Administrative Assistant's Update

OCTOBER 2013 Every job can be new again FR OM TH E E D I TOR Joyce Grant I've been editing AAU for a long time; more than 20 years. People ask me, "doesn't it get boring?" And truly—it never does. I've thought about it, and here's how I keep my job fresh and interesting. They're strategies that can work for you, too. Keeping it fresh 1) Start by taking a job you believe in. I have been an admin and I know what my readers have to deal with in their jobs, day-in and day-out. I also know they don't get nearly enough Administrative Assistant's UPDATE Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Editorial office vjoycegrant@sympatico.ca S(416) 656-7796 UJoyce Grant, Editor Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 Customer Service S(416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 TFAX (416) 298-5082 (877) 750-9041 vcarswell.customerrelations@ thomsonreuters.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2013 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $189. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 2 support or training. I take pride in making AAU a source of professional, accurate, expert information that helps admins and EAs in their job. 2) Work for a company and people you like and respect. That's key. I've quit jobs before when I didn't believe in the vision of the company or simply didn't get along well enough with my boss. 3) Improve things. When I came to this newsletter, it was strictly columns of type with no illustrations. So, while it was a contentrich newsletter, there was room for improvement (this was before desktop publishing). Some terrific graphic designers and other newsletter experts helped to develop AAU into the more eyeappealing product it is today. 4) Seek out mentors. I'm constantly on the lookout for experts in relevant fields to write for AAU, or offer advice. This year alone we brought four new columnists on board. That makes the job really interesting—and I learn a lot, too. 5) Never accept second best. I turn down more copy than I accept. We don't want a column that talks about "these high-tech times" or "in this fast-paced world." We all know these things and certainly admins know them. You don't need platitudes—you need ideas, tips and resources that you have never heard before. I'll often take out half of someone's suggestions in order to strip away the stuff you already know, and get to the really good, fresh ideas. 6) Keep your "vision" in mind. For AAU, my vision is that every edition should give you something you can use on the job, to do your job better each month. Part of my reward is knowing that AAU has helped someone, somewhere, to be a better administrative professional. 7) Stay current. I get out of my office, go to conferences, attend workshops and chat with admins. 8) Have support. I'm supported by a terrific publisher. My boss is very supportive. Over the years I've approached him with ideas for contests, co-sponsoring opportunities and other things that have required him to do a little extra. He's never hesitated to jump right in and support AAU through marketing, advice, resources and in lots of other ways. This month's contest is a case in point—more work for him, but a terrific prize for our readers. 9) You. Over the years AAU has been blessed with readers who write in—and even a few who have written columns for us. They share their ideas and their enthusiasm for the job and for the newsletter. They keep me going. So here's to another 20 years working for a terrific publication, a great company and wonderful readers. And here's to you!

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