The Entrepreneurial Assistant
Are you leveraging your skills to improve your career?
There are many skills that an executive assistant can use to improve their career. One of those skills is entrepreneurship - the ability to see opportunities and take action. If you have this skill, you can use it to create opportunities for yourself, your team and your organisation that showcase real value and you, as one of the best.
As an executive assistant, you are constantly interacting with people and harnessing skills that help you build relationships and influence others. These are two vital entrepreneurial qualities.
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The way of business today requires an 'all hands-on deck' approach, and as an entrepreneurial executive assistant, you can be at the forefront of this, seeking ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your organisation. In doing so, you are positioning yourself to be a catalyst for positive change.
Forward-thinking leaders look for entrepreneurship in their employees and often promote those who display it. If you want to be the best executive assistant possible, start thinking and acting like an entrepreneur.
But what does it mean to "think" and "act" like an entrepreneur? Here are some tips:
Be proactive. Entrepreneurs are always looking for opportunities. They don't wait for things to happen; they make things happen. This also means being proactive in your career development. Don't wait for things to happen; make them happen. If there's a project you want to be involved in, speak up. If there's a skill you want to learn, take the initiative to do so.
Be a problem solver. Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to improve things. They're not afraid of challenges; they see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Be a risk-taker. Entrepreneurs are willing to take risks. They know that sometimes you must take a leap of faith to achieve something great.
Be passionate. Entrepreneurs are passionate about what they do. They're not just going through the motions; they're driven by a desire to make a difference.
Be persistent. Entrepreneurs don't give up easily. They know that success requires hard work and dedication.
Be resourceful. Find creative ways to get things done. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Be resilient. Things will go wrong, but don't give up. Learn from your mistakes and keep going.
Be a lifelong learner. Entrepreneurs are always learning. They're not afraid of change; they embrace it.
Be strategic - Create a plan: Entrepreneurs are known for thinking ahead and planning for the future. As an executive assistant, you can create a plan for your career development. This may include taking courses, networking, or shadowing a more experienced executive or personal assistant.
Entrepreneur skills will serve you no matter what stage of your career. If you want to be the best executive assistant possible, adopt an entrepreneurial mindset!
What is an entrepreneurial mindset?
An entrepreneurial mindset is a way of thinking that allows you to see opportunities and take action. It is a mindset of possibility and abundance. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, you believe that anything is possible.
Do you have entrepreneurial skills?
If you're not sure if you have entrepreneurial skills, ask yourself these questions:
Do you see opportunities where others see problems?
Do you like to take risks?
Are you a self-starter?
Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have entrepreneurial skills!
Some final thoughts on the matter
The best executive assistants are always looking for ways to improve their skills and careers. If you have entrepreneurial skills, use them to your advantage! Create opportunities for yourself and your career. Be the best executive assistant you can be!
What other skills do you think an executive assistant needs to be successful? Share in the comments.