September 14th, 2010 
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Personal Assistant Services Business Is Exploding
Author: MiNeeds
Article Source: MiNeeds.com, where consumers get competitive bids from Home Services & Pets providers. Read reviews, compare offers & save. It’s free!
Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/Woodinville/AYSNW-LLC/Articles/Personal-Assistant-Services-Business-is-Exploding
Tags: Personal Assistant, dog walker, animal care, concierge, elder care
Stephanie Ostrea
Personal Assistant
www.aysnw.com
206 478-7000
The current economic scenario is dismal in the country. Well-known banks and mortgages companies have crashed. Some big businesses have gone bust. Millions have lost their jobs.
Yet surprisingly, in America the Personal Assistanting services business is exploding right now. The number of independently owned and operated companies serving time-strapped clients has mushroomed, right along with customer demand for such businesses. By all accounts, Personal Assisting services are one of the fastest growing small businesses in the USA.
A Personal Assistant service runs on the most basic of premises: people want things done but don’t have the time to do them. But they’re happy to pay someone to do them on their behalf. This service offering is also known as lifestyle management.
This business is an offshoot of the long tradition of the hotel concierge and their promise of exclusive personal service and local knowledge. In earlier times, such service was the exclusive preserve of the very wealthy.
Now, however, with falling data processing costs, cheaper direct channels of communication and the wider and easier availability of information on the internet, these services can be delivered more economically, and are within the reach and affordability of a wider audience. Little wonder then, new concierge businesses have sprung up in all the major metropolitan areas, promising to help manage the busy lifestyles of their corporate and personal customers.
The National Concierge Association, a Chicago-based group, was founded in the late 1990s as a networking and resource organization for both personal and hotel concierges. And in 2001, the International Concierge and Errand Association (ICEA) was set up in America, Today, both associations serve their members through essential resources, continuing education, networking opportunities and other professional help.
Although no exact figures are available about the number of concierge businesses in the county, it is estimated that there are several hundred, and the industry is still growing. And there is plenty of room for even more growth, industry analysts say.
The reasons for this stupendous growth are not difficult to fathom. Simply put, Americans are working harder than ever, and finding it increasingly difficult to cope up with their workload at offices or businesses while trying to fulfill personal and familial chores and responsibilities. It is seen that most people end up accumulating heaps of stuff – both in the workplace and in their homes.
In a recent survey by Steelcase, a leading designer and manufacturer of office furnishings, 27 percent of office workers described themselves as “pilers,” while 12 percent described themselves as pack rats. Taking care of all that “stuff” requires time and organization. Some people need help just to get organized; others could manage the paperwork if they weren’t saddled with so many other chores. That’s why they turn to (or would like to be able to turn to) personal assisting/concierges to help keep them organized, run errands, and ensure that business and personal responsibilities are fulfilled. Another survey, co-sponsored by AOL and Women’s Day in 2005, found that 67% of people would prefer a personal assistant to a life coach.
On the other hand, the main reason the number of independently owned personal assistant/concierge companies has skyrocketed is because the start-up costs and barriers of entry have become quite feasible for many entrepreneurs.
Another big reason for the growth and popularity of personal assistant/concierge businesses is that they serve very wide spectrum of customers. From small business owners, busy professionals, seniors living independently, two-career families, recuperating patients, out-of-town visitors, realtors, lawyers, busy moms to new parents. In fact, anyone who feels overwhelmed with their to-do lists.
And they provide an incredible array of services: from informational requests, setting dinner reservations, making telephone calls, researching travel arrangements, sorting out bills, organizing activities, personal shopping, waiting for deliveries, grocery shopping, pet sitting and much more. They do more than run errands. They stand in lines, research events, book tickets, plan your holiday vacations and can find the most efficient and affordable methods of travel when needed. In essence, a good concierge creates a second you, completing your tasks exactly the way you want them done. A personal assisting/concierge can customize their offerings. They may choose which services to offer and when to conduct business, making this a fairly flexible job.
And for the customer, the best part of the personal assistant/concierge business is the payment for the services. Typically, concierge companies bill on an hourly rate, and depending upon the type of task at hand the charges can vary. But when you hire a personal concierge, you don’t have to pay salary or employee benefits. The personal concierge is a business owner.
