The Bombardier Challenger 650 was first certified in 2015 as an upgrade to the Challenger 605, a previous model in the Challenger family of business jets. The Challenger 650 offers many refinements from the earlier Challenger 605 including an updated cabin with two additional executive seats and larger galley appliances to reduce meal prep time. The enhancements make the Challenger 650 a highly versatile aircraft for business and personal travel compared to similar heavy jets.
The Challenger 650 is a powerful aircraft with two GE CF34-3B MTO engines. It can fly with ease from London to New York, or equivalent distances around the globe, while also able to take off from shorter runways and more challenging airports than its competitors. This aircraft has a range of around 4,600 statute miles with 12 passengers on board, at an average speed of 515 mph. “Fly confidently with the Bombardier Vision flight deck. The Challenger 650 aircraft is equipped to meet current and upcoming navigational requirements** and offers the industry’s most extensive baseline feature set including synthetic vision and MultiScan weather radar.” – Bombardier
The highly intuitive cabin of the Challenger 650 is very spacious with 6 feet of standing height and measures over 7.9 feet in width. The cabin space can be configured into a 12-passenger executive seating in club configuration, or have a 4-place divan with berthing capability. Many 650s feature a 4-place conference grouping that includes a height-adjustable single pedestal conference table essential for business meetings in the air. This aircraft will accommodate 10-12 passengers comfortably as well as 2 crew members and a flight attendant. The Challenger 650 also has a generous baggage compartment providing 115 cubic feet of external storage that is accessible during flight.
Other notable features of this jet include: an intuitive cabin entertainment system, industry leading high-speed internet connectivity, plug-and-play entertainment experience with universal HDMI and USB ports and wireless control of the cabin environment and entertainment via personal electronic devices. With an advanced cockpit, a cabin built for comfort and productivity, and a first-class galley, private jet travelers highly recommend the Challenger 650.
To request a Challenger 650 for your next trip, please contact us. We would be pleased to provide you with a flight quote for your next trip.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
Launched in 2011, the Citation M2 is the newest addition to the CitationJet 525 series small business jets. It fits perfectly between the Mustang and the Citation Jet 1 in the Cessna jet lineup. The Citation M2 is sleek, stylish and more efficient than its predecessors, with a completely overhauled interior, longer range and ability to travel at faster speeds.
The Citation M2 is a single-pilot light jet, able to travel 1784 statute miles before needing a fuel stop. Equipped with two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines and 1965 pounds of takeoff thrust, the Citation M2 cruises at average speeds of 465 mph. The M2 can maintain maximum cruise speed up to 39,000 feet, with a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet.
Pilots love the Citation M2. For starters, it was designed for single-pilot operation. The roomy cockpit is equipped with the new Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics system and is built to work with the latest navigation and air traffic control systems. The M2 can get in and out of airports with shorter runways with ease, getting closer to the end destination and decreasing total travel time, another bonus for pilots and passengers alike.
Standard avionics include:
Garmin FMS with dual WAAS-enabled GPS receivers for navigation
Weather Avoidance Radar
Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS-B)
Garmin Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS I)
Dual Altitude Heading Reference System
Dual Air Data computers
Jeppesen ChartView
Garmin Safe Taxi
Digital Audio System
The cabin in the Citation M2 is roomier than one may expect, able to comfortably fit 4-5 passengers, with an enclosed lavatory and adjustable club seating. The seats slide sideways toward the aisle, allowing for ample passenger headroom while in flight. The cabin is 4′ 10″ feet wide and 11 feet long, with a cabin height of 4′ 9″. The eight large windows also give the cabin a more spacious feel. Other amenities include: climate control, in-cabin technologies, and adjustable lighting. The M2 is able to carry 725 pounds of baggage in 46 cubic feet of storage space divided between two storage areas.
If the Citation M2 sounds like the right choice for your next excursion, please contact us with any questions or to acquire a quotefor your next trip.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
In 2009, Gulfstream Aerospace’sG280took its first flight, and since has become a very popular jet in thesuper midsizecategory. The G280 was designed with the input of many existing Gulfstream customers on their Customer Advisory Board. Some notable enhancements include: a new wing, tail, engine and an updated interior. The jet also features the Gulfstream PlaneView 280 cockpit developed from the Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion avionics suite. According to Gulfstream, “A newly designed long, sleek wing and high-thrust engines increase range and speed, yet fuel economy is so well maximized the G280 has earned best-in-class fuel efficiency.”
