PAlife NETWORKING YOU, ME AND EUMA Still unsure about networking? There
are plenty of organisations to give you a head start, such as the ready-made network of European Management Assistants (EUMA).
CARREFOUR DES ASSISTANTES
their language and their actions, something that is known as pacing, elaborates France. “Steer away from checking mobile devices in company. People obsess over them, but it isn’t polite. Do not drink too much. We live in a country where people like to drink, but remember you are representing your company, it’s not a Friday night out with friends,” warns Gornitzki. “Do not chew gum, make sure you are
dressed appropriately for the function and be careful with food so that you are not eating and talking at the same time. It may sound basic, but these are things that people get wrong,” she adds. It’s also important to know how to listen.
Not everyone you meet will be a valuable contact, but if you think they might be then exchange contact details. If you say you are going to follow up then do so. Networking has many advantages, from business development to self-development, so use it to your advantage, says France. She concludes: “There are three types of assistants: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happened.”
EUMA has existed as a network for PAs, run by PAs, since 1974. It now has more than 1,400 members and operates across 26 countries. If there is not a group in your region you can become an individual member of this unique network.
The benefi ts of this non-profi t
organisation are obvious: not only do you get to meet lots of other people in your profession, but you can share best practice, stay on top of trends and
develop your career. EUMA works on both an international and country basis, allowing informal opportunities to
network within each regional group every six to eight weeks, alongside the two annual events of an international
conference and European training day. EUMA is primarily about giving PAs a
The conference involves one or two days of discussions, interactive workshops, a trade fair, excellent
networking opportunities and some more relaxed socialising and cultural experiences. The day after the
conference is dedicated to the Annual General Meeting, to which all members are invited. Conferences have been
voice and changing the international perception of the role through the
strength of the network. Members are encouraged to be as active as possible,
not only by attending conferences, but by taking on a position in their local group as a committee member, speaking at or chairing a conference, and bringing real infl uence to bear over the future of the sessions and training they incorporate.
held in major cities across the globe, from Helsinki to Athens and Madrid to Limassol. Each region goes all out in pointing out local attractions for visiting delegates to enjoy in between the talks and workshops.
EUMA has also introduced the National Training Day to highlight its emphasis on
development: the focus of the training for each year is chosen at the preceding AGM. Previous issues tackled include Cross- generation Communication in the
Workplace and Project Management, and a certifi cate is given to all attendees.
Alongside the EUMA conference and
training, the organisation partners with other PA-centric events, such as the Offi ce Show and Carrefour des
Assistantes, to provide access and discounted entry to further exhibitions and conferences. Each country’s group has its own webpage and internal partners that will provide the same, so that the scope goes much further than the organisation itself.
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MARCH 2013 • PALife
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