EAn Introduction

Welcome to our May 2017 edition of The Assistant

Well, its that time of year folks, that time when we offer up the amazing benefits that come with Membership of EAN at a vastly reduced rate. Already amazing value, from now until the end of June, members can renew, upgrade or extend their membership for the even more amazingly good value rate of $80 plus GST.

For Associate Members, you get to experience the many benefits of membership for the next 12 months at the ridiculously low cost of $80 plus GST

And for existing Members, well either renew or extend your membership for a further 12 months and save 20% off the normal rate. So even if your full membership doesn’t expire for some months, you can extend for a further 12 months beyond that date now. Our system automatically calculates your expiry date and adds 12 months to then.

From the Chat Room to the Member Directory, archived articles videos and papers, there are so many reasons to choose to be a full Member. So, whether a renewing Member, an Associate Member or non-member, what are you waiting for. This deal only lasts up until June 30th.

Last year approximately 40% of current Members made use of the EOFY discount rate. So it really is worth doing.

In the past few months we’ve mentioned that some of our team have been out doing presentations at companies across Australia, or holding meetings to discuss the benefits of our integrated and holistic training and consulting processes.

We’ve received some awesome feedback on the way so if you want us to come and see you, please contact the office and let us know.

In terms of our conference programs for the 2017 series, our Canberra and Brisbane programs are currently available on the website and taking bookings, so please don’t miss out on those Early Bird rates. And we expect the Melbourne program to be available within the next week or so. So, if you are looking to take advantage of the Advance Notice rate for Melbourne, do so now before the program is released and our Early Bird rate kicks in.

We hope you enjoy this edition and as always, we look forward to receiving any feedback or ideas that you may want to share for new features or articles you would love to see.

Jonathan McIlroy
Editor and Director, Education & Learning
Executive Assistant Network

The EA's role of filtering information for their boss

A good Executive Assistant knows how to relay only the most important information to their Executive. Executives usually don't need to know the particulars of which employee is leaving. They only need to know when, how this will affect the bottom line and how the company can go about filling that gap as quickly as possible.

It's up to the EA to make sure that the Executive knows only the most relevant information to their role, according Jan Jones, author of The CEO's Secret Weapon Opens a New Window, a book about what makes a successful EA. Executives are busy people with millions of things on their minds, so it's crucial that the EA doesn't contribute unnecessary noise.

If you ever do observe people in the office, you'll notice how people can communicate with very few words. For example, when an EA tells their boss that their "three o'clock is here," it seems vague. But, in reality, the EA is relying on the Executive to fill in the missing puzzle pieces; the Executive will remember that a client is coming in for a three o'clock appointment and that they're in the waiting room.

Industry Recognition

To date over 120 students have completed Executive Assistant Academy Diplomas, with new graduates joining our Alumni each month. (Details of those already completed can be seen on our Alumni Board Page.)

At the time of writing, our registrations for 2017 are ahead of any previous year, and with our new Distance Learning options now available, our expectation is ...

It has been a very busy month at Elite Assistants. We are being inundated with great companies from all over Australia who understand how important it is to have a specialised approach to finding the perfect EA and PA for them. If you are looking for a new career challenge, or are just curious as to what might be out there, we urge you to get in touch by email or phone to let us help you. Alternatively you can expect to meet myself at some of Executive Assistant Network's many networking events.

Below are just a few of the current roles we have that might be a perfect fit for you.

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AV versus IT- What the???

As technology gets more and more user friendly (so they say!), the line between AV (Audio Visual) and IT (Information Technology) becomes increasingly blurred. As an EA or PA it seems that there is an unwritten responsibility in your job description for both to work seamlessly in the workplace. When it comes to the events or meetings where the two come together both issues and opportunities need to be well-managed and organised in advance.

Firstly, what is the difference between AV & IT? Lots. IT is the protection, storage, transfer and management of information, such as documents, emails, programs or the selfies on your phone. AV on the other hand is the distribution or the way that information is displayed to an audience whether it be a mass audience, small group or a specific individual. It could be a conference call, presentation, exhibition, or a screen to view funny cat videos on YouTube. The Information and Technology to store and hold it is always there, but until you use Audio and Visual devices to see and hear it, it remains as information only.

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Providing personalised, authentic customer service, state of the art facilities and world-class dining, a Crown Towers hotel is where travellers go to unwind, indulge and to experience luxury at its finest.

Crown Towers Perth is the pinnacle of luxury and the largest hotel in Western Australia with 500 guest rooms, the award-winning Crown Spa, acclaimed restaurants and expansive resort pools.

