then apply for membership to the group and subgroup that best fit your place in the community. Use the [subgroup] tab within the main IAPSP group to read a brief explanation of each subgroup. If you are currently a member of the "SP" group you will unfortunately need to reapply for the new groups. No additional content will be uploaded and it will be deleted by 31 July 2009. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, however, LinkedIn simply does not have a "merge" feature at this time for groups.

Please forward any questions to membership@iapsp.net. See you online!

A New Chapter of IAPSP Opens!
Northern California to begin meeting in August 2009

The long-anticipated Northern California Chapter of the IAPSP has been established. Through the determined organizational efforts of James Grise, Estate Manager and Staff Training Consultant, the new meeting will kick-off in late August at Portola Valley Library in San Mateo County, USA.

For the first meeting, Jim is working with the workplace safety experts at Cintas on the topic of "Fire Safety on the Private Estate." The presentation will include a hands on training of the proper use of residential fire extinquishers through the latest technology of BullEx Digital Safety. This is a skill that many of us never get trained in but one that can make a huge difference when faced with a fire emergency!

All managerial-level private service professionals are encouraged to attend - and asked to spread the word to their colleagues in the area! James will be driving in from Sacremento to moderate these meetings - let's make sure it will be time well spent and provide him with as much support as possible!

Where:
Portola Valley Library765 Portola RoadPortola Valley, CA 94028

When:
29 August 2009, Noon-2pm;
and then the last Saturday of each month, thereafter.

Meeting Schedule:NOON -12:30PM: Introductions and a Light Lunch12:30PM - 1:30PM: Workshop Topic1:30PM - 2:-00PM: Networking
Entry Fees:
$5.00 IAPSP Members
$10.00 Non-Members

Contact Information:

James Grise
(415) 793-5314jimgrise@yahoo.com
www.domesticstafftraining.com

Expert Tips:
Removing Wax from Silver Candelabra
By Jeffrey Herman, Herman Silver Restoration and Conservation

Do you become frustrated when trying to remove wax from your weighted candle holders? Do you go pawing into your flatware drawer to find just the right size knife to dig out the wax? Do you run the piece under warm water, only to create a big mess? Well, here are some simple, non-invasive techniques that can help. Non-weighted candle holders can be put in your freezer. Upon removing them, use your fingernail (not a knife) to delicately chip off the wax. If residue remains, remove it with silver polish or 91% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball. (Isopropyl alcohol should always be used in a well ventilated area.)
For weighted and non-weighted candle holders, the following procedure can be used: Use your hair dryer (but not a heat gun) to warm the candle cup or other area coated with wax! Be careful not to get the object too hot! There are three reasons for this warning: (1) If the weighting material is pitch, it will melt, (2) If the piece is lacquered, the lacquer will bubble off or burn, (3) You could burn yourself!

Lightly touch the area with your fingertip to make sure it is not too hot; then lightly wipe off the wax with a soft paper towel or cotton ball. When cleaning out a candle cup on a candelabrum, support the cup with your hand to prevent bending the arm. If the opening is too small for your finger, gently stuff the paper towel into the cup and twist. Cotton swabs also work very well, especially on Hanukkah lamps with very small candle cups. Use as much fresh paper towel or as many cotton swabs as needed; otherwise, you will continually reapply the wax you are removing. To mitigate the buildup of wax in the first place, use dripless candles whenever possible and remove any wax residue from candle holders after each use. Using these techniques will greatly reduce maintenance time.

________________________
About the author:

Herman Silver Restoration & Conservation was founded in 1984 and has built a national reputation of quality craftsmanship and sensitivity towards the finish of every piece. Herman has repaired & reconstructed everything from historically important tankards, tea services, and tureens to disposal-damaged flatware. He considers himself an environmentalist, using the safest, non-toxic, organic products on the market. Before starting his business, Herman worked at Gorham as a designer, sample maker, and technical illustrator. Upon leaving Gorham, he took a position at Pilz Ltd. where he learned the fine art of restoration. Herman earned a BFA degree in silversmithing and jewelry making from Maine College of Art in Portland, and is the founder of the Society of American Silversmiths. He encourages anyone with silver-related questions that can't be answered on his website (www.hermansilver.com) to contact him vie e-mail: jeff@hermansilver.com, or his toll-free number at 800/461-6840. If you have a piece in need of help, Mr. Herman invites you to e-mail an image for an estimate.

New Membership Eligibility Requirements Released Current and Renewing Members are "Grandfathered" In

The IAPSP has released its long-awaited, new eligibility requirements for membership.

