I have been fortunate to have two wonderful assistants that are a vital part of our company team. Without Theresa, my program coordinator and Marifer, my personal and office assistant, I would not be able to run a company, run a home, run around town being a mom and wife, run around the country making speeches and keynotes, and run to the grocery store for nail polish remover and a last minute pair of hosiery that, incidentally, I cannot stand to wear.
There are certain qualities that I will mention below that are a must for any office assistant to possess but there are a few more that turn a loyal employee into a trusted confidant and friend. Yes, I know, this combination generally does not work in business, but for a small business owner, my assistants have often had to do things (like peel potatoes for a kids class and pick up my kids from soccer when I am running late from a session) that most companies would not require of an employee.
An effective office assistant must be:
- Punctual
- Reliable
- Possess Strong Communication, Computer and Organizational Skills
- Arrive to the Office Appropriately Dressed
- Task Oriented
- Self Motivated
- Detail Oriented
- Many more, but that’s enough for now…
I am sad to say that Marifer is leaving our company to move home to another city and continue her education. She has all the skills mentioned on the punch list above. What made her most valuable, however, was not her ability to input checks, or invoice clients, or make hotel and rental car reservations when I travel. Marifer’s true value is far greater.
Here is my personal punchlist of what makes her special and why she has set a standard that will be hard to replace. She never, not once, ever participated in office gossip – hard to believe but true. (We share an office with my husband’s company and there are 20 plus employees and lots of opportunity to “dish”). Marifer always arrived on time and would stay late if the job was not done. She never mentioned she was staying late unless I happened to call or drop by the office unexpectedly. She always used scented hand lotion that would fill the office with a subtle sweet scent and when I bought the same lotion found that it smelled like a pair of old gym socks on me.
Whenever I needed to vent, she would listen, smile and offer advice if appropriate but would not exacerbate the issue by throwing more fuel on the fire. We were often travel companions and she was never “too tired” or “too stressed” – even when I couldn’t keep my eyes open and I knew she was right there with me! I recently lost my professional bible – my daytimer – and she went out and bought me an assortment of new ones to choose from. (Yes, I have my calendar on my computer but I still like a nice daytimer too.) I recently had major surgery and she made countless trips back and forth to the grocer for oranges and magazines and anything else that would lift my spirits. She also made several trips to my favorite restaurant for soup and would show up with scented candles and various surprises that would always lift my spirits when I was feeling low and in pain. Most importantly of all, I always knew I could trust her and rely on the fact that she had my best interest at heart.
The bottom line is… people do business with people they like and although Marifer may not have been exceptional at all things, she was stellar at the things that really count. She was good to our customers, she was a pleasant and loyal colleague and I trusted her with my most precious belongs and affairs…yes my company, but more importantly my personal life and my children. Theresa and I will miss Marifer and we wish her very best in her new journey.