TheGulfstream G280quickly became one of the most popular jets in the super midsize class because it offers unmatched performance and handling capabilities, as well as a quiet and exceptionally comfortable cabin. The G280 can fly non-stop for up to 8 hours, surpassing all othermidsizeandsuper midsizebusiness jets, and has the ability to take off and land from shorter airfields. With remarkable fuel efficiency, the G280 is said to consume 12% less fuel than comparable jets.
The cabin of the G280 is also impressive. Some notable features include: a 6’3″ cabin height, 935 cubic feet of cabin space, seating for up to 8 passengers with some models offering beds for up to 5 passengers, 19 windows for maximum natural light, 100% fresh air circulation and a cabin management system that allows passengers to adjust the lighting, temperature, high-definition monitors and other entertainment features from an on-board iPod Touch. TheG280comes with a galley equipped with all the essentials for meal and beverage service, as well as an aft lavatory with floor-to-ceiling closets, a vacuum toilet, vanity, and mirror.
The Gulfstream CabinView system also allows passengers to monitor and track flight progress, map geographic boundaries and shows other points of interest. TheG280has ample baggage space with 154 cubic feet of space, with rear storage accessible from inside theaircraft.
The Gulfstream G280 is a fantasticsuper midsizejet for passengers looking for a best-in-class option for both business and personal travel. The G280 continues to outperform the competition and exceed private fliers’ expectations.
We are proud to offer this popularaircraftto our customers at a considerable savings and value. Please contact us at 800-641-JETS (5387) to reserve a Gulfstream G280 for your next trip!
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
In this article,Author Jan Jonesshares ideas for determining your compensation as it relates to the Executive Assistant position.
FlyPrivate is a proud partner and associate of Jan Jones. Jan brings valuable, actionable information to EAs across the globe. We hope you enjoy herblogsas much as we do!
FlyPrivate:When interviewing for an EA position, how do you determine how much you would be worth in the position and what salary is warranted based on the responsibilities of the job?
Jan Jones: A good place to start is by benchmarking against your current or recent position. How similar is it to the position you are pursuing in terms of location, commute, job responsibilities, industry, for example?
If possible, ask other assistants who are in a similar role if they would be willing to share some numbers with you. Sometimes people are reluctant to share their salary so you could share your current salary, or the new job salary, and ask if they would be satisfied with it for the job they are doing.
One assistant who thought she was not well compensated was surprised to find out, after checking with EAs she met at a networking event, that she was being paid almost $5,000 more than they were for an equivalent position. Another assistant told me she was “disgusted” that she’s been paid several thousand less than a good friend of hers whose compensation also included generous benefits from her company. She’s known this woman for a long time and has changed jobs twice during their friendship, while her friend has stayed in the same job. This is why it’s important to stay updated and informed, even if you are not looking for a job. Ask questions, read and research. Know the current market and how you measure up. It will help you to know where you are on the skills spectrum and whether you are on track to be viable in the role, long term.
In addition to asking others directly, there are numerous resources online where you can do research. Even if some salary ranges tend to be broad they can be a good reference starting point. It’s important to get a good feel for the salary range of your job so you can accurately ask for what you are worth.
Glassdoor and Payscale are two companies most people are familiar with. For the UK, Adam Fidler, the UK’s leading trainer for executive assistants recommends the PA and EA Salary Guide, released each year by Hays. Adam provides the commentary for the Guide and recommends all UK EAs download this guide before negotiating their salary.
Keep in mind that salaries vary based on many factors. Locations like San Francisco and New York pay higher salaries because the cost of living in those areas is astronomical compared with small cities and towns. I remember meeting an EA in Silicon Valley who told me her salary is not sufficient to cover her living expenses so she uses her credit cards to make ends meet. This is probably not the case in cities where the cost of living is more affordable. So assistants, please don’t look at areas such as Silicon Valley, Seattle or Boston, where some companies pay premium salaries, and think that an assistant in a small town should be making that kind of money. I’m not saying you are not worth that amount of money, but local economic realities most likely will preclude it.
