Celebrities Staffing Newsletter - September 2013 Issue

Welcome to the September edition of our newsletter, our tool for keeping you informed about the latest happenings in the celebrity service industry. View this email in your browser Here at Celebrities Staffing we frequently place candidates to work in the estates and homes of high-profile clients.  All candidates have great work experience; some have even worked for some of the most famous people in the world. But even for the most experienced staff, working in a less-than-harmonious environment can be quite a challenge. It is alleged that celebrity couple Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are experiencing trouble in paradise. Since the twosome got married back in 2009, they have been dodging cheating and divorce rumors. This type of stress can affect even the strongest of marriages. With the type of hectic lifestyles they both lead, it is understandable that each of them has their own trusted staff who work alongside them on a day-to-day basis. Naturally, a trusted employee will be more inclined to protect their boss and thus take his/her side. We at Celebrities Staffing adamantly advise employees to always remain neutral in these types of situations. Personal assistants, housekeepers, nannies, chefs and anyone working for celebrities tend to be compensated very generously, and for good reason. The right employee must possess solid life experience and a great background in assisting people. The employee needs to be mature enough not to cross a professional boundary and also know how to tactfully handle very personal situations. It is not uncommon to work several years for a boss and form a close bond. Couples dealing with infidelity issues may view the employee as a "go-between" when the parties do not wish to communicate. The employee may even be pushed to take a side. While the employee is generally a major part of their boss's life and might be privy to scandalous information, it is of utmost importance that the employee remains neutral; this by no means is an easy task. The employees often times know that their bosses are having affairs because their jobs require them to buy plane tickets, arrange hotel rooms, order flowers or even pay for clothes and jewelry. If this is the case, there is a high likelihood that other staff members are in the same boat and they are not speaking up for a reason. Unfortunately, allegiances need to be kept to performing the job rather than having a clear conscience. Overstepping your professional boundaries or taking sides will only result in a bad outcome. Either the couple works out their differences and stays together, which means that you will likely be out of a job; or the couple has a nasty and drawn-out divorce that you are now associated with and for which you are likely to be resented for the rest of your life.  Try putting this person's name on your résumé for future reference purposes; good luck getting your next job! If you happen to be currently working on a job and find yourself in this predicament, here is a list of "Do's and Don'ts" that will help guide you through this very rough period in your career.     DO'S: Try your best to be a great listener.  This will bring great comfort to your boss. Try to get to work 5–20 minutes early so that you can stay on top of things as efficiently as possible during this rocky time. Make sure your passport is current. Celebrities like to clear their heads during difficult times like these and they often like to take impromptu getaways. Whether you are a housekeeper, dog-walker or chef, be prepared to travel at a moment's notice. Having an expired passport is a big no-no. Keep things as orderly as possible, both literally and figuratively. If there are kids involved, find extra activities to keep them occupied and distracted. The less the kids know about what is going on with mom and dad, the better.   DON'TS: Do not ask for a raise. The response will probably not be in your favor. This is not a good time for a vacation. Don't bother asking; if you chose to take one, you might be on a permanent vacation. Don't relay to your boss what you read about them in tabloids, even if they ask you to. Remain as professional as possible. Try not to get involved in any way that you do not have to for your job. Avoid job faux pas like breaking your boss's favorite vase. You might be sent home!   The time has come to rethink everything we've done since before we can remember. We're living in a new world and everybody has to bite the bullet to keep business moving in the right direction. It'll take a lot of imaginative thinking, but if you want to impress your boss—and you want your boss to look like a hero to the board of directors and stockholders—help the person in charge by implementing innovative yet simple ways to alleviate the costs of running the company. Here are some tips for the cost-conscious mogul and resourceful assistants who want to stay one step ahead of the game.  