Networking for Assistants.

March Issue | 17

Welcome to the March edition of The Assistants Newsletter. Our 2024 Masterclass series is well underway and we are looking forward to welcoming Adrian Baillargeon on the 13th March – details below! To note, our Masterclasses are complimentary for everyone! We would love to see you there and please feel free to share the invite around!

Today is International Woman's Day, this year the theme is 'Inspire Inclusion' - when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. Everyone is able to inspire inclusion in all areas of their lives, today at EST10, we will be focusing on what we can do as individuals and as a business to inspire inclusion more deeply.

This month we are looking at Networking for Assistants. This can be quite daunting for many people, but the good news is, it doesn’t need to be. We hope our top tips below put you at ease and show you how networking can be easily woven into your daily activities.

Much Love

EST10

Networking for Assistants.

Believe it or not, networking plays an integral part in everyone’s day to day life. Consciously or not, we are making connections, sharing information, and even changing plans or ideas because of it. For some the word Networking conjures up images of forced small talk in large conference rooms, not everyone’s cup of tea! However, with ever advancing technology the world is edging away from the more traditional style of networking and this is true for Assistants too.

What is networking?

Networking is more than exchanging business cards and introductions. It is forming strong connections and meaningful relationships both inside and outside your place of work and as an Assistant the benefits are huge. You gain insights, information, have access to expert knowledge, resources, advice, help, support, assistance and so much more!

The important part of networking is it must be genuine and authentic, you shouldn't see people just for what they can do for you. Reciprocation is essential for networking. In fact, our recommendation is to be the first to offer advice and help and be generous with it!

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How do I network?

Well, there are lots of way! The first and most obvious is with your colleagues. How well do you know them? Take the time to really understand who does what? If you work in a large business, properly introduce yourself to the IT team, facilities, or anyone else you might need in a moment of panic. Think how much easier it will be to make that call be if you can put a face to the name and vice versa.

Staying within your organisation, is there a mentoring program? If so, get yourself signed up! You never know what you may learn, new experiences you may come across or who you may meet through your Mentor or Mentee. Perhaps you too could be a Mentor?

Further afield we can look online, which as you can imagine facilitates as many connection opportunities as you like! Starting with the basics, look at your professional social media accounts like Linkedin. There is the opportunity to connect with peers but also training, webinars, specialist groups, even online conferences. Do your research find the ones that genuinely interest you and will help you professionally develop. Many of these will take place in work hours, don’t let that put you off! Most business really value employee’s looking to expand their networks and skillsets.

Face to face events remain a great way to increase your network. Industry specific conferences, or events specifically dedicated to Assistant development are a great place to start. Also look at Alumni functions from previous employers or educational institutions as these will be a rich source of likeminded individuals to connect with. Perhaps you are member of a Professional Association? If you are, make the most of it! Many offer a plethora of resources both online and in person, take advantage of any that work for you.

Networking is something you can never tick off your to do list, it is ever evolving. Try not to see it as a chore and instead slowly integrate it into your daily activities. Don’t forget networking is a two-way street, you have lots to offer other people as well, so it works both ways.

Good Luck!

EST10 Hot Job

Executive Assistant

Real Estate

$120,000 + Super

You will be welcomed into state of the art, modern offices with an open, spacious feel. This firm has a global footprint and strong roots in Australia, they are a highly regarded organisation with a fantastic reputation for looking after their staff.?

Must read this month!

Fast Company: 7 phrases that make you sound inauthentic and cringeworthy by Roxanne Calder.

Upcoming events

Masterclasses

Adrian Baillargeon.

Performance Energy.

12.30pm, Wednesday 13th March 2024

Rarely do we give ourselves permission to pause and think about what we need in our lives to perform at our best in the workplace. Learn the strategies that will help you understand what you need to do to maintain your energy levels!

Richard Spencer.

Ageism.

12.30pm, Wednesday 3rd April 2024.

Age discrimination is the last socially acceptable form of prejudice in Australian employment.

So how can organisations and employees reduce inherent ageism?

What's new....

Soul Dining

Wynyard

The modern Korean diner may have a new location but its signature bites remain!

And something for you....

The Run Club at Darling Harbour

Be part of?The Run Club?in Darling Harbour, a free and active vibrant community for runners of all skill levels. Kick your week off with a bang every Monday morning from?7:15am – 8:15am with an incredible work out, offering the opportunity to socialise, burn some calories and find out exactly what a runner’s high really is.

Each week you will meet on the Village Green South in Darling Quarter, where you will be greeted by a trainer who will take you through warm ups, practice drills and different routes each week. You'll get to perfect your form, work on your endurance, meet like minded people and explore Darling Harbour. All that before 9am? What an accomplishment!