Leni Miller, President of EA Search in San Francisco says there is a nationwide shortage of support professionals who can support the most senior executives. The more specialized job knowledge needed, the higher the salary. The longer an assistant supports their executive, the more valuable they are because of their specialized body of knowledge.
It’s the law of supply and demand so the more people there are available to do the job, who have the right skills, education and experience, the lower the salary on offer will be.
Other considerations include “Combat pay” if the job is 24/7, or the boss is difficult and demanding. Does the job have “meaning” such as a non-profit? People take less pay for a job they consider to be more meaningful, if they can afford to do so, says Leni.
The EA role varies considerably from position to position. There is no one size fits all. You should factor in your years of experience and your expertise in the role. (Longevity by itself is no indicator of how good the assistant is in the role). If you are a top-level EA with 10+ years of experience, if the position requires a self-starter who will be working long hours, if you are required to manage projects, perform executive-level duties and make executive-level decisions, you will command a higher salary than a mid-range or entry-level assistant who does tasks as assigned and isn’t required to make complex decisions, or routinely work overtime.
If you have established a track record of working for senior executives where you have demonstrated exceptional skills and you can accomplish executive-level tasks without supervision, your salary expectations would be higher and warranted.
Do you have supervisory or managerial experience that would be a bonus for the job? Do you have any degrees or diplomas that add to the value you bring to the job? Take all these items into consideration as you are preparing to evaluate your salary requirements.
How about when to bring up salary when applying for a job? I asked HR recruiter and industry veteran Carla Block this question. While this should not be the first question you ask, Carla says that it’s better for both the recruiter and applicant to be upfront about salary. You can share a range or a threshold you will not drop below, for example. I’ve had phone interviews where the recruiter opened the conversation by saying they were impressed by my resume and immediately asked “what kind of salary are you looking for?” What Carla suggested is exactly what I had done. I provided a salary range. My experience is if they ask that question right at the outset, they likely think they can’t afford you.
Be flexible in your negotiations and consider what benefits are being offered which might offset lower salary compensation. If you are being asked to accept a lower salary than you would like and you feel the position is worth it, I recommend asking for a review in 90 or 120 days, after which you would expect them to meet your salary requirements. That amount of time would be sufficient to demonstrate your value and worth to them. Within that time you, too, will know if that’s the place for you.
You should take an in-depth look at the job description. Often it is written by someone who hasn’t done the job. They can’t anticipate what else goes along with that bullet point description. You may need to expand on it for them and explain why a higher level of compensation is warranted. At the right time in a job interview or performance review I have done this, and it has been an eye opener for the recruiter and the executive. They are surprised by what it takes to do the job, and the level of detail I used to educate them.
Be prepared to make a case for yourself and the value you bring. The best way to do that is to use the resources available to you and prepare for the conversation ahead of time. Remember, these suggestions are useful beyond going for a job interview. You can also use them for your performance and salary reviews, or when you are asking for a bonus. The more informed and prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be in your negotiations. The more confident you are, the more professional you will come across. It will be an indication of how you’ll perform in your job and could just clinch the deal in your favor.
Want more from Jan Jones? Check out her Q & A Series!
Jan Jones is the author of “The CEO’s Secret Weapon How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness”. The book debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in the Office Management Category. It has received widespread acclaim from executives and executive assistants worldwide. Jan spent 20 years as an esteemed international executive assistant to well-known business people, including personal development icon and author Tony Robbins. Jan is passionate about the executive assistant role and continues to champion the profession through speaking, mentoring and offering timeless, practical advice that is relevant to the day-to-day role of the executive assistant.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
In 2012, Bombardier announced development of a new light business jet. The Learjet 70 received FAA Certification by 2013 and flew its first flight in 2014. The Learjet 70 is an enhanced version of the Learjet 40, offering notable upgrades to its predecessor. Learjets have always been synonymous with best-in-class business jets, so it is no surprise the Learjet 70 continues to fulfill that legacy.
