EAn Introduction

Welcome to our October 2017 Edition of The Assistant

We continue our way around the country with the 2017 conference series, with the next stop Melbourne and then wrapping up in Perth. It is a great privilege to be able to travel to the far reaches of Australia and interact with so many different and inspirational people, with so many fascinating life stories behind them. After Perth we will be launching an innovative and thought provoking 2018 series - Executive Assistant Leadership Masterclass Conference which will explore 360° Management for Enhanced Executive Productivity- so watch this space for more exciting details on this.

I am sitting here putting the finishing touches on the theme for the 2018 conference series, and I realise that so often in life we are either busy looking ahead or looking back, and forgetting to focus on today. It is so important to take stock of the moment, because as we know it is so fleeting. In our day to day lives we need to find that rare combination of planning for tomorrow, whilst we enjoy today and celebrate yesterday- easier said than done.

I have just been looking at the calendar for our upcoming networking events and we sure do have a jam-packed itinerary before Christmas so jump on the networking events page and make sure you come along to your next event.

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

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

Solutions running dry? A 10 minute meditation break could help

Problem solving can be tough. When an Executive Assistant is given a task by their boss, sometimes, they can be left to find an adequate solution on their own. In high-pressure situations like these, generating creative ideas to solve the problem can be difficult. What can you do when the ideas aren't coming, and it feels as though you're banging your head against a wall? 10 minutes of meditation could be the answer.

Researchers at Erasmus University's Rotterdam School of Management split participants into three groups. Each group was given the same task - come up with business ideas that use drones. The difference came with what the groups did beforehand. The first got into their brainstorming straight away, the second did a fake 10 minute meditation exercise and the third undertook a 10 minute, audio-guided mindfulness meditation.

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WE HAVE JUST LAUNCHED OUR NEW FLAGSHIP 1 DAY COURSE- THE PROACTIVE AND STRATEGIC PARTNER- AN EA MASTERCLASS, WITH CLASSES ROLLING OUT AROUND THE COUNTRY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR

Designed from the ground-breaking research and subsequent unique insights that EAN has developed that are forcing fundamental shifts in understanding about EA and Executive relationships, this is the most significant EA program ever created anywhere in the world. This 1-day class is a powerful new opportunity to help EAs and executives better understand the dynamics of their partnership, how to make this stronger and how to work more effectively and more productively together. 

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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food&desire are excited to have partnered with EAN. Now in its 17th year, food&desire delivers and caters spectacular events on every scale throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area. From our exclusive venues, the grandeur of theatres and event spaces, the sophistication of galleries and corporate offices, to the intimacy of garden settings and private residences. food&desire consistently demonstrates its reputation as a catering leader with excellence in events, food, wines and unparalleled service.

Partnering with food&desire ensures distinctive catering presentation with emphasis on seasonal Australian produce from our local suppliers and growers. Our food style is creative, responding ...

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Your RI Advice partners are so pleased to have formed an important new partnership with the EAN. When we first sat down with Natasha and Jonathan a few months ago to talk about what they were looking for in this partnership, they presented to us an ambition that all EAN members should have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their financial affairs.

With this in mind, we have locked this in as the primary goal of our partnership with you. Informed Decisions. Better Outcomes. You now have somewhere to go if you have any questions about creating and protecting your personal wealth.

We are conscious not to bombard you with too much at once, but in this first newsletter article, we’d like to start by introducing ourselves and outlining the resources we have put together for you and finish off with a short piece explaining some of the ways you can make the most out of your super.

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Spring is known for many things – warmer weather, fresh flowers, longer days – and most importantly, cleaning. It’s also the season to declutter, re-organise, mop, polish, sort and vacuum every nook and cranny of your home, which is why it’s The Organised Housewife’s favourite season.

“Throwing away unwanted items, donating used clothes and toys and tidying up your living areas is a great way to increase space, decrease anxiety and stress, encourage creativity, boost your mood and welcome the new season in a positive and meaningful way,” says The Organised Housewife founder Katrina Springer.

“It is an annual reminder that should be celebrated, rather than dreaded.”

Here are some of Katrina’s tips to help you get started with your spring cleaning:

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In this modern day of communication, the constant need to be fed information is vital to completing daily tasks and helping businesses grow. Collaboration is also essential for growth, the way we collaborate with our peers, clients and suppliers needs to be streamlined and beneficial for both parties.

10 years ago video conferencing was the biggest craze as we could include and stream presenters from remote cities right into the one conference, but it came at a high cost and the idea of doing it on a daily basis in your office was absurd, but only because of the associated cost.

