Practically Perfect PA

MAY 11, 2016

Automated trip sharing ability – great for group/team travel. Essentially you can send your boss off with a paperless itinerary as everything can be viewed on their phone via the App – no more lugging around extra papers when travelling. Enter all travel details at appropriate times in his/her Outlook calendar, if used.

Travel 100

Travel Credit Card Calendars Phones 100

Practically Perfect PA

DECEMBER 13, 2013

Whenever you receive confirmation emails from any bookings you can forward it to plans@tripit.com and they will add the details to the itinerary. Although I still do print everything off this is a great app to have on your phone so you can check details on the go. The app then sends you an email with their details.

Restaurants 100

Restaurants Travel Expenses Phones 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 17, 2010

© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 17 April, 2010 Keeping focussed in a busy environment There are so many distractions in the office -- the telephone, your co-workers, email and your boss! Prioritize the tasks you need to do for the day/week/month and then do them one item at a time. Lets enjoy our day together.©

Environment 100

Environment Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JUNE 4, 2010

Some people dont play well in a team and can be like that link in the chain that keeps skipping. What can you do if you are part of a team that is not playing well together? Im sure weve all had to deal with people problems at one time or another in our work life -- there is no perfect office. Good team play can be contagious.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 13, 2010

I mentioned this to our team of admins at one of our meetings so when one of my co-workers found out how to do something they thought to share it with the team. The tip she sent me was how to edit an email that you have received. Close out of the email and you will be asked to Save the changes. Click OK and voila!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP PowerPoint Email 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 15, 2009

Sometimes I wish I had something to warn me when I am with someone with a cell phone so I can know that we are going to be interrupted. I find it frustrating when people either text while in a conversation or are constantly taking phone calls. Apparently not, when its by phone. A person I know does this all the time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Etiquette Phones 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 19, 2009

© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 19 January, 2009 10 Things = Frustration When one team member doesn’t want to play. The switchboard can get so busy at times that its just not possible to introduce every call that comes through (except, of course, for those calling for the big bosses). Lets enjoy our day together.©

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 1, 2010

One person can be great at software programs and know all sorts of tricks to get things done quickly and another might be excellent at organizing and managing their email account. If you are part of an administrative team you can use your meetings to share knowledge with each other or give tips on something new you have discovered.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 1, 2009

I like working with someone who has initiative, wants to do a good job and is keen to contribute to the team, but is there a time when initiative is not a good thing? .© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 1 May, 2009 When taking initiative isnt the best thing. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 20, 2010

You hear something while walking down the hall or are copied on an email and know something about the purpose of a meeting coming up. Many times I am so thankful I had that quick chat or read that email that I was copied on as that was the exact information I needed when they were away. 23, 1 p.m. (for 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 9, 2010

I breathe a sigh of relief when I get someones assistant on the phone or receive an email from them. Knowing assistants and having a working relationship with them is very important and can make the difference when you need to set up a meeting or if your boss needs to have a quick phone call with their boss. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 20, 2010

The team members were pleased with the work and it was agreed that the Finance Director should pay the invoice from the Recreation Account. The language of minutes Discussion and questions ensued -- The team members agreed -- It was decided -- The following points were made. Then the action makes perfect sense. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones Agenda IAAP 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 16, 2010

Doing too many things can actually waste time. Check: Are phone calls planned? For each one, write down what you hope to accomplish with the phone call to help you stay focused. I run the outlook journal and it logs the time I spend with a given task. Manage: Create a list of calls to be made and make them all at once.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

CountryCode.org is a comprehensive guide to make phone calls from anywhere to any country in the world. Hello Patricia, You have some great resources at [link] Given your interest in country codes, I wanted to make you aware of my site, [link] for possible inclusion as well. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 7, 2010

They said it works with most phone services. I have never used this escape route, but was reminded about it at a webinar I participated in recently and will keep these instructions close at hand. I thought I would pass this tip along in the event you find yourself wishing you could take your words back. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 5, 2010

If you have to reschedule, send an email apologizing, but advise that your bosss schedule has changed. Depending on the importance of the impromptu meeting, it may need to be changed to another timeslot to accommodate his or her calendar. Usually when I point out the conflict to my boss, he is more than willing to make the change.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 19, 2009

When I receive an initial request for a meeting, I use a meeting form and write down the information I need: who is requesting the meeting, what is the purpose of the meeting, where it will be held and a phone number or an e-mail address and dates that are available. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 1, 2010

There are just too many passwords to remember, and that doesnt include my bosss passwords that I also need to know because I have to check his emails as well as my own. Even if you phone the bank they need your secret passcode or they wont speak to you about your account. But things like email etc, are all logged up in the noggin.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2010 IAAP Filing 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 9, 2010

Did I phone to get my electricity turned on? The meetings were stress free and I was able to depend on my checklists and templates. Now I am on holidays and preparing for a big move to a new home. You can be sure I have checklists for that as well. Yes, it is ticked off on the checklist and the lights did turn on when I pressed the switch.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 16, 2010

They are responsible for canvassing the participants for dates and determining the date everyone is available and coummunicating that information to the participants by sending out a meeting request to everyone or emailing the date (depending on how you or your organization prefers to send notices of meetings). 23, 1 p.m. (for

Agenda 100

Agenda Time Zones International IAAP 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

Of course before I recommend anything I try it out so I picked up the phone and it asked me what I was looking for and what city and province. I chose details and was given the street address and phone number and I still had the option of having my call put through to the store number. You can use google to get similar information.

