Do you have any ideas on what I can do with myself at work?

Question

Ok so I am an Executive Assistant for a restaurant pioneer in Vancouver, B.C.. I run his expenses, his bills, any miscellaneous stuff he asks for, files, get him ready for his meetings (although he does this mostly himself)... I have so much spare time and like he said in my 3 month review, "To increase your value you must find and take control over something we are lacking".

Do you have ANY ideas for me what I could do to help the business? We have 2 restaurants and 3 offices. We have a marketing manager, HR, Controllers, Accountants, etc etc... then there is me... but I want to be of more value and irreplaceable and invaluable to the business!

Please, any help, I would so appreciate.

Answer 1

start asking other managers/executives if there is something you can help them with. see if there are any new programs you could learn to assist in a new area (i.e., marketing flyers, data entry, presentations etc.) there's always more stuff to do in offices and people will really appreciate a "can-do" helpful attitude.

are your files all electronic at your office? perhaps you can mobilize a move to a paper-free office and start scanning older documents that aren't used often and archive them electronically.

do you have a website? perhaps you could help with website updates.

think about procedures that people grumble about and see if you can come up with a fresh approach.

Answer 2

I would look at any policies or procedures that aren't clear and see if there are any areas where you may be able to do additional work.  I think just showing initiative and searching out work will help you find something to do with the spare time you have.  Look for anything that has been used or done a certain way and look for possible ways to improve or that could possibly need an update or a new look.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I would have a meeting with the other staff members and get their input.Then I would put out a questionnaire to the general public to see what they would like improved.You could visit other restaurants and get ideas too.