TRAVEL •    First-class passengers should fly business class. •    Business-class passengers should now fly coach. •    Fly commercial instead of on private jets. As an extra bonus, you'll be doing the environment a favor. TRANSPORTATION •    Rideshare to the airport. •    If a group of executives is traveling on a business trip and needs transportation to the airport, have the executives come into the office and send them as a group in one car. •    No more rental car drop-offs at the hotel: Pick the car up at the airport when traveling. •    Double-check which is cheaper: taxis or hired cars. FOOD, BEVERAGES, and PAPER PRODUCTS •    Create very strict supply lists; make sure everyone adds what is needed. Then stick to the list. •    If there's a chef in the office, change your habits and shop in bulk at Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's. •    Do the same for all paper products and toiletries. •    Eliminate individual bottled water by replacing it with a pitcher of filtered ice water at meetings. •    If meetings are held in the office, especially during lunch, hold no more catered affairs. MAIL and DELIVERIES •    Think before sending a FedEx. Does it really need to arrive the next day? Implement an approval policy to deter next-day delivery. •    Purchase "Forever Stamps" in bulk if you're a small office. •    No more messengers to pick up food–send someone from the office. MAIL and DELIVERIES •    Think before sending a FedEx. Does it really need to arrive the next day? Implement an approval policy to deter next-day delivery. •    Purchase "Forever Stamps" in bulk if you're a small office. •    No more messengers to pick up food–send someone from the office. MAGAZINES and NEWSPAPERS •    Consolidate: Order only the best trade magazine necessary for your business. •    Set up a magazine share system to cut the cost of magazine subscriptions. •    Search for free publications. •    Use the Internet for newspapers and magazines, when possible. RAISES and JOB SAFETY •    Give no more merit increases until the economy improves. •    Work fewer hours so more people can keep their jobs. PARTIES and EVENTS •    Cancel holiday parties. •    Give employees a few extra days off between Christmas and New Year's. •    Cut out birthday and anniversary celebrations. If people want to honor someone, ensure they do so after work or at lunch. If it's lunch, give employees an extra hour to celebrate •    Or celebrate all birthdays monthly—for example, on the 15th. Ask people to bake. Sweets straight from the oven are much more delicious and meaningful. Keep in mind your co-workers and upper-level managers have to buy in to the program. Be patient. There's no shame in being prudent. Cost consciousness is in; extravagance and wastefulness are out! The limp fish. The vice grip. The fingers-only princess shake. We have all experienced them. They are various examples of what should be an oh-so-simple means of human contact gone horribly wrong. We are talking, of course, about the handshake. It's a mere matter of extend, grip, shake, and release, yet its execution is fraught with complications that can have long-running consequences. After all, first impressions are lasting. The truth is, nobody likes shaking hands with people who do not know what they are doing. It is the equivalent of getting asked to dance by the most rhythm-free person in the room. Awkward. Until we abolish this social convention in favor of "the Howie Mandel" (the fist bump), we all need to apply Tiger Woods-like dedication in perfecting our technique. It is that important. It's All About Execution Handshakes convey a lot of information. Studies (yes, people have devoted their lives to this topic) have shown that handshakes can be broken down into eight different characteristics, each of which will be factored into making an instantaneous assessment of you. A good, firm handshake signifies that you are confident and open. A poorly-executed handshake pegs you as weak, anxious, and lacking in confidence. Oh, is that all? So, what is a person to do? Practice! I know you're thinking, "Pshaw! The handshake? Puh-lease! I've got it down!" Well, I applaud your confidence. Still, I would like to encourage everyone to take their handshake for a testdrive with a few close family members and/or friends of both genders. You may find that a little fine-tuning is in order, after all. I mean, what if you find out that instead of a textbook shake you've actually been delivering a bone-crusher, which tends to reveal deep-seated insecurity? Eek! Nobody wants that (least of all the person scheduling hand surgery after his or her encounter with you).   The Handshake Primer 1) Clean, warm, and dry. When you know you will be meeting new people and shaking hands with them, be fastidious about the state of your handshake hand. If you are prone to cold, clammy hands, run them under warm water ahead of time, dry them thoroughly, and then keep a paper towel discreetly handy to wipe away perspiration as needed. 2) Prepare to connect. When going in for the handshake, you should be standing as you extend your arm toward the person you're meeting, with the thumb pointing up. 3) Aim to touch webs. That's right: none of that namby-pamby, fingers-only nonsense. Go in with the intent of a firm grip (not too soft, not too hard). A proper handshake involves whole-hand contact with the thumbs touching the backs of each other's hands. 