What makes a modern Personal Assistant?

What makes a Modern Personal Assistant?

It always amazes me when I see some of the people who are earning double or triple that of a Professional Butler when they only have a tiny part of the skill set. A controversial statement maybe?

So maybe the right question is what training and experience does someone need to be a super Personal Assistant?

Without being rude to personal assistants, what does it take to be a Personal Assistant and how does the job compare with that of an Estate or Household Manager, or simply that of a Professional Butler?

I believe most high-profile Butlers would already possess many of the inherent skills of a successful Personal Assistant, but would they be just as successful as the very best PA’s out there?

• Event planner

• Household administrator

• keeper of records and contract renewal and negotiation.

• Inventories of all valuables, art, China, equipment, linen, library books, DVDS, CDS,

• Requisition control, ordering and controlling par stocks.

• Hiring, firing and appraisal, training, and development of all employees.

• Organising all travel plans, visas, hotels, flights, transfers, staffing arrangements.

• Personal secretarial duties for their employer.

• Keep an inventory of all library books by author and by subject?

• Keep up to date, inventory of videos, cassettes, DVDs, CDs with added location.

A Personal Assistant has a great responsibility and is the person who connects to every employer. They will be able to communicate on their behalf and be able to make decisions in the best interest of the employer.

They must be calm when under pressure, informed, but discreet and confidential on all matters. The best personal assistants should think ten steps ahead and be proactive to customise situations in a positive way. Having met so many who are highly strung, an ability to always be nice, to act as an ambassador for their employer and share kindness without being taken advantage of. At the end of the day, the very best Personal assistants are worth their weight in gold, they are dedicated, loyal and never leave their employer.

Cindy Radle ( Underwood), who was the Queen of Jordan's Personal Assistant, crafted the job in her lifestyle and proved that you don’t have to make people frightened of you to get what you want. I remember, her favourite quote was, you could have the sting of a bee, or you could choose to give honey. Only one of which made you successful.