Beginning this month, new members to the IAPSP will apply using an application form specific to their membership type. Each applicant will then include a letter of request for membership and the additional qualifying documentation as noted below. Dues will continue to be invoiced once applicants are approved for membership.

Additional qualifying data, by membership type:

Service Professional & Introductory Members
A current professional resume or CV
Two professional references
One personal reference
Occupational Services Members
A professional profile of the business
A professional profile of the business owner
A passing score within our 6-point Eligibility Guidelines
Two written referrals from current IAPSP members
Associate Business Members
A professional profile of the business
A passing score within our 6-Point Eligibility Guidelines
One written referral from a current IAPSP member
Current copy of insurance and bonding documents (where applicable)
Affiliate Organization Members
Membership will be approved by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis
For more details, or to apply for membership, please continue to check with our website. Our new site is due to be released shortly. You may also contact membership@iapsp.net.

dis⋅cre⋅tion [di-skresh-uhn]:
the quality of being discreet; of prudence or decorumBy Werner Leutart, Home Staffing Network

Privacy and confidentiality are very strong concerns for most employers in private service. Employers who have the need and are able to employ private service professionals are generally of great interest to the general public because of their wealth, their fame and often because little is known about them. It is our role in Private Service to protect our boss's privacy. "Friendly, but not familiar" is a common explanation of how the relationship between employer and employee should work. This same concept can apply to how we communicate to others in the community about our jobs. We should always be on guard about revealing any information to others while acknowledging that we have a great job supporting our Principals, period.

Curiosity is a common human trait and in Private Service we will get questions about our employers and our jobs when we are dealing with others in the community. Some Service Professionals are overly excited by thoughts of working for someone rich and/or famous. This type seemingly uses position to enhance their own self esteem by having the "inside scoop." These persons may struggle constantly with discretion and supervisors should take extra measures to consistently teach the boundaries of their employers confidentiality expectations and help employees to acquire a variety of avoidance techniques.

The best professionals in Private Service have low curiosity levels about their employers. These persons have the service mindset that brings them pleasure in service to others while having confidence that they are appreciated through performing these needed services. These are the true professionals.When asked a probing question about your employer, respond with a smile and consider one of these responses:
"Why are you asking?"
"You know how it is in these kinds of jobs, our Employers really enjoy their privacy."
"The Smiths are great people to work for, and I am obligated to help them maintain their privacy."
"I'm not at liberty to discuss those details with you. I'd rather discuss _____ instead."
"I will let them know of your interest, and they can advise me of the proper response to your question."
"Actually, I am off duty now, so I'd rather not talk about my job or the Family I work for."
Try to redirect the conversation immediately following these answers and always be supportive of your Employers by having a positive and confidential attitude!
________________________

About the author: Werner Leutart is a Private Service Staffing Consultant for Home Staffing Network based in Naples, FL. Home Staffing Network is an umbrella website for professionals who represent various specialties and services of interest to private individuals and families.

Prior to developing HSN, Werner spent 20-plus years as part of a Couple Team, as an Estate Manager, and a formal Butler in the Eastern and Sourthern USA. www.homestaffingnetwork.com

Please submit all inquiries regarding this newsletter to:
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The Butler Did It!

2009-07-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article "The Butler Did It" describing the Charles MacPherson Academy for butlers and household managers. Well done Charles! http://www.thestar.com/article/672231

Population of world's millionaires shrinks

2009-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Maybe so, but there remain many who still want and need private service staff!

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9916R200.htm

Hire a personal butler from $100 an hour

2009-06-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a story from Singapore

http://business.asiaone.com/Business/Office/Hot%2BJobs/Story/A1Story20090624-150524.html

Response to Mary Starkey's Press Release

2009-06-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Here is what the Denver press is saying about Mrs. Starkeys press release.
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/06/mary_louise_starkey_speaks_out.php

Mary Starkey Speaks Out

2009-06-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a press release in which somehow the assault for which she was arrested, was not her fault. http://www.mary-starkey.com/mary-starkey-press-release.php

Kevin Johnson Butler Article

2009-05-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/property/article-1181846/Fancy-working-butler-You-end-living-des-res.html

2009-05-15T06:22:00.001-07:00

To The Manor Hired

By Jennifer Lordly Stemes 5/2009

So you want to be a Domestic Service employee? Perhaps a Personal Assistant comes to mind. Maybe you’re in tune to be an Executive Housekeeper, Household Manager, Estate Manager, or skilled Butler?

-What goes into being in a service role?

-Where can one learn more?

-Is it rewarding?