The author Stephanie Ostrea is the owner of AYSNW LLC (At Your Service North West LLC) (http://www.aysnw.com), one of the reputed full-service Personal Assistant/Concierge Service companies, based in Woodinville, WA. Stephanie is a former corporate manager with 25 years experience in customer service at all levels. Educated in Human Services field, she is passionate about environment conservation, preparing nutrient dense foods for herself and others, volunteering for community projects and growing her own food.
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please process the following tax return.?
Tax Lab #3
Jennifer V. Michaels
Jennifer (DOB 11/21/75) (chose a social security number) maintains a household for her four-year old daughter Karen T. Michaels (SSN 625-44-8353). Jennifer received $15,000 of alimony and $16,000 of child support from her ex-husband during the current year. She also claims the dependency exemption for her daughter. She is single and is a computer programmer.
A. Interest income:City of San Francisco Municipal Bonds $2,880
California National Bank $9570
B. Dividend Income – Growth Company, Inc. $2430
Hi-Tech Company, Inc. $5225
C. Stock Sales: DateDate Sales
Sold
Purchased (current year) PriceBasis
1,500 Shares Growth Co. 03/18/9507/02 $15,200$49,900
410 shares Nation’s Best 08/27/9802/10 $7,500$3,720
350 shares Large Co. 06/17/0309/01 $47,605$11,000
D. Jennifer did not pay for child care during the year since her mother kept Karen without compensation. Jennifer also paid (once only)$8000 estimated tax payment on June 15 for the current year
E. Jennifer contributed $3,000 to an IRA for the current year. She was not covered under a pension plan at work and therefore the contribution is fully deductible. Enter this IRA contribution.
F. The following W-2 was received from her employer:
Company: Expert Computer, Inc.
1400 Grand Real Ave.
Los Altos, CA 94156
Salary: $51,500
Federal Tax withheld: $5,150
Social Security Tax withheld: $3,193
Medicare Tax withheld: $747
G.She donated 5,000 shares of Real Big Co. stock to St. Leo’s Church on 06/30 of the current year. She had purchased the stock on 04/05/89 for $2,500. The stock is publicly traded and the market quote on the day of the donation was $22,000. The donation was accepted by minister at the church’s address which is: 1001 32nd Ave., Memphis, TN 38101. The Church’s TIN is 71-0096628.
H.She incurred the following un-reimbursed expenses which were related to her job:
Travel $7,145
Meals $1,000
The expenses are well substantiated.
I.In the current year she incurred the following personal expenses:
Home real estate taxes $5,015
Home mortgage interest $7,560
Medical expenses were $4,000
Is all this information about you? If it is that’s not to smart listing your ssn on a questions website where someone could steal your info. I would rethink having this question on here.
has anyone ever been to see Gary Coxe the personal growth expert, and life strategist, or used his products?
or does anyone know somebody like him that does the same kind of work?
no sorry
Does anyone know if it is okay to try growing flower seeds in coffee grounds? I tried it today!?
First, I don’t know if seeds are compatible with just the contents alone of coffee grounds. Secondly, I think the coffee might just solidify with water added to it, and that would just give the seeds an environment to grow in equal to sludgy molasses! It already looks like molasses in there, where I’ve planted the marigold seeds I pulled out of my growing marigolds I already have been successful in getting to grow with soil. Should I stick to soil, or should I go ahead and put some faith in a different kind of medium for growing seeds? My main question now is, would anyone recommend giving this new method of growing a try, or do you think I should give up the experiment, and realize that it’s a hopeless cause to expect seeds to survive in such a different environment? Don’t be afraid to tell my any of your own personal experiences. This would be a great science experiment, but I just want to find out if any of you have experience in the field so that I can know if it will be worth my time invested in trying to grow the marigold seeds. I think it would be a great thing to look forward to, and I will post on here a reply to anyone who knows some good information about this endeavor that I’m taking with my planting experiment. I will be celebrating their growth, if they do show up inside the glass jar I have already planted them inside, and I might even post a picture of their growth after finding out if it actually can happen in the environment they are currently surviving inside. I hope to find out from someone with valid experience in the field of growing seeds if this is worth my time invested in growing my marigold seeds I have currently planted in plain ground coffee. Thanks for your time you have taken to consider the questions I have on this matter of opinion. I’m hoping that someone with expert knowledge about gardening will have some ideas to offer on this question. It is probably often thought about by young children, but never really has been answered yet on the adult level of experience.
