Welcome to April, a month that can change your career if you’re an administrative professional.
We love this time of year, it’s time to shine the spotlight on our favorite office professional, you, the assistant.
While we serve the administrative profession all 365 days of the year this is the month that you get a week of recognition, or at least a day. And if you’re friends of ours, well…we’re giving you the whole month.
It’s time to kick-off a special event we’ve been hosting for years here on our blog that we hope you will enjoy!
At Office Dynamics International we’ve been working hard to organize a special event just for you that will not only be fun and pump-you-up with excitement for your career – this event will provide you with expert tips and trade secrets, real-world advice and solutions you can take back to your desk and implement right away.
Not only will we be sharing our expertise, we’ve rallied together a whole bunch of experts we’ll be introducing as we journey through this April Blog-a-Thon.
Just a few of the experts who are looking forward to joining us:
- Brandi Britton, OfficeTeam
- The Travo Team
- Julie Perrine, All Things Admin
- Donna Gilliland, MOSTraining
- Kemetia Foley, Admin Renegade Blog & 2