The Assistant Executive Assistant Network Monthly Newsletter |
May 2015 Edition |
EAN News | General News | Partner News | Exhibitor News | Special Offers |
Registrations are also now being taken for our next intake in our Diploma qualifications, with most of these commencing in August or shortly thereafter.
EAN News |
I left the meeting feeling a little uneasy. What on earth just happened? Why the heck did that go so well? Was that really council?
Elite Assistants A new recruitment service for Australia coming soon |
Over the years we've heard a fair amount of negative criticism aimed at the recruitment industry, and indeed the Recruitment Survey we conducted a few years ago was completely scathing in regards to certain types of recruiters within the industry. The criticisms focussed mainly on the types of firms that offer poor service, have recruiters who don't understand what EAs and PAs do, who haven't taken a proper brief on the role, know nothing about the executive and who are patronising and condescending, recruiters who make even the most senior EAs and PAs do ridiculous typing tests, not to mention those that have very questionable ethical standards. Ever since we launched our Elite Assistants job board portal we have been approached by companies asking us to help them recruit which we've always been happy to decline, primarily as a service we don't offer, but also as one we really didn’t think we wanted to ever offer.
Well, our opinion has changed and we are now planning to launch Elite Assistants as a fully functioning recruitment service in a completely separate legal entity, away from EAN.
We have spent years at EAN developing what we believe is somewhat unrivalled knowledge about the true nature of the EA and PA role
in Australia and, importantly, how it has evolved, is continuing to evolve and what different types of executives require and need from their assistants. This is knowledge we intend to share and impart with the team that will develop and grow at Elite Assistants so they can focus on ensuring that they deliver a level of service unlike that of other firms, and that they know how to quickly ascertain what it is an executive is looking for in their assistant so they can always ensure the best possible fit between assistant and their manager. However, beyond helping to support and educate the staff at Elite Assistants, and providing them with sponsorship type benefits of the Network, the same as any other external business, in every other way there will be a very real and very clearly defined Chinese wall between the two businesses. EAN has built the loyalty and trust of its members by being steadfast in its approach to those we work with when it comes to your details and your information. We don't plan to change that. So even though Elite Assistants will be a sister company to EAN, they won't have access to our databases and your details.
Improve your organisational skills to be a better EA |
Here are some ways in which you can optimise your time and be a more effective EA in 2015.
Once you know what tasks you will need to complete over the course of a day, put them into a schedule. This will help focus your attention and make sure you don't overlook anything. Remember to factor in some time for any unexpected jobs you might be required to complete. Your boss might suddenly expect you to draft a letter or schedule a meeting for that afternoon, so if you have some time spare, you can make sure it gets completed.
While multi-tasking can undoubtedly be a benefit when you're an EA, in some cases it won't help you get jobs done any quicker. Giving one job your undivided attention will ensure it is completed faster, meaning you can move on to something else. This will also ensure everything gets done to the highest possible standard, which is another skill any EA should be keen to master.
There's a limit on how much work you can physically complete within a day, so if it looks like you're going to struggle to meet a deadline, don't be afraid to delegate. Be careful only to do this when other members of staff have the time or expertise needed. If you send them work and it's not completed to the required standard, it will be who you has to take responsibility.
It's all too easy to become distracted at work, which can present a considerable barrier to your organisational skills. Whether it's checking your personal email account or chatting to colleagues over a cup of coffee, there are too many opportunities for not getting work done.
Remove yourself from situations that are likely to present a drain on your time and you could find there are more hours to get work done. This isn't to say you shouldn't stop for a break now and again - this is important for keeping yourself motivated.
Partner News |
"Winning the award was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the Business Events Geelong team. We were thrilled to receive this award and will continue to strengthen Geelong and The Bellarine region as a premier place to hold a business event." - Mark Day - Convention Bureau Manager
![]() Conferences at Sea Latest ships are ideal for conference groups of up to 200 people |
"We've been absolutely overwhelmed with the response to our launch. It seems there's a real appetite among meeting organisers for something different, and our latest ships and our short itineraries are hitting the mark with a wide range of corporate groups." - Rebecca Mutanen - P&O Conferences Senior Sales Manager
Check out the full menu below:
Our Dinner Packages start from $49.00 per person and include a two-course meal, complimentary room hire and freshly brewed coffee and specialty teas. Furthermore, our Conference packages can be tailored to suit your needs as we offer professional advice and great service to ensure you achieve a highly successful conference or event.
Our Conference Day Delegate Package starts from $55.00 per person and includes arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch, a 6ft screen and data projector.
Exhibitor News |
![]() Abode Hotels Where Small Groups come up with Big Ideas |
As specialists in smaller to medium size meetings and conferences, the Abode team will make sure that every need is met as your people get on with the job at hand - big ideas.
![]() Making meetings more Creative (no more Death by PowerPoint) |
Researchers from Washington University found that meetings where people were standing were shown to stimulate attendees both physically and mentally, keeping them alert and focussed, as opposed to the research proving sitting down in long meetings had people feeling territorial and lethargic.
Creativity doesn't have to stop at the conference session. What about dinners and lunches?
Corporate gift giving can be a tricky subject.
So here's a few simple tips to get you started..
Once you identify which staff and clients require gifts, there are a few things you may wish to avoid. Generally speaking, personal gifts should be left aside. Even if you have become close friends with a client or employee and you want to give a personal gift, you must do this separately and as a friend. This is not part of your company’s gift. Corporate gifts need to be broad in appeal to cater for all ages, genders and personal interests.
If you're going to the trouble to send clients and staff gifts this year, then make sure you bother to ensure that they are quality gifts. Low quality items that break within days, or serve no benefit at all, show that you really haven't bothered. These kinds of gifts reflect poorly on your company and will be remembered by your clients for years! Remember to keep it simple and ensure that the gift has high perceived value and relevance to your clients and staff.
While it can seem funny to you, it's important to remember that everyone has a different sense of humour. You may know your direct client and his or her sense of humour, however other people in the client's office are also likely to see the gift you send. You don't know theirs. Go to great lengths to avoid sending any gifts that could offend anyone. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
A little innovative thinking can set your gift apart from the rest. Make it useful, practical, and long lasting. You don't have to go overboard with how much you spend. A smaller gift of high quality means more than a large gift that seems a waste of money. Remember, giving gifts to clients and staff is about celebrating your business relationship and what you have achieved by working together. Giving from the heart means more than anything.
Looking for a high quality Corporate baby gift that is a wonderful alternative to flowers? |
Toad Lane baby gift hampers are a wonderful alternative to flowers. Kelley is committed to sourcing products of high quality, exceptional style and for practical everyday use.
Take a look at the gorgeous Toad Lane range on their website www.toadlane.com.au
Special Offers |
Do you have spare budget but no event plans for this financial year? Why not spend it now and use it later? Plan ahead for new financial year with Cliftons and save 30%* on all your events held between 1 August - 30 October 2015. To take the advantage of this great offer you need to book your event (and pay for it) by 30 June.
Our friends at Rydges have a special offer for EAN Members. Book a conference with Rydges and you can pamper yourself with a new outfit.