SecsintheCity

"Who Am I Today?" says Celebrity PA Merryl Futerman

By Merryl Futerman

Merryl has been a freelance celebrity PA for the last 15 years. Clients have included Julian Clary, Anne Robinson and Jonathan Ross. In the past year she has been expanding into training and hopes to do more if this in the future.  

When you work for a private individual, defining your role in their life can be complicated.  As well as dealing with all the usual challenges, much of it depends on their personal situation, which reflects what is required. Given the nature of my role as a PA, I usually find myself working in a client’s home so the relationship is very different from that in an office. Looking back over many years and many clients I have identified a few categories. 

‘Professional Wife’ probably best describes my role for my longest standing client. From keeping the household running smoothly and overseeing home improvements  to making tea for the window cleaner and shopping for his family’s Christmas presents, these are the kinds of tasks that a super-efficient wife would perform. Let’s just say a wife is not on the cards in this case, and when my husband asks why I don’t always snap to it so speedily at home, I remind him of my hourly rate. 

For another client, my role was more of a ‘Surrogate Girlfriend’. He was young and shy and setting up home in the big smoke for the first time. We looked at sofas, and I did Ikea runs for potted plants and magazine racks. I worried about his appalling diet and made sure there was fruit in the flat. Happily, I was one of the first people he called when he got engaged to his girlfriend on holiday, and helping them plan their wedding felt like the perfect natural end to my job with him. 

‘Gal Pal’ best describes my position for a lovely young woman client. I helped her choose outfits for big nights and select and then book restaurants for cosy dinner dates. I would use my keys to get clothes from her house and have them delivered to her in case of wardrobe emergencies – this was in addition to all the usual administrative tasks one's job as a PA involves. 

‘Third Wheel’ sums up how I felt caught in the middle of a high powered couple. Being given lists of tasks by both parties is fine....it’s when those lists contradict each other that problems arise, especially when I was the one expected to broker a diplomatic solution to whatever situation was causing disagreement. And picture this, husband asks me to source and purchase a gift for wife. Wife then asks me to return the item for a refund. Awkward! 

It goes without saying that all these roles were undertaken entirely on professional grounds but remind me why I have enjoyed the roster of clients I have had to date. I think you do have to be ‘good’ at relationships and certainly very flexible to be a successful PA, whether private, professional or even a celebrity PA. 

I always begin a job full of expectations after interviews and discussions about what the job will entail, and wondering who I may end up being once I get settled in.

 

Got a question for Merryl or something to say? Feel free to leave your comments and questions below. 

 

To find a new PA opportunity, search and apply for your ideal role on SecsintheCity.

Enter 'PA of the Year' for your chance to win the ultimate Arabian break

This year Executive PA Magazine has joined forces with Hays and the Executive PA Magazine | Hays 'PA Awards' are now open for nominations.

The prize for PA of the Year, is an Arabian Break, courtesy of Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah and Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai Conservation Desert.

To be in with a chance of winning the ultimate Arabian break, nominate yourself or another PA who has been working as a PA for four years or more.  

 

The Prize

The winner will enjoy five nights in UAE for them and a guest; three nights in an Executive Suite at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, UAE and two nights in a Bedouin Suite at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai Conservation Desert, UAE.

This great prize includes return flights and complimentary transfers between the two resorts.

Click here to enter/nominate

 

Previous Awards

The Executive PA Magazine Awards is an annual event and each year has been a massive success. The 2012 Executive PA Magazine| Hays Awards is set to be the best yet. View the video from the 2011 Awards here. 

View what Executive PA Magazine readers say about the Awards

For terms and conditions and how to nominate visit: Executive PA Magazine | Hays 2012 Awards Entry Page

 

                       

 

Are you entering? Who are you nominating? Do let us know.

Join the LCCI PA Club at the newly refurbished Thistle Euston Hotel

One of the most ambitious projects in the Thistle’s nationwide refurbishment programme has been the top-to-bottom refurbishment of the 362-bedroom Thistle Euston. With the work almost complete, this popular London hotel has been completely transformed. 

Just a short walk from London Euston, and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, the Thistle Euston has long been one of London’s premier hotels for business travellers and people on the move. Business guests now benefit from a new ‘meet-and-greet’ point, a break-out area featuring high tables with laptop sockets, and Costa coffee at the touch of a button.         

