The Executive Assistant

Some of us are great at multi-tasking, while others are great at staying focused on one task at a time.  ALL of us, however, should know the best ways to work effectively- smarter, not harder.  Whether you work Mondays - Fridays a full 8 or 9 hr shift, or you’re a weekend warrior at work…here are a few tips I recommend for staying productive and managing your time:

- Eat breakfast, have some coffee, drink water or some juice… do anything that ‘perks’ you for the day

- Bring a snack for when you crash with low energy or get run-down/moody (dried apricots, snickers bar, anything!)

-Take a walk around the block- fresh air!

-Chit chat at the water cooler (even if it’s 4 minutes), some light gossip never hurt anyone.

Okay… so the above mentioned ’seem’ kind of lame and you’re thinking– “How is this being productive or smart at work!?”   — Well, why plunging into the job and juggling all the tasks at hand, skipping out on lunch or a potty break might win you some ‘brownie points’ with the boss, you are only hurting yourself in the long run.  It’s called- BURN-OUT!  You may not feel it right away, but it will sneak up on you an BAM! you’re down for the count.  Our bodies do mysterious things to us when we are over-worked or stressed from mental or physical labor; usually, we get sick or weak.

Take my advice… a few moments to yourself, by yourself and for yourself will allow for a clear mind, ability to make less errors, and have longevity at your career.  If you have a one in a million boss who is understanding and receptive to this idea– GREAT!   If he/she is cracking the whip and deems you the Almighty Go-Go Gadget… then it’s time to rethink your commitment to them… but, that’s another blog for another day.

-A-

I recently met two extremely interesting women.  To be honest, it was only on their final day here in Las Vegas that I would truly understand how their presence has affected me. 

In my Welcome message to anyone viewing my homepage I addressed myself as one of the most organized and detail-oriented persons you would ever meet.  I had no idea that I would meet two women that are far superior in skill.  My ultimate competition!

I could feel myself relating an sharing in their personalities…a part of each of them.  The first woman is aggressive and tackles each task as though she’s done it a thousand times, with no fear for an error.  She is confident, master of database and dynamic in all aspects of the computer… and acts on shear ambition and thrill.   The other woman is cautious, polite and obsessed with office organization.  She is proud to be dubbed as having OCD with her immaculate organizational abilities.

Double threat!?

The opportunity to spend three full days of learning and admiring these two terrific office assets is like eating an entire birthday cake in one sitting— I could not stop!   They are twice my age, with the knowledge and experience to boot.  I could only hope that by the time I reach 40+ I could be as talented.

We all know our own strengths and weaknesses.  We all know our potential for success- it lies with our views- our ’ATTITUDE‘.   These two had plenty of it, and I wanted a piece!

I learned so much in three days.  Probably more than I learned from college!?

• Don’t be arrogant. Always double-check yourself.
• Plan ahead….waaaaay ahead.
• Anticipate the worst and act for the best.
• Push yourself and catch yourself… otherwise who will?
• Label everything.
• Learn only by doing, not by watching.
• There is always room for improvement.

And lastly… There is always some one … or two… that are better than You!

How to become the ‘best’ at what you do?  Believe in yourself and implement your thoughts into action.

-A-

If I learned one important factor in the business world it is… follow-up.  People are in business to make money.  Money is generated by people- customers.  I strongly believe the ONLY way to run a successful business or to have returning customers is to follow-up with them. Whether it is the day after a purchase of your product, a month after you planned an event for them, or a year from when they first visited your store… follow-up!  Via phone, email, or snail-mail…following up with your clients shows you care.

A story of how follow-up has impacted my life…

In my father’s wedding business, he could not stress the idea enough. I soon became fascinated with the idea of ‘follow-up’ and the various ways to approach it.  For one example, as the company wedding planner I created surveys.  Once the brides left Las Vegas and their dream day was complete… I would mail out the survey and thank them for choosing our chapels in a brief letter.   The letters were personalized and heartfelt.   Each section of the survey included aspects of the wedding from day one when I made the connection on the phone with them to selecting their details of floral arrangements, photo package, hotel stay and reception. This allowed the bride and groom to respond to our service and critique me as their wedding planner. I strived and thrived on their response to push myself to make any improvements where needed.  I saved each survey in a special folder. The responses were overwhelmingly pleasant and appreciated.  To this day, I have made a lasting friendship with a terrific couple from Colorado and will never forget how I was a part of their special day and how the follow-up with them has led to this friendship.

With this said, in my venture of this website and assistant business, I hold the concept of follow-up in high regard.  From the clients who select me as their assistant, to their clients who provide them business…

Follow-up is a mutually beneficial act of kindness.

 -Me-

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