You must always know when to pull out. A businessman isn’t a mathematician. Remember that. Never become hypnotized by the beauty of numbers. A businessman is someone who buys at ten and is happy to get out at twelve. The other kind of man buys at ten, sees it rise to eighteen and does nothing. He is waiting for it to get to twenty. The beauty of numbers. When it drops to ten again he waits for it to get back to eighteen. When it drops to two he waits for it to get back to ten. Well, it gets back there. But he has wasted a quarter of his life. And all he’s got out of his money is a little mathematical excitement.

From A Bend in the River by V. S. Naipaul

Yes, it may mean that you are waking up in the dark once again, but it also means that Spring (well, what actually feels like Spring) is right around the corner!

A personal assistant can help such a collector amass an enviable library of items. Quite often, professional assistants are expert researchers. They know how to set up alerts to find out when certain items become available on the market. They can find other collectors and set up networking opportunities. They can also find out when topic specific conferences are being held.

A collections assistant doesn’t have to take all the fun out of searching for a bargain or out of finding just the right finishing piece. He or she can simply add to your knowledge base and trim down the search field.

Some people, however, are just not great at wrapping presents. If this is the case, consider handing this job to your personal concierge. This tactic is great for those times when your gift needs to show that above-and-beyond bit of punch, but it is also great during traditional gift-giving times when there are just so many shapes and sizes to wrap.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you didn’t have to figure out a way to store all these different rolls and ribbons and bows? Imagine being able to individualize all your packages at a group event rather than showing up with everything in the same wrapping paper. Let your personal assistant save you time and improve your reputation with neat and artistic presentations.

Or, you simply don’t have the vacation time to take an extra day off.

The idea of putting them on public transportation is scary. Asking them to take a cab is likewise iffy and expensive.

This type of problem can be solved through a personal assistant or a concierge service. Send someone to meet your visitors at the airport. Then the PA will escort or chauffeur them safely to your home.

Don’t want them sitting around bored? Let the PA bring your guests to a local restaurant or even act as a tour guide to an area attraction. Such a service is sure to impress your friends and family. They’ll have a good time, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.