All 362 bedrooms now feature Hypnos beds – as supplied to HM The Queen – along with power showers, air-conditioning and WiFi. Executive rooms boast larger flat-screen TVs, king-sized beds and views over St James’ Gardens. 

 

Sporting a brand new look, the Thistle Euston looks forward to welcoming you….. 

Join the LCCI PA Club for a showcase of the newly refurbished venue, whilst networking with likeminded colleagues and enjoying drinks and canapés.

 On

Thursday 1 March 2012, 5.45pm - 7.30pm

 At 

Thistle Euston, Cardington Street, Euston, London, NW1 2LP

            

 

To register, download booking form click here and return to lccipaclub@londonchamber.co.uk

                                                       

Please note LCCI PA Club events are STRICTLY for PAs and professional in-house Event organisers only.  Registration is at the discretion of the Event Manager

 

The 7 Habits of Highly Successful PAs

By Linda Burns

Linda Burns has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and PA in both the US and the UK, working for large international corporations as well as small businesses. She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and their three cats. 

I was going through my bookshelf last weekend, thinking I would have a bit of a clear-out, when I found my old tattered and well-thumbed copy of Steven Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. This book was my guide when beginning my career as an Administrative Assistant and I think it is as relevant today as it ever was. In re-reading a few pages, it dawned on me that most successful PAs today ascribe to a version of these 7 habits.

So, with a bit of literary license, here are my thoughts on the 7 habits that make up a successful PA: 

1.       Being Proactive

PAs need to be in sync with their boss at all times, and anticipate their needs almost before their boss can identify them. If you know, for example, that your boss is having a meeting with a prospective client, have everything ready beforehand so he or she doesn’t need to ask you at the last minute for a client brochure, client agreement, etc. Anticipate those needs and you will be ahead of the game. 

2.       Begin With The End

This habit simply means that you should have your goals in sight at all times – your career goals as well as your life goals. Plan for your future, both immediate and long-term. Work on increasing your knowledge base – ensure that your tools are always kept sharp. 

3.       First Things First

Time management was a huge business buzzword back in the 1980s and 1990s and is now more important than ever. With companies changing at the speed of light, you may be juggling many balls in the air at once. Learn to be flexible and proactive, and plan, plan, plan your weekly and monthly tasks to stay on top. Triage your to-do list daily, moving completed items off and rearranging if necessary and as needed. 

4.       Strive for a ‘Win-Win’ Workplace

The respect and value that you give your boss and your co-workers ultimately pays off in better workplace cooperation and resolution of issues. Enough said.

5.       Understand and Be Understood

Listen, clarify, and request clarification. If you don’t understand a project, don’t pretend that you do. Liaise with your boss and co-workers on projects so that there are no misunderstandings.

 6.       Strength In Numbers

Being a team player is especially important for a PA. Strive for the best performance your workgroup can achieve. Your boss will be impressed and it will bring your leadership skills to the forefront. This is an area where you can really shine if you are a promoter of positive teamwork. 

7.       Work-Life Balance

Remember to be true to yourself, always. Balance your work life and busy career with well-deserved time off to relax and re-energise. Stick to your principles and ethics in your career and your life.

 

What are your habits that make you a successful PA? Got a question for Linda or thoughts to share on the topic? Feel free to leave your comments below. 

 

To find a new opportunity for success in PA-dom, search and apply for your ideal role on SecsintheCity.

The Secret PA: Day 441

Delegation.

Just so you know, the transport Gods had the day off and instead of leaving Whiz Girl to ‘hold the fort’ for 45 minutes it ended up being an hour and 35 minutes. As you can imagine I was on the verge of a meltdown; she’s only been there a week and knowing the trust Scarlet and Pepper have in me I can’t afford to let anything go wrong. 

So while I was away Scarlet came in and asked her if she could do an online check-in for her sister who was flying in from Dallas the next day. This didn’t go smoothly. The airline for which her sister was a club card holder had merged with another airline and it was latter airline's flight that she was booked on. The problem was that it wouldn't accept her as user and as a result, she couldn't check in – in all honesty it wasn’t Whiz Girl’s fault but Scarlet was not in a good mood. It all turned out alright in the end though, because I knew a PA to someone at the airline but it did cause a momentary panic. 

