EAn Introduction

Welcome to our February 2018 Edition of The Assistant

And just like that another year has well and truly begun. As the memories of last year fade away, we are faced with the stark reality that 2018 is more than likely going to go even quicker than 2017. So often we begin the year with grand plans to conquer and achieve, to make sure this is the year that we truly accomplish great things, but often the hardest part is where or how to start. Sometimes it is best to begin by putting one foot in front of the other rather than being overwhelmed about the end game and simply get started. 

Here at EAN we are putting the finishing touches on our Perth conference in February, and helping with all of those registrations for our Sydney Conference in March. We are also working with our trainers on ensuring the upcoming 2018 Diploma classes surpass everyone's expectations.

So what is it that you are going to get started on in 2018?

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of The Assistant.

 

Jonathan McIlroy
Editor and Director, Education & Learning
Executive Assistant Network

How to deal with office politics

Like them or not, office politics are present in every business. The day there's an office without them is the day people will see cats flying aeroplanes - in other words, it's not coming. But rather than resign themselves to being cheated and manipulated, EAs can learn to play the game without sacrificing their integrity. Here are couple of tips how.

Understand where power lies, formally and informally

Politics in the office are the same as politics in the real world - they are jostlings of people within power structures. It's quite likely that, in your office, your Executive sits at the top of the power pyramid. You, as their assistant, are likely near the pointy end too. As unfortunate as it may sound, that can sometimes put you in the crosshairs of those with less power than yourself. While trust in your co-workers is important, you can't ignore the realities of some people only looking out for themselves.

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Executive Assistant Academy has updated our National diploma courses starting in March/April 2018 that will inspire you to take control of your own destiny, shape your own life and career. Our integrated qualifications have been devised specifically to address the needs of the professional Executive Assistant. They have been developed after many years of extensive research and industry consultation reflecting the changing role of the modern EA. 
 

At Elite Assistants we are always working with great companies from all over Australia who understand how important it is to have a specialised approach to finding the perfect EA and PA for them. If you are looking for a new career challenge, or are just curious as to what might be out there, we urge you to get in touch by email or phone to let us help you. Alternatively you can expect to meet myself at some of Executive Assistant Network's many networking events.

Below are just a few of the current roles we have that might be a perfect fit for you.

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It’s a jungle out there – let us be your TAG team!

To make sure you create great events, you need a partner who makes you look good!

A partner who brings 30 years of fresh creative and strategic thinking as well as local and global expertise and negotiating power to find the perfect concept or venue, in the ideal location/destination, at the right price.

We’ll be an extension of your team – a trusted advisor who keeps you on-track and shares our knowledge to ensure your event is delivered on brand, on time, on budget and with first-class service levels from start to finish.

Welcome to The Appointment Group - Global Events (TAG) – we’re here to provide you with the assistance you need.

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REWARDING EMPLOYEES STARTS WITH HIGH QUALITY COFFEE

Stefan Vermeulen, NESPRESSO Professional Commercial Manager

In an ever competitive workplace, rewards are an important way of raising employee morale and productivity. Recognising and rewarding your employees effectively is crucial for retaining top talent and keeping employees feeling appreciated and valued.

Research reveals that 75% of workers admit to a lack of focus and yearning for variety.* Thus, workplaces are faced with the challenge of finding new ways to inspire their employees. While we know an end of year bonus or a ‘thank you’ from a manager is great, it is also the simple, everyday gestures that go a long way to express your gratitude. And the changes don’t have to be huge. Consider these simple ideas on how to reward and motivate the employees in your office.

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At Crown, you will find everything you need to create the perfect wedding. From our world-renowned chefs and the most stunning wedding venues in Melbourne, to luxurious hotels and the indulgent Crown Spa, our dedicated team at Crown will ensure your celebration with family and friends is a truly memorable experience

Beneath the Melbourne sky with views towards the glittering lights of the city, the Crown Marquee is a truly memorable and photogenic setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony and indoor wedding reception with a difference.

Located on the level 3 rooftop at Crown Towers, the Crown Marquee delivers a stunning experience for you and your guests overlooking the Melbourne city skyline.

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It’s a new year and time to plan your next conference or event.

No matter how large or small, or what style or type, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) has everything you need. EPIC—the capital’s premier purpose-built centre—is home to hundreds of events per year.

With more than 15 spaces, some indoors and some outdoors, EPIC can always fit the bill. It’s well known as the venue of choice for large exhibitions, trade shows, functions, conferences and gala dinners (up to 3,000 guests). EPIC also hosts smaller events, including in The Terrace, a unique undiscovered secret.

EPIC ticks all other boxes for event essentials, such as convenient access (only 8 minutes from the city with readily available public transport), plenty of free parking and fully accessible and versatile spaces.

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Basic Principles of Investing

To start the new year off, I thought I would put something together that explains some of the basics when it comes to investing. Putting some of this stuff into context will hopefully help you when you are making decisions about your own investments, whether it be choosing the right super fund investment option(s), putting some money aside for a holiday or setting up an education fund for children.