The Learjet 70’s performance capabilities are quite impressive. With a range of 2371 statute miles and the capability to reach speeds of 534 mph, this jet can travel to more destinations without a fuel stop. Another impressive feature of this aircraft is its ability to quickly reach high altitudes above the weather, offering a smoother flying experience for passengers. With precise landing gear, this jet can comfortably handle shorter runways with ease. Powerful engines and a new winglet design are just a few examples of advancements that make the Learjet 70 a great choice for charter.
The cabin of the Learjet 70 measures 17′ 8″ in length, 4′ 11″ in height, and 5′ 1″ in width. This aircraftcomfortably seats 6-7 passengers, has stunning interior details and offers all of the technology needed to conduct business in the sky. The wider cabin makes for a more relaxing flight with ample legroom to stretch out and relax. Executive tables and pop-up monitors in the forward club section offer passengers a comfortable work environment. In addition, the Learjet 70 has a redesigned galley with more work and storage space for meal service. There is also an aft lavatory on board with a sink and vanity mirror. The Learjet 70 has an external baggage compartment that provides 50 cubic feet of baggage space and another 15 cubic feet of internal storage. The Learjet 70 truly embodies the next generation of light business jets.
Pilots are equally as impressed with the Learjet 70. According to Bombardier, “The Bombardier Learjet 70 business jet offers industry leading avionics that ensure superior value and a superlative pilot experience in all phases of flight. The result is a spacious, well-organized setting for maximum pilot productivity, safety, and convenience. Everything pilots need to know while flying – data, instruments, systems, avionics functions, maps, and weather – is in view and at their fingertips.”
If the Learjet 70 sounds like the right jet for your next flight, please contact us. We’d love to talk to you about your trip and provide you with a complimentary flight quote.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
With the current record for the “farthest, fastest flight in business aviation history”, the Gulfstream G650 is a heavy jet with all the bells and whistles. The G650 (and its sister aircraft the G650ER) is considered an ultra-long-range aircraft setting 100+ world records for speed. The G650scan fly over 7,365 statute miles non-stop, at cruising speeds of 652 mph, capable of flying westbound around the world in just over 41 hours.
The Gulfstream 650’s cabin is best-in-class with a focus on comfort, innovation and design. According to Gulfstream, the 4-zone cabin is designed to combat altitude fatigue and jet lag with “100% fresh air and the lowest cabin altitude in the industry”. The 16 signature Gulfstream oval windows allow for more natural light, providing panoramic views from anywhere in the cabin. The G650 offers an exceptionally peaceful and quiet atmosphere, giving passengers everything they need with space to work, play, relax or dine.
Cabin amenities generally include: a full-service galley and refreshment center, high-speed Wi-Fi, a cabin management system, power outlets, data ports, video monitors, cabin speakers, a 42-inch flat screen TV, telephone/SATCOM, an entertainment system, an Airshow System and an exterior 3-camera system. This jet offers a fully enclosed lavatory and 195 cubic feet of ample baggage space that is accessible in-flight.
The Gulfstream G650 exceeds expectations in terms of reliability, performance and cabin amenities. The spacious and luxurious interior of the G650 is 2138 cubic feet, with a cabin height of 6’2″, width of 8’2″ and length of 50’1″. This heavy jet can comfortably seat 15 (19 people at max capacity dependent on cabin configuration) in the large stand-up cabin and can sleep up to 10 passengers.
The technological and safety advancements in the G650s are quite remarkable. “New safety and performance upgrades include steep-approach certification and Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS), which allows authorized pilots to land without natural vision in low-visibility conditions. Planned enhancements include the award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System, which is designed to help pilots avoid runway overruns.” – Gulfstream
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
We understand that things are far from normal, however there is still a Super Bowlthis year. If you are one of the few that has access to the stadium or are looking to have a Super Bowl weekend getaway somewhere else, we have you covered.
If you’re planning to attend Super Bowl LV, where the two best teams in the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will compete for the coveted championship, please keep these tips in mind when booking your private jet charter:
Book early. Availability of private jets flying on the day of the biggest sporting event of the year is limited and jets will book rapidly.