To answer the last question first, absolutely! It can be the best and most rewarding lifestyle job you could hope. Ask anyone who has ever been in Domestic Service for the negatives and the positives and time and again the response will be; “There’s a negative to any employment, but largely, service is for the individual who believes the reward is in the doing and the financial benefits will follow”.

As far as the other questions, first and foremost, do your research. Learn what the true staff title means and then believe the single title for which you feel skilled and ready is likely only that – a title.

The true service professional has only one role and one position - SERVICE.

Where is the best method of finding answers? The Internet and a reputable agency and the library will all provide excellent resources. The agency can offer the most insight into this field and many offer a database of valuable tools for not only learning more about the industry but also list open job opportunities. With a good agent assisting you can ask unlimited questions and delve into the goals of the Principals as well as your own expectations.

When searching and thinking of your own background and skills to offer, don’t be swayed by the title of MANAGER or EXECUTIVE or ASSISTANT. One can seldom assume a title when one enters the realm of Domestic Service. Once you open the doors to the Manor, you are, in all reality, an “every person”. You may be the guest greeter, message taker, appointment setter, party planner, dog walker, childcare provider, vehicle maintainer and chauffeur, bathroom cleaner, dish washer, floor mopper, grocery and gift shopper, pantry restocker, ironer and handler of the most delicate of laundry, shoe polisher, bed changer, and all tasks in between, regardless of title. If one enters service believing the title is the job, one may be rudely awakened and could set oneself up to fail. To enter the Manor with the true “can do and will serve” mentality almost always guarantees success.

There are, of course, formal or structured Estates where one’s role is clearly defined and boundaries between staff and the Principals are etched in stone. These often require a deep background and training in the specific job and are tailored to the experienced.

More the norm is when you are likely to be “the manager, the executive, or the assistant” and carry other duties as well. You will often wear all those hats and others as the need arises. How rewarding the job will be depends on the negotiations at the beginning, best handled by a reputable agent, and the mindsets of the employer and employee throughout the employment term.

The second step, after becoming aware of the roles, is finding the best and most accurate job descriptions. Like a well-prepared resume where the prudent reader knows to discount by 50% the content due to the Candidate’s personality and experience “inflation”, one must learn the fine art of reading between the lines of the job description. Sure, the descriptive catch phrases we read are clear, we think.

“Flexibility is key” “Employer has a particular style” or (gasp), “Principal is demanding” are words that if ignored, may render the new recruit speechless and feeling overwhelmed.

One candidate said to me, “I can be completely flexible”. My immediate thought is this person is applying for an acrobatic role with Cirque du Soleil. One needs to realize “flexible” in the minds of most employers is that one will respond well at any and all hours of the day for the most outrageous demands.

The employer who has “a particular style” could lead one into the home of a neat freak who knows precisely where things were placed yesterday and rages if off by a centimeter today. No style will be too outlandish and all employees must be prepared for exactly that – outlandish.

“Principal is demanding” is perhaps the most devilish of details. The Principal who is willing to present that trait in a job description is telling applicants loudly and clearly, “Do as I say, when I say, and expect I won’t like the outcome no matter what”. How does one handle that situation or employer? With tact, grace, and above all with a service mind, for after all, the Domestic Service individual serves at the pleasure (or whim) of the employer.

Take heart; there are bad employers (just ask Donald Trump) so sometimes one has to cut one’s losses and call it a day.

There is one reward from being in Domestic Service that is possibly the least recognized. That is the reward of strength. With the experience one garners while fulfilling a service role comes the strength of stamina. There is truth to the adage, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger”. If lucky enough to be in an emotionally and financially rewarding position, the satisfaction is evident. However, when a service provider can handle the tough relationships and be proud to say “I did a good day’s work”, then the reward is even greater.

What else can one do to obtain the most detail before taking on the Domestic Service career? Seek out the experienced agents who have truly been in the trenches that you are about to enter. Take advice to heart and always have pencil and paper at the ready to take notes. Research is vital, especially learning the likes and dislikes of the Principals; work with the experts. It’s easy for one’s ego to carry one forward, thinking “I can do it all” but if the proper preparation for duty isn’t done in advance it can be like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.

To sum it up, when it comes to Domestic Service, we all realize we deal with wealthy, sometimes eccentric, individuals who are paying for service. Most appreciate the staff and reward good service with longevity, financial benefits, and respect – a very rewarding lifestyle career.

