Читать книгу Coffee Break Confidential. Real-Life Tales from Assistants - Christina Maslova - Страница 13

Here, I would like stop by on the following. Assistants work not just with colleagues, but with companies-partners, who provide us different services. It can be travel support, events organization, suppliers (for example, furniture, food, etc.). And the reliable supplier – it’s a big help in our daily routine. I think it’s great when you find company and people there understand your needs, they do more, and try to find the best solution for you.

Of course, a lot depends on your skills as communicator. And this is also one of the skills which can be developed. Be sure that your partners stay with you during your whole career – doesn’t matter where you work. If you know that there are people whom you can rely on – it’s also your way to be more efficient.

And not to waste your time looking for the new supplier. Assistants have very limited free time. It should be spend with value.

When I come to new company, I always try to find out which suppliers company already work with and set up good relations with them in shortest period. Every supplier – from stationary to travel. If I need more, for example, private jets – I propose, evaluate the cost and we decide if we should sign the contract. It is myth that assistants should do everything by themselves. Nothing at all. It’s simply impossible. You should control others to do it for you.

I remember I had to arrange the corporate teambuilding in Portugal. Our local agency proposed interesting, but very expensive option. Usually, what you do – you send the request to travel agent and they book everything from tickets to food. But it costs too much. During our meeting with general director, my boss actually, we looked on costs, on budget and I told – let me organize myself. The question – are you sure that you can handle it – was not stupid, because they did not know that I have already done it once, you will read about this teambuilding further on in the book. So, why not?

But, should I say that of course I haven’t’ done everything by myself. The tickets were bought through our usual travel agent, whom we work with on a business trips. The hotel was booked directly in Portugal. The guide and transfers were found by asking my colleague in Portugal. Of course, they advised the local, much cheaper travel agent, who arranged everything from guide and excursions to food and presents. And we have made the economy of 2—3 thousands Euro I think.

So, if partners can help you? Of course. Should you use all the resources to make your life easier? Certainly yes. Should you talk to your colleagues and partners abroad and ask for help? Definitely.