Crib Sheet #26: 351 Concierge’s Courtney Abrams.

Enjoy Courtney’s story about her unique and innovative concierge service-based business.  After learning about 351 Concierge, I am sure you will agree:  we all need to hire Courtney.

What business did you start up?

351 Concierge LLC. Its a personal concierge service. It operates similarly to a hotel concierge but on a personal level. We do such things as holiday shopping, vacation planning, restaurant and travel reservations, and party planning. We also help you find cleaning services, dog walkers etc. And if need be, we can wait for the cableman. Essentially we do almost anything that you would do in your own life, or we find someone to do it for you.

What motivated you to do concierge service?

I started working as a personal assistant and realized that it’s pretty easy to organize other people’s lives because you can be more objective and aren’t in the thick of it. I also enjoy multiple projects and challenges. I’m pretty detailed-oriented and like doing different things each day so it seemed like a natural progression to go from personal assistant to personal concierge. Essentially dealing with one person’s things to multiple people and things.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

One child.  2 years old.

How long have you been running your concierge service business?

4 years.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you chose to measure success?

I have virtually no overhead (all tasks can be done from my home, out and about or from client’s homes) so I was relatively profitable from the onset. I felt successful when multiple clients started to recommend me to others.

How did your family react to you starting your own concierge service business?

They were super supportive. They knew I wasn’t meant to be in an office and was better doing something that was detail-oriented and constantly changing. It suited my personality more.

Easiest part of your job?

Trip planning. Who doesn’t enjoy planning out a fabulous trip?

Hardest part of your job?

Finding new clients. A lot of people aren’t comfortable with the idea of someone else handling things they think they should be doing, even though by having me do it, their time is freed up to do more important things.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Networking skills. All of my business is word-of-mouth. I need to learn to put myself out there more to tell people about 351 Concierge and it’s services.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

My advice to myself would have been to stick with what you want to do and not what you think others expect you to do.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

My child.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Mornings. Before it all begins. I enjoy being with my family and dogs and getting ready for the adventure that is a new day.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

Why do people need a personal concierge service? People need a personal concierge service because we are all working so hard at our jobs, taking care of our families, our homes, our pets. Its not a bad thing to let someone else pick up the “slack” so to speak. To outsource the family vacation plans, or the birthday party details allows you to have more time with the people you want to be with and not to worry that you aren’t getting everything done. We get it done for you, so you don’t have to.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….talk show host.

Fondest memory….most recently? My kid, pretending to be a butterfly.

Indulgence….chocolate.

Last purchase…..clothing.

Favorite magazine…..Allure.

Inspiration…..my father.

My Life…is live. Not Memorex.