Do your homework up front. Many first-time fliers will be waiting on tickets and accommodations. Knowing costs and availability ahead of time will save you the hassle later and allow you to book swiftly when you are ready.
Avoid game-day travel. If you can avoid flying in and out of the Tampa Bay area airports on Super BowlSunday, February 7, 2021, traveling will be a lot less challenging. The host airport is generally closed to private jets on Super Bowl Sunday due to lack of ramp space. Additional aircraft restrictions are often in effect even after the game. Alternate airports also fill up quickly and a reservation system for private jets flying in and out of nearby airports may be in effect. Keep in mind that your final destination could be hours away from the stadium, but we will try our best to help you to plan accordingly.
Plan on the weather. This goes without saying in February, but weather can cause unexpected delays. Due to winter weather across the country, deicing may be required and further delays may be experienced due to the demand for deicing services. The crew and FBO will be working diligently to make sure your flights fly as close to schedule as possible. Be aware the de-icing fees will be an added expense. Avoiding game-day travel will help ensure that you don’t miss a minute of Super Bowl action.
If you’re planning to see the league’s top teams battle it out, considerFlyPrivateto get you there and back without unique and flexible “pay as you fly” business model. There are no deposits required to join. Find the best aircraft values through our valued partnerships, all with the top-notchserviceyou deserve.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Cessna Citation Jet 4 is a light jet, taking its first flight in May of 2008. According to Cessna, “the CJ4 has added speed, range and cabin size over its predecessor (Citation Jet 3) without incurring midsize jet operating costs.” While both the CJ2 and CJ3 will remain in production and available for charter, the CJ4 offers many pilot and passenger-friendly enhancements.
The Citation Jet 4 (CJ4) was designed for versatility, able to travel 2491 statute miles before needing a fuel stop. The CJ4 cruises at average speeds of 519 mph and like the CJ3, it offers impressive short runway capabilities, allowing it to be chartered in and out of smaller airports getting passengers closer to their destination. The CJ4 differs most significantly from previous Citation Jets in its swept wing design which was modeled after the Citation Sovereign.
The CJ4 is not only fuel-efficient, it offers single-point refueling capabilities and can easily fly from New York to Phoenix. The CJ4is powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A engines each offering 3,621 pounds of thrust. When designing the CJ4, Cessna’s engineers relocated the main landing gear inboard, thus reducing the track. A narrower track significantly improves ground handling of the aircraft. Cessna also prides itself on their jets’ landing gear. “The same long-stroke, trailing-link landing gear common to all CJs guarantees the softest landings and smooth taxiing.”
The CJ4’s cabin sits seven passengers comfortably, with two seats for the crew. As far as cabin amenities, the CJ4 has everything you need and more. “Six deep-cushioned, wide leather seats track in three directions and can be configured to fully recline for long, comfortable trips. Each features a patented retractable armrest with available lumbar support and seat-side media docks.” The cabin offers WiFi, temperature control, and the highly regarded Rockwell Collins Venue™ High-Definition Integrated Cabin Management System.
The CJ4’s lavatory is unique because it is externally serviceable. This aircraft also has a small refreshment center and retractable tables, perfect for conducting business or for personal entertainment purposes. The cabin measures 17′ 4″ in length, 4′ 9″ in height and 4′ 10″ in width. The external baggage space in the Citation Jet 4 is generous at 77 cubic feet and can hold several pieces of luggage.
CJ4s are well liked by passengers and pilots alike for their reputation of superior performance, range and speed.
To request a CJ4 for your next trip, please contact us. We would be happy to provide you with a flight quote.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
In this article,Author Jan Jonesdiscusses leading by collaborating as it relates to the Executive Assistant position.
FlyPrivate is a proud partner and associate of Jan Jones. Jan brings valuable, actionable information to EAs across the globe. We hope you enjoy herblogsas much as we do!
FlyPrivate: How does collaboration between assistants help to meet company-wide goals and objectives?
