Publisher Spotlight: AdminChronicles
JEM is the mastermind behind AdminChronicles and an expert in all things office/work-related. What better way to share her expertise than by starting a blog? On AdminChronicles, she provides advice on telephone etiquette, lists some interview don’ts, helps with how to handle criticism, and offers ways to master Outlook. (Who couldn’t use information like that?)
How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
AdminChronicles was on the “launchpad” for approximately a year prior to its official launch in July 2008.
I started AdminChronicles to share my knowledge. I have had a very diverse and progressive administrative career. As the Office Manager for a direct report to the chairman of a Fortune 500 company, I mastered the “unwritten” rules for providing support at that level–tools that were far beyond the traditional typing, filing or scheduling meetings. The science of providing support to a senior-level executive is much more nuanced than people would expect and I wanted to share my first-hand knowledge with my peers in the hopes that it would help them achieve career success.
What has been the greatest thing you’ve received from blogging?
The greatest thing that I have received from blogging is the relationships that I have established with other bloggers in my niche. The opportunity to avail myself of their expertise has been invaluable to me as the editor-in-chief of AdminChronicles as well as to me as a “working” member of the profession. In addition, blogging has allowed me to sharpen my communication skills (both written and verbal)–I’m confident that there’s a book in me somewhere!–and develop skills in the areas of web/blog design, marketing and social networking.
Of all the posts you’ve written, what has been your favorite and why?
My favorite post is a two-part series titled, What is a Board of Advisors and Why Every Smart Professional Should Have One. This post is my favorite because it is somewhat of a blue-print of my own career. My success is without a doubt owed to both my ability to partner with other administrative professionals as it is my own desire to succeed.
What online services or tools do you recommend to other admins and why?
One of the tools that I would most recommend to my peers is CEO Express, an internet interface for executives. The site filters and organizes the content executives need on the Internet while adding features to the site to make their lives even more streamlined and efficient.
My other favorite online tool is AdminSecret (where I am a featured writer). AdminSecret is one of the premiere social and career networking site for admins.
If I had to make just one major recommendation for my peers it would be to READ. Reading not only helps me to sharpen my writing skills, but it helps me to frame my thinking in a way that allows me to partner successfully with executives. On my nightstand this week is Cathi Black’s (the president of Hearst Magazines) book, Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work. My other favorite book for admin professionals is written by Rosanne Badowski (the assistant to Jack Welch), Managing Up.
How has Lijit helped you to be a better blogger?
My association with Lijit has allowed me the opportunity to guide the progress of my blog by allowing me to understand my readers interests. Lijit serves as a “real-time” view of what is working and what isn’t working. It helps me to tailor my offerings to meet my communities needs.
A big thank-you to JEM for sharing her thoughts on blogging and what it takes to be successful doing it. If you want to dig deeper into her admin knowledge, be sure to visit her blog and use the Lijit search to find out even more.