Whiz Girl has starting asking in a round about way if she can do more and I’m not a control freak (am I?) but I really don’t feel ready to give her ‘bigger stuff’ yet. Not just yet.

It’s hard because I feel she’s capable but delegating and me are non-acquaintances in the PA-sphere. 

There’s a lot of mundane stuff to do but maybe not enough to keep her busy for 8 hours and I’m still a bit hesitant about what to give her and what not to. I let her research venues for an event we’re planning from which I’ll then create a shortlist for Scarlet and Pepper which has kept her busy. When I give her something she cracks on with it. And she is bright and keen and when she comes up to me asking if she can do something else I know I should be able to give her more responsibility. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s great having a PA but it’s a bit of work to manage the expectations of both your boss (bosses in my case) and your assistant so everyone is happy and things are getting done. I’m new at the PA with a PA thing but I’m sure it’ll get easier. Now I just need to figure out what’s going on my ‘delegated tasks’ list. 

Better get to it while Scarlet and Pepper are at their lunch meeting and Whiz Girl’s off collecting something from the dry cleaners. 

Later lovelies x  

 

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Marketing Vs Public Relations, A PAs guide

By Emma Lambden

Emma Lambden, is 'Executive PA magazine - PA of the Year' runner up with over 10 years experience as a PA. She currently works at the University of Reading.

Marketing and PR (Public Relations) are two phrases that you may hear around the office on many occasions, but what exactly do they mean? Are they the same thing or are they fundamentally different?

When studying for an Executive PA Diploma back in 2004, one of the things we studied was the difference between the two, and how to identify whether activities were for Marketing or PR purposes. Although I don’t use this in my day to day job, I’ve found that having an awareness of what goes on in my organisation in terms of management activities such as marketing, finance, human resources etc. helps me to understand the business side of my work much more. Understanding the business and managerial side I find then invariably helps me become better at my job and better in supporting my boss.

So what are the differences?  Below is a quick guide to what the two mean.

Marketing – the main purpose of marketing is to ‘sell’ a product or service. It can take many forms, from handing out leaflets, advertising on television, posters on the tube; anything that raises awareness of and promotes the organisation and the products or services it sells. The main aim of marketing is to increase ‘sales’ of whatever your organisation ‘sells’ or ‘offers’.

Public Relations – Public Relations on the other hand, is concerned with spreading the word about the ethos and values of an organisation, rather than trying to sell its products or services. It aims to promote the organisation in a positive light, with a focus on whatever the organisation wants to portray, perhaps it’s commitment to environmental issues. This covers activities such as press releases on work the organisation has been doing, open days, sponsoring charity events etc. 

Of course this is a very basic explanation and many activities fall into both categories, but it is a useful guide in thinking about why your organisation may be choosing to undertake certain activities. 

Next week I’ll take a look at another area of management and provide some ‘jargon busting’.  

If you have any topics you would like me to discuss in the future, please tweet me @emlovescats. 

 

Have you got a question for Emma? Have you been a PA in marketing and want to share your experience? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. 

To find a new PA, EA, Secretarial or Marketing role, search and apply here 

 

Image © kentoh - Fotolia.com

Funniest PA Moments from Claire Faust

By Claire Faust  

Claire has been working as a Personal/Executive assistant now for over 10 years and has worked across a range of different sectors, including media, property and logistics. For the last 3 and half years she has been working in the mobile  phone sector, in various assistant roles and is currently iExecutive Assistant to the Managing Director. 

Being a PA can have its ups and downs but it really is mostly ups. I thoroughly enjoy my job and I thought I would share some of my funniest moments on the job; over the last 10 years of doing the role, there have been quite a few and it really makes you realise how many different aspects there are to the job of a PA!

The one that tops my list is sharing a Winnebago with Peter Kay eating Shepherd’s Pie! This was on a shoot for an advert he did with an Advertising agency I worked for 8 years ago. I was PA to the Creative Director and he often needed me to help out with the shoots and this was one of my favourites because he was really nice and it didn't even feel like work which is always a bonus. Whenever I think back to that day it makes me smile, even if I was running around in a manic sort of way, making sure everything was going according to plan and and on schedule.