Showcasing Michael Fiebrich interior design, the guest rooms feature a timeless and modern aesthetic both elegantly styled and richly furnished with marble bathrooms and spacious living areas.

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BYO at OTTO Sydney and OTTO Brisbane Gather at the table with shared Italian fare and BYO wine to celebrate your next big event with family & friends. Enjoy assaggi on arrival followed by a three course share menu for $89 per person –Available daily for groups of 13 guests or more.

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We are pleased to announce that Cliftons Art Prize is now inviting you to submit your artwork.

Our international judging panel will select state and regional winners, who will receive AU$2,000 and the chance to compete for the major Cliftons Art Prize title and AU$10,000 prize money.

Cliftons, the leading provider of training and event venues helps raise the profiles of local emerging artists and encourages corporate patronage of the arts. Since 2001, the annual Art Prize has given international exposure for artists, with winning artworks showcased to more than 4,000,000 people at our venues. Furthermore, every artwork submitted is displayed on the Cliftons Art Prize website, which attracts over 50,000 visitors yearly.

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When one of the world’s largest direct selling businesses, Amway China, held its annual Leadership Seminar in Sydney in January 2017, Luna Park Venues opened every door in its famous park to host thousands of delegates for dinner and entertainment in the spectacular harbour-side location

Luna Park Venues worked closely with the Turning Point Group during the thirteen day seminar, one of the largest business events in Sydney, to host over 8,000 delegates at dinners throughout the venue on four nights in January, with approximately 2,000 delegates at each event.

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There are good meetings & there are “bad” meetings. Bad meetings drone on forever, you never seem to get to the point, and you leave wondering why you were even present. Effective ones leave you energised & feeling that you've really accomplished something.

If you are responsible for organising meetings as part of your role, consider these tips for planning an efficient & effective meeting that your boss & attendees will appreciate & actually look forward to.

So what does a “bad” meeting look like? A wasted morning or afternoon where nothing actually gets decided or actioned. Could it be that there are too many people who aren’t required, only invited for “political” reasons? Not to mention the distractions… the gravitational pull of your phone & ever increasing to-do list, or a colleague waiting for the meeting to be over to get to another one!

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STAY BRIGHT WITH MERITON SERVICED APARTMENTS

Globally acclaimed, this year’s Vivid Sydney will encompass iridescent lights and interactive projections that are sure to captivate locals and travellers alike.

Featuring crafty designs, funky live music and an abundance of entertainment, this annual light, music and ideas festival will brighten up any Sydney visit. With so many events and activations set up across the CBD and surrounds, Meriton Serviced Apartments has the perfect space and facilities to accommodate all.

Featuring prime proximity to every event, Meriton Serviced Apartments World Tower guarantees sky-high living in an expansive range of 2 and 3 bedroom luxury suites. Situated on the top 17 floors of Sydney’s tallest residential building, these fully-furnished premium suites feature spectacular views across the illuminated city, promising the perfect backdrop for a memorable stay.

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The iconic Hotel Kurrajong Canberra offers impressive event spaces and a unique 1920’s inspired setting, in the heart of the nation’s Capital. This restored, historic building is an ideal location for conferences and events, specialising in small meetings and functions with a difference. With 5 rooms available for between 8 and 160 people, plus a private dining room, there is space to suit any of your meeting or conference needs, within walking distance to Canberra’s top attractions. Book your Day Delegate Package between May and September for $65.00pp, minimum 20 delegates

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Affordable conference venues come in a variety of shapes & sizes, and choosing the right one really can make or break your event so before you make any announcements do some research and bear these important features in mind when making your choice. At Joondalup Resort and Country Club we have the conference, hotel and golf facilities that tick all the boxes at a cost that won’t break your budget!

Location, Location, Location. The estate agent’s mantra is one that should be at the front of your mind when choosing a conference venue. Take into consideration where your delegates and speakers will be coming from and how they’re going to get to the venue. It’s vital that the venue you choose has easy access to major motorways and ample parking, preferably on the venue grounds. With domestic air travel growing by the day some delegates coming from the further reaches of Australia or abroad may choose to fly, so a venue with an airport shuttle also makes sense.

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Nestled in most big companies OH&S commitments is a phrase or two about how important employee wellness is. Yet when given a chance to “walk the talk” how many E.A.s. follow through by ordering healthy food for meetings?

Based on our experience we have two answers to this question – the first is disturbing and the second is more encouraging.

      1. The disturbing - Less than 15% of corporate catering orders we receive are 100% healthy

      2. The encouraging – this percentage is increasing by approx. 5% per year

The evidence is mounting that the bottom line impact of assisting employees to eat healthier foods at work is significant.

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