Congratulations on Graduating from a Butler or Household Management School

Transitioning from a Butler or Household Management School and into a role as Butler, Household Manager, Footman, Estate Manager, can be exciting, but it’s important to navigate it with humility and respect for others. Here are some key reminders to help you succeed and maintain positive relationships with your colleagues and principals.

  1. Prioritize the Principal: Always remember that your role is to serve the principal and support their needs. Your attitude should reflect respect for their preferences and lifestyle.
  2. Stay Humble: While your education is valuable, it’s important to stay grounded. Listen to your experienced colleagues and learn from their insights. Remember you just finished classes which means you may not be coming with a plethora of experience.
  3. Teamwork is Key: Collaborate and communicate effectively with your co-workers. Appreciate their roles and contributions—everyone has something to offer.
  4. Maintain Professionalism: Approach each task with professionalism and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Let your work speak for itself. The phrase “Ghost Service” is used quite often but not practiced appropriately. Stomping around upstairs and in the kitchen is not ghost service.
  5. Respect Discretion: Understand the importance of confidentiality in your role. Respect both the principal’s privacy and that of your colleagues.
  6. Adaptability: Be open to feedback and willing to adapt to new situations. Flexibility is crucial in a dynamic household environment. A close friend, colleague, and mentor, said it perfectly, “Read the Room” before opening your mouth.
  7. Stay Composed: In challenging situations, remain calm and composed. Your demeanor sets the tone for the environment around you. Some colleagues (housekeepers, chefs, exterior staff) have been in their positions for years. Gradually making modifications is better than immediate change.
  8. Continuous Learning: Keep seeking knowledge and skills that can enhance your service. The industry is always evolving.
  9. Empathy and Understanding: Cultivate empathy towards both the employer and your colleagues. This will foster a positive atmosphere.
  10. Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or guidance when needed. A willingness to learn is a strength, not a weakness. If you come with a Household Management or Butler School “ego”, please check it at the door. It’s not only annoying but it’s unproductive and unsustainable.

By focusing on these principles, you’ll foster a positive work environment and establish yourself as a valued member of the household management team. Good luck in your new role!

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Chamois VS Microfiber

Chamois VS Microfiber

Private Chauffeurs or the Butler which is your choice for cleaning and drying the Bentley

I was coming out of a very nice restaurant the other day and saw two Bentleys out in the parking lot with private chauffeurs standing by each. One had a Chamois in his hand wiping down the front corner. I have always used a Chamois for my vehicles and thought they were always appropriate if kept clean. I spoke to each of the Chauffeurs and had a brief conversation. Each had an opinion; one uses a microfiber and the other a chamois.

Chamois vs Microfiber cloth for car cleaning, A long-running debate exists about which is better for cleaning your car: chamois leathers or microfiber cloths. But honestly, I think there’s room for both in your car care kit, with each type of cloth suitable for different applications and uses.

There’s no denying the versatility of microfiber cloths. These synthetic cleaning tools can be used for everything from washing and drying paintwork to applying polish and wax, so I would definitely recommend having a handful in your car care toolkit.

The only downside to microfiber cloths is that they’re not as absorbent as chamois cloths, so you’ll spend longer drying your car with a microfiber towel than when using a chamois. They also tend to become waterlogged much more quickly than chamois cloths, so their drying properties will diminish as you move from panel to panel.

Elsewhere, chamois cloths are much better for achieving a streak-free finish than their microfiber counterparts, making them ideal for cleaning and drying the windscreen and windows. They’re also great for buffing wax, resulting in a high-shine finish that’s more difficult to achieve with microfiber cloths alone.

To clear things up, here are the pros and cons of using both microfiber and chamois cloths as part of your car care regime.

Microfibre cloths

Pros

  • Super versatile
  • Affordable to buy
  • Can be used for cleaning and drying
  • Ideal for applying wax and polish

Cons

  • Not as effective at drying as chamois cloths

 

Chamois cloths

Pros

  • Super absorbent
  • Synthetic versions are affordable
  • Achieve a streak-free finish
  • Fuss-free drying guaranteed

Cons

  • Can’t be used for wet cleaning

 

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TIPS FOR HOSTING A HIGH TEA PARTY AT YOUR HOME WITH HOUSEHOLD STAFF

tea setting domestic staff

Creating a first-class tea gathering in your private home with the assistance of household staff involves careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a memorable event:

Planning the Event

  1. Set a Date and Time: Choose a date and time that works for you and your guests. Afternoon tea is traditionally served between 3 PM and 5 PM.
  2. Create a Guest List: Decide on the number of guests you’d like to invite. Aim for an intimate setting with around 6 to 12 guests. Please keep in mind the amount of household staff you have that can handle the number of guests.
  3. Send Invitations: Send out elegant invitations at least three weeks in advance. You can use printed invitation cards or digital invitations, depending on the formality of the event. Hopefully one of your staff members is an expert in the invitation wording.

Menu Selection

  1. Choose Tea Varieties: Select a range of high-quality teas. Consider including black, green, herbal, and perhaps a specialty tea (I just started using a lemon/ginger tea, you will love it).
  2. Plan Food: Prepare a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and local jam, and an assortment of pastries and sweets. I am sure your private chef will have plenty of ideas. Aim for a balance of savory and sweet items.
  3. Dietary Considerations: Check with guests about dietary restrictions or preferences and plan accordingly.

Setting the Scene

  1. Select a Location: Choose a suitable room or outdoor area in your home. Ensure it’s well-lit and has enough seating. Make sure the Domestic Staff has an easy flow access to and from the kitchen or Butler’s Pantry.
  2. Decorate the Table: Use a beautiful tablecloth, fine china, and elegant silverware. Add decorative elements like fresh flowers, candles, or a themed centerpiece.
  3. Arrange Seating: Ensure comfortable seating for your guests, allowing for easy conversation.