Then there was the time (at the same advertising agency) my boss decided to treat us to lunch at the Ivy in London as a thank you for our hard work with a pitch they had all been working on which we won. Five other PA's and I went to The Ivy and  ended up sitting on a table next to Elton John of all people! The funny thing about it was the fact that he asked the manager if he and David could be moved as we were all making too much noise... Oops!

A more recent funny moment is my current boss asking me to book him a Red Convertible Mustang for his trip to the US as he wanted to drive from San Francisco to San Diego for a meeting (alright for some!). I had to be 100 percent  sure that he would get a red Mustang and I have to say it proved more difficult than you would think. Not many hire companies would guarantee this for me but I finally found a company that did. I wasn’t sure though if he got the car he wanted but I assumed no news was good news, until I opened up my inbox and found an e-mail from him with a picture of him posing by his Mustang. It wasn’t red, it was blue! Luckily for me, judging from the smile on his face, I don’t think he minded. Phew!

One time, I had a female boss who asked me into her office one day and said she was too busy to do her Christmas shopping and asked if I could go into town and get her friends and family presents!  She gave me 'a lot' of cash and off I went, hoping I would get it right as she didn't give me a list, or any idea or indication of any sort what any one wanted. All I had was their ages. There was pressure but it was actually fun shopping without spending my own money. I came back with about 8 bags full of presents which she was actually impressed with and then had to sit in the office and wrap them all for her as nicely as possible! Eek.

Last but not least, was a funny and odd request from my current boss: asking me to babysit his three children whilst he and his wife went house-hunting, all day - they were re-locating to the UK from another country. I had been in the job with him for less than a month so it was a big ask, but also nice to know that he trusted me enough too. I hoped and prayed they would like me! They are ten, nine and seven years old so my first thought was: 'that's going to be quite a handful'. They turned out to be a delight and I loved every minute of it....am I in the wrong job? 

Definitely not! I wouldn’t still be doing it 10 years later and loving (nearly) every minute of it. :o) if I thought so, now would I? ;) 

 

What has been your funniest PA moment to date? We'd love to hear from you.

To find an exciting new PA role, search and apply for jobs at SecsintheCity

LCCI PA Club Theatre Evening - We Will Rock You!

We Will Rock You - Now in its 10th smash-hit year at the Dominion Theatre!

We Will Rock You opened on 14 May 2002 and is the longest running show at the Dominion Theatre, and the 9th longest running show in London's West End. There have been over 3,600 performances of We Will Rock You and this is your chance to see the show with other PAs in the city. 

We Will Rock You is the story of Galileo, the man The Bohemians hope can free them all from the Ga Ga World. The Ga Ga world is a world where the kids watch the same movies, wear the same fashions and think the same thoughts. It’s a safe, happy, Ga Ga world. Unless you’re a rebel. Unless you want to Rock!

The Dominion Theatre also hosts conferences and events. Offering seven event spaces available for corporate and private hire catering for events from Company AGMs for 2,000 to meetings for eight, and everything in between! Also on offer are  unique experiences such as backstage tours to get your delegates in the creative mood. 

The LCCI PA Club and Dominion Theatre invite you to see a performance of We Will Rock You and a showcase of the Dominion Theatre's Conference and Events facilities

On Tuesday 28 February 2012, 5.45pm - 10.30pm

At Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ

LCCI PA Club Events are STRICTLY for PAs and Corporate in-house event managers only, registration is at the discretion of the Event Manager

 

To download booking form click here and return to lccipaclub@londonchamber.co.uk

 

We'll be there. Will you? 

To find an exciting new PA role, search and apply for jobs at SecsintheCity

The Secret PA: Day 435

Welcome, New Girl. And there comes the Mermaid.  

Gosh, how fast things change around here. A year into the job and I’m now a PA with a PA, and loving it. To be honest it’s actually nice having someone to talk to when Scarlet throws a tantrum over her hairdresser being on honeymoon ‘at the most inopportune moment’.

It was also a blessing having Whiz Girl around on cataclysmic aqua concert night, when the client hosting the event got locked in the loo. The real problem was that he was in the ‘wrong’ loo, if you know what I mean. I was walking towards the ladies when a blonde haired mermaid – his PA - came running towards me in a state of panic. She said he’d got locked in….that’s as much as I can disclose. Of course we had to get someone to get the door open but it had to be kept hush hush.

