EAn Introduction

Welcome to our July 2017 edition of The Assistant.

It’s hard to believe we are half-way through another calendar year, and that another financial year has just finished. As winter drags its heels and we look forward to spring, thankful that it will be almost another full year before the nights are so long again and the days so short, it’s easy to become introspective from a business sense, but even more so from a personal one.

So in this edition, we are going to focus on why now is the best time to plan for the future, to force yourself to be active both mentally and physically, and to get ahead of those who invariably wait for spring to suddenly get a spring in their step again.

The annual cycle is one we all fall victim to, but it is important to try and smooth out your plans and goals over a year if you want them to stick and become habit forming rather than short term, if you really want to stick at something rather than just do it for while.

We see it every spring and also every January and February. People get the sudden urge to improve and make changes in their lives, and it is only natural, but should it be so? Should we be hostages to the changing seasons and significant dates that trigger changes in our psyche?

Whatever you decide, we are a 12 month of the year organisation, here to help you and support you whenever you decide you need us.

Recently we have been highlighting a lot of the work we have been doing with organisations to deliver in-house programs. As mentioned, much of that interest has focused on programs that relate to our Partnership Model, our Trust Model and the EA and Executive questionnaires we have developed to support partnerships as they try and assess any misalignments that might exist in a wide array of different areas, for example communication, objectives, priorities and stakeholder relationships.

The best parts of the courses we have been running for organisations are now available in a public program that we would very strongly recommend for anyone really keen to focus on building the best possible relationship with their executive, and knowing what it means to be in a position to manage their office most effectively.

This public course, designated as one of our EA Masterclass programs, is without doubt one of our greatest ever programs. Entitled ‘The Proactive & Strategic Partner – An EA Masterclass’ the focus is on Building Strong Foundations as being the key to exceptional Executive Office Management and gives participants a whole new way of looking at their role, a series of models to discuss with their executives and questionnaires both the Executive and EA fill in ahead of the program so that, even though the executive doesn’t attend, some notion of any misalignments can be known. Keep an eye out for emails about this really amazing one day program.

Also of focus right now are our two Distance Learning Diplomas. We’ve actually just completed a short video to introduce these to the wider EA and PA community in regional Australia, and farther afield across the globe, as we have been getting a number of enquiries from all across the world. Containing the same great content, but with greater access to support and assistance from the Executive Assistant Academy team, and special multi-media resources being developed specifically for these people, our goal is to ensure that Distance Learning students walk away as confident in their abilities and knowledge as those learning in face to face sessions.

For the month of June we held our annual end of year membership sale and as usual this was exceptionally well received. Indeed, continuing the trend of previous years, we can see that over 40% of all Members make use of the sale period to either join, upgrade their membership, or extend their existing membership each year. This is clear evidence that members do appreciate this sale period so we are really excited to be able to offer that for members.

Looking ahead at upcoming events, we have a calendar that is filling up with Networking events like never before. Driven by a massive upsurge in interest from organisations wanting to support us and partner with us, our calendar looks incredible. In August we have events in every single state and September and October are shaping up to be almost as busy. Of course, having an event per month in each state has always been our ultimate goal, but it isn’t easy to achieve so we are very excited about how things are progressing.

We trust you will enjoy this edition of The Assistant, but, please, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need our support or assistance in any way.

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

3 ways to tackle multiple projects

Executive Assistants often find themselves in the tricky situation of having to do multiple projects at once. When you're handed all of these tasks, your mind tends to scramble and you don't even know where to start. Here are some tips to make your crowded to-do list feel more manageable:

1. Set deadlines

It helps to set your own deadlines if they haven't already been set for you, the Project Management Academy recommends. Then, break up the amount of time you want to work on each project every day, so that, on any day, you are never neglecting a task.

Industry Recognition

To date over 120 students have completed Executive Assistant Academy Diplomas, with new graduates joining our Alumni each month. (Details of those already completed can be seen on our Alumni Board Page.)

At the time of writing, our registrations for 2017 are ahead of any previous year, and with our new Distance Learning options now available, our expectation is ...

It has been a very busy month at Elite Assistants. We are being inundated 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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Partners in progress

In the modern workforce, connection isn’t just an advantage. It’s essential. Every relationship you form is another opportunity to grow your career, open your mind to new ideas, and encourage others to do the same.

Which is why Dexus Place is so thrilled to be teaming up with the Executive Assistant Network as a national partner. As an organisation that’s redefining the modern workplace, we’re driven to introduce more companies to new ways of working, sharing, and connecting. And it’s Executive Assistants that often play an essential role in resourcing those spaces – from board rooms, to event spaces, to state-of-the-art conferencing facilities.

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We are very excited to welcome our new ACT Partner Pialligo Estate. Pialligo Estate is a historic working farm close to the heart of Canberra, where our paddock-to-plate ethos drives all facets of the business.

Tucked away in a rural landscape near the heart of Canberra, you can admire the silhouette of Parliament House and Black Mountain Tower, while gazing over our own olive grove and vineyard.

From our Farmhouse Restaurant, semi-alfresco Garden Pavilions to our purposely designed gardens and panoramic Glasshouse for special events; we at the Estate pride ourselves on uniqueness and originality. Our guests share our passion for fine food and great wine with a dining experience to remember.

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Venues Canberra:

We are so excited to announce our new ACT partner Venues Canberra (GIO Stadium Canberra and Exhibition Park in Canberra) to the EA Network. Venues Canberra offers an array of high class event venues that are second to none and we look forward to being able to showcase these amazing spaces first-hand to the Canberra members.

Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) is Canberra’s premier multi-purpose events centre. Set on 70 hectares with a natural bush surround, provides a dramatic background for any event. The key element they offer is Versatility. This sets the venue apart from any other. Their diverse range of spaces allow for everything from large scale outdoor festivals to tradeshows, gala dinners and intimate gatherings.

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Tax time is here, and with it, the chaos of trying to get organised. Filling out your tax forms can be frustrating, but there’s a way to reduce the pressure and improve efficiency by having everything you need ready at your fingertips.

In most organisations, there’s a lot to manage between different departments, multiple budgets and important schedules. Getting everything sorted out can quickly become stressful if you don’t have the right products and a good plan in place.

Avery products can help take the pain out of tax time. With easy to use online software, you can quickly customise our wide range of products to make sure your organisation stays on top of its tax game.

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Formerly known as Meriton Serviced Apartments, Meriton Suites has launched their evolution to better reflect the quality of its services and facilities. Globally synonymous with premium accommodation, Meriton Suites has also launched a newly developed brand website, which acts as an innovative reformation that goes hand-in-hand with the company’s efforts to adapt to the changing needs of its visitors.

Designed to streamline direct bookings and encourage an enhanced user experience, guests are provided with easier accessibility to undergo a seamless experience from start to finish. Along with the redevelopment of their website, their Australian based contact centre in Sydney has also undergone recent renovations to ensure a more integrated and cohesive booking experience, focused on local staff that are internally familiar with each hotel location.

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P&O Cruises are excited to welcome its latest ship to the fleet when Pacific Explorer arrives in Sydney following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.

On Monday June 19, the vessel sailed in to Sydney for the first time after spending 12-days in dry dock in Singapore.

Pacific Explorer was transformed into an iconic P&O cruise ship with the help of more than 1,000 contractors who spent over 200,000 hours fitting 25,000 square metres of new carpet and painting 10,000 square metres of walls before installing over 3,000 items of new furniture and 1,200 pieces of artwork.

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Pialligo Estate is a historic working farm close to the heart of Canberra, where our paddock-to-plate ethos drives all facets of the business. From our Farmhouse Restaurant, semi-alfresco Garden Pavilions to our purposely designed gardens and panoramic Glasshouse for special events; we at the Estate pride ourselves on uniqueness and originality.

The architectural design and footprint of the Estate was also carefully crafted to utilise and showcase the original farm features. The Farmhouse and Garden Pavilion’s rustic timber façades compliment the landscape while the Glasshouse integrates into the backdrop seamlessly with panoramic transparency.

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Book travel like a Jetson, not like a Flinstone

It’s no secret, times have drastically changed since we first started booking travel. We can no longer afford to rely on outdated process and systems to book travel, nor can we spare the time! The truth is, there’s so much out there that it can become a little overwhelming to keep up with every single development. While the very basics of travelling still remain the same (we’re not flying on hovercrafts yet), there are facets of booking travel that have not only revolutionised the way we commute for work, they have become nothing less than absolutely necessary.

To help make sure you’re up to date with industry standard, we’ve put together a couple important factors that you should be incorporating into your travel program, if you haven’t done so already!

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Bastille Day Festivités – Friday 14th July

French Food | Truffles | French Wine | Interactive cheese and dessert station

One of Canberra’s ultimate dining experiences. Perfectly executed cuisine, memorable service and unmatched views across Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House is hosting an amazing evening to celebrate Bastille Day this year

Hear from chef John Leverink about the French influences in the menu including truffles from The Truffle Farm, and sommelier Kate Hibberson’s insights into the revered wine regions. Cheese expert (and legitimate Frenchman!) Olivier Bruge of Mart Delicatessen will host the evening, sharing some ...

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You’ve survived another EOFY & now it’s time to finalise your team’s end of year events… How to recognise or reward staff & set the tone for the coming year, or perhaps arrange a celebration with your clients as a thankyou for their support. We appreciate it’s no easy task to create impact year-on-year & make the right impression on your guests.

With any luck, you may at least already have your dream venue secured? Even more fortunate if the space has particularly unusual or striking features providing atmosphere without the need for theming. Or maybe the venue even offered a fully inclusive themed packages allowing your guests to arrive, with most of the hard work already done for you.

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Score big with your next event at GIO Stadium

The name of the game with a winning event is creating a memorable experience; one participants will talk about forever.

GIO Stadium is so much more than sports. It’s a versatile venue with views of Canberra’s iconic playing field and native bushland. It offers award-winning catering, natural light, free parking and is only 10 minutes from the city.

GIO Stadium’s flexible spaces can easily be configured for small groups of 20 to massive gatherings of 700. It’s a place where boardroom meetings, workshops, trade shows, weddings, cocktail functions, launches, and gala dinners are held, all planned and executed with the support of an expert Events Team.

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DARE THE BOSS 2017 – NATASHA’S DARES, DO YOU?

Dare the Boss is a unique fun way for you, your boss and team to raise vital funds for children’s cancer research. The concept is simple, pick a daring challenge for you and/ or your team or boss to do, raise money to do this crazy dare and then do the dare!

We are hugely excited to announce that this year, Natasha has decided to do our Skydive Group Dare Challenge – and will be jumping out of a plane on Friday the 29th September with our Corporate Partnerships Executive, Kirsti Rae.

The Executive Assistant Network are avid supporters of Children’s Cancer Institute. Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research facility wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer. Executive Assistant Network are dedicated to support...

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