Practically Perfect PA

AUGUST 7, 2017

He needs time for emails, preparation, lunch – and I use my initiative to prevent clashes. Also, I read all emails to my boss and assess their importance in order to help him to reply. Emails play an important part during the day. I use “dalango.de” for example and brushed up my French skills.

Restaurants 180

Restaurants Travel Suppliers Interviewing 180

Practically Perfect PA

APRIL 19, 2016

For example, you may like to talk about that trip that saw your Exec cross every continent and time zone – how did you manage it, what did you learn from such a difficult trip and what advice can you pass on to other assistants? Email Address: *. I will get back in touch with you asap. Subject: *. Message: *. Assist Travel details.

2016 100

2016 Travel ASAP Time Zones 100

Practically Perfect PA

JULY 5, 2017

So for example, everyone… Should show up on time. Make sure every meeting has an agenda, it can be very simple for example: Date, time, location. If your Executive agrees, send out an inital email to your team saying you will be implementing a new set of rules for each team meeting. Simple ground rules for team meetings.

Agenda 189

Agenda PowerPoint AT&T Phones 189

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 13, 2015

Imagine the scene – you’ve been asked to lead on a piece of work, for example compiling a report or managing a new project. It is easy to say you will do something face to face or via email and forget about it two minutes later. Back the request up with an email. Here are a few tips… Set up a meeting.

Email 100

Email AT&T Management UPS 100

Practically Perfect PA

APRIL 3, 2012

Managing your boss’ emails is one of the crucial tasks that we as assistants are asked to perform. It has taken a while to confidently manage emails on behalf of someone else but I feel now with a few years experience it is easer than you think. Action emails as appropriate. DO: Make use of the email systems technology.

Email 100

Email Filing Confidence Management 100

Practically Perfect PA

JUNE 5, 2017

First thing I do is check my emails, I signed up to get alerts if there were any delays on my train route into Waterloo. Once I’ve done that difficult or boring task I get through both my boss’ and my emails, making sure I’m up to date with everything. What is your morning routine before you get into the office? just in case!!)

Training 170

Training Agencies Interviewing Email 170

Practically Perfect PA

JULY 26, 2016

Example interview questions and answers specifically for assistants. If you are reading this on email, here is the link to download the eBook. How to stand out in a crowded market. Questions to ask during an interview. Working with a new Executive.

Cover Letter 100

Cover Letter 2017 Administrative Professionals Interviewing 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 10, 2014

If the request comes from a more junior member of staff I tend to ask them to email me the details so that I have a record of the task and I can keep the email in my inbox until I have completed the work. I know this goes against everything that ‘email gurus’ tell us but I keep everything. Do stuff immediately.

AT&T 100

AT&T Calendars Keyboards Email 100

Practically Perfect PA

NOVEMBER 4, 2014

In my last blog I wrote about interview questions regarding career development and a few example answers. When asking a competency question the interviewer will ask you to give an example from your past experiences rather than answer in general terms. In this blog I want to concentrate on competency or scenario based questions.

Interviewing 100

Interviewing Self Esteem Doodle Customer Service 100

Practically Perfect PA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

I also have a quick check over my emails and calendar for the day, I do have a few meetings today that I also need to attend. 0930 – As I’ve already checked my inbox and prioritised my tasks for today I make a start with my plan by sending out a few queries over email. I’ve managed to finish the slide deck without any interruptions.

Email 100

Email Filing Networking Training 100

Practically Perfect PA

JULY 20, 2015

So example if they have a strategic objective, something like ‘increase awa reness of brand x’ , you should have a practical objective, something like ‘organise launch party for brand x’ . You can also priorities meetings, tasks and emails relating to these key areas. Your manager will thank you for this one.

2015 100

2015 Goals Management Email 100

Practically Perfect PA

DECEMBER 14, 2015

They will provide fantastic examples and advice for any assistant who would like to get more out of social media and integrate it in to their role. Our social media gurus are real examples of how online networking benefits assistants. The post 10 reasons to attend Assist 2016 appeared first on Practically Perfect PA.

2016 100

2016 Social Media 2015 Restaurants 100

Practically Perfect PA

JUNE 9, 2016

For example, this could Champagne and canopies on arrival or post-dinner cocktails. Here are a few examples of some unique private dining spaces in London courtesy of ITA* Venues. To enquire about hiring the ITA* venues, please email William Smith from ITA. The extra details. It could be name cards or a seating plan.