With press milling around here and there (and of course the even more discreet citizen journalists that hide behind the disguise of anonymous tweeters), that was the big worry.

Pepper and Scarlet, dutifully in the loop, had decided Pepper was to go up on stage and make the best of his comedian skills to distract the crowd and then Scarlet got a floor bartender to do a display on stage. Behind the scenes, the Mermaid, Whiz Girl and I managed to get the Client with half a martini and an alibi back into the party and then actually enjoy the rest of the evening.

This was probably the most exciting part of Whiz Girl's week, because so far she’s just been settling in, getting to know the others, doing the bagel and coffee runs for Scarlet, filing and familiarising herself with things. Even though the snow’s been barely there, it’s nice not having to step outdoors shortly after coming in to work because the boss wants breakfast. It’s also helpful not having to shield calls when I’m trying to put together reports and presentations and more recently, project plans.

So far she’s proved efficient and she seems to learn fast without wasting time. It’s nice being able to give her a job and knowing she’ll just crack on. She’s also good at keeping a smile on when doing the drab (but of course important) task of sorting out paperwork. She even got us two cupcakes the other day, when I just happened to mention I was craving cake. I returned to my desk after a meeting with the Scarlet and a recording artist to find it was cake o’clock.

Anyway, I’m off to the printers to sort out some personalised stationery and posters for an upcoming event, leaving Whiz Girl in charge of my phone and at the beck and call of the bosses for 45 minutes. Hopefully the transport gods are on my side today.

 

Running x x x 

 

 

 

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Win yourself a meal for two with a bottle of wine at Balls Brothers London

Balls Brothers Minister Exchange

Minster Pavement, Mincing Lane, EC3R 7PP, London

Nearest tube station: Monument, Bank, Tower Hill, Fenchurch Street

 

The conference facilities at Balls Brothers Minster Exchange have been given a stunning makeover as part of the redevelopment of the Balls Brothers site....

Following on from a £500,000 refurbishment back in October of the venue, the conference rooms have been given a new lease of life with a £250,000 investment, creating a multi-use space, perfect for any type of event in the city of London.

The facilities come equipped with wi-fi, full AV system, projector, lighting system, private bar, plus a full event management service provided by the dedicated in-house events team, meaning all conference needs can be catered for.

From breakfast seminars for 50, daytime workshops for 100, through to evening events with DJ and dance floor, Minster Exchange Conference facilities are the perfect destination for any event including birthday parties, corporate events and city weddings.

All food options can be catered for, from breakfast, lunch and evening meal with sit-down and buffet options.

The venue will be closing its doors on 9th January and re-opening on  23^rd January with a series of special events to welcome visitors, both current and new, all keen to see the new and improved, conference facilities at Balls Brothers Minster Exchange.

 

To WIN yourself a meal for two with a bottle of wine at Balls Brothers, take part in our poll on facebook or twitter

Images © Balls Brothers

  *T&Cs 

• Meal for two includes: 2 starters or 2 desserts, 2 x main courses
• Winners can choose between 1 bottle of house red and 1 bottle of house white.
• The winner will be entitled to a maximum spend of £25 for 2 people 
• Prize must be claimed by 30/03/2012
• Prize can be claimed for Lunch or Dinner during open hours on any day – subject to any closures at the discretion of the outlet
• Competition closes at 5pm on Monday 20th February. Entries received after this date will not be accepted.
• Winners will be declared by 12noon on Tuesday 21st February. 
• To claim your prize, please email your contact number to marketing@tmdr.com  with ‘SITC Competition’ in the subject line  
• To enter, you must take part in the poll on facebook or on twitter* (*including  #SITCBB)
• To qualify, entrants must be 18+ and be a PA, EA, Secretary or official Event organiser in the UK.
• The prize winner will be selected at random from among the poll participants
• Only one entry per person.
• SecsintheCity and the Walkabout are not liable for any transportation and other related to the meal.
• The prize is non transferable 

There's a party at Balls Brothers, and you're invited!

