The Flying PA      

​A short(ish) history on how I became a PA & VA extraordinaire...

 

My secretarial training began way back when we still took shorthand and typed on typewriters using carbon copies (!) so my early professional background was in providing traditional secretarial services, which gave me a great backbone and the basis from which everything else followed.  I spent the first phase of my career earning my stripes across a range of sectors including Local Government (Architecture Department), University Administrator, Commercial Property & Legal Services, picking up a lot of skills along way - this was all before the internet kicked in! 

 

After a while I become restless and I decided to study for a degree in Fine Art Valuation to satisfy a lifelong unquenchable thirst for all things to do with The Arts - thankfully this degree covered all bases - architecture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles, fine arts, sculpture, furniture design etc (you get the idea!).  As an already avid flea market & second-hand shop hunter, this served to only increase rather than satisfy my enthusiasm, as now I had a greater knowledge of what I was looking at.

 

Following my degree, a very enjoyable period of employment ensued as PA to the Director of Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, West Sussex; during the four years I worked at the Gallery it underwent huge changes, with the construction of an impressive new wing, and I watched it evolve from an historic building with a small but impressive art collection to an international Modern Art destination.  Working at Pallant House I was involved with its daily business of running exhibitions, workshops and showcasing the permanent collection for the benefit of the general public, as well as helping to organise and attend private views, fund-raising events, rubbing shoulders with a wide variety of professionals including artists, patrons, public funding bodies, private benefactors, local dignitaries, the press and, even on occasion, royalty. 

 

My next career move saw me become private & business PA to a successful entrepreneur running a collection of companies comprising residential and commercial property construction (including award winning developments), nationwide foster care services and a yacht hire business.  This was your classic PA role, and I became proficient at adapting my skills to suit the matter at hand, working to facilitate and improve productivity and aid the smooth running of both my boss's business and home life; it included managing his private schedules, such as arranging holidays, organising transportation of his yachts worldwide, coordinating regatta crews, and dealing with his wider family’s personal affairs such a house moves, bank accounts and mortgage arrangements.  In addition to my PA role I was Sales & Marketing Manager for the residential side of the property business, dealing with clients making high value purchases from initial enquiry to completion of sale; responsibilities included organising the production of marketing material, writing press releases, carrying out market research, overseeing and approving advertising, maintaining the company website, liaising with sales agents and business associates; raising the company profile through sponsorship of local charities; organising corporate social events including theatre, sailing, horse racing and pheasant shoots.

 

My final role before turning freelance saw me move into an Operations Manager position for an international sports training company. This is where I found out I possessed the skill of 'to-hit-the-ground-running' and continued to do so for five years in the busy and ever changing world of professional sports.  As Operations Manager my role was all encompassing.  I oversaw the running of an international company that provides injury prevention and physiotherapy solutions in the sports industry. I coordinated a team of thirty professional sports therapists worldwide who worked with individuals, premier teams, clubs and organisations to deliver training to maximise performance and reduce injury with elite athletes and sportsmen.

 

I arranged training events, consultancy and courses at hospitals, clinics, clubs and other sports organisations; I set up seminars, webinars and meetings; I organised the company’s participation at national and international conferences.  I maintained three websites, contributed to blogs and was administrator for social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin).  I wrote press releases, promotional material and other marketing collateral.  I managed complex diaries and itineraries, arranging travel and meetings across multi territories and time zones.  I oversaw the day-to-day finance for the business including paying suppliers, invoicing customers, reconciling bank accounts (sterling and euro), balancing petty cash, collating Directors’ expenses, maintaining and devising financial spreadsheets, monitoring cash flow, setting and adjusting budgets, raising company cheques, paying wages and preparing the monthly accounts.

 

I arranged the relocation of the company offices from Shropshire to West Sussex at the outset of my role, with no handover from previous staff.  I was given immediate responsibility for hiring staff and was the appointed company secretary and signatory; I organised utilities, new bank accounts and dealt with the property lease, whilst maintaining and learning the ongoing business; I chased outstanding debtors, sought new business and introduced myself to colleagues and contacts, both national and international.  This was an extreme learning curve within a new field, but one that I conquered in a calm and diligent manner.  Having successfully coped with this challenging role I feel absolutely confident that I have amassed a range of transferrable skills applicable to a wide variety of workplaces and sectors.

 

And finally, having accomplished a great deal as an employee I am now in the fortunate postion to be my own boss and am available to offer my services on a freelance basis, taking some of the pain away from those of you who don't enjoy nor have the time to perform secretarial and administrative tasks, which are nonetheless essential to the successful running of your business.