Wednesday, 31st January 2024

What is inspiring us this week?

Hey Reader

Hip, hip, hooray! We've made our way through January! I'm sending a virtual high-five to each of you for rocking this month or just getting through it.

Last week, we hosted our very first virtual summit of 2024. The feedback has been through the roof, buzzing with positivity and inspiration. For those who attended, you filled our community cup to the brim with your enthusiasm and insights, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. 🚀

Hold onto your hats because the next Tools and Tech Virtual Summit is on Thursday, 14th March. Yes, you heard it right – our next summit is just around the corner, and you can book your place now!

But before we leap into March, let's talk about February. It's not just about heart-shaped chocolates and Cupid's arrows. We're turning up the heat with our first FREE webinar of 2024. I'll be covering AI Tools for Assistants – this topic is hot, hot, hot! Get ready to dive into the world of AI, where we'll explore how these tools can make our lives as Assistants smoother and smarter.

And that's not all! This week, we're diving into a topic close to all our hearts – building a strong Assistant network. Nothing will get your career soaring faster than a fantastic network, so do check out our tips.

So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and let's keep this amazing energy going. We're not just surviving 2024. We're thriving in it!

Nicky Christmas

Founder of Practically Perfect PA and The EA Campus

Tips and Tricks

Thinking about setting up an Assistant network?

Identify the Need and Purpose: Recognise the lack of essential information and support for Assistants within your organisation or community. Understand what's missing in your current environment and how a network can fill that gap. Your network should have a clear purpose, whether it's for knowledge sharing, professional development, or support.
Start Small and Grow Organically: Begin by inviting people for small gatherings like lunches or after-work meetings and allow the network to grow organically. This approach helps in managing the network effectively and ensures gradual but steady growth.
Utilise Passion and Personal Drive: Your personal passion and drive are crucial for overcoming obstacles and keeping the network active and engaged. This passion helps in convincing others of the network's value and in maintaining momentum.
Secure Executive Buy-In and Support: Present a strong case for the network, showing how it aligns with the organisation's goals and how it can positively impact the bottom line. Gaining support from higher-ups in the organisation is crucial for the network’s sustainability and effectiveness.
Foster a Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Encourage members to share knowledge, resources, and experiences. This not only strengthens the network but also enhances the professional and personal growth of its members. A collaborative and supportive environment is key to the success of the network.

Read our Networking Articles

Attend our one-day online Summit tailored for Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Administrative Professionals: The Tools and Tech Virtual Summit. This Summit offers a comprehensive exploration of the latest tools and technologies every Assistant needs to excel.

In a world where technology is rapidly transforming how we work, staying updated is not just an option—it's a necessity.

This Summit is your gateway to discovering the tech trends of the future and mastering the tools that will position you at the forefront of the Assistant profession. And there's more! We'll also provide you with actionable insights to effectively leverage these tools, ensuring that your expertise is not just noticed but celebrated by your Executive and organisation.

Book your place now →

New Articles

Managing Your Manager: Understanding Their Preferences, Priorities, and Pet Peeves

As an Assistant, managing your manager can sometimes be a challenging task. In a recent Virtual Summit, Podcast Host and Founder of The Linchpin Assistant, Liz Van Vliet, shared the three P’s – Preferences, Priorities, and Pet Peeves – which can be a helpful approach to building a solid working relationship with your Executive and ensure smooth communication and collaboration.

In this article, we will explore how understanding these three Ps can help you effectively manage your Executive and share some practical tips for incorporating them into your daily interactions. Read more>>>

The science of confidence: A four-step framework for personal growth

Confidence is a powerful attribute everyone is born with, but as we grow, our self-assurance tends to diminish due to various factors. Understanding the brain science behind confidence is vital to reclaiming and cultivating it in our lives. This article will share the science of confidence: A four-step framework for personal growth. Read more>>>

Check out our treasure trove of Assistant resources

Whether you're a seasoned Assistant looking for a productivity boost or just starting and eager to learn, our digital downloads have got you covered.

Download our templates

Bookmarked Resources

Join our FREE Webinar

Nicky’s got the lowdown on all the coolest AI tools that are making your jobs way easier. Think of things like automating those endless emails, sorting out our calendars like a pro, and even smart ways to handle all our documents.

Nicky will walk you through everything – and the best part? You don’t need to be a tech whiz to get it.

Join the free webinar today

Tech Partner Spotlight

Why do we love Notion?

Notion is the Swiss Army knife of productivity tools. It combines note-taking, task management, databases, and calendars all in one place. Imagine having all your project details, to-do lists, and meeting notes living harmoniously in one app. It's like having a tidy desk 24/7!

In our role, we're always on the go, and having access to our work from anywhere is crucial. With Notion's mobile app, your workspace is as mobile as you are. Whether you're in a cab, at a coffee shop, or working from home, your work is just a tap away. We love it!

Video

Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) for Assistants

In this video, we dive into OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) - what they are, why they are essential, and how they can make a difference in your role as an Assistant.

Podcast

Listen to this week's episode of The EA Campus Podcast

Have you listened to the latest episode of The EA Campus podcast yet?

Listen on Apple

Listen on Spotify

Our Courses

NEW COURSE: Join The Confident Communicator

Understand and Master Workplace Communication

We're here to elevate your communication game. Whether drafting impeccable emails, managing complex schedules, or negotiating on behalf of your team, The Confident Communicator online course is designed with your unique challenges in mind.

Find out more about the Confident Communicator Online Course

Calendar

What do we have coming up this year?

Feedback

Have a moment? We'd love to hear more about your career

We love our Practically Perfect PA community and want to get to know you better.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. It will help shape everything we do for you and support you moving forward with your Assistant career.