Be the Ultimate Assistant

Question 1

Manners are absolute

Answer 1

Follow up after not hearing from someone about a situation. Always send thank you notes for attending and thank you notes for various reasons. Give the people your undivided attention (do not play with your phone or do other activities while you are talking or interacting). Hold doors open for others. If someone looks lost, ask to assist in helping them or finding out what to do. Go out of your way to help someone (even if they rarely help you). Don’t interrupt people while they are speaking. Correctly spell and pronounce names. DO NOT wait to send thank you notes\gifts and to express appreciation. **You can also send, “I’M SORRY” gifts when you have done something in error! Return calls immediately, the same day, or on the next business day.

Question 2

Unrooted lifestyle

Answer 2

You will be doing your job from different places, change is always happening here. Sometimes you will live in their home or guest house (this is common in Los Angeles).

Question 3

You are the captain of the ship

Answer 3

There is a need for someone to be in charge and know what is going on, most often, that is the assistant. You are the go-to person in a crisis. You will do public speaking. Professional celebrity assistants must solve problems fast, pull off last minute saves, and perform small miracles.

Question 4

Your personal relationships are your secret weapon

Answer 4

**Have a drop dead Rolodex full of a TON of people that you have business and personal (of course you would have both) relationships with who know you and can make your job magic, plus, give you an outstanding reputation. Be a popular, social, sexy assistant.

Question 5

Assistant defined

Answer 5

Assistant- A person who helps, aids, abets, does for, enables, accompanies, attends, escorts, cooperates, comforts, and supports another.

Question 6

The gift I give is Time

Answer 6

I handle all of the small details that go no in their daily lives so they do not have to feel overwhelmed and can enjoy their lives (for example, if they are out of the country, I take care of their home and animals. I special order tickets at the box office and the tickets are ready for them when they arrive at the theatre.

Question 7

Parental Skills

Answer 7

You must enjoy making sense out of nonsense.

Question 8

Qualities to Have:

Answer 8

Qualities to have: detail oriented, self-motivated, protective and nurturing. The ability to instantly prioritize and then re-prioritize as the situation changes. Ability to anticipate needs. You are:
o	Resourceful
o	Have people skills
o	Are spontaneous
o	Flexible	
o	And have good communication skills

Question 9

Your Boss: Can you make this happen?

Answer 9

YES, is always the answer to, “Can you make this happen?” Sometimes you will need to offer perks and gifts for people when money and charm does not work for you. If you client, for example, needs to get seats on a booked flight, you can offer concert tickets or rare shoes in exchange for tickets on the plane.

Question 10

Confirm Appointments and Meetings

Answer 10

Reconfirm appointments 2 days before hand with a live, human being.

Question 11

Be Handy

Answer 11

Be sure office supplies and any other needed tools are stocked at all times. Know how to run and fix all gadgets (fax machine, iPhone, etc.). Keep all of the instruction manuals.

Question 12

Note Taker

Answer 12

Be sure that you keep a notepad with you at all times to jot things down. It is not a good idea to rely on “just remembering”.**LOVE MAKING LISTS

Question 13

Network for Life

Answer 13

EVERYONE you meet is important and in your life for a lifetime. You have to be close to everyone because you will need help from them one day or favors (policemen, county clerks, etc.). Personal relationships and connections with EVERYONE (the busboy to the celebrity millionaire) are important to cultivate. You must know who you can call to get the job done WELL.

Question 14

Be personable, in the traditional sense

Answer 14

Communicating face to face has become more special because most of the time we are communicating impersonally through email, text, etc. Do not get sucked in to the impersonal, communication world, it is easy to skip over feelings. Be present, polite, have good manners, and be personable. **Spend extra time chatting with people, being social, and gossiping!—This also helps in getting you ahead!

Question 15

What are the latest hotel and restaurant trends?

Answer 15

Read entertainment and food websites and dining guides in magazines and newspapers so you can find out about the new and trendy, “in” restaurants and hotels.

Question 16

Cut a deal

Answer 16

EVERYTHING is negotiable. Always get 0 or a penny for the cost of things.

Question 17

The celebrity has a hectic lifestyle

Answer 17

Celebrities live hectic lives and it is your job to bring order to their chaotic life. A celebs needs vary at any given time and fluctuates.

Question 18

Good communication between the two of you

Answer 18

Good communication and regular, open dialogue is required w/ the celebrity in order to adapt and respond to change as different needs arise.

Question 19

You are always on the clock

Answer 19

22. On call 24/7. You take your work with you on vacation. All of the people, family, and the employees that are in the celebrities life have your number as well and will call anytime of the day.

Question 20

Annual Pay Raise

Answer 20

When you are working, have a yearly review with your boss wherein you will ask for a pay and benefit increases (more days off, pension plan, health insurance, phone reimbursement, etc). You will have in writing a review of the years past progress, especially noting any additions to your responsibilities.

Question 21

The mind of the Artist

Answer 21

Artists are in touch with naked emotions that they mine for our perusal. Artists are the lenses through which life is transmitted. They experience life more clearly than the rest. They show us what we think and feel in a way that is profound, intense, and highly emotional.

Question 22

You get this job by who you know, NETWORKING

Answer 22

** The most important way to get the job is to NETWORK! Knowing people and having a good personality. Knowing your colleagues areas of expertise, THEIR contacts, and vice versa. Just, KNOW EVERYONE!
o ALWAYS HANG AROUND PLACES WHERE CELEBRITIES (NOT JUST RICH PEOPLE) ARE.

Question 23

You are the social butterfly

Answer 23

HAVE A GOOD ROLEDEX. Have business cards.

Question 24

Master Achievement

Answer 24

**HAVE A MENTOR. They can make the difference between general success and superior achievement.