As an Executive Assistant, you’re always being asked to do more, be faster, and stay one step ahead of your CEO. It can seem like an impossible task—after all, how do you anticipate your boss’s needs when they’re constantly changing? The answer is simple: by staying ahead of the curve. Here are a few tips for becoming the best damn executive assistant out there.
Stay Organized
Organization is key when it comes to anticipating your CEO’s needs. Keep a detailed schedule that includes both their daily tasks and upcoming events such as meetings or conferences. Make sure to set reminders for any important deadlines or commitments. By doing this, you will be able to easily see what tasks need to be completed and when they need to be done in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. You'll also have time to do research if needed before presenting information or advice to your CEO.
Be Proactive
Being proactive means taking initiative without being asked and being prepared for any situation. Research industry trends and news so that you can provide your CEO with relevant information as soon as possible. If there are any upcoming conferences or events related to their business, make sure that you have done your research beforehand so that you can provide them with helpful insights or suggestions during the event itself. Additionally, pay attention to what other executives in the industry are doing so that you can recommend new strategies or tactics if necessary.
Communicate Effectively
Having good communication skills is essential for being an effective executive assistant since it will help ensure everything runs smoothly between you and your boss. Make sure that any emails you send include all relevant details such as deadlines and contact information, so that nothing gets lost in translation. When speaking with colleagues or other contacts on behalf of your CEO, always communicate clearly and follow up promptly if needed. Most importantly, never forget who is in charge—your role is not just about making decisions but also relaying those decisions effectively while still remaining respectful at all times.
Staying a step ahead of your boss doesn't have to feel like an impossible task; with a little practice and the right skillset, anyone can become an amazing executive assistant! Start by getting organized and staying ahead of the curve by researching industry trends and news regularly. Be proactive when necessary by offering new ideas or solutions before they're asked for them. Finally, remember that communicating effectively is essential; make sure all emails are detailed while still following orders from above without question! With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way towards becoming the best damn executive assistant out there!
If you're a 'write down a list kinda person (I like you even more now!), here are my top five ways to stay ahead of the curve:
1. Keep up with the latest news.
The business world and industry you're in is likely constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date. One way to do this is to keep up with the latest news. There are a number of ways to do this following business news websites or my personal favourite, setting up google alerts with a keen focus on competitor news!
2. Attend industry events.
Another way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the business world is to attend industry events. These events can be conferences, trade shows, or even just networking events. Attending these events can help you learn about new products and services, as well as trends that are happening in your industry.
3. Read industry publications.
In addition to attending industry events, another way to stay informed about what’s happening in the business world is to read industry publications. These publications can be magazines, newspapers, or even online blogs. Reading these can help you keep up with the latest news and developments in your industry.
4. Follow thought leaders on social media.
Stay up-to-date on the business world is to follow thought leaders on social media. These are people who are considered experts in their field and who share their insights on a regular basis. By following them on social media, you can learn about the latest trends and developments in the business world.
5. Experiment with new technologies
Finally, it’s important to experiment with new technologies that could potentially benefit your business. Whether it’s a new CRM system or a new marketing tool, staying ahead of the curve requires you to be open to change and willing to experiment with new things
Let me know if this works for you, I always love hearing from you incredible #ConnectedAssistants out there.
Stay kind, stay awesome,
Meg ✌️