Jan Jones: This is where assistants can play a natural leadership role, because communication and cooperation are essential attributes of an effective executive assistant. Assistants collaborating with each other to facilitate communication and information flow creates a powerful alliance that any company would welcome. The role of the executive assistant includes being a facilitator and a communication channel for their executive and their organization. Assistants play a vital role in reminding the organization that everyone must stay aligned and committed to the best interests of the company.
We know that fully engaged employees have higher productivity levels, resulting in reduced absenteeism and higher profitability. Collaborative assistants can have an impact in this regard. It could be as simple as engaging in regular conversations with assistants in other departments. Without breaching confidentiality, talk about how your division is functioning. What strategies are you implementing? What challenges are you experiencing? What projects are getting bogged down? Which team members need encouragement? Who are the star performers on the team; can they mentor someone who is struggling, or needs coaching?
Research shows that most managers don’t engage in strategy discussions with their colleagues in other departments. An assistant who engages with fellow assistants can serve to close that information gap. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be about work. Take time to connect on a personal level. Being part of an organization means you have common goals. Collaborating to achieve those goals is smart business.
At the height of the Covid disruption last year, I wrote a widely read article for Chief Executive magazine sharing how some assistants have taken their role of connector and conduit to new levels of importance. This is a natural outcome of the role the EA plays as a gateway and facilitator in making their executive more accessible to those with a legitimate need to connect.
EAs often have access to more insider information than other stakeholders within the organization. The WFH environment is perfect for EAs to share appropriate information with other assistants who can channel it to their departments, and keep their team members up-to-date with relevant goings on. This one small act can help assistants who aren’t usually included in the action, to become a resource to their department or manager. It gives them visibility within their team and could help them to be brought into new projects, or areas of responsibility from which they were previously overlooked. From my position as assistant to the CEO, I loved sharing relevant information with EAs across the organization, to make them a beneficial resource to their executives. They would be all smiles when I saw them in the corridor because of the kudos it gave them with their boss.
Assistants are known for playing a role in bringing groups together. They work across boundaries and promote cross-department collaboration. They don’t buy into petty jealousies and suspicions. As a channel to top management, they can help far-flung departments and locations feel less isolated. This has been particularly valued and welcomed during the 2020 work-from-home mandate, where entire organizations have been distanced from each other. Executive Assistant Dorothy Connell told me her CEO “Encourages me to be an added bridge of communication to our executive assistant and administrative assistant community so we stay connected as a team.”
Sometimes assistants tell me that sharing information isn’t always welcomed. People feel threatened, or disloyal to their team if they share what’s going on. In these circumstances, trust needs to be built. If you use the information they share to get results for them, or improve their circumstances, they will certainly start to trust you and work with you. Without betraying confidentiality, share information that is needed to get the job done, or make life easier for others. If you know a way to make a situation better, then do so.
Jesse Egeonu, EA to the executive vice-chair at Globacom in Nigeria shared with me that even though assistants are reluctant to share issues across departments due to confidentiality concerns, recently he was able to assist one of his colleagues who is working remotely. The assistant had a hard deadline and was struggling with a document her boss had sent her. Her boss had saved it as a Mac Pages file and the assistant was operating an Android device. Luckily Jesse was on hand to help her convert the document to Word, proofread, fix the layout and get it onto company letterhead, before sending it back to her boss for signature in time to make the deadline. This led to them having discussions about how they could collaborate on projects that need to be managed in the WFH environment. The trust that was built will help them work together remotely and when they return to the office environment.
An assistant I know told me about starting a job at a technology giant. The culture of the organization encouraged people to be fiercely competitive, vying to get ahead at someone else’s expense. She said no assistant would help her for fear that she would look better than they did, or get ahead faster than they did, so you were on your own. Imagine what a breath of fresh air a capable, confident assistant who is not threatened by others and wants to cooperate would be to an organization like that? It would cause a huge paradigm shift. It might feel like a herculean task, but such an assistant would catapult themselves into a higher level position the minute the company felt the effects of this assistant’s outreach. Believe me because I’ve done it. It takes supernatural amounts of passion and energy and not everyone is up for it, but if you are, don’t hesitate. The personal and professional rewards are immense, and you’ll grow in stature and ability.
