Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Frazier.
Hi Ebony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Eight years ago, I made the pivotal choice to resign from my role as an educator and assume the responsibilities of personal assistant and booking manager for Author and Speaker Jeremy Anderson. While I initially started as an intern, I soon discerned a divine calling compelling me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to The Jeremy Anderson Group. Little did I realize at that time, I was stepping into my long-awaited dream job. We also became family and it’s been a true blessing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has been worth it. When I took the position as Jeremy’s personal assistant and booking manager, I wasn’t a healed version of myself due to a tough relationship I had previously been in. I overthought everything, and at times I didn’t think I was good enough to be in this position. I am grateful for Jeremy and his wife Traci who believed in me every step of the way. In addition, being a personal assistant and booking manager can be a challenging role in itself, and individuals in this position often encounter various obstacles such as multitasking, Work-Life Balance, Boundary Setting, etc. However, Effective communication, adaptability, and resilience are key qualities that can help personal assistants navigate these challenges successfully.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As Jeremy’s personal assistant, I provide support and assistance in his personal and professional tasks. My role can vary widely depending on the context but generally involves tasks such as managing Jeremy’s schedules, organizing appointments, handling communication, conducting research, and performing various administrative duties. As Jeremy’s booking manager, my primary responsibility is to coordinate and manage speaking engagements for a particular venue, service, or event. This role can vary across industries, including corporate, education, and hospitality. Key tasks typically include: Communication: Organizing and scheduling events, contracts and invoicing, Record Keeping, Customer Service, Sales Support, Problem Resolution, etc. Overall, my role as a booking manager involves a combination of organizational skills, effective communication, customer service, and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated booking process. Take immense pride in acquiring and mastering the responsibilities of a personal assistant and booking manager. My passion for this role has driven me to train aspiring booking managers and personal assistants.
I feel what distinguishes me is my unwavering commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field, coupled with exceptional customer service skills. My ultimate goal is to establish a reputation as the preeminent personal assistant and booking manager within the speaking industry.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor in the personal assistant/booking manager space is a valuable step in career development. Although my amazing boss taught me everything he could, I wished I had a mentor in the speaking/booking space when I first started. Here are some tips to help you find and connect with a mentor:
Define Your Goals:
Clearly articulate your career goals and what you hope to gain from a mentorship. This will help you find a mentor whose experience aligns with your objectives.
Network:
Attend industry events, conferences, or meetups related to personal assistants, virtual assistants, or administrative roles. Networking can provide opportunities to meet experienced professionals who may be open to mentoring.
Online Platforms:
Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions. You can also use LinkedIn to directly reach out to potential mentors with a personalized message explaining why you’d like to connect.
Industry Associations:
Look for industry associations or organizations related to personal assistants or administrative professionals. These groups often have mentorship programs or can connect you with experienced individuals in the field.
Ask within Your Network:
Reach out to your existing professional network, including colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. They may know someone in the personal assistant space who could be a suitable mentor.
What has worked well for me involves a combination of software, tools, and strategies to streamline tasks and enhance productivity, such as Calendar and Scheduling Tools (Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or Apple Calendar), Task Management, and To-Do Lists (Trello, or Asana), Note-Taking Apps (Evernote and hard copies), Remember to choose tools that align with your specific needs and workflow. Integrating these tools can significantly enhance your efficiency as a personal assistant and booking manager.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeremyanderson.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nllpa_ebony/