Nelson Peltz House of Horrors

2009-04-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Billionaire Nelson Peltz remains one of the most famous takeover artists in America: In recent years, the corporate raider (or "activist investor," as he prefers to be known) has battled for control of Wendy's, Heinz, and the candymaker Cadbury Schweppes. His hard-charging approach and tendency to ruffle feathers isn't just restricted to his professional life. Life inside Peltz's vast estate in Bedford is just as vicious, we hear, and the staff at the estate is subjected to such a dizzying amount of abuse, the Peltzes may be the worst family in America to work for.
For the full article go to http://cityfile.com/dailyfile/5478 and part two http://cityfile.com/dailyfile/5500

The unfortunate thing is that this employer has been acting this way for years, according to my candidate contacts. Candidates should definitely do their homework and figure out what the staff history has been for the employers who they may be interviewing with. It's really all about mutual respect.

Unfortunately, these category of employers offer high pay to fill the roles and persons who need work don't really think about the working conditions. Sadly for the worker, these experiences can be scarring, and overall perhaps not worth the short term pay check- but maybe not.

My comments-Werner

The Future for Private Service- Commentary

2009-04-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

"The long-term trend for those qualified to work in the highest-end homes – from Tuscan vineyard estates to luxury Caribbean villas – is a positive one. With properties changing hands more frequently than ever before and globe-trotting owners flitting between multiple bases, these employees usually have the best understanding of how to keep households running smoothly. As a result, many are indispensable and therefore able to command both substantial wages and comfortable on-site accommodation. "

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/7725d828-23d2-11de-996a-00144feabdc0.html

Interesting Web Site

2009-04-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.wealth-bulletin.com/

The World's Billionaires

2009-03-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting link to what is happening to some of the worlds richest persons.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/12/news/12Forbes-billionaire.php

Request from a TV film company

2009-02-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

East River Films wrote:

Butlers in New York To Whom It May Concern,

Hello, I found your contact information on the Home Staffing Network International website.

I am researching to write a short documentary proposal on butlers for a weekly program, New York Streets, aired in Japan on NHK, a national public television.

We are interested in butlers working for individual clients or families in New York. I was wondering if you may be able to suggest one with whom we could meet to discuss possibilities of videotaping.

If you have any questions, please let me know. NHK is known for its conscientious and high quality programs. Their English site is http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/.

Thank you very much for taking time.

Sincerely,
Rieko Ishibashi

Researcher
EAST RIVER FILMS, INC
55 Washington St, #812
Brooklyn, NY 11201
t 718.852.2499
f 718.504.5002
www.eastriverfilmsnyc.com <http://www.eastriverfilmsnyc.com>

How is business?

2009-02-05T04:35:00.000-08:00

With all the economic turmoil going on I have had a number for people contact me because they lost their jobs or believe that their employment may not last. This has been more evident for the higher paying jobs- a Major Domo at $150k and a Chef at $120k come to mind.

As for staffing I am fortunate to have a good track record and many contacts with employers and upper level staff in private service situations. I have had fewer new client inquiries. Overall, during the first months of this new year it seems that hiring has slowed from levels that I witnessed in previous years . I believe this is more of a cautious wait and see employer mindset. I believe that the demographics of an aging population seeking help in their personal environments combined with more optimism about the economy getting stronger, will bring an increased number of staffing projects to our organization.

For those private service professional out of work or worried, this is the time to get your resumes focused and fine tuned. There are books and courses that can strengthen your skills and knowledge.

Ivor Spencer Obituary

2009-01-27T08:01:00.001-08:00

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/4339879/Ivor-Spencer.html

2009-01-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

Celeb Staff Magazine Marks Inauguration With Dual Covers Of President Obama And First Lady Michelle
January/February 2009 Edition Takes A Look At Domestic Staff In The White House

http://www.express-press-release.net/57/Celeb%20Staff%20Magazine%20Marks%20Inauguration%20With%20Dual%20Covers%20Of%20President%20Obama%20And%20First%20Lady%20Michelle.php

Jim Grise comments on "Change in Washington

2009-01-19T11:31:00.000-08:00


With the intense focus on Washington this week, perhaps I should jump on the bandwagon with..... "Training We Can Believe In" ? ..........

And that could be just the beginning.... how about...

Cleaning Corps?..... just imagine.....

Recent grads signing up for 2 years of detail-cleaning Senator's offices under my supervision, to unleash an entire new wave of superlative Housekeepers across the country.....

.......a soap-based initiative to tackle our country's urban grime.......

(stop me before I go too far....)

Read about Jim Grise at http://www.homestaffingnetwork.com/who_we_are.php?detail_id=37

Former White House Butler Reflects On His Service

2009-01-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to an interesting article / audio that is timely!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99418917

Welcome to your blog!

2009-01-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

We welcome you to our new site feature. We hope you enjoy it and submit your contributions!

Werner Leutert, President