Balls Brothers Minster Exchange invites SecsintheCity readers, fans and followers to the grand unveiling of the new conference and meeting facilities in the City of London, where you can enjoy private tours, live music, canapés and cocktails with a twist….

Situated in the heart of the City, Minster Exchange offers three flexible spaces for a wide range of functions. Accommodating 10-300 guests, the rooms can be used in conjunction with each other or booked separately. With a private entrance and licensed bar you can entertain guests and clients in a contemporary venue from morning to late night…. 

This event will take place on:

Wednesday 15^th Feb 2012 from 5.30pm – 8pm

Download Invite

Tuesday 28^th Feb 2012 from 5.30pm – 8pm. 

Download Invite

At:

Minster Pavement, Mincing Lane, EC3R 7PP, London

Nearest tube station: Monument, Bank, Tower Hill, Fenchurch Street

 

RSVP to Clara-Louise.Paul@novusleisure.com to be put on to the VIP Guest list for you and your colleagues.

SecsintheCity look forward to seeing you there! And.....

To WIN a meal for two at Balls Brothers Minister Exchange, join us on facebook and follow us on twitter @SecsintheCity....we'll be announcing the competition on facebook and twitter on Monday. 

Public Speaking - from PAs, to PAs

By Seema Shah

Seema has been PA to the CEO at Sportech PLC for over 12 years. She is also the Office Manager in their London Head Office which consists of 12 employees and manages their Team Secretary. She is  a Prestige member of The PA Club and various forums including the Institute of Professional Administrators (IPA), the Executive Personal Assistants Society and the Personal Assistant and Office Manager (PAOM). Seema was awarded 2011 PA of the Year by the Executive PA Magazine Awards

I was asked by Hays Plc if I would take part in their PA Networking Event – Improving Skills, Developing Careers on 25 January at their offices in Cheapside. We were a panel of three PAs and were asked to talk about the highs, lows and challenges of our current jobs, our career paths and to give any tips on being a successful PA.

The two other PA speakers were Merryl Epstein and Katie Clifford. Merryl is PA to one of Britain's National Treasures, Julian Clary. She has also supported Denise van Outen, Jonathan Ross and Anne Robinson and has over 15 years experience in the role. Katie is EA to Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive of Ann Summers, and one of Britain's most successful businesswoman and Retail Week's "Most powerful woman in retail".

The invitation went out from Hays saying ‘Our evening's line-up includes a panel of three of the UK's top PAs who will be sharing an insight into their working lives and providing hints and tips to assist you in your roles’. So as you can imagine, we had a lot to live up to!

This was to be my first experience of public speaking so it was quite a daunting prospect! We were advised that following Hays sending out the invitation, over 100 PAs/EAs wanted to come along.On the night we actually had over 80 PAs – so scary stuff when you’ve never spoken publically before.

The three of us produced our own Powerpoint presentations which showed slides of what we had done in our careers, any major achievements, tips for PAs/EAs and a bit about our personal lives.

The evening started with wine and canapés, then the three of us took to the floor and spoke about what we do and showed our presentations. I was very nervous at first but then you realise you are actually speaking about something you’ve done for years in my case and you just manage to go with the flow. I made sure I had a few funny stories to tell along the way – which luckily drew some laughs from the audience.

I also spoke about my office refurbishment which I had sole control over – again another big challenge for me. My final slide showed one of my life’s passions – my shoe collection. I think this ended my section on a good note.

Each of us spent about 15 minutes talking and then we had a Q&A session. After this, we went back to the wine and canapés and mingled with all the PAs/EAs.

It was a fantastic evening, great experience and one of the highlights of the evening for me was when I was asked how many times I had done something like this, to which I answered “this is my first time”!

It was great to see some reactions which made me think I had done a good job.

 

Have you ever had to speak publically? Got a question for Seema? Feel free to elave your comments and questions below.

 

If you're looking for a new PA, EA or Secretarial opportunitity, sign up for job alerts and search and apply here

Why a PA must Set and Achieve Goals

By Linda Burns

Linda Burns has over 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant and PA in both the US and the UK, working for large international corporations as well as small businesses. She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and their three cats. 

Maybe you’re not where you want to be in your career. Maybe your dreams of a fulfilling relationship have fallen short. And, if you’re like most of us, the resolutions you jotted down on New Year’s Eve are now pushed to the back of your desk drawer, mostly forgotten.

