Myriam Balerio is the founder and writer of PA Privé. After kick starting her career as a PA and finding success as an assistant, Myriam later trained in digital and online marketing and has since combined the two disciplines in creating PA Privé, the platform through which she provides sage advice for those in the assistant profession and a network for like-mined PAs and EAs to connect. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Myriam has lived in London for over 10 years and currently lives in London with her husband and French bulldog.

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How to Boost Team Creativity

  Being creative is more than just coming up with new ideas for products, or cost reductions. It’s a tool that can be used in many ways and situations. Creative people are better problem solvers and tend to overcome obstacles to reaching goals better than plodders. Research shows that people are much more creative and productive when they feel happy says Daniel Gilbert, a psychology professor at Harvard University.     Having a hard time coming up with new ideas with your team? A few practical tips to build a more creative team.    Learn each team members’ distinctive talents  The areas ...

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How to organise an Event

Managing an event has become a specialised discipline and requires an abundance of skills. The following are 10 things to keep in mind while organising an event      Questions to consider before planning an event: What are the objectives (both primary and secondary) of the event? What is the benefit to the organization? Are there achievable budgets and results? Does the concept have the support of your Board or Head Office? Do you need to test by running a pilot event? What is the division of roles and responsibilities? How can the event be monitored? How will the evaluation ...

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Five Time Management Ideas for Executive Assistants

It is frustrating to constantly feel overloaded with work. Have you ever thought, “I’m sure there’s an easier way of doing this”? Chances are there are, and with the following tips you’ll be able to save time in most of your activities and be happier at work.      1 – Get organized Getting organized is the first thing you should do in the day so all the other activities don’t get jeopardized. Organisation leads to accomplishment while disruption leads to loss of focus, delay of work getting done and ultimately frustration.    2 – Create templates  In order to ...

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Tips for Having More Productive Days

Are You Busy or Are You Productive? There is a big difference between being busy and being productive, yet many of us use the two terms interchangeably. Stop confusing busyness for productivity, and you’ll get more done. Are you making progress on mission-critical tasks and projects? Then, you are productive.       We believe having a productive day is all down to planning, prioritising and focusing. Check out our tips below:   Get enough sleep every night. Wake up early, probably just after sunrise. Many studies reveal that morning birds are more creative, energetic and motivated than night owls ...

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Some of The Top Online Meeting and Conference Tools

In a world where we now communicate and collaborate mainly via the Internet, it’s important to have the right tool available. Not only do you need something that is dependable and works properly, but you also want a tool that is easy for all of your collaborators to use.      Facebook Facebook currently supports online video calling (in partnership with Skype), though you currently cannot do group video calls. You can, however, have group text chats. It’s worth looking into since almost everyone has a FB account.    Google+Hangouts Google+ Hangouts is another social network that supports video chatting ...

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Top Networking Tips to Get You Started

Before you attend networking events, think about the true purpose of them. There is a reason it’s called networking – it is not a social event. So if there is alcohol available, make sure you limit your intake, or it might be best to avoid it altogether. Also consider your industry and target customers before deciding to attend an event – is it right for your business.    Why attend the event? – Write down what you want to achieve from the event.  Is it to meet someone specific? New job opportunity? Improve your communications skills Increase personal confidence? Whatever it ...

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Documents that are commonly used in meetings

For any meeting to take place in a procedural way, there are a few important and necessary documents involved without which the meeting will not go smoothly.   The necessary documents for a meeting are:      Agenda The meeting agenda is the meeting plan. Document created by the PA, secretary or admin. It is then approved by the chairman and circulated to the other members who will be attending the meeting. It can be distributed either digitally or as hard copies. It is always best to have a few spare copies. It lays out the topics that need to be ...

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Minute Taking Guidance

Minutes serve as legal binding documents in many situations and in many organizations and can be produced as evidence of certain discussions and decisions when there are legal challenges in the future. A common job duty of administrative and EAs is to be able to take effective meeting minutes. Whether you are taking minutes at a team meeting or a meeting of the Board of Directors, the skills are pretty much the same.   The following is a guide for making this task easier:    Before the meeting.  Choose your tool: Decide how you will take notes, i.e. pen and paper, ...

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Business Etiquette – Common Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your career is not understanding that there are certain codes and rules to abide by in the workplace. If you’re not careful, you may even lose opportunities because others are put off by your lack of professionalism.      Don’t Listen to Your Music Player in the Elevator. and don’t check your e-mail messages. “Wearing earplugs is like putting a Do Not Disturb sign on you”. It sends a message to colleagues that you want to be left alone, an unfriendly gesture at best. Elevators and hallways are prime spots for friendly, ...

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Office Wear Essentials

Contrary to popular belief, there are many ways to stay sensible yet stylish at the office. Getting dressed for the office doesn’t mean leaving your personal style behind. Find out which looks give you a polished, professional look and which fashions can be a career killer.     Below are some must-have items for a completely polished, professional wardrobe Build a strong set of timeless staples
. Focus on fit and quality
. Learn to maximize your wardrobe through smart outfit combinations instead of relying solely on statement pieces.    Invest in the Classics. Save money on items that you’ll wear infrequently, and invest ...

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