While there is no formal definition of the word yet in the dictionaries for personal concierge, this profession is a booming business. The boom is brought about by a fast-paced lifestyle which leaves hardly any room for busy professionals nowadays to sort out their bills, schedule their activities (both personal and business), or book their vacations.

A personal concierge is being recognized as a legitimate profession. Laura Tiffany, in an article entitled “How to be a Personal Concierge”, which appears at Entrepreneur.com, discloses that the number of personal concierges is growing fast. She adds: “Although it’s no secret that the personal concierge field is booming, hard numbers are difficult to come by. The National Concierge Association, a Chicago-based group that was founded in the late 1990s as a networking and resource organization for both personal and hotel concierges, doesn’t yet track numbers or statistics pertaining to the industry. Cynthia A., a former hotel concierge who runs her own personal concierge business in San Diego, estimates there are a few hundred personal concierges throughout the United States.”

How to get started as a personal concierge? Consider this as an example of a job description: “Getting seats to a sporting event, reserving a table at a top restaurant, or sending a birthday present. Able and willing to go above and beyond the everyday. Always ready to go the extra mile with your employer.”

While personal concierges are in demand in the U.S., Britain is starting to catch up. If you live in any of these two countries, you can start approaching companies offering such opportunities. Ask these employers if they are hiring or willing to train you as a personal concierge.

Of course, not everyone is fitted for the job of a personal concierge. Individuals who like to organize, who enjoy assisting others, and who don’t get bored researching detailed information are encouraged to try out for this job. Skill and experience with events management is likewise imperative to the job of a personal concierge. If you possess all these traits but you are in a different profession at this time, it’s the best time of the year to take the plunge. You’ll probably thank yourself over and over for taking the chance!

People who have worked as an administrative assistant or even an executive assistant are predisposed to the job of a personal concierge. If you’re coming from this profession, you might initially find running your own business for the first time rather jolting. But remember, if you’ve been able to proofread or otherwise improve your boss’ marketing plan or business proposal, what’s keeping you from striking out on your own?

Helpful Resources:

http://www.personalconcierge.com/

http://www.fabjob.com/PersonalConcierge.asp

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/startupkits/article37930.html

http://www.entrepreneur.com/startupguides/shoppper/index.html

Are YOU looking for an idea for your own business, too? Millions of people are! Here’s another idea to create your own ‘thing’ and turn it into a business.

Developing products can be a challenge in the home based business environment. Where do you go for a laboratory to create and test new product lines? Where do you turn for new packaging and marketing? Where do you turn for help?

You’re there. YOU are the crack team, as Donald Trump says. So forget about looking around. You’re it. Here’s what to do for your own product development.

First find a need. You want sales, so find something people want. How? Communication is the key. Ask your friends, your contacts, your business associates, your clients. See what they could use to make their lives easier. Poll them, survey them, email them, call them. Post questions on forums and chat rooms. Be like television’s Lieutenant Colombo (or the original Pink Panther) and enjoy the search, but don’t give up until you get your answers.

Second, get organized NOW, if you aren’t already. Take good notes as you go along. Keep organized, well-labeled computer and print folders and files in handy places. Use an organizer with a calendar if you need to. Third, create a product based around the need you discovered above. No need to be Einstein or invent the wheel. Search and find others in the industry to help and see how others did their product creation before you. Then copy their methods – not “exactly”, but rather similarly follow in their footsteps. For example: read trade journals, search the Internet, review archived magazine articles, ask your local librarian to help you – and research “how to” get your idea off the ground based upon how others have done it in the past. Then team up, share ideas, share resources, share marketing funds and share revenue, etc. with those experienced. Reach out and don’t be afraid to find help and share. No need to go it alone or be greedy.

Third, along the way, get legal or other authoritative help as needed. Start with finding out if you need special permits, licensing, fees, contracts, legal structure, etc. Comparison shop, if possible, and get set up properly.

Fourth, there are plenty of ideas to go around. After one success, you can move on and duplicate it again and again. Do it. And give back to the community. Help others get their businesses established and growing.

In summary, product creation can be challenging. But the results can be so rewarding. So take the plunge and forge ahead!

You can find additional help and information at http://howto-business-kits.com .