Excerpt from “The Art of Service” by Paola Bettinelli of The Work Style Magazine

Read the entire article here

Mary Louise Starkey defines a butler as “a professional who is trained in the overall management of a private home”. There have always been excellent career prospects for one who chooses this profession, and this trend continues to the present. The number of professional butlers worldwide has increased steadily over the past 25 years. You can find butlers in multi-million dollar homes in every country in the world. Newton Cross stresses that “with the modern day butler the emphasis is moving to total lifestyle management, instead of the traditional role…multitasking is the keyword”. Usually, continues Mr. Cross, “the younger, recently qualified butlers often find work in hotels, guest houses and game lodges where there is still an element of supervision and guidance. They are also in huge demand on luxury yachts, cruise liners and trains. The older more experienced is better suited for the domestic household where the responsibilities and pressure can be huge“. Therefore, a butler has many options in his or her career path. Due to today’s economy, Johnson specifies that “we are seeing an increase in activity in the field and our inclination is the demand will continue to expand. Luxury resorts are perhaps the most likely to be hiring at present though we are seeing an increase in private estate owners seeking staff for their homes”. Regarding the salary, it varies between countries depending on a butler’s education background and flexibility. Mr. Cross from South Africa says that “entry level is 750 to 1100 euros per month”. For Europe, Mr. Wennekes says that “a butler can earn anywhere from 40.000 to 120.000 euros a year, plus benefits”. While in Australia, Mark Johnson states that ”an entry level butler, in a private home, can expect to begin around 31.000 euros… with experience and working for an employer with multiple homes, it is not uncommon for a butler to earn in excess of 80.000 euros and much much more”. In the USA, Ms. Starkey says that for a Certifed Household Manager “salaries are currently between 42.000 and 105.000 euros per year with benefits, plus housing”.

Visit The Work Style Magazine at http://www.theworkstylemagazine.com

See the BellaCura Newsletter Here

The Wall Street Journal tells us that 60% of the people on our planet today are of the Baby Boomer generation.  We Baby Boomers, yes I am one of them, are well traveled, expect a good work ethic and superior skills, and appreciate mutual respect in all relationships, especially in service!  Furthermore, our service expectations are much higher than our parents.  We care about the style of environment we are in, where our food is grown, work to keep our mind and body healthy, like our privacy, and yes, we scrutinize our health care.  We consider it our right; we have worked hard to get where we are.

I have spent 30 years in the world of Private Service, educating and placing our Starkey Certified Household Managers, Personal Assistants, and Butlers in private homes on a world stage. I have learned over and over again that “Service is the Art of Meeting a Specific Expectation”.  However, a perspective not often considered is if service is to be successful, it requires both a giver and a receiver.  I can work diligently to provide a service to you, but if what I am giving is not what you want, service will not take place.   

Here are my tips on how to get what you want in service:

·         First on the list is Learn to ask for help. Sometimes we believe we are super human. Maybe it’s because we are self made and have created the most powerful nation in the world. However, we are not super human, and frankly, our quality of life will greatly improve when learn to ask for help!  

·         Know exactly what you need and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Today’s service providers know they must think outside of the box to customize service to meet unique needs.

·         What if you do not know what you want?  The number of choices available today has quadrupled from what our parents had to work with. Don’t pass up the opportunity to say to a service provider, “Be my person of possibilities. Let’s talk about what is achievable here!” 

·         Say thank you, and say it often.  Service providers serve people, not companies.  The most appreciated response to a deed well done is a simple but heart-felt, thank you!  You can also add the occasional $10 spot while you are at it. Service providers are generally not yet appropriately compensated. Remember, Service is first and foremost, a relationship! 

Should you have other questions about Service as an Expertise, don’t hesitate to contact me, www.starkeyintl.com

Mary Louise Starkey

Starkey International Institute

First Lady of Service

See the BellaCura Newsletter Here    

Admissions is buzzing with all the new students we have in our mansion this season. We couldn’t be more excited with all this new energy! We are already starting to process applications for our upcoming March 1 & 4 week classes, and our April 8 week class. Remember! The resources here at Starkey International have already proven to be invaluable to all career changing students J Including, but not limited to: our new Chief Operating Officer who just semi – retired from 30 years in the Private Service Industry, our detailed class materials that are included in the admission’s price, and also our friendly staff who would bend-over-backwards to help you out J We look forward to getting to know each and every one of our potential Starkey Graduates in 2010!

Don’t forget to register for Restoring The Art 2010! This year promises to be educational and fun! You can Click Here to find out more information.

Also, be sure to check out our StarkeyHQ Software Demo, or purchase your copy here.

