Today’s blog is one in a series on education, best practices and industry hot topics related to careers in Administration, including but not limited to those working as Executive Assistants, Admin Assistants and Office Managers. Today’s Admins handle duties that have no limits in scope and as the greater Philadelphia’s most trusted Corporate Transportation partner, Kevin Smith Transportation Group is invested in supporting those who work to make sure their companies run smoothly every day.
If you want to hire your own Personal Assistant to book ground transportation, call 610-222-6225 and speak to one of Kevin Smith Transportation Group’s Corporate Concierges who can assist you with everything from Airport Transportation, Executive Black Car Service and Employee Shuttle Services.
“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room” – Jeff Bezos. We have to thank Jeff, as we have not found a better way to explain personal brands in all the years we have been exploring the subject with the Rockstar Admins we work with every day.
There are a few things we need to understand (from their point of view and experience) when it comes to brand. Your brand already exists (whether you know it or not). Your brand has value attached to it (actual financial and opportunity based benefits).
A successful brand is not created by faking it. The strongest brand is not the one that is sold the most aggressively. Your brand is not your appearance (although it may influence your brand and how you are perceived).
A powerful brand relies on confidence (not to be confused with arrogance). So how do we authentically enhance our brand value? We spoke to 4 of the Rockstar Admins that we work with the most and this is what they shared.
B –Build skill sets
The working world has changed so much in the last few years and will continue to do so. In fact, the prediction is that in 5 years’ time, only 15% of what you know right now will still be relevant. So, continuous development is not a “nice to have” but a survival strategy.
Development no longer has to cost money; there are tons of free resources available. It will now require time, discipline and commitment.
We also need to be aware that in the future there will be more focus on what we called “soft skills” a few years ago (as it will be assumed that you already have the technical ability) so take that into account when planning your development.
We have also just entered the Connection Economy which will bring radical shifts in the way we work and connect with others. Creating new skills sets and being able to apply them with generosity and enthusiasm will definitely give you the edge.
R – Reputation Management
When we look at reputation management we need to think about how we communicate (in the real world and online), the standard of work we consistently produce, our ethics, how organized and punctual we are and most importantly OUR attitude.
It is not what you do on the days you feel good that determines your reputation; it is what you do daily. The small activities, words and actions accumulate to form the picture. The old saying goes “Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard”
These are major factors that influence not only our own brands but also the co-brand that we have with our manager/s, but that is a blog for another day.
A – Authenticity
No one likes a fake; it is true no matter where you go in the world. A truly amazing brand cannot be a projection, imitation or a mirage. It is ok to talk a good game but you MUST be able to back it up with consistent action.
Find your own voice, your own unique talents and contributions and bring them into your work. Don’t be a copy. People pay good money for originals, not cheap knock-offs.
N- Network
In your role as an Executive Admin, “who you know” is extremely important. Having a strong, reliable network helps you solve problems, find opportunities, grow relationships and organically enhances your brand (IF YOU ARE ADDING VALUE TO YOUR NETWORK).
Networking should be done online (there is a very dynamic, active and diverse group of assistants online from across the globe and it is easy to plug into these groups via LinkedIn or Facebook) but importantly, networking should also be done in the real world.
Take time to attend events, speak to people you have not met before in the office (even just a friendly greeting will do) and take opportunities to grow your circle. Your network = your net worth, it doesn’t matter how great you are if no one knows about you. Our Rockstar Admins aren’t encouraging you to brag but to be confident and to OWN IT!
D – Dependability
A brand is nothing if you are not consistent. Being phenomenal today and poor tomorrow doesn’t serve you, as you are not dependable and you are therefore eroding trust.
If you can’t be a star every day then pick a level you are comfortable with and stay in that zone until you are ready to level up. This applies to work that you produce; commitments made and kept, communication, your personal appearance, and emotional intelligence.
If you want to hire your own Personal Assistant to book ground transportation, call 610-222-6225 and speak to one of Kevin Smith Transportation Group’s Corporate Concierges who can assist you with everything from Airport Transportation, Executive Black Car Service and Employee Shuttle Services.
Thank you for reading today’s blog on the Administrative Professional industry. Please visit us every week as we continue to publish tips, industry news and strategies that directly impact every Administrative Professional. Next week we will publish part 2 of today’s blog on Developing Administrative Skills.