Investing at any stage in your life can help grow your wealth or provide an additional income stream. Before you start investing, it is important to identify your financial goals. You may want to save up for a holiday or ensure you have enough for retirement. Once you have defined your financial goals, you can then choose the right investment to suit your budget and lifestyle.

You should divide your goals in three categories, based upon the timeframe required.

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Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport offers refreshingly simple accommodation just 500 metres from the domestic terminal and approx. 3.5 km from international terminals. Its Sydney Airport accommodation at its best with comfy beds, 24-hour reception and room service, free Wi-Fi, hearty breakfasts, airport shuttle, restaurant and 11am check-out. Whether you’re travelling on Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar, this hotel is the perfect for your Sydney stay.

Stay at Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport between now until 28th February 2018 and receive a night’s accommodation including breakfast for 2 people and complimentary Wi-Fi from just $149 per night.

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You may be knee deep in planning an event right now - selecting the right venue, balancing budgets, timelines, menus, caterers, transfers, speakers, entertainment and RSVP’s etc.

The Appointment Group - Global Events (TAG) understands the pressure you’re under. We know events inside out and we’re here to help you in whatever capacity you need. However, if over 30 years’ experience managing events has taught us anything, it’s that it’s important to take the time and appreciate the lighter side.

So, put the run sheet aside for a moment and take 5-mins to enjoy some of the most hilarious pick-up lines we’ve heard during our tenure as one of the best event management agencies to set foot on Australian shores.

PLUS… share your favourite pick-up line or story and go into the competition to WIN a TAG Personal Travel Credit Voucher worth $400!

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2018 is going to be a year of transformations for UNSW Venues and Events and we are very excited about it. Our New Year Resolution is to do the “New” this year. It will all start with UNSW Venues and Events donning a new avatar as UNSW Hospitality. It’s not just a rebranding, it is a change in the way we think and deliver events…as UNSW Hospitality our aim is to deliver the very best in service, catering, venues and experiences to all our guests and partners. Not only are we transforming our venues, we are also introducing a concierge service that will look after your every need as our patron. Soon there will be three exciting new caterers, new venues, and new audio visual equipment to make your events a success.

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With the new year’s resolutions still fresh, why not take on a new year’s resolution to ride in Endure for a Cure 2018?

Register your interest here to secure your discount entry when registrations open.

You will be helping raise much needed funds for research into children’s cancer.

Every year 950 Australian children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer. Every week nearly three Australian Children will die.

Our vision is to save the lives of all children with cancer and eliminate their suffering.

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Belise Apartments in Brisbane, which has now been open since April 2017, have been chosen in the Top 25 hotels in Brisbane by the Lido Group (Top 5 in 4 ½ star category).

The apartment-style property has also been accepted in accommodation tenders with companies such as Technology One, CIMIC, Cardno, CS Energy and Newscorp to name a few. Belise has also been chosen for the prestigious Centre of Aviation and Corporate Travel Brisbane Summit on 15 February 2018.

Free Wi-Fi is a standard with most hotels in Australia however Belise goes one step further with unlimited W-Fi. That means it doesn’t slow down after you utilise 2 GB like a lot of other hotels. This is a great feature for the corporate traveller who needs to access their messages at full speed after their day is over in the field.

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Recently opened in October 2017, the Brisbane Airport Conference Centre is perfectly situated between the Pullman and ibis Brisbane Airport. In tribute to its location in the heart of the airport precinct, the dynamic events centre includes a series of specially commissioned aviation artefacts which form a natural centrepiece for the space.

A full-size Triptych fuselage, wing and propeller sit alongside a series of imagery showcasing some of the world’s most well-known international airports for which each room is named including Heathrow, Changi, Charles de Gaulle, LAX, JFK and Australia’s home of aviation, Longreach.

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Introducing Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane’s Meeting & Events Space, Bernie’s River Room

Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane offers guests a sophisticated new urban hotel on the edge of the South Bank parklands. The hotel has international standard facilities and features free WiFi, indoor swimming, gymnasium and conference space.

Our fresh and bright event space features high ceilings, natural light, free wifi, and has access to its own River Terrace with views of Brisbane River and South Bank parklands. The space can be opened up as one large room catering for up to 100 guests or split into two smaller spaces for small meetings of 6 – 24 or breakout rooms.

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As a new friend and I exchanged our life stories she said ‘Robbi you’re one of the most courageous and resilient women I know’ – I couldn’t help but laugh. I said “really? why would you think that?” and continued laughing as the idea to me seemed quite absurd at the time.

You see I didn’t see my own strength, I didn’t see my own resilience, after all it was just my life and I believed others had experienced far greater trauma and hardships - what I saw reflecting back on my life was a lot of distress, failure and fear and that thankfully I somehow just ‘got through’.

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