Restaurants 100

Restaurants Stress AT&T Email 100

Practically Perfect PA

DECEMBER 4, 2014

There have been so many times over the years that I have received an email about a fantastic training course or conference that I would love to attend. They will provide fantastic examples and advice for any assistant who would like to get more out of attending networking events. You have a lot of unique skills. The list is endless.

Training 100

Training Networking Assertiveness Expenses 100

Practically Perfect PA

FEBRUARY 10, 2017

This week I received a wonderful email from an assistant and reader of Practically Perfect PA who attended the Assist Conference last year. The email brought me to tears (which, I must admit is not difficult these days – a five month old baby and raging hormones will do that to you!) Well, today is a new day, folks.

AT&T 100

AT&T Confidence 2017 Email 100

Practically Perfect PA

OCTOBER 22, 2015

Make sure that all of your documents match – for example, they all need to state the same Visa duration and trip purpose. or email us at visas@blairconsular.co.uk. Always leave plenty of time – Embassies can request additional information and documentation without prior warning. Complete all forms carefully.

Travel 100

Travel Stress International Forms 100

Practically Perfect PA

JULY 29, 2014

Laptops do not synchronise properly, emails disappear, photocopiers jam and chew up your important documents etc. Does anyone know how to fix a simple problem for example a jam in the photocopier? For example, is your browser up to date and do you have the latest updates? Forward planning. Learn how your equipment works.

Equipment 100

Equipment Negotiating Policies Networking 100

Practically Perfect PA

JUNE 8, 2012

This should be used in any form of communication from emailing someone to meeting them face to face. I can really overuse emails because they are quick and easy to ping out to everyone but if I am aware that I work with someone who prefers face to face communication I force myself to go and speak to them. Be clear and articulate.

Twitter 100

Twitter Email Skills Forms 100

Practically Perfect PA

FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Sometimes they’ll pick up those clues via written channels : They note the tone of your email. They check your email footer for info. They Google your website for a biography. They search for your LinkedIn profile. The receive your LinkedIn updates. They read a blog you’ve written. They interpret eye contact and body language.

Cover Letter 100

Cover Letter Promotion Clothes 2015 100

Practically Perfect PA

MAY 14, 2014

I will go back and forth to it; check my emails, answer a phone call, make a coffee or just generally procrastinate. For example, schedule the really important meetings when they are at their peak. For example there are plenty of online tools and apps to help automate minute taking. Set deadlines for completing each task.

Staples 100

Staples Expenses AT&T Phones 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 16, 2017

Try to think about your organisation’s brand in a more creative way – if for example the company colour is green do a Google search for ‘green’ and see what images appear and then use them for your slide backgrounds. New images are added weekly and you can sign up to receive them via email. Gratisography. FindA.Photo.

PowerPoint 189

PowerPoint Social Media PDF USPS 189

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 16, 2017

Try to think about your organisation’s brand in a more creative way – if for example the company colour is green do a Google search for ‘green’ and see what images appear and then use them for your slide backgrounds. New images are added weekly and you can sign up to receive them via email. Gratisography. FindA.Photo.

PowerPoint 189

PowerPoint Social Media PDF USPS 189

Practically Perfect PA

JULY 25, 2013

But we don’t just stop there, we manage every aspect of their day, from reading their emails and responding with kind words, getting them coffee so that they are awake and alert throughout the day, buying their presents so that they look generous and thoughtful, and well the list is endless.

Management 100

Management AT&T Skills UPS 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 23, 2015

It could be, for example, that you are super organised, you are calm under pressure. From my experience I had to know how to manage diaries and emails, organise travel, work with Microsoft Office and be a strong gatekeeper for my Executive. These are the things that you are really good! Otherwise I would not be good at my job.

Confidence 100

Confidence Self Esteem Skills Phones 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 23, 2016

For example, if you take an event to ZSL London Zoo why not refer to your refreshment breaks as ‘feeding time’ Adding a little element of meeting design really will help you make the most of the space. Here are a few examples of some unique event spaces in London curtesy of ITA* Venues. This really isn’t the case.

