References are important. How many times have you based a decision on a positive reference? It can be anything, what movie to see, what restaurant to go to, who to employ? No matter where you go in life, a good reference will tip a decision in a certain direction. Sadly there are people who take advantage of that. In the domestic staffing industry a positive reference can be the difference between getting the job you want vs getting back in the unemployment line. You’d be surprised to see the lengths people go to get these references. Oftentimes people ask close [ Read the rest…]

Every four years an event occurs that gets the planet buzzing. For four weeks it seems to be all that anyone can talk about. A round spherical object tapped and passed across an 100 yard field constantly trying to find its way into an 8 by 24 foot net. The World Cup is here folks. While sadly our dear USA didn’t qualify this time, we still find ourselves right in the middle of this beautiful tournament as our country is home to millions who have ties to countries participating this year. While some homes unite during this time, it’s popular [ Read the rest…]

How many languages do you know? One? Two? Chances are if you know more than one, the languages had been instilled at a very young age. You might have had help from a parent, friend, maybe your nanny?   The idea of employing foreign nannies to aid the development of additional languages in young children has been around for some time now. The argument against it goes that the children won’t be able to retain the information necessary for multiple languages to stick once childcare is no longer needed.   How do you feel about presenting kids with many languages [ Read the rest…]

Sometimes we wait too long to recognize the situation and we just end up making bad decisions. From the moment you get the feeling that its time to move on, we just don’t know how, when or what to do? Of course, most people can’t afford to leave a job from one day to another! But delaying the process can be detrimental to yourself and others. So here are some warnings and advice you can take into consideration to make the ride smoother.   Warnings: Already thinking to start searching for a new position. Always complaining about your job. Not [ Read the rest…]

Imagine this scenario: You’re part of a medium-sized domestic staff. It’s a great environment and everyone gets along, but recently something has come to your attention. You’ve noticed your boss (who is a loving husband and father of three) entering a seldom used guestroom, always with one particular young attractive housekeeper who happens to be your colleague. Knowing this information: How do you handle this? Should you inform anyone? Should you tell the Mrs of the house? Should you tell my coworkers? Should you bring it up to my boss himself? Should you keep your mouth shut?

The Domestic Estate Managers Association (DEMA) is having a 1-day “Disaster and Emergency Preparedness” program in Naples, FL on Saturday, May 5th and we thought some of our site visitors would be interested in attending the event. Click here for information regarding the event including location, cost, hotel rates, and more!

Serving the Table! Most upscale dinners will include 5 courses, encompassing an appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert. Many formal settings practice the open hand service method, which means that a server’s arms are never to be crossed in front of a guest, and food is always served from the guest’s left side. Important Tips to Remember: Ladies are always served first. Never eat, drink, or chew gum in front of guests. Always exhibit proper posture – Do not slouch, cross your arms, or leave your hands in your pockets while on service. Press uniforms to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and [ Read the rest…]

I’ve found that the majority of my clients have found/learned ways of making tons of money, but along with this good fortune comes the “Frankenstein”: The 15,000+ square foot house or apartment, the 2nd and 3rd (& sometimes many more) properties, boats, planes, and a fleet of cars. But these are still family units, with the same basic needs of all families, compounded now with complications of all the toys mentioned above. It’s a “monster” resulting from hard work, success & choice of lifestyle.   Now eight or more bathrooms need cleaning, four or more beds need be stripped and [ Read the rest…]

For many Employer’s of Household/Domestic Staff, this is the time of year when additional workers are needed.   Though not needing a permanent employee, the same quality & skill-set is essential. References, background and personality component must still be of the level of a “long term” candidate being considered.  The best way to be assured of having expectations met…… is to be up front, in the beginning, about the “temporary nature” of the job. We have seen many family’s indicate they are hiring for a permanent position.  A new member of the “team” comes on board.  In all work environments, [ Read the rest…]