Skip forward to present day, and I would be surprised if anyone in business has not had a video conference, skype call or another video/audio avenue for meetings. However where does the true collaboration start because during most of these meetings we are still reduced to someone (usually the junior, EA/PA) to take the notes, transcribe the ideas and then distribute it to the parties involved.

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Luna Park Venues has a stellar reputation as a venue that can provide a high standard of event planning and delivery for the Government and Association sector. The Government and Association sales team includes Gary Manuel, Kristy O’Brien and their newest recruit Paul Ellis, who brings with him over 13 years’ experience in the events and sales space.

The team has hosted a variety of high profile and notable events in the Government and Association sector. Over the past 12 months the team has successfully hosted a number of complex and high profile events including AuSAF Drinks Association and the NSW Business Chamber State Tourism and Business Awards.

James Granter, General Manager of Sales said, “coordinating events at this scale means that the Luna Park Venues team has to maintain a flexible and highly responsive approach to ensure guests have the most enjoyable experience possible.”

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Nurturing the source of your coffee: The story behind Nespresso’s coffee farmers
Mitch Monaghan, Nespresso Coffee Ambassador

There’s no doubt about it: a global shift in consumer consciousness is underway with people becoming increasingly invested in the origins of the products they engage with. This is why I wanted to share with you my experience visiting the fertile regions and being introduce to the rich cultural characters of the people who nurture our coffee beans across the world. Our extraordinary journey in Indonesia began with one inspirational woman; Ibu Titin. Ibu perfectly exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between Nespresso and our farmers, and I was so excited to spend time with her and plant shade trees to help protect her coffee and stabilise her land.

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Top 5 tips for Christmas Hamper shopping

Christmas can be a stressful time, with the combination of queues, panicked shoppers and trying to find a carpark in a crowded mall it can leave you feeling stressed at what is meant to be a joyous time of year. Take the angst out of Christmas shopping with hampers, get organized and order early and let someone else do the work for you!

Pialligo Estate’s Hampers Queen Rachel has put together an article of the top things to think about when organising hampers for Christmas Gifts.

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Feeling weary, stressed or generally in need of a little pampering? A spa break could be just the thing to help you make it through the fast approaching silly season. Pressed for time? You won’t regret finding an opportunity to de-stress with a relaxing facial or on the massage table. We suggest you check out (or check into!) a fabulous city hotel retreat & chill out. Here are 4 top picks of CBD Spa Hotels from the Ultimate team @TheVenueShop.com (Plus, you could win your own luxury urban staycation…)

*Remember, before you switch off the mobile & escape, don’t forget to send through any off-site or Christmas party requirements to TheVenueShop.com Enquire team so we can have a comprehensive yet concise, like-with-like shortlist of the perfect venue options waiting in your inbox when you return to your desk! Of course, along with any extra-special value / bonus offers to pass on for you too…

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Providing personalised, authentic customer service, state of the art facilities and world-class dining, Crown Towers is where travellers go to unwind, indulge and to experience luxury at its finest.

Crown Towers Perth is the pinnacle of luxury and offers 500 spacious guest rooms, acclaimed restaurants and a new conference facility, catering up to 3,000 guests, offer a dedicated team of professionals and an unparalleled riverside setting.

Crown Ballroom is Perth’s newest and most prestigious event venue. Impeccable detailing covers every inch of the pillarless ballroom with its beautifully appointed chandeliers, custom designed carpets, elegant cream wall panelling and high ceilings. Crown Ballroom features state of the art audio visual technology and can be ...

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Less than one hour from Melbourne, amid the renowned Mornington Peninsula wine region, Jackalope Hotel has set a new standard in luxury Australian accommodation. Scooping the pool with three awards at this year’s Gourmet Traveller Hotel Awards, GT’s Hotel of the Year is unique in both destination and design.

Set on one of the Peninsula’s most pristine vineyards, Jackalope boasts 46 luxury rooms, a daring 30-metre infinity pool lapping over the surrounding vines, private event and conference facilities, and immersive wine and culinary experiences, delivered through the hotel's two restaurants, winery, cellar door and, yes, its cocktail bar.

Conference rooms are outfitted with custom-made, contemporary furniture and the latest technology, audio and visual equipment. Located within the hotel, these spaces offer the convenience of a close proximity to the hotel’s accommodation and other in-house facilities. Individually or combined, rooms can be configured from small, intimate boardroom spaces; up to large sit down dinners of up to 150, with the option of combining with outdoor spaces overlooking the vineyard and manicured hotel grounds.

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