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| Badges |  3 |
| Points |  66 |
| Ratings |  4, 100% positive |
Written by: Aysnw | June 1, 2009 10:15 AM in Other | 245 views
Stephanie Ostrea
206 478-7000
You are bed-ridden and cannot drive or walk around much, to get groceries or to do other chores. Or, you never have enough time; you are always running around frantically, trying to be the best in your professional life and, at the same time, trying to be the best parent. Or, you are going out of town and need somebody to look after your pets. What are you going to do?
Try using a Personal Assistant service.
A Personal Assistant acts like your right hand person, and can relieve you of the load of responsibilities and chores that you find difficult to cope up with on your own. Hiring a Personal Assistant might seem like an indulgence, but when life gets busy or stressful, a Personal Assistant can accomplish a whole to-do list in just hours. And with their affordable rates, the trade off is well worth it.
Their ranges of costs and services vary, so shop around and see who gives you the best deal for your money. Many Personal Assistants specialize in specific services. Others provide lifestyle management services. When hiring a Personal Assistant, be sure you discuss your needs and expectations openly. In turn your Personal Assistant will give you ‘back your time’ - allowing you to enjoy the life you want to live.
Here are some important things to consider when hiring a Personal Assistant:
· Make sure that the service is bonded, licensed and insured for your peace of mind and safety. This also assures you that the professional has integrity, is dependable, efficient and honest.
· Find out about their scope of service and industry experience? How long they have been in business? Do they have the proven local, national and international (if needed) resources to handle even the most difficult tasks?
· Find out more about the company: how is it run; how efficient are the staff; the kind of support systems are in place; what kind of assignments the company has handled in the past; any testimonials and references?
· Find out about the charges: are there any additional fees? Are there any discounts (new client, package deals etc)? Any charge if the appointment is cancelled at the last minute etc?
· Look for a Personal Assistant with a strong career background whose interaction with the community has resulted in long-lasting contacts and relationships. Their network and their associates will also be available to their clients. Find out if the Personal Assistant is a member of professional groups such as their local Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations.
· Find a Personal Assistant with first-hand knowledge of the local region or city.
· Look for a Personal Assistant who has excellent communications skills and practical hands-on experience in multitasking, problem solving, time management and organization.
· Look for candidates who are positive, friendly, and have a go-getter attitude.
· Try to find someone who is as flexible as possible to suit your needs.
· Make sure that the Personal Assistant's Contact information includes mailing address, phone numbers, e-mail address and website information.
· Above all, find someone you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. Trust is the key to allowing a Personal Assistant enough access to be of benefit to your life. A true Personal Assistant will build a confidential relationship with clients and develop the understanding needed to handle your needs.
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 food for herself and others, growing her own food, volunteering for community projects and the great outdoors.