Sincerely,

Mr. Donald Jardine and Ms. Kristin Parks

Our 1^st class of the year is starting today J We have a full house again, and life is pumping throughout the mansion after the holidays. It seems that with our ever-changing economy, our class schedule has taken under a face-lift of its own! We are offering more classes in more locations for 2010 than ever before! If you have been following the Starkey Blog and are wondering if we will be having classes in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible! We would love to be of assistance. You can also check out our 2010 Schedule of Course Offerings on our website (http://www.starkeyintl.com/class_schedule.html)

Warmly,

Donald Jardine

Chief Operating Officer

Starkey International

&

Ms. Kristin Parks

Private Service Event Manager

Admissions Assistant

Starkey International

The holiday season is upon us and Starkey is preparing for the party season. Starkey Mansion is fervently making plans for a Holiday Open House coming in December. The date is being finalized and will be posted just as soon as the details are worked out. If you are interested in our Holiday Open House, please don’t hesitate to contact me J

Also…RESTORING THE ART annual conference is just around the corner. How time flies when we are working diligently! Starkey International is also working overtime to get all the details finalized. We are really excited about our main event this year! It promises to ‘outshine’ all the RTA’s before it. Again, if you are interested in more details for RTA, please keep checking back to this website or you can contact me directly at the number or email listed below.

Have a great Holiday Season!

Ms. Kristin Parks

Private Service Event Manager

Admissions Assistant

(303)832-5510

kparks@starkeyintl.com

We here at Starkey are grateful for wonderful friendships we have with our students and clients. We are truly lucky to be a part of your lives! Starkey is excited to dive into the new year to continue to nurture new and existing relationships. Our next round of classes start on January 4^th, 2010 and January 11^th, 2010. We have a large variety of classes being offered…a little something for every experience level. If you are a Starkey Graduate, Client, or potential student, please check out our 2010 schedule. It promises to be a fruitful year!

Donald Jardine

Chief Operating Officer

Starkey International

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 — Starkey International Institute of Household Management has been selected for the 2009 Denver Award in the Vocational Schools category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org

This new economy has created many new challenges for all people – businesses, working people, and students alike.  Many of the traditional lending sources have limited access to funding once easily obtained.  Sallie Mae Financial, a traditional education lending source, cut 3,000 Private Career Schools from their programs in the  Spring 2009.  The majority of which were in good standing but had a smaller population than the larger state or community colleges.

Starkey International Institute has taken the lead and has been seeking alternate sources of financing  for students desiring to attend one of our premier courses in Certified Household Management.   Keep in mind that home equity loans, personal lines of credit and your stock portfolio are still excellent cash resources already at your disposal.   

In addition, Starkey has setup a relationship with American General Financial Services in Denver, Colorado for those who would qualify for a personal loan.    A down payment will be required and the interest rate starts at 17%.   You would apply directly with the lender and they can send your tuition funds directly to Starkey International.

Additionally, it used to be that only persons who have an employer sponsor, a family member or an association with a Credit Union could seek membership with a credit union.  This is no longer the case.  Many credit unions across the country are now allowing membership with a small contribution (many times $5) to a sponsored organization which is deposited into a savings account you own.  You may apply online for loans at very reasonable interest rates – some as low as 10%.  If approved you will need to visit the credit union to sign signature cards and receive your loan funds to deliver to Starkey International.

These are just a few of the additional resources that Starkey has been able to identify for potential students to access.  As we discover other resources we will be sure to notify you.  If you find a resource we would love hearing from you too. 

As our world and economy changes, your education is more important than ever.  We at Starkey International look forward to speaking with you soon.

 We are enjoying the beautiful crisp air, the changing aspens, and a full class to start on September 28^th! It’s now time to start focusing on our last class of the year. We are offering one more 1 week systems course starting October 26^th – October 30^th, 2009. This course is for experienced household managers and personal assistants who want to bring the Starkey software into their Principal’s estates. If you are interested in more information, please contact me at your earliest convenience as these seats are filling up quickly!

Sincerely,

Donald Jardine

Chief Operating Officer

Starkey Internationa

303-832-5510 Work

303-994-7407 Cell

djardine@starkeyintl.com

5 weeks to go! The countdown has begun and we are thrilled, energized, and optimistic about the future here at Starkey International Institute. Our classes our filling up quickly, both in Denver and Washington DC. If you have ever thought about starting a new career as a Certified Household Manager, there is no better time than right now to come on board! We have clients who are actively searching our Starkey Graduate database to choose the right graduate for their home! Our clients choose us because Starkey International Institute delivers ‘service as an expertise’.

Donald Jardine

Starkey International Institute

Chief Operating Officer