Google 100

Google Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 18, 2009

They are a team of office professionals for office professionals. .© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 18 September, 2009 Atlanta, Georgia: The City that Smiles I recently arrived in Atlanta, Georgia to attend OfficeArrow s Lift Summit on Social Media. It was an amazing conference. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 8, 2009

What dates and times does he or she have available (keeping in mind time zones for away meetings)? Secure the date and time in his or her calendar, taking into consideration travel time if outside the office. Does your boss need to be at the meeting? Can someone go in his or her place if they are not available?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Calendars 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 22, 2008

An e-mail like the one I received would have been better delivered face to face or by phone in order to get the tone of what the person was trying to communicate. I stop the flow and pick up the phone. It is amazing how quickly a matter can be handled on the phone or in person. This little tip has been a huge time-saver for me.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International 2008 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 5, 2009

I have a network of assistants that I call friends, although some are just phone colleagues, but we help each other. The assistant/boss relationship certainly is one of the closest working relationships with some comparing it to that of a work wife. GET TO KNOW YOUR CO-WORKERS. and find out early on who you can go to and trust.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Interviewing Holidays 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 4, 2008

If they are a team player then that filters down to the staff, but if they are the King of the Hill, then that also starts to filter down and people start to feel more important than they should and a lot of power struggles start happening and back-biting. If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 12, 2008

Be a team player. I can honestly say that even though it was a hard time to go through, I ended up getting a much better job and a better opportunity and can look back on it as a good learning experience. My former boss gave me an excellent reference on paper and by phone. Dont try and hide and stay below the radar.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 5, 2009

I am sure after that call her husband got off the phone and kicked the dog or was cranky with a sales clerk at the grocery store. The worst time to write an email is when you are angry. It ended up that the phone lines were down because of a thunderstorm in town and he had been trying to reach her since early that afternoon.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

I could see him looking after himself, trying to organise his diary and all his emails etc, and he wasn't sure what to give me. We have these now and he's reliant on me to take these off of him to give him more time to focus on his job. (for It took me only a couple of days to go into his office and say, ok, ground rules!!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 19, 2009

The last online course I took was under $70 and was interactive using both the computer and a speaker phone for audio. I have found them to be really helpful. They can be contacted at: Louis@lastminutetraining.ca If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Training 100

Training Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 11, 2009

I can tell you my friends and colleagues got a lot of phone calls in those early days and it was a wonderful resource and help to me. This is where a strong assistant team is nice to have. Perhaps, you are reading this and thinking some of these things can be a big time commitment. (for 411 Look Up 411.ca

IAAP 100

IAAP Time Zones Administrative Professionals International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 4, 2009

The best situation is if you work together as a team, but how can you get there? Once you have completed a task, send your boss a quick e-mail to let them know you have done it or cc them on your email. It saves your boss asking if you got it done and in time they will not ask because they will just know you have handled it. (for

Management 100

Management Time Zones IAAP International 100

Professional Assistant Blog

DECEMBER 31, 2007

I also work in an environment where it gets a little too loud at times. Its an open-concept office and at times, I would like my colleagues to simmer down a bit. Its nice to socialize at times, but we are here to work. Until next time, Take care - of your clutter!

Google Docs 100

Google Docs Cubicle 2008 2007 100

Professional Assistant Blog

OCTOBER 20, 2008

Until next time, Take care - of your clutter! It means a lot to the team here. If you have any questions/comment feel free to email me at matt[a]kallout.com. Post from: Administrative Assistant Tips 2comments for this post matt lorenzen Awesome post! Thanks Richard.

Microsoft Word 100

Microsoft Word 2008 Cubicle 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 15, 2010

I use this all the time on my calendar and my boss's calendar, and it helps us both to know which events are phone calls which he can take in the office or on the road (yellow) or which events will require travel (blue). I LOVE the color feature. If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Calendars 100

Calendars IAAP Time Zones 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 27, 2009

The sooner they are up to speed, the sooner they will be able to contribute to the team and that helps everyone. I basically know how to answer the phones and take messages. Be kind to your new hires and available to answer their questions and help them learn the ropes. I just started at a law firm this week. It is overwhelming. (for

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 Administrative Professionals 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

There is value in getting to know people, even if it is just over email or the phone. Important relationship building In all these cases I had much better results because I had established a relationship with the venue contact. Once they start to have a relationship with you they are much more open to trying to help you.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Negotiating International 100