I would think the PH level of coffee grounds would be to much on the acidy side of the scale to grow most plants.
how could one write this paragraph in our language?
The relationship is conducive for building the trust of the client so that problems may be freely discussed. Psychotherapies aim at changing the maladaptive behaviours, decreasing the sense of personal distress, and helping the client to adapt better to her/his environment. Inadequate marital, occupational and social adjustment also requires that major changes be made in an individual’s personal environment. All psychotherapeutic approaches have the following characteristics :
(i) there is systematic application of principles underlying the different theories of therapy,
(ii) persons who have received practical training under expert supervision can practice psychotherapy, and not everybody. An untrained person may unintentionally cause more harm than any good,
(iii) the therapeutic situation involves a therapist and a client who seeks and receives help for her/his emotional problems (this person is the focus of attention in the therapeutic process), and
(iv) the interaction of these two persons — the therapist and the client — results in the consolidation/formation of the therapeutic relationship. This is a confidential, interpersonal, and dynamic relationship. This human relationship is central to any sort of psychological therapy and is the vehicle for change.
All psychotherapies aim at a few or all of the following goals :
(i) Reinforcing client’s resolve for betterment.
(ii) Lessening emotional pressure. (iii) Unfolding the potential for positive growth.
(iv) Modifying habits.
(v) Changing thinking patterns.
(vi) Increasing self-awareness.
(vii) Improving interpersonal relations and communication.
(viii) Facilitating decision-making.
(ix) Becoming aware of one’s choices in life.
(x) Relating to one’s social environment in a more creative and self-aware manner.
well did did write it.
doesn’t make a lot of sense to most, but if you’re in the know of that kind of vocab i guess it’s readable… but i agree, it’s a head ache to understand!
Some questions about an electric razor.?
I am considering purchasing an electric razor as a gift for my boyfriend. I feel like in theory they would solve his “problems” with shaving, but I’m not expert, so I figured I’d ask.
1. I know many people say that regular razors provide a closer shave, but is it a significantly huge difference or is the shave with an electric razor good enough? About how many days would you have before you need to shave next?
2. Do electric razors ease any of the pain when shaving against the growth? I know that usually going against the growth is how many people get their closest shave, but he complains that doing that is too painful. Will the electric razor allow him to do this to get a closer shave without hurting him the way a regular razor does?
3. I am assuming that an electric razor makes the shaving process quicker? But, I don’t know this for sure. Would purchasing an electric razor making shaving less time consuming for him? He hates to shave because he says it takes some time.
4. Also is there any special brand/model of electric razor that anyone would recommend? The best one you’ve owned? I’m willing to spend a pretty decent amount on it:)
Lastly, any overall thoughts or opinions on electric razors that I should know would be great. I’ve been doing a lot of research online, but haven’t had my personal specific questions answered from that really, so I appreciate what you have to offer!
Natalie,
I have used a bunch of eletric razors. The VERY BEST one to date is the Panasonic Vortex Razors (ES8075). It is the best shave with teh best features for the best money. Plus, the replacement parts are the least expesive of all the razors.
His face will have to adapt to the razor. It shave wet as well, and I think is the best way to use it. It is quiet, and hold a charge for about 20 days!
Now that said… most guys screw up shaving because they have never been taught “How to Properly Shave”. A good shave is ALL about preparation. There are some links below. Check them out. King of Shaves shaving gels are incredible!!!
A shave is NEVER just wetting the face, smearing a cheap cream on, and swiping at it with a blade! YIKES!!!!
You never want to shave against the grain. Learn to do great beard prep. Get a basic blade razor like the Gillette Custom 3, very good, and very in-expensive. Remember the more blades in a razor, the more edges are dredging skin off his face, and hence a source for by far more irritation. Use a great shave gel like King of Shaves. Learn how to shave. Learn how to finish up after shaving.