How To Manage Your Boss *And Their Pets Too…

No-one knows more about dealing with the whims of a difficult leader than celebrity PAs. That’s why we’ve asked them to divulge the time saving, meltdown reducing secrets that will help you stay one step ahead

- Alex Gorton

BUILD A LITTLE BLACK BOOK

‘I’ve built up my own support system, and am nothing without my black book,’ says Donna Coulling, freelance PA to Helena Bonham Carter and Rachel Weisz. Her (UKbased) go-to websites include Missjonespa.com (a source of contacts and services for businesspeople), Notonthehighstreet.com for quirky gifts and, of course, Amazon Prime for, well, pretty much everything else. ‘I see my job as a research project. I find out as much as possible in advance, so that when my clients want something, I can respond quickly,’ she says. She recommends keeping the contact numbers of everyone, from plumbers to pet sitters, who are endorsed by friends (never Google), and swapping tips on forums specific to your industry.

TAKE NOTE

Subscribe to niche publications (Mediamag.co.za lists numerous titles that you can browse for something relevant to you) or newsletters within your industry. Want to expand your work social circle? Attend talks and network with like-minded others (pledge to yourself you’ll chat to at least three people, an easily doable number). Set up Google alerts for specific things you want to stay in the know about, too. God, you’re good.

FOLLOW THE ONEHOUR RULE