Many of us feel adrift in the world. We work hard, but don't seem to get anywhere. Perhaps you’re feeling this way because you haven't spent time setting formal goals. After all, would you set out on holiday with no real idea of your destination? Of course not!

Setting and achieving goals is different than simply dreaming about a better life and a more satisfying career. Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future, and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality. The process of setting goals helps you decide where you want to go in life. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you’ll know where to concentrate your efforts.

Setting sharp, clearly defined goals will enable you to measure and take pride in achieving them.

Being able to see actual progress will help raise your self-confidence as you recognise your own ability and competence in achieving the goals that you've set.

The first step in setting personal goals is to consider what you want to achieve in your lifetime (or at least, by a significant and distant age in the future). Setting lifetime goals gives you the overall perspective that shapes all other aspects of your decision making.

Sometimes creating a personal mission statement can help bring your most important goals into sharp focus

You can start the goal-setting process in three steps:

• Create your "big picture" of what you want to do with your life (or perhaps over the next five or ten years) and identify the large-scale goals that you want to achieve. Write these goals down, with each goal on its own page.

• Break these larger goals down into smaller targets that you must reach to attain your lifetime goals. Write these targets down under the goals they represent. Write down the things you can do this year, in six months, next month, next week, and today to begin the process.

• Now that you have a plan, in writing, you can start work on achieving your goals.

Here are some life categories to consider when starting the goal-setting process. Remember to set goals that are important to your life, and what you wish to achieve:

• Career - What level do you want to reach in your career?

• Financial - How much do you want to earn? How is this related to your career goals?

• Education - What information and skills will you need to have in order to achieve your goals? Is a return to higher education one of your aims (perhaps obtaining an advanced degree)?

• Family - Do you want to be a parent? If so, how do children fit into your life plans?

• Artistic - Do you want to learn to paint, play a musical instrument, or sing?

• Attitude – Do negative thoughts hold you back from achieving what you want in life?

• Physical - Are there any athletic goals that you want to achieve, or do you want good health well into old age? What steps will you take?

• Leisure - How do you want to enjoy yourself?

• Public Service - Do you want to make the world a better place?

Spend time thinking about all the facets of your life. Make sure that the goals that you have set are ones that you genuinely want to achieve, not ones that your parents, family, or employers might want. Above all, remain true to yourself. 

What are your career goals for this year? Not sure where you should be going next with your PA career? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. 

If you're looking for a step up or a change, search and apply for the latest jobs near you on SecsintheCity

The Secret PA: Day 430 …. and more

Misson Accomplished, snowed under, blown away

I know, I know I promised an update ASAP….but got snowed under and blown away…first with spreadsheets and boss’s bills, and then ‘a surprise’ from Scarlet and Pepper.Then of course there was snow.

So, as some of you (@clarabell_pa ) suggested, I decided to follow my instincts. It was a tough choice between Heely (@lulubell13’s pick!) and Whiz Girl but Whiz Girl did ace the tests.

I’ve had to get the paperwork in order for her arrival. Plus a desk near me, a PC and the other login type IT paraphernalia that comes with it.

I then had to subject myself to the budgets, being month end and all that. I have to say I’m not a huge fan of spreadsheets and numbers but it does give me a good excuse for a hot chocolate.

In honour of my *love* for spreadsheets I was presented with the below by ‘a friend’ recently.   

In other breaking NEWS….

I was recently blown away with ‘a raise’ from Scarlet and Pepper, then ‘dinner and drinks’ in Mayfair with an old flame from College, now an entertainment lawyer. I bumped into him at a Music Industry networking event recently. 

Had a déjà vu accidental rendezvous with Mr.Smooth. It’s weird but you know how you pass the same people on the way to work but don’t actually know them. Sometimes I even know how on schedule I am by the point at which I cross certain people. When I interviewed Mr. Smooth I had this funny feeling that I’d seen him before…and then ‘wham!’ I was walking to the station the morning after the interview when it hit me.

I suddenly found myself face to face with a familiar face, except this time there was also a name. Awkward? Sort of. He tried to be Smooth of course, I was polite but I was genuinely in a rush so it was a quick hi and I  rushed off.

