Our Blog
The Rise of The “Manny”
Male Caregivers: Breaking Stereotypes and Building Bridges When discussing male caregivers, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the room: gender stereotyping. Even well-meaning individuals who consider themselves open-minded often
The Well-Stocked Cleaning Closet
16 Essential Tips A well-stocked cleaning closet is the secret weapon against dust, grime, and household messes. From everyday spills to deep cleaning sessions, having the right cleaning supplies readily
The Timeless Art of Etiquette
Its Origins and Relevance Today For many years, we’ve been told by historians, tutors, and experts that etiquette was “invented” by Louis XIV of France, better known as The Sun
Evaluating Your Job Offer
Understanding the Full Picture The private service market has fluctuated dramatically in every city in the country since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many staff wondering if the desired rates
Combating Discrimination
in Private Service
in 2024
Working in private service can be highly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges, including an increased risk of workplace discrimination. Private service professionals (PSPs), such as butlers, nannies,
A Guide for
Private Service Staff
Immigrating to the US
Immigrating to the United States as a staff member in the private service industry offers a range of opportunities but requires careful planning and understanding of the process. This blog
Mastering Wardrobe Challenges
Expert Tips for Elevating Your Principal’s Closet Managing your principal’s wardrobe is a task that requires not just attention to detail but also strategic planning. A well-organized, functional, and
Moving Forward Without References
How to Land Your Next Job When Former Employers Won’t Answer the Phone Leaving a long-term position in the private service industry can be challenging, especially when your former
The Hidden Dangers of Dust
Protect Your Health and Home Luxury homes require an elevated level of care and attention, especially when managing dust. Dust might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s a significant
The Well-Stocked Toolbox
16 Essential Tools For Every Well-Stocked Toolbox Having a well-stocked toolbox is crucial for handling household repairs, DIY projects, or unforeseen fix-it tasks that may arise. Whether you’re a seasoned
The Well-Stocked Pantry
Essential Items for Everyday Meals A well-stocked pantry is the backbone of a functional kitchen. Having essential items on hand ensures you’re prepared to create delicious meals, tackle unexpected
Tips & Tricks of an Ultra-High-Net-Worth Estate Manager
“If someone asked the one word that describes what I do as an estate manager, I’d say ‘facilitator.’” So said Alfred Penny,[1] who spent the past 24 years as the
It’s Not Luxury. It’s How They Live.
Wealthy individuals under 40, mostly millennials, generally perceive luxury differently than their parents. Their life experiences are unique to their age group and traditional luxury consumers. Eighteen years ago,
8 Natural Fabric Cleaners
Eco-Friendly Cleaning for Fabrics Maintaining a clean and fresh home often involves using various cleaning products. However, many conventional cleaners contain chemicals that might not be ideal for those with
The Importance of Working Interviews
The trial period is a crucial step in the matchmaking process—a chance for both the candidates and principals to ensure the fit is right. What exactly is a trial? It’s
Nine Ways to Fly Private
There are numerous ways to fly on private jets, and the options can vary based on factors such as your budget, location, and specific needs. Here are some common ways
Hiring Staff: What Principals Need to Know
Hiring private service professionals (aka PSPs) (sometimes referred to as household or domestic employees or estate staff), such as estate managers, nannies, or personal chefs, may greatly enhance the quality
Securing Your Tomorrow
With Portable Insurance Products In a world that is constantly evolving, where uncertainties linger around every corner, safeguarding your future becomes paramount. As we navigate the complexities of modern life,
The Benefits of Providing Vehicles
for Your Private Service Staff
In the realm of private service, where dedicated staff cater to the needs of families and individuals with exacting standards, the provision of vehicles for work and personal use is
The Dark Side of Unicorn Roles
Once upon a consultation, a tale unfolded that transcended the ordinary. The alluring prospect of managing multiple mansions with a minuscule staff often beckons in the opulent world of high-net-worth
Understanding Your Earning Potential
Where do you stand as a candidate in the Private Service Job Market? In the competitive private service job market, professionals seeking new opportunities should understand their market value as
Comprehensive Due Diligence: Safeguarding Your Principals & Property
Most private service professionals understand that an implicit part of their role is protecting the reputation, property, and—most importantly—the safety of their principals, families, and associates. To this end, private
Armored Vehicles: A Guide for Affluent Individuals
In a world where personal safety is a growing concern, especially for high-net-worth individuals, the idea of armoring a personal vehicle has gained significant traction. Once limited to government officials
Booking the Gold Medal Experience!
