As your boss’s key support person, are you ready to take on a leadership role when needed? Without an official leadership title, this can be tricky. Your ability to influence those around you positively and confidently is key. And that takes assertiveness,…
Amazing front desk professionals make the job look so easy. They greet every visitor and caller (even the impatient or angry ones) with a genuine smile and an unruffled demeanor. But underneath, they’re smoothly assessing and prioritizing. “Should this person…
Even when reporting to just one boss, administrative assistants are responsible for a myriad of duties to that boss. In addition, include the admin's unofficial role as the organizer and mother hen for the rest of the department, keeping them happy…
It takes practice to stay calm, to find the best solution to a problem … especially when you’re under pressure. And, as an administrative professional, your job frequently puts you in the hot seat: The apologetic speaker who cancels two…
As an administrative assistant, you are a critical bridge between your bosses and your co-workers. In addition, the support you supply to management requires serious skills. Therefore, to succeed and advance, focus on sharpening the skills most valued by top executives.…
Other than yourself, no one has a bigger impact on your career than your direct supervisor. That’s why it’s critical that you build a strong relationship that ensures your boss is on your side. We understand that this is easier…
A visitor stands in front of you impatiently tapping … as you try to quickly wrap up a call with a chatty customer … before that deliveryman in the hall comes in … just in front of your boss’s 4…
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 is #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay and here's a chance to give your admin the perfect gift (or admins, ask your boss for) ... a terrific Webinar to help assistants maintain organization and control when they have multiple bosses! You…
Everyone gets interrupted at work, but administrative assistants, by the nature of their jobs, probably get interrupted more than most. Not only does she work for at least one boss (and sometimes multiple bosses), she is the conduit between the…
Administrative assistants, like many employees, often undersell themselves when it comes to self-promotion. Unfortunately, if they don’t do it, no one else is going to do it either. On the bright side, if you're an admin, it’s not that difficult to…
Even when reporting to just one boss, administrative assistants are responsible for a myriad of duties to that boss. In addition, include the admin's unofficial role as the organizer and mother hen for the rest of the department, keeping them happy…
When you work the front desk, you’re the first to see most outsiders. And making a great impression on each visitor would be an easy job if every guest showed up on time, as planned and with a smile on…
Let’s be real … if your department runs like a Swiss watch and there is little to no unexpected drama, you probably have a great administrative assistant at the center of all the action. Admins do a lot of the…
Handling phone calls takes special skills. The cues we get from body language and facial expressions are absent ... making it especially important to really "tune in" to the words and tone. The anonymity of the phone also sometimes…
Is your records management system a strategic business tool or a legal risk? No one knows better than you that an effective records management system protects your organization and enhances your department’s performance. Yet, meeting federal regulations AND creating a…
You are the hub of the office — the front line of defense. The first person most people come into contact with and the real face of the company. You are vital, and the impression you make absolutely matters! And…
If you’re like most professionals charged with the enormous responsibility of safeguarding your organization’s financial security, you already fully understand the importance of your role. Every day you strive to protect, control and maintain your organization’s financial health while doing…
When you make a grammar mistake, it’s more than just a fleeting embarrassment. It can cause your message to be dismissed and your professional reputation to suffer. That’s not a risk you can afford to take! Rules on capitalization vary…
Information is one of the most vital and strategic assets any organization possesses. Organizing and maintaining this information in a manner that makes it easily accessible on a moment’s notice is a key activity for organizations of all sizes and…
Did you know that more than 95% of unhappy customers never even tell you they were displeased with the treatment they received? They will, however, tell someone else … who will tell someone else … who will tell someone else.…
Forecasting is the process of identifying what events are likely to happen in the future and to benefit from these events.” -American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Library—Definitions 2012 Every business needs to conduct forecasts. Forecasting is an essential part…
Technology is essential to every business. The human-to-technology interface has increased dramatically in the workplace as enhancements in productivity and accessibility of information have been achieved. But at what cost? What society seems to be gaining in terms of knowledge…
Your work is piling up … everyone wants something different from you … you don’t know how you can possibly do it all and make everyone happy. A majority of the people who don’t have enough time to get things…
Whether in person or on the phone, we all serve a variety of customers, different genders, ages, races, religions, education, economic statuses and language skills. A great customer experience leads to increased customer satisfaction and higher sales. And that great…
An overflowing inbox ... a mountain of papers ... a team needing feedback ... and a packed calendar — can you get it all done? Not if people keep interrupting you! It's always important to be civil and polite to…
There is no denying that there are people who have a special knack for spotting errors. However, even if you aren’t one of these specially gifted people, there are practices that can help you catch more of your mistakes, if…
Those who perceive diversity as exclusively a moral imperative or societal goal are missing the larger point. Workforce diversity needs to be viewed as a competitive advantage and a business opportunity. That’s why many organizations have made diversity a business…
Your work is piling up … everyone wants something different from you … you don’t know how you can possibly do it all and make everyone happy. And that is just your life at work! If you’re stressed to the…
We live in a society that values individuality … that encourages competition. We work in a world where we are constantly advised to speak up, be assertive, toot our own horns, beat the competition — and the person sitting next…
It’s your job to make customers happy — and it’s not always easy. On the front line, you deal with anything and everything. And you have to be prepared not only to satisfy each and every type of customer, but…
Striking great deals is a lot like playing poker. You want to keep the other person guessing about how much you’re willing to bend, but at the same time, you don’t want to overplay your hand and see the negotiations…
No matter the nature of your organization, what you sell or the service you provide, your employees are the foundation of your success. Hiring (and keeping) the right people is key to sustaining and building on that success. However, hiring…
As an accounts payable professional, you shoulder a lot of responsibility. If payments are not recorded correctly, vendor relationships could suffer. And if reports are inaccurate, it could affect the bottom line. Every day you strive to protect, control, and…
Administrative assistants: Showcase strong writing communication skills, whether it’s for you or your boss. As an administrative assistant, you have many obligations to take care of. One big task is written correspondence. Whether it's for you or your boss, it’s…
