How do you build and maintain a supportive network of peers and mentors in your field?

This is great advise when looking for mentorship. It helps to have some idea about why you are struggling. As a mentor to administrative professionals, I have specialized ways to help draw this out of a mentee when they aren't sure where to focus but just know they need help. It could be to overcome burnout and overwhelm, ace performance reviews, nail the job interview, improve your executive partnership, boost confidence and influence, upgrading your tech skills, or something else completely but you can always identifying the steps needed to reach that goal. I love my job and my mentees' goals are my goals.

Begin by clarifying your professional goals and the specific areas in which you would benefit from support and guidance. Consider the skills you want to develop, the challenges you face, and the areas where you would like to grow. Understanding your goals and needs will help you identify the types of peers and mentors who can provide valuable insights and support.

People know how to help you best when you share your goals clearly and they know how to come in. Nobody knows it all but everything is willing to help, but if they don't know where and when they're needed, it is only a matter of surface level conversations.

Join some PA/EA Networks, but not only PA/EA Networks, but think outside the box! Maybe some networks related to the industry your company sits within or networks specific to your gender or networks around leadership etc. This way you are building a broader network than just those in similar roles to you, but still classed as "in your field". Attend Networking events wherever you can around your schedule and commit to getting at least 1 person's contact details. After that, connect with them on LinkedIn and send them a DM. This way a conversation may start to flow, or if not immediately, you have built a rapport that if you needed each other down the line, it is not like you are complete strangers. Finally, stay relevant by taking courses

As an executive assistant, building and maintaining a support network involves participating in professional events, engaging in online communities, internal networking within the organization, seeking mentors, collaborating on projects, organizing internal events, using professional social networks, joining associations, continuous learning, reciprocal feedback, participation in development programs, and expressing gratitude.

When I moved to a new city years ago I realized that my little black book of contacts and vendors was useless. I was new to NYC and while I loved my new exciting job, I was a little lost. I knew I needed to connect with other administrative professionals like myself but the pickings were slim to say the least. One day I was standing on Madison Avenue looking up at the tall buildings and thinking, "These building are full of my people. I need to talk to them." I ran back to the office and started writing up plans for what is now The Officials. A global community of administrative professionals whose unique supportive culture of crowdsourcing has literally changed lives for the better. DM if this resonates with you and I'd love to chat.

As a keen advocate of networking, my tips would be to personally commit to lifelong learning, and attend webinars, workshops, and conferences where you can. Staying current with industry trends and best practices not only keeps us relevant but also enhances our professional growth. Build a robust professional network. Connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts through platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and even career advancement opportunities. You have a variety of options from free social media groups, newsletter-only networks and full-blown membership platforms. Asses what YOU want from networking and try at least one new method of networking to see what it produces for you.

One needs to be very picky in choosing the most relevant communities and platforms to make connections with people that are sharing the same interests. Linkedin as a whole and private Facebook groups are amazing if we analyze professionally on the quality of network-sharing platforms online. We find big names, industry leaders, mentors with all the seniors and juniors in the industry being at one place where we can exchange wealth of knowledge and pick lots of golden-nuggets from like-minded people.

Look for platforms and communities that cater to your specific field or industry. These can include professional associations, online forums, social media groups, or networking events. Engage actively in these platforms, participate in discussions, and contribute helpful insights. Seek out individuals who have experience and expertise in areas relevant to your goals and needs. Connect with them, ask for advice, and build relationships based on mutual support and respect.

OMG YES! The power of crowdsourcing information from your peers is amazing and the truth is...the more you put in the more you will get out of it. Years ago, I realized I loved this career path as an admin/assistant and wanted to dig deep into how I could 10x my skills. What I found were boring, outdated courses created by people who had NEVER been in my shoes. What I found was expensive or irrelevant. So when I couldn't find what I was looking for, I built it. I created an incredibly supportive community of admins and assistants that is a SAFE SPACE to ask questions, cheer others on and make lifelong connections. I started The Officials because I needed help, but it has helped thousands of assistants now.

One thing I've found helpful in getting to know your peers is inviting them to have a lunch date with you. Just make sure the restaurant is good and tell the person you are going to pay. Then you can talk about anything you need to.

I'm always striving to learn from people smarter than me. If I ever feel like I'm the most competent person in the room, it's time to leave. Experts surround the best people, those doing their best work.

The first step to creating long term bond is to be genuinely interested in others, no one wants a leech or someone who continously takes, being interested in them shows that you care about them beyond what they can offer you

Even within the same company, no two Executive Administrative Assistants do the same job. This is mainly because of our managers' and teams' differing needs and priorities. Therefore, when seeking support, it's important to learn from multiple backgrounds. Asking for regular feedback is invaluable—not only when things don't go as planned but also after a flawlessly executed event or a successfully completed task. There are always opportunities to learn from other perspectives and enrich our toolbox. And as important as asking for help and mentorship is giving back to the community. Document processes and make them available to everyone. Knowledge that is not shared is useless.

Controversy is something of my interest in this regard. I personally like to go through controversial posts from one industry-expert targeting the other. When you hear different perspectives from opposing powers on their posts and newsletters or videos, and then you go through their comments where they have a next-level heated debates from different experts, that's where you learn a lot of things.

I know for sure that you need to constantly learn and evolve with time. Being open minded when speaking with people of different perspectives and being willing to learn without discrimination or disrespecting their point of view.

I actively seek out mentors and peers from varied backgrounds, industries, and demographics. Engaging with individuals who offer different viewpoints broadens my horizons and encourages me to think innovatively. Each interaction provides an opportunity to learn and adapt, enriching my understanding of complex issues and fostering creativity in problem-solving. Whether it's gaining insights into industry trends, refining communication skills, or honing leadership abilities, I value the diverse perspectives that my network brings to the table.

One thing I like to do when people ask me questions- is answer the question directly, then provide additional resources so my team members can save the information to reference later or pass on when they’re asked a similar question. Knowledge is power!

Leave your ego at the door! One of the most beneficial ways to expand and maintain a supportive community is to know that you’re not an expert in every subject- or in some cases, ANY subject. Being receptive and open to lessons, ideas and processes continues to serve me well in the HR and Operations world.

?? Power Squad Goals: Slay Your Executive Assistant Career! ?? Hey queens! Ready to level up your executive assistant game? ??♂?Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is key! ??Find your tribe, embrace diversity, and give as much as you receive. ???Flex those communication skills and seek guidance from mentors. ??Nurture authentic connections with care. Let's conquer the corporate world together! ??Shoot me a message to chat about advancing your career through effective communication. You got this, queen! ?????? #ExecutiveAssistant #GirlBoss #PowerSquad #CommunicationSkills

Building a supportive network extends beyond mere transactional relationships—it's about cultivating genuine connections and giving back to the community. I prioritize authenticity and reciprocity in my interactions, striving to offer value to others as much as I seek support for myself. This may involve sharing knowledge and experiences, providing mentorship to aspiring professionals, or simply offering a listening ear when needed. Additionally, I recognize the importance of staying actively engaged within professional circles. Whether attending industry events, participating in networking groups, or leveraging online platforms, I remain committed to fostering meaningful connections with my peers and mentors

Set your networking goals such as: mentoring, peer and colleague connections, professional development, career goals or a new role. Utilize LinkedIn and connect with administrative professionals and industry and thought leaders. Attend in person and virtual events. Maintain your connections with consistent communication and provide value added content. Stay current with your followers and those you follow. Join other administrative groups on different apps such as: Slack and Circle. With strategic planning, consistent effort, and follow up and follow through networking can fuel your professional development and lead to more professional career opportunities.