In an article discussing strategies for being a successful assistant, EA trainer Adam Fidler wrote, “Share all your best tips and experience with another EA. Being secretive and defensive creates the wrong energy and if you take the time to share information, and work as a team-spirited EA, you’ll command respect and be seen as a true professional.”
The nature of the EA role is to act as a hub. This means assistants are poised to share information, facilitate decision-making and help avoid bottlenecks, whether it is inter-department, or company-wide. Helping someone in another department gets the job done faster. It facilitates transparency, gives you insight into how they function and where inefficiencies may lie that you can help overcome. When executives see you working with their assistant, or if they know they can finally get a long-awaited answer simply by their assistant picking up the phone to you, they’ll notice. They’ll talk about you in the boardroom as someone who gets things done. This is how, step-by-step, you land that sought-after seat at the table.
One thing that may affect assistants performing this function of facilitator is the number of assistants who say they don’t read their executive’s emails, and who meet with their executives (virtually or actually), once a week or less. If you are working like this, you are subject to only knowing what the executive shares with you, or picking up information indirectly. If you are to serve as a conduit throughout the organization, you must be on top of what’s going on, otherwise you will not be as effective in that role. Another factor is assistants who are too widely focused on interacting with the organization at large, they forget who they are in place to support. Don’t neglect your responsibilities to your primary team members in your quest to be a company-wide champion. Your immediate team must remain your first priority. Keep them supported, assured and strengthened in the knowledge that you are firmly invested in the partnership. With this assurance, they will support and encourage your efforts to be a company-wide collaborator.
Want more from Jan Jones? Check out her Q & A Series!
Jan Jones is the author of “The CEO’s Secret Weapon How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness”. The book debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in the Office Management Category. It has received widespread acclaim from executives and executive assistants worldwide. Jan spent 20 years as an esteemed international executive assistant to well-known business people, including personal development icon and author Tony Robbins. Jan is passionate about the executive assistant role and continues to champion the profession through speaking, mentoring and offering timeless, practical advice that is relevant to the day-to-day role of the executive assistant.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Gulfstream G150 is a high speed super midsize jet with a “dispatch-reliability rating higher than 99.8 percent,” according to Gulfstream. Versatility is a mainstay of the Gulfstream G150. This aircraft offers ample cabin space, a cockpit equipped with advanced flight deck technology, and is able to fly coast to coast in just 6 hours.
The G150 can travel non-stop over 3,100 statute miles at a cruise speed of 482 mph. With a forward galley, taller side walls that provide generous headroom, and a fully enclosed lavatory, the G150 specializes in passenger comforts. There is also 80 cubic feet of baggage space allowing passengers to bring their golf bags while still leaving room for additional luggage. “Closets at the front and the rear of the plane offer enough storage for anything one might need to access in-flight.”
The Gulfstream G150 sets the standard for both versatility and efficiency. The G150 can seat up to 8 people at max capacity in a number of different configurations, some with sleeping arrangements. The cabin is ideal for conducting business on the go with advanced soundproofing technologies that cuts outside noise significantly. To combat fatigue and contribute to passenger comfort, fresh air is circulated around the cabin every two minutes. The 11 oval windows allow for more natural light in the cabin giving it a more spacious feel and making for a more enjoyable ride.
The interior of the Gulfstream G150 is 465 cubic feet, with a cabin height of 5′ 10″, width of 5′ 10″ and length of 17′ 9″. Many G150s come standard with other cabin technologies including: a high-definition entertainment center and televisions, satellite phone, CD/DVD player, Wi-Fi network, electrical outlets, and tables to conduct work or enjoy a meal.
The G150 is also a pilot-friendly aircraft with impressive cockpit capabilities. According to Gulfstream, “Flight information, weather conditions, electronic charts and options for advanced navigation create one of the most technologically equipped super midsize business aircraft ever to take flight. Four liquid crystal displays provide pilots crisp graphics and flight data. The avionics system also features an Engine-Indication and Crew-Alerting System, which monitors key engine performance and alerts pilots when a component is operating outside ideal parameters. The flight management system also integrates a Global Positioning System and a diagnostic maintenance computer.”
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