4) Make it count. Have a warm smile ready, and, if possible, greet the other person by name during the handshake. 5) Three pumps and you're pretty much done. Don't overpump. You do not want a good initial impression to metamorphose into one where you are perceived as overeager or creepy. Of course, be aware of what the other person is doing, too. Don't yank your hand away if your handshaking partner is still enthusiastic. Master those steps, and you're ready for prime time.  Oh, except for a few complex rules about who should be shaking hands with whom. Yes. There's more. The Handshake Do-Si-Do Here are a few bonus pointers to keep in mind: 1) While etiquette in the past dictated that women should make the first move to shake hands, now this only applies in social settings. In business, the senior ranking person makes the initial move to shake hands, no matter what gender. 2) Don't cheat women out of a firm handshake, especially in the business realm. It's not appropriate to lighten up when shaking a woman's hand. This can come across as condescending. 3) Be aware of cultural barriers to the offered hand. There are some men whose religion prohibits them from shaking hands with women, and vice versa. There are even varying degrees of behavior within those groups. If someone is obviously dressed in religious garb, the best policy is to await a first move from him or her. If none is forthcoming, choose a different greeting than a handshake (one that doesn't involve touching of any kind). Now go forth and proffer. Firmly!   Executive green housekeepers who can run an environmentally responsible household are becoming a high-demand item. An increasing number of employers are making the decision to go "green" in their homes and are seeking to hire housekeepers who have the knowledge and the experience to run their homes accordingly.   If you are looking for a position as a green housekeeper there are certain things that you will be expected to know and do.  Basically, you will be required to do the same tasks as a traditional housekeeper except that you will do them in an environmentally conscious manner. Here are some tips if you are just starting off. CLEANING SUPPLIES The chemical toxins in traditional cleaning supplies are extremely harmful and many of them contain carnicogens. It is therefore mandatory to stay away from these hazardous cleaners and use nontoxic, natural cleaners such those manufactured by Method, Seventh Generation and Econcepts, Mrs. Meyers, Greenworks, Shaklee and Simple Green.  Bon Ami is a safe alternative to Comet and Ajax.  You can also make your own customized cleaners using natural ingredients. For example, you can use vinegar and baking soda with a little warm water to make an all-purpose cleaner that is safe. For furniture polish, use two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice and apply it to the furniture using a soft cloth. The combination gives the wood furniture a nice smell and a sparkling shine. AIR FRESHENERS Regular air fresheners are incredibly toxic and can aggravate respiratory problems.  Instead, try Zeolite or natural fragrances from essential oils.  Also, plants may not make a house smell different but are good for filtering interior air—any broad green leaf plant will do. Peace Lilies are a favorite choice. CANDLES Avoid artificially scented paraffin candles that produce combustion by-products like soot. Beeswax candles with cotton wicks are best. CARPET UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOOS Avoid carpet shampoos that contain ammonia, butyl ethers, alcohols and other harmful chemicals.  Use shampoos that have natural ingredients such as SafeChoice carpet shampoo. DRY–CLEANING Seek dry cleaners that use liquid CO2 or citrus juice cleaners rather than the toxic conventional cleaners. GREEN GARDENING Restrict water usage in the garden without compromising the aesthetics of the outdoor area.  A layer of mulch, for example, will help retain moisture in the soil, as well as cut down on weed infestations.   NATURAL PRODUCTS ARE USEFUL AROUND THE HOME 1.     Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – gritty scrubber, also reacts with acids like         lemon and vinegar 2.     Borax – disinfects, whitens and deodorizes 3.     White vinegar – disinfects and loosens dirt 4.     Lemon juice – disinfects, cuts through grease 5.     Olive oil – picks up dirt, polishes wood 6.     Castile soap – all-purpose foaming cleaner 7.     Washing soda (sodium carbonate) – a caustic cleaner, stain remover and         laundry supplement As summer is turning to fall and the air is turning brisk many will retreat indoors. But just because the warm weather has disappeared does not mean your exercise routine should too. Jay Williams of J-Netics Training says it is important to set a goal to keep you motivated, but not a weight loss goal. "A weight loss goal is too complicated. You can't keep your weight managed, in the sense that it will always fluctuate. An inch loss goal involves your clothing size." Tracking inches will keep your motivation up as you find yourself fitting in a smaller size. Jay calls this a "practical goal" that allows you to keep in stride. Working in the service field especially when you are serving high-profile clients can often be taxing and can drain you in the long run if you are not in top shape. Michael, who is 37 and works as a personal assistant to a celebrity in New York City, knows the feeling.  