Involve Household Staff

  1. Briefing the Staff: Communicate your vision for the gathering to your household staff. Choose the Household Manager or the Lead Butler to be the lead “go-to” person. Discuss the menu, the setup, and any specific tasks they will need to handle.
  2. Assign Roles:
    Head Butler: Designate a staff member to serve tea and food.
    Household Manger: If you will be mingling with guests, assign someone to help with logistics.
    Clean-up Crew: Ensure someone is available to tidy up as needed (distribute extra napkins, spilt tea, etc.).
    Staff Wardrobe: Make sure the household staff is dress appropriately. The Head Butler or Household Manager would look nice in a serving jacket and tie.
    Housekeeper: Make sure your Professional Housekeeper checks the Restrooms periodically throughout the event.

Preparing for the Gathering

  1. Tea Preparation: Brew the teas just before guests arrive to ensure freshness. Use a variety of teapots for different teas.
  2. Food Presentation: Arrange the food attractively on tiered stands or platters. Ensure everything is ready to serve when guests arrive.
  3. Set Up the Beverage Station: Create a tea station with all the tea choices, sugar, milk, and lemon. Use your finest silver tea service set. Allowing your Butler to go around warm up or refill their teacup would really add flavor to the room.

Hosting the Gathering

  1. Warm Welcome: Greet your guests warmly as they arrive. Offer them a drink and introduce them to others. Designate a staff member to take their coat at the door if need be.
  2. Service Style: Depending on the formality, you may serve guests or let them help themselves. Ensure staff is attentive to guests’ needs throughout the gathering.
  3. Engage Guests: Facilitate conversation and ensure everyone feels included. Share stories or anecdotes related to the teas or food.

Conclusion of the Gathering

  1. Thank Your Guests: As the gathering winds down, thank your guests for attending and express your hope that they enjoyed the tea.
  2. Follow Up: Consider sending a thank-you note or message after the event, particularly if guests brought gifts or contributed in any way.
  3. Feedback: Reflect on the event with your household staff to discuss what went well and what could be improved for future gatherings.

 

By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can create a sophisticated and enjoyable tea gathering that your guests will remember fondly.

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Navigating Housing Negotiations for Domestic Staff in Today’s Market

Providing housing for domestic staff is becoming an increasingly complex negotiating factor. The dramatic rise in the housing and rental markets has impacted everyone, and negotiating housing for household staff in today’s rental environment presents noteworthy challenges.

Rising Costs and Negotiation Dynamics

Increased housing costs can significantly influence negotiations, requiring careful navigation by both clients and candidates. Clients often see rising costs as justification for controlling the terms of housing provisions, particularly when they feel that requested salaries are disproportionate to their budgets.

The Advantage of Furnished Housing

Clients who offer furnished housing can alleviate the stress of relocating, adding complexity to these negotiations. Accepting provided housing has several advantages, such as reducing logistical stress and offering the convenience of furnished accommodations. For candidates moving from different states or regions, having a ready-to-live-in place can be extremely helpful in easing the transition into a new role.

Short-term Rental Solutions

For live-out positions where housing is not provided, it is advisable to negotiate a short-term 60-day rental, such as an Airbnb or an extended stay hotel, for practical reasons. This period allows candidates to acclimate to their new surroundings and identify suitable neighborhoods without the pressure of a long-term commitment, minimizing dissatisfaction with the housing or job.

Effective Negotiations

Effective negotiations require openness and clear communication. Candidates should express their needs and concerns while considering clients’ perspectives and constraints, striving for a balanced agreement that benefits both parties.

Strategic Approach

Given the current housing landscape, a strategic approach to negotiating employment terms in the Private Service Professional sector is essential. If you’re struggling to make a decision or negotiate these terms in your work agreement or contract, please contact us for guidance. We’re here to ensure you don’t feel disadvantaged in the process.

 

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Social Media and Domestic Staff Hiring

Most of us have some type of a Social Media platform (instagram, facebook, tiktok, etc.). I applaud the household professionals who use these platforms for self promotion. For example a Private Chef will show off his food, a butler will have a nice table set or a tutorial on how to shine shoes properly. In the case of my recent run in with a Head Steward looking for a position, she used her social media platforms to promote more than her skills.

Turn off your social media when interviewing.

Listen to my latest story on this Social Media Disaster.

 

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Lou Hansell hangers, an amazing add to your wardrobe.

Check out my video talking about each of the high end hangers.  A butler, household manager, estate manager, housekeeper will appreciate these works of art.
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Keep Your Receipts!

This is something that needs to be said. Most of us do this and stay on top of it, but for a few, this can save your job and your credibility.

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Live-In, Live-On, and Live-Out


 
It is important that you have the housing situation understood before the contract is signed. Who is paying for the electric, internet, etc. These are items that need to be discussed with the client or the agency. It can be the Estate Manager, Butler, Household Manager, Domestic Couple, and or the Senior Companion. Take the time to view the housing while on the interview or through a video walk through.

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Candidate Website For Domestic Staff, Household Managers, Butlers, Estate Managers

 

Is A Resume Enough? Will this give you the edge?

You can showcase yourself as a Butler, Estate Manager, Household Manager, Private Chef, in a website custom built for you.

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Stop Putting “Hired and Fired” on your Resume

 

If you are currently looking to be hired as household professional staff, watch this video to learn why putting “Hired” and “Fired” on your resume is not best practice.

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