Serving the Wealthy

Book excerpt: Serving the wealthy and powerful is not for the faint of heart nor enthusiastically uneducated-it requires know-how developed over a millennium by the very people-British butlers-who have looked after the personal lives of the most discerning and demanding of individuals. In the really old days, failure could result in death; today, it merely results in firing. Yet there is no need for either, as there are right ways to conduct oneself and engage with employers, their families, and guests; and right ways to look after their prized possessions and beautiful properties. Whether looking back at the traditional world that helps define the butler; or analyzing the fast-changing world that offers its challenges to butlers in real time; or anticipating the future for our profession-a world populated by technology, including robots-and how best to prepare for it, this first of a two-volume series provides a voice in the ear of the thinking professional and a measure of stability for those entering the profession. The know-how presented has been brought together and updated for the 21st Century butler and household or estate(s) managers, and is furthermore equally applicable: a) to any private individual wishing to introduce or maintain high standards in their person life; and b) to any service industry where superior service is expected and appreciated by clients, consumers, patients, et al, and is, in fact, vital to the success of any company and its bottom line. 931 definitions are provided as footnotes and in a glossary to smooth the way for readers. The 125 color photographs and 785 pages of know-how gleaned over more than a quarter of a century of work in service, up close and personal, to the wealthy, as well as over six decades of living and learning, add up to a tome that is a must-have for any professional's library. For it not only provides an overview of this unique style of service and the expectations of others, but also the tools to succeed. In addition, the reader will have access to the author, who is Chairman of the International Institute of Modern Butlers, for advice on any service-related questions or difficulties. Volume I is the updated edition of the best selling book, "Butlers and Household Managers, 21st Century Professionals" and together with this Volume II, comprises the first and only comprehensive work on the service skills that have made butlers a household name (pun incidental) and the envy of anyone wishing to provide superior service.