The Assist List Jodie's Spotlight News #8

"The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice."- Brian Herbert

Let's talk The PA Show Summer Summit – London. Wow, what a beautiful venue and a full room of administrative professionals ready to learn about a tech-focused future. There were many delegates I hadn't seen at other L&D events so it was a great networking opportunity for me also.

I had the offer to present at the tech-focused summer summit for administrative professionals hosted by The PA Show – so I took it. This was a prime example of nearly running away from an offer to step into my spotlight.... but I did it!

I was closing the summit with my session entitled “You Have the Information, What’s Next”?

My introverted ways can sometimes step in and put the brakes on, but I am so pleased I decided to challenge my introversive blockers and go for it anyway.

My strategy to overcome it this time round (for my fellow confident introverts out there) was not to think ahead to me standing on stage with a dry mouth, but rather take each day as it came in the lead up to my session and only deal with nerves that belong to that day.

It went better than I expected. I went through my journey to date and how I got here and shared some strategies with you all to help start conversations but most of all to help you stand out as that forward-thinking strategic assistant who steers tangible change with what you learn at events.

As an administrative assistant, continuous learning is crucial. But how do you make the most of it? This was a burning question I had for years, and no one could help me understand the HOW…

So, my session was about inspiring and equipping you to take each L&D event you attend and spend valuable time at, as a possibility to implement changes, be seen, be heard and stand out.

I shared a free template with you all “ Business Justification Letter - Implementing Learning” which should help you open up conversations at work or with a client to initiate changes that you identify and return from an L&D event equipped with an action plan.

????You can still access it HERE and use it, amend it, edit it, share it, reduce it or lengthen it – however it can help you, please download it.

The feedback in my DMs and email inbox has been amazing, and unexpected and has given me extra drive to keep plugging away at elevating our profession and sharing knowledge. Thank you!

“To be truly strategic and visible, showcase what YOU know and how it benefits the business. Be curious, ask questions, and raise the bar for yourself and others” – Jodie Mears

??A snippet from my presentation- Q: have you had any of these blockers in the past when it came to getting out of your carer and job ruts? Leave me a comment….

Personal Branding – forever a hot topic ??

“Brand yourself for the career you want, not the job you have.” – Dan Schawbel.

??♀??Do you feel personal branding is showing off?

I did too once, and now I have reframed that thought, which makes building my brand effortless by remembering...

“It’s not about look at me, rather look at what I can do for you”.

So, what is this going to do for you?

Quite simply- helps you stand out in a crowded market and establish credibility and trust with the social proof to match. You will see results once you adopt a key mindset - being intentional, driven and consistent. This isn't just for the career assistants looking to climb the ladder but should be for everyone who wants to do an outstanding job personally and professionally.

I have seen this work by identifying your unique value proposition. Businesses use a value proposition to go to market with products and services, so why can’t you? What sets you apart?

Get in touch if you want help establishing your personal brand as an administrative assistant - I offer mentoring & coaching

In the meantime, revisit an epic episode of The Crodie Files Podcast Live at The PA Show London 2024 with personal branding strategist and influencer – Amelia Sordell, founder of Klowt and Amy Lester (née Henley) founder of Typing & Tasks VA, coach, public speaker and around Wonderwoman - who dropped some amazing value bombs throughout the whole episode.

?? Also available to watch on YouTube

Learning Spotlight

Blog post - The Power of Active Listening by Hassan M. Al-Shohaty

I love a blog post as a quick way of digesting some learning and even turning it into some thought leadership and conversation starters.

This one from Hassan Al-Shohaty hits the mark with understanding more about transforming your professional relationships. In this blog, you will find Practical Tips for Professionals and Executive Assistants on Mastering Listening Skills.

??Leave your comments with what resonated with you? Leave me a comment.

Rewards Spotlight

If you are aware of any other incentive programmes (globally), please do DM me and I will feature them in the next edition.

Rare Restaurants (UK) Have a great PA Club for you to join very easily. “We truly embrace the value of PAs, EAs, VAs and event bookers to our business, and are committed to rewarding you for your hard work & continued support”

To find out more email and connect with Victoria A. [email protected] there is a special points promotion when you mention ‘The Assist List/Jodie’

Events & Networking Spotlight

UK

August 6th – PA Forum - A relaxed night of networking and lots of fun courtesy of Marriott Leicester and Luxury Live Music. Time: 6-8 pm. Included: 2 x drinks per person and canapes. Activity: LIVE Music Quiz courtesy of Luxury Live Music, Mr and Mrs Grey. connect with Daniel Skermer and see the link for tickets

August 9th - Strategic PA Network -POWER HOUR ONLINE event on ‘Focus on Your Negotiation Behaviours: Navigating Negotiation as an Executive Assistant’ with Gordon Hall. 12:30 pm GMT connect with Savanna Skeath to find out more.

August 8th – The Office Management Group - Networking at Shelley Offices. Contact OMG to register and connect with Hana Gray

September 6th - The Crodie Files Podcast launches- “It’s All About You & Influencing Change” Conference. Ansty Hall- Coventry, an Exclusive Collection venue. See the link for tickets

Join us for a full day of learning and development around these key topics:

?? Personal Branding: Why you need it and how to build it

?? Sustainable Team Building: Event planning and innovative ideas

?? Mindset: How to forge forward and stay resilient

?? Influencing Positive Change: DE&I strategies for real impact

?? Wellness and Wellbeing: For you and your workplace

??Ticket Price: ￡40 for a full day of personal and professional development plus lunch & refreshments. Overnight stays are available at an amazing reduced rate of just ￡90 B&B please contact Flow Hancox to secure your room today.

Spaces are very limited for an exclusive group of attendees looking for growth to influence opportunities- book your space today.

September 19th - Glasgow PA Showcase, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Clayton Hotel Glasgow City See the link for tickets and connect with Rosemary McLennan to find out more.

USA

I love hearing about options to network globally, so when I connected with Kelly M. and was introduced to her baby- EAs to the Rescue I had to find out more.

The global group is truly amazing and I asked Kelly to explain how this group came about.

EAs to the Rescue was created to address the difficulty in finding community, resources, and support in the field of business support professionals - Kelly Munoz

"EAs to the Rescue is a global Slack networking group for business support professionals, fostering collaboration, resource-sharing, and mutual support. It includes Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, Office Managers, and Project Managers. Join our networking to forge connections, access valuable resources, and elevate your professional journey in an inclusive and accessible environment. Members navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and empower each other to make a meaningful impact".

Applications are open the first full week of every month, called Membership Week.

??2024 Membership Week Dates:

August 5

September 2

October 7

November 4

December 2

Another great option for networking globally but also in person in the US is the EA Social Club brainchild of Becky Kaapuni

Becky Kaapuni Senada S. and the team organise many social events for EAs to come together and authentically network in amazing venues across the US. Check out membership options and information on events here

We aim to create a space where EAs know they are valued, appreciated, and accepted. We hope you will consider joining us!

Follow EA Social Club on Eventbrite for more details on their next events.

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If you would like to write a feature for my newsletter or have your venue reviewed and it is relevant to the Administrative Assistant profession and role - just drop me a message!

That's all for now, until next time...

Jodie Mears, C-Suite Executive Assistant & Co-Host of The Crodie Files Podcast

NETWORK-LEARN-GROW & SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE

https://craigandjodie.com/