He used to get so worn out by the end of the day until he realized that he needed to do something about it.  Even though he does not have much time to hit the gym except on rare occasions, Michael now has a routine where he does most of his exercising in his own neighborhood. "Every day I try to get up 30 minutes to an hour early so I can go for a brisk walk or jog," says Michael who always follows that up with easy home exercises like situps, pushups and stretches. This allows him to maintain his stamina for the whole day. One quick and easy exercise you can do after work is an elevated speed walk. "Often you see people walking around a building and just talking, it's not doing much. With a speed walk you'll start to sweat," says Jay. He recommends doing 25 minutes of this fast-pace walking every day. Another tip Jay has for working professionals is "getting out of your chair." He recommends, "Every 15 minutes stretch your legs and your upper body. Do a 5-step stretch or breathing technique." Doing so will break up your work and also keep you motivated and energized.   Another easy workout that does not require a gym membership is as always—taking the stairs. Jay suggests finding a parking garage, one with five or six floors. Park at the top then walk down and back up. "Hill walking" is another great way to get in some exercise. If you are fortunate enough to be able to spend more time in the gym one of the hottest trends for men right now is mixed martial arts (MMA). "The grappling, even if they're not fighting, they like it for the high-intensity cardio training," says Jay. For women it's Zumba. This Latin-inspired dance fitness class is set to fast-paced international music to really get your body working. Zumba offers six different types of classes including a kids and aqua class. Another trend popping up is exercising outdoors. Many boot camp style classes—cardio and strength training—are offered outdoors. Others like J-Netics Super Fit Class held on Ventura Boulevard focuses solely on weight training. To create your own boot camp grab a friend and head to a high school or college like UCLA's Drake Stadium that offers a track and stadium stairs. Exercise is not enough to keep you healthy and energized though. Jay stresses with his clients it's also about your diet, "People tend to not do one or the other because they feel they exercise enough or eat really well. It's important to do both." Michael knows this all too well; at first his long hours would lead him to coffee. "I noticed when I drank coffee or grabbed a quick sugary snack I felt sluggish. Now, I avoid it and eat as healthy as possible to keep my energy up." Jay sees this all too often, "We tend to eat what we like, and not what we don't like." This leads to us lacking in nutrients from not eating all the proper foods. At J-Netics trainers try to "teach people how to have a balance," says Jay. "Every month try a new vegetable. Cook it three to four different ways until you can actually enjoy and eat it." With the holidays coming up there is bound to be temptation on every table. While you may think you deserve that slice of cake because you go to the gym a lot, it's very important to watch your sugar intake. Sugars can block the absorption of nutrients, so even those so-called healthy vegetable and fruit blend juices are something to avoid. Jay says, "You want to get as close to the source as possible." Eating raw vegetables gives you the greatest benefit, but if raw is not your thing, try flash steaming or baking the vegetables with a little olive oil and herbs. Aside from sugars, Jay also says to lay off the salt. "A lot of people don't know salt thins out your blood, which will overtime raise your blood pressure," says Jay. If you have a highly demanding job with long hours it's important to take care of your health; eating right and regular exercise will keep you energized. "For me, exercising and eating healthy is the only way I can keep up with demands of my job," says Michael. Celebrities Staffing Services® BEVERLY HILLS, CA 9201 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 205, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Tel:  310-273-0958 • Fax: 310-273-0954 info@canyceleb-staffing.com NEW YORK, NY 20 Vesey Street, Suite 510, New York, NY 10007 Tel:  212-227-3877 • Fax: 212-227-3990 celeb.domes@verizon.net GREENWICH, CT 500 W. Putnam Ave., Suite 400 Greenwich, CT 06830 Tel: 203-542-0728 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 303 Twin Dolphin Dr., 6th Floor Redwood City, CA 94065 Tel: 415-839-8066 NEWPORT BEACH, CA Tel: 949-200-7050     PALM SPRINGS, CA Tel: 760-904-4670     SAN DIEGO, CA Tel: 858-751-7987     LAS VEGAS, NV Tel: 702-758-8815 www.celebrities-staffing.com   Copyright © 2013 Celebrities Staffing Services, All rights reserved. Joined on our Celebrities Staffing website. Our mailing address is: Celebrities Staffing Services 9201 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 205 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences