My new little business "Butterfly Errands" - personal assistant service

Sprout, was that really necessary?

No ill-intent meant at all with that. It seemed like a more amusing, while similar, scenario to the one above it - and the thought made me chuckle.

Apologies if inappropriate. It wouldn't be the first time that I should have kept something that amused me to myself.

HarleyQuinn said:

PeggyC said:
Ahhh, "Personal Concierge" has a ring to it that would appeal to people who can actually pay for such services. I like that.

Thanks PeggyC. I think too it has a nice ring to it.
But, I feel I must add something else besides "personal concierge".

Family concierge

There's a fairly new "butler" service available in select locations: https://www.helloalfred.com

Pricing based on number of days per week the service is needed, and the extent of the services. I think the company pays their "Alfreds" $18 per hour.

sprout said:
No ill-intent meant at all with that. It seemed like a more amusing, while similar, scenario to the one above it - and the thought made me chuckle.
Apologies if inappropriate. It wouldn't be the first time that I should have kept something that amused me to myself.

I didn't think it inappropriate! It made me chuckle too. HarleyQuinn, you may be on to an idea here- a husband/wife package deal! ;

One of my old bosses actually started this type of service. I did not stay in contact with them, however the challenge is determining how many people would regularly use this service, how many hours, to assess do you have enough volume to support the employee(s). And managing the scheduling of the work, etc.

The Checklisters

Will you have a team or will it be P2P?

deiscane said:
Will you have a team or will it be P2P?

no team , P2P

TarheelsInNj said:

sprout said:
No ill-intent meant at all with that. It seemed like a more amusing, while similar, scenario to the one above it - and the thought made me chuckle.
Apologies if inappropriate. It wouldn't be the first time that I should have kept something that amused me to myself.

I didn't think it inappropriate! It made me chuckle too. HarleyQuinn, you may be on to an idea here- a husband/wife package deal! ;

Yes, I'm considering package, but no plumber is involve

I am thinking of an interesting partnership idea here- one with a personal chef or a meals to go place. Part of yourservice could be picking it up, getting everything ready in the house ( setting the table, tossing a salad) and having the catered item ready to just heat up.

This could be a very useful service. I think the key is clearly defining what you will do and promoting the heck out of it.

Part of the problem with the Concierge at the train station was that it wasn't clear at all what they did, what they offered, etc. There was no motivation to talk with them about doing things.

I think you could start with clear marketing and promotions - give 10% off the first service, reward referrals to promote word-of-mouth business, give incentives for using the service 10 times for the 11th time free, etc. You need to draw people in to think that you being there for a package is worth it over asking a neighbor or friend. (just one example)

You are competing with larger services being more and more convenient, so you have to cover your costs and make money, while being more attractive than the bigger services.

Good luck!

Another service that might be useful is to offer to stop in and check on how contractors are doing. I know several people who go to work and leave contractors in the house doing a renovation. I would not be comfortable with that. I always thought it would be nice to walk someone through what the project is, point out key things I would look for, and then hire them to stop in once a day for the duration of the project.

hauscat said:
Another service that might be useful is to offer to stop in and check on how contractors are doing. I know several people who go to work and leave contractors in the house doing a renovation. I would not be comfortable with that. I always thought it would be nice to walk someone through what the project is, point out key things I would look for, and then hire them to stop in once a day for the duration of the project.

That's kind of brilliant. I've never been very comfortable having workers in the house when we are not able to be there.

You should draw up a list of all the services you are considering offering. But it sounds like you are open to performing other tasks as needed, beyond what might be on a list. That could be part of the marketing plan, too. E.g., if you create a web site or flyer, which includes a list of possible jobs you would do, you could also add: "Need something done that's not on our list? Ask us!"

Here's another thing to ponder...will you be available for last-minute things? Do you want or you able to be "on call?" If not, you probably want to set those boundaries right up front. You could always bend the rules for long-term clients or something.

I was thinking about this Friday because I had a crazy annoying day of deliveries and errands and would totally have loved someone to bail me out /p>

Wow !! All great ideas - taking notes !!

Thank you so much !

I'd be cautious about offering a service where you "check in" on contractors doing work. If something goes wrong with the final project, the work takes longer than planned (which often happens) or the owners don't like the result, the owners likely will partly blame you, as you were there every day. In building a business, you want to control the work and the results, and be able to take credit for it, rather than manage the work of other people not connected to your business and not responsible to you.

If you do "check in" work, probably best to make clear to clients that that's all you can do, show up and check in, report to the clients what you saw and not be responsible for the actual work and the results. But is that really valuable to clients, and worth paying for?

See thread below. Consider transportation for kids to be one of your advertised services. Seems to be a need

Be sure to check with your auto insurer before transporting anyone for pay.

I'm happy to say my little business is almost done. Just working in a few details.

I've already have been working a little bit with some clients but I will start officially this week or next Monday.

At the end my business name:

"Butterfly Errands" your personal assistant service

For now I'm only working Maplewood/south orange (possibly Milburn).

My daughter picked the name for me and I thought it was cute and easy to remember.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions. At the moment I'm starting with personal errands and senior service.

I'm really excited about this !!!!!

Could you share what your rates will be for Senior services...what will those services be?

Thanks for sharing

icdart said:
Could you share what your rates will be for Senior services...what will those services be?
Thanks for sharing

Yes, I will be gladly to tell you my rates and what services im offering.

I'm not home at the moment - but will PMed you later with all the details =)

If anyone have any questions regarding my services please free to email me - butterflyerrands@gmail.com

facebook/website coming soon !!

Good luck!

Yes, good luck! Would like to see a pricing/offerings sheet as well.

Iwas going to suggest you connect with Taskrabbit as they are sort of an "uber" model for the errands you are already doing. Might be a good way to get a steady stream of clients!

https://www.taskrabbit.com/become-a-tasker

You could do Uber for the grandparent set, who doesn't have smart phones, and call it Guber! I may be using you!

Thank you all !!

I am currently working on the final details of what my business will offer. The price is very affordable and will be a one flat rate.

Stay tune !!

I will be offering personal, senior and pet assistants

Butterflyerrands@gmail.com for any questions

Congrats miss!! wishing you much success!! looking forward to hearing more about it as you get the details sorted out

HarleyQuinn said:
Thank you all !!
I am currently working on the final details of what my business will offer. The price is very affordable and will be a one flat rate.
Stay tune !!
I will be offering personal, senior and pet assistants ">


Butterflyerrands@gmail.com for any questions ">

Hi everyone,

Just giving you a little bit of update. I officially start my business tomorrow yeah !!!

Please visit my Facebook page for more info and see what kind of services I provide.

https://www.facebook.com/butterflyerrandsnj

Hope to hear from you and feel free to message me or email me butterflyerrands@gmail.com for any questions

And a big thank you Jamie !! For allowing post my business here ><