Ah, mes amis! Get ready to put on your berets and embrace the chaos because booking and attending the Paris ’24 Olympics is a bit like participating in an Olympic
It’s Time To Get Serious About Quality Management In Executive Protection
Is the executive protection (EP) industry ready to talk openly about quality? We think so. In this blog, we discuss why the drive for quality has been underprioritized in EP,
The PSP’s Guide to Private Aviation ~ From Booking to Landing
Are you a private service professional and new to the world of private aviation? If so, this guide is for you! Booking a private jet charter can be an overwhelming
Build Your Team with Personality Assessments
In UHNW environments, teams must function well together to execute operations at the highest level of service possible. As managers, it is our job to ensure the team communicates cohesively.
The Endless Possibilities of Limestone!
At times there have been common misconceptions about the difficulty and maintenance of using limestone in building projects. While it is true that limestone needs care and attention, one needs
Professional Development is Fundamental
Ongoing professional development is standard, if not required, for staff working in nearly every business sector, in every corner of the world. The Private Service industry is no exception to this
OSINT for the PSP
In today’s constantly evolving information landscape, the role of a well-informed and security-conscious Private Service Professional (PSP) has become increasingly important. Whether protecting confidential information or securing high-profile estates, PSPs
Tips for Asking for a Wage Increase in 2023
If you have an end-of-year or first-of-the-year review coming up with your household employer, and you’re thinking about asking for a raise, you might feel some mixed emotions about it.
The Pros and Cons of Blended or Hybrid Roles
Hiring fewer staff members to manage the property and lifestyles of today’s HNW and UHNW families has become trendy, which is only sometimes to the benefit of the Principal(s) or
The Arduous Job Application
By Donna Shannon Personal Touch Career Services Every job seeker knows the drill: you find a job that really interests you, but when you follow the link to apply, the
How much do you really know about NDAs?
Ruth Wentz, COO of Celebrity NDA While you may be familiar with the term NDA from Billie Eilish’s 2021 hit song, non-disclosure agreements have been used for decades, from business
Knowledge at your Fingertips
“Google knows everything, so why should I bother to learn new stuff when I can Google things and watch YouTube tutorials on how to do things?” Having trained Butlers for
Private Service Revolves Around Relationships
Private Service Alliance believes that the private service industry revolves around solid professional relationships. And that those relationships need to be forged with ALL stakeholders within the industry – not
31 things you can ask your assistant to do — and a few you shouldn’t
“Can I really ask my executive assistant to do that?” CEOs, executives and managers all over the world have asked me that question. The short answer is, yes. The slightly
10 Things that Personal Assistants Do Better Than Anyone
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs * It’s about love. The great assistants all love what they do. They unabashedly
The Anti-Workplace Bullying Toolkit
Free Personal and Corporate Resources I spend my life in rooms of assistants and executives. As much talking as I do, I listen twice as much. What I know is
Estate Manager Anthony Barlow on Heads Together with Bonnie Low-Kramen
Estate Manager Anthony Barlow walks the talk when it comes to facing his fears. Adventure is his middle name. Watch and be inspired by his stories of leadership, serving others,
You’ve Got Their Back. Who’s Got Yours?
“Take me to the hospital.” This was said by me on day one of my long-awaited vacation in 2000. As a Personal Assistant, I ran a one-person office in New York