Expenses 100

Expenses Equipment AT&T Environment 100

Practically Perfect PA

JANUARY 26, 2015

The description lists all of the core skills (diary and email management, travel arrangements, expenses etc) followed by one or two more bullet points relating to tasks designed specifically for the role (managing in-house IT software, supporting certain departments, managing social media for the organisation for example).

Job Hunting 100

Job Hunting Project Management Social Media Skills 100

Practically Perfect PA

APRIL 14, 2014

For example, if your travellers are going somewhere with potential security risks (such as Brazil), ask your supplier what security procedures they have in place. Can you book 24/7 by telephone, email or online? Email: Patricia.Gardiner@Tristarworldwide.com. We recommend you do your homework on the area of travel.

Management 100

Management Suppliers Travel Policies 100

Practically Perfect PA

MAY 2, 2014

More recently I’ve heard from assistants that have tried a few different apps and bits of tech which have really helped with their minute taking so I thought I would give a few examples of what is out there. Following the meeting, the notes and action points can again be emailed to the participants and synced with their task lists.

Dropbox 100

Dropbox Keyboards PDF Agenda 100

Practically Perfect PA

OCTOBER 23, 2014

There are also a lot of tasks related to diary management, for example ensuring our managers get to their meetings on time, understand the reason for the meeting and are prepared for it. I colour code and categorise everything from birthdays, client meetings, 1-2-1s with colleagues, reading and email time, holding meetings and even lunch.

Management 100

Management Calendars Agenda AT&T 100

Practically Perfect PA

APRIL 6, 2016

They merged this information with email-traffic data, as well as employee engagement survey results that measured productivity and energy. Here are two great examples of organisation’s that have implemented brilliant team bonding programmes throughout their business. Read the entire report here. Zappo’s Small Scale Team Building.

Restaurants 100

Restaurants Gifts Budget AT&T 100

Practically Perfect PA

FEBRUARY 1, 2016

My EA function includes booking travel, heavy calendar and email management and organising the site-wide events. I check my emails first thing when I wake-up so that I can prioritise my day properly. Tech is a rapidly growing industry and can be incredibly busy at times, so being able to multitask and adapt is important.

Dropbox 100

Dropbox International Collaborate Assertiveness 100

Practically Perfect PA

DECEMBER 12, 2016

Mark Williams aka Mr LinkedIn will provide fantastic examples and advice for any assistant who would like to get more out of LinkedIn and integrate it into their role. If you would like the business case , please do get in touch and I will send to straight to you via email. Assist Conference 2017.

2017 100

2017 Suppliers 2016 Skills 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 27, 2015

Ideally the list should be on the same email system that you use to manage their inbox and schedule (Microsoft Outlook for example). Hopefully this task list is available for you to access on a daily basis and you have the rights to edit and update the list.

Management 100

Management Microsoft Outlook ASAP Calendars 100

Practically Perfect PA

NOVEMBER 27, 2015

One of the most successful examples of augmented reality was Absolut’s augmented reality campaign “Truths”. It would generally state a professional’s name, job title, phone number and email address. Using augmented reality technology allows attendees to access digital information about a given topic or product in a whole new way.

Social Media 100

Social Media Business Cards 2019 Networking 100

Practically Perfect PA

DECEMBER 19, 2013

I don’t want to be checking my phone, or answering emails when I am in their company. Do you expect me to answer my mobile phone / emails outside of office hours? For example I used to play netball twice a week which meant I had to leave the office on time. For me quality time with my friends and family is a priority.

Assertiveness 100

Assertiveness Phones AT&T Holidays 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 25, 2015

Before I give you a few examples that I’ve experienced can you please discuss with the person next to you if these statistic resonate with you. By billable staff I mean for example if you work in a law firm it’s the lawyers if you work in insurance it’s the brokers. So what are the reasons we feel so undervalued? Support staff do not.

Email 100

Email Goals Promotion 2014 100

Practically Perfect PA

MARCH 2, 2015

A few weeks in to my apprenticeship, my apprentice college tutor asked me to fill out a survey about my role and my opinion on apprenticeships – about two weeks later I had an email informing me I’d won the place of being the face to represent apprenticeships for South London! It was an amazing experience.

Training 100

Training Confidence Social Media Interviewing 100