On MeetnGreetMe travel concierge platform we value hospitality, professionalism and willingness to help travelers. We strive to make every traveler happy about the trip and that’s why we take seriously the quality of concierge services our MeetnGreeters provide. Some of them are professional concierges and experts of their cities. Amanda and Bogdan are among such MeetnGreeters - both professionals, however with different background and specialization. We asked them to give some insights about being a concierge and here is what they shared with us.

Amanda,
A self-employed concierge in Blackpool, United Kingdom

I would ever see anything as a difficult request because that is what the client needs, wants or desires so if it’s normal to them it’s normal for me.

Where did you study?

The majority of my studying for my business I did from home or I went on courses that were held locally.

How did you begin to run a personal concierge service? What unusual clients did you have and what were the most difficult tasks for you to cope with?

I have only been up and running for less than a year and still marketing myself to gain more clients.

I haven’t had a difficult request as yet but I don’t think I would ever see anything as a difficult request because that is what the client needs, wants or desires so if it’s normal to them it’s normal for me.

What is the best / the worst thing about your job?

The best bit about my job is I can work it around my children and also I get to make my clients lives better and make them smile. The worst bit about my job is I haven’t learnt to switch off so I could wake up in the middle of the night with ideas and need to write them down as soon as possible.

What are some common requests you receive from your clients?

Common requests are things to help them in their personal lives that take up too much time, for example house cleaning services. I live in a very touristy town so I do get a lot of requests about accommodation.

How did it happen that you was in the Royal Navy?

When I was 22 I needed to do something different in my life. I wasn’t happy working as a receptionist in the casino at the time and I felt a bit trapped. I used to be in the army cadets when I was younger to I enquired about joining the army and then I enquired about joining the navy. It less waiting time to join the navy so I chose that route. I moved to the other end of the country and lived as a sailor for 4 and a half years. The experience in the navy has really helped me with the concierge business as I am highly organised, have exceptional attention to detail and I am very disciplined.

On the concierge side of things I don’t just help out with tasks I am also an events planner so I can organise any event you would like me too.

 

Bogdan,
a concierge in a hotel in Minsk, Belarus

The most difficult and memorable case for me was the one when I searched for the lost first love of our guest. And, imagine it, found!

Where did you study? How did you begin to run a personal concierge service?

I studied at college of Minsk State Linguistic University to become an organizer of social and cultural events. During the internship I got a job in a hotel and worked under the guidance of a concierge who is a member of a worldwide organization «Les Clefs d’Or» – the network based on a friendship between members to assist international travelers and tourists. Actually, he helped me to fall in love with my current profession. After graduating from college I returned to the hotel on the position of concierge and I have been in this job for almost 3 years now.

What unusual clients did you have and what were the most difficult tasks for you to cope with?

Something interesting and exciting can be found in each incident or request of a client. The most difficult and memorable case for me was the one when I searched for the lost first love of our guest. And, imagine it, found! Taking into consideration the age of a client and of the beloved woman he had been searching for, Internet and social networks did not look promising. So I turned to the telephone directory, with the help of which I finally found his very first love.

What is the best / the worst thing about your job?

I am the person who loves people and who is ready to do everything possible to make these people comfortable. And the best thing about my profession is to see sincere smiles on the faces of my guests whom I help and whose stay I make a little better. As for the worst part of the job, I have had nothing but positive things and clients so far.

What are some common requests you receive from your clients?

I usually receive requests of booking theatre tickets, train or plane ticket purchase, reservations in a restaurant or sightseeing tour planning.

Personally, I think I have found myself in this area and I do not plan to change it. Indeed, with every satisfied guest you get unforgettable emotions.

We thank Amanda and Bogdan for sharing their experience and insights into the profession of a concierge. Would you like to become a MeetnGreetMe concierge in your city? Just Sign Up and start helping travelers and improving their travel experience!

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