And then…there was snow. I went to see some friends at the weekend, up North. We stayed in, with facials, Audrey Hepburn, chocolates, cheese and wine’ because of the snow.

Whiz Girl starts soon....wish ‘us’ luck (not like it’s going to be an Emily – Andrea Sachs in the ‘Dragon lady’s presence day one, but still).

 

Will let you know how it goes x 

 

 

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Getting a job as a PA to a Celebrity

By Donna Coulling 

Donna Coulling has been a PA for over ten years and her clients include Helena Bonham Carter, Rachel Weisz, Sir Derek Jacobi, Samuel West and Bella Freud. 

She is known as an expert in her field; runs seminars, has spoken and presented at many events and has made numerous TV appearances as a Celebrity PA on shows for Channel 4, Living TV and regularly presents on the shopping channel QVC.  

When I decided to put myself out there as a Celebrity PA I didn’t realise the role actually existed. I honestly thought I’d made up the job. I knew nobody that did it, had never heard of it, all I knew was that I could organise in my sleep and having trained as an actor, worked as an actor (well, mostly I didn’t work….!)  and worked in ‘actor’ related jobs I figured I would be the ideal person to organise actors lives. 

Being an actor (in the past), I was used to being  pro-active about looking for work so I put together a letter and CV and wrote to twelve actors’ agents. I offered my organizational skills and services to their clients coming to the UK to work, to set up a home/find a driver/personal trainer/nutritionist/yoga teacher, etc whatever was required (I still didn’t know it was a job but  hoped it sounded as though I knew what they’d need). 

Fortunately, one of my letters landed on the desk of Helena Bonham Carter’s agent. Turned out that Helena’s present assistant at the time was looking to go travelling.  – It’s true when they say it’s all in the timing – I met the assistant, and then I met Helena herself. We drank tea and I started the following week. That was eleven years ago, in May. 

She only needed someone twice a week so ‘yay’ I had a job (which now turned out to be ‘real’ after all) but boo, I needed more work. So I was back to contacting agents with my new info: ‘I currently work for Helena Bonham Carter but still have time to set up home/find a driver, etc for any of your clients coming to the UK to work’, and hoped my ‘phone would ring. 

Luckily it did and I’ve met and worked for lots of people over the past ten years. I currently work for five people (four actors and one designer), plus I have a five year old daughter who is the most demanding of them all! 

 

Got a question for Donna? Wish you could be PA to a celebrity? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below :)

To find an exciting new PA role, search and apply for jobs at SecsintheCity

Private PA or Professional PA – What Would You Rather Be?

By Rosemary Parr

Rosemary is a former EA to BT's Chairman and  founder of the Global PA Network which champions the office admin/secretarial sector through ongoing academic research and highlighting the importance of the role. She is now a fully qualified trainer, coach and motivational speaker who trains and develops Personal Assistants across the globe to be 'PAs of Excellence'. 

When you commence your career journey as a Personal Assistant what do you dream of becoming?

Do you want to be a Personal Assistant who works for Royalty, the Aristocracy, Celebrities or even a Russian Billionaire and be based on their luxury yacht in the Mediterranean!

Alternatively, do you love the idea of the corporate world and aspire to work for the Chairman or CEO of one of our top FTSE 100 companies. Or are you someone who would love to be part of the workings of Government, the National Health Service or other public sector bodies, or are you passionate about charity and giving?

Personal Assistants have many options when it comes to where they would like to work. Let's take a look at the differences between the role of a Private PA and a Professional PA...

Think you're worth more? How to negotiate a raise

By Caroline Rhodes, Consultant – DMJ Legal

Caroline is a consultant at DMJ Legal, part of DMJ Recruitment. 

Caroline began her career at DMJ Legal in 2010 and her team focuses on placing legal secretaries and other support candidates into some of the top UK and US law firms. Prior to joining DMJ Recruitment, Caroline spent four years working in both financial and legal recruitment.   

In times of economic uncertainty, many professionals believe that the topic of pay rises is strictly off the agenda. The belief that merely having a steady job is good enough means that a lot of highly skilled employees never broach the subject. However, in reality if you truly believe you warrant a pay rise - and you can demonstrate why - you are probably right.  So how do you approach the subject with your employer?