Happy Hump Day! Today is Administrative Professional Day formerly known as Secretary’s Day. Today is the day that many employers show (or should show) their appreciation to administrative professionals highlighting their importance to an organization.
I have worn both hats in my many careers – that of the Administrative Professional and that of the Boss – and remember all of the amazing lessons that I learned in each of those positions. In fact, I truly believe that it was my work as an Administrative Professional that guided me through most of my career. When I started at the casinos, first a Secretary but then became the Compliance Officer and a Security Supervisor. When I left the casinos, again I went back to being a Secretary in a Hotel Sales Department which took me to being the boss at a Reservation Center who got to travel around the country for business. As an Administrative Professional in a non-profit, I then moved up the ladder to Chief Operating Officer.
The title may have changed over the years from Secretary to Administrative Professional but they were the positions that helped me to grow personally and in my professional career. In my direct sales business, I have not reached the level of having an Administrative Professional as an Assistant and you can tell because on any given day (like today) my desk looks like a hot mess. I always use the skills that I acquired as an Administrative Professional to try and keep my office in a set of systems.
I have a tickler file for my calls and follow-up with my clients. Nothing fancy just a brown accordion file with a slot for each day of the week. As I make a call, or need to follow-up on something it gets dropped in that day. I also have one for the months of the year so if I need to do something in 3 or 6 months, I don’t forget. I will admit, I have tried ALOT of systems but back to basics and what worked in the past seems to be doing it right now. Of course, I have to learn how to spread out my call backs so that I don’t have 25 in one day.
My Planner is my life. I know by now I should have everything electronic so it is easer, right? The problem is that I am between two systems – an Android phone and a MAC computer (and soon an IPAD). If I put something on my phone calendar, it never seems to make it to my computer. I am sure there is a way but I haven’t figured it out. I will be glad when my birthday arrives and I get my IPAD. MAYBE then I will then be able to go back to an electronic version of things because it will be small and easy to carry in my purse.
Sounds basic, right? Administrative Professionals are the heart of any business and I truly believe that without them many businesses would collapse in failure. I applaud YOU for your hard-work and dedication. For those of you who think “I am only an Administrative Professional” or dare I say “Secretary” – wear this title with pride. If your dream is to go further, work for it, set a goal and reach for the stars. I always did and am grateful that I was able to soar with eagles as I grew in my career.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 