Tools of the Trade for a Concierge

There are so many things that are necessary for a concierge, but below are some of the tools of the trade that are necessary to be good at what we do. This post is piggy backing off this past article that I wrote last year. 

Planner. Whether it is a paper one or an electronic one this is necessary to keep track of clients and schedules. 

Pen & Pencil. I almost always have a pen or pencil with me to keep track of everything that is necessary. I am constantly writing things down.

Electronics. Computer, phone, headphones, etc. are necessities for a concierge because this is how we conduct a good chunk of our business. 

Tape measure. Since I am a professional organizer I carry a small tape measure in my purse. It comes in handy for so many different things. 

Cash. You should have cash on hand most of the time because you never know when you will need it for parking, valet, tips, etc. 

Vendors. Any good concierge has a list of vendors that they prefer using on a regular basis. 

List of resources. Besides vendors you should have a list of resources like stores, individuals, companies, websites, etc. that you can refer to when needed. 

Network. There are so many networking events you can go to and ways to network. This is how you meet others who may be interested in hiring a concierge.

Get to know your area. I do a lot of business in the downtown Houston area, so I am constantly walking and talking with all kinds of people and businesses. 

Professional organizations. Join professional organizations that may be beneficial to your business. I am part of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), among other organizations,  because I am a professional organizer. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

Go to New Mom Gift: Mini Champagne

I feel like everyone is having babies lately! My go to new mom gift for many years has been these cute Sofia mini wine cans. As a concierge I often get asked what to get as gifts for others. They are fun and perfect for new moms. If you are in Houston, you can find these just about anywhere where wine is sold. I know that many new moms do not drink for some time after their pregnancy, but I usually give these along with a baby gift. What do you like to give to new moms and dads after they have a baby?

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Made in the USA: Behrens Trashcan

Surprisingly, I have bought several different trashcans throughout the years for clients and personally, which is a pretty random thing to by on a regular basis. Having a concierge business you never know what you will get asked to buy. I am always a fan of the metal trashcans because they are usually made in the USA and pretty durable. I have found these Behrens at several different stores throughout Houston. Do you have a favorite trashcan you like? 

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Eco St. Patrick's Day Ideas

There are so many eco things you can do for St. Patrick's Day if you are one for celebrating. This year it is on a Friday, so hopefully you have the weekend off if you celebrate. Here is a small list of ideas:

• Get to know your local area. If you are in Houston you can drink local beer as you float down the local Buffalo Bayou with a boat tour. Details here.
• Drink a green juice. Trade in the green beer for a healthier alternative like a green juice. 
• Wear what you have. Don't go out buy new clothing to celebrate if you don't have to, just where something green if you already have it. If not, buy organic or support local. 
• Support local. Drink local beer or bike/walk/carpool to local events if you are going out. 
• Eat organic, local food. If you are cooking buy organic &/or local food. There are many farmers and meat markets around Houston where you can get organic and sustainable food options. 
• Reuse. Make your own decorations and use ones from previous ones. 
• Plant something green. Help the environment out and plant something green whether this is a tree, herb or succulent. 
• Recycle. If you are hosting a party or going out, recycle what you can. Whether this is cans, plastic, paper, etc. 

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Eco Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Anyone super excited for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR)?! I am on the recycling committee and wanted to point out an eco feature about this big event that happens every year in Houston. This committee was referred to me by a colleague and I was super excited when she told me about it because anything eco and green is right up my ally. HLSR is more eco than I thought because they recycle a TON of things so they do not end up in landfills. This is something that many do not realize and is something that HLSR is committed to doing in helping raise money for scholarships, for the environment and for Houston.

Last week I worked the World Championship Barbecue Cookoff at HLSR and we went around and gathered cardboard from all the tents and then took them to the compactor. HLSR gets money for everything that is recycled and the money goes towards scholarships for the kids. The more we recycle the more money goes back to the kids. It's a win, win all around.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Made in the USA: Envelope Sealer

As you have probably noticed on the blog over the past year I have been posting everyday items that are made in the USA and this is a life saver for anyone who has had to send out bulk mail. During the holidays I had to help clients with bulk mailouts of holiday cards and this was much needed. Licking an envelope over and over, as you know, can leave a weird taste in your mouth and you are prone to paper cuts on your tongue. Not cool. This is perfect to use to mail out Valentine's Day cards. What are some of your favorite everyday made in the USA items? 

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How to Organize Your Taxes for Small Business Owners

As an organizer I should be organized when it comes to my taxes. I just recently streamlined my accounting and man is it SO much better. I do have an accountant here in Houston that I have been utilizing for years, but all my prep work was done manually. Running a concierge business and doing a ton of personal assistant tasks and buying product for clients and projects, is something I am always doing, so I have to keep track of receipts, etc.

This is probably one of my least favorite things to do. It can be dreadful and stressful. BUT if you start keeping up with it at the beginning of the year it can be stress free and a breeze. As a business owner, and probably like most business owners, I absolutely hate how much we have to pay in taxes every year. I pay quarterly so I don't get the penalty fee. Below are some simple steps and there are all kinds of posts out there that go over

1. Keep Records - You can keep them in a desktop file organizer, in a file cabinet, a box, a binder, etc. Just keep everything all in one place because it will make things so much easier. 
1. Invoices
2. Expenses
3. Receipts of everything related to your job
4. Contractor info
5. Bills
6. Insurance info
7. Office expenses including mortgage/rent, utilities, etc
2. Know what deductions you can and can't have. I found this website through another blog post and thought it was super helpful. Take advantage of all of your deductions because you will want the tax break :)
3. Keep good records. This is absolutely key in order to not miss anything and stay on top of everything. Keep track of everything
4. Streamline your accounting. I just recently did this and its AWESOME!
5. Keep your email organized. For me, since I am getting more and more receipts via email so I keep things separated in a receipt folder within my email. It makes it so easy to print them and find the proper receipts.
6. Prep & review your taxes monthly or quarterly. In the business review everything that needs to  printed, entered, etc. what you need on a schedule so it isn't so daunting at the end of the year. 
7. Make quarterly IRS payments. If you want to avoid fees make quarterly IRS payments. I have been doing this for years and it saves the you the headache of having to pay taxes in one large lump sum.
8. Donate. You are helping charities PLUS getting tax deductions. It's a win-win.
9. Utilize apps. There are so many apps out there to help you streamline your business life. In January I read this article that goes over some helpful apps for small businesses. I just started using Wave to streamline my accounting systems and absolutely love it so far.
10. Contribute to a retirement fund. Contribute to a retirement fund so you are set for when you want to retire. 
11. Hire an accountant. I have an accountant that does my taxes because they are the ones that are aware of any new laws, etc. Plus, I hand everything off and it is awesome.
12. Have a beer! You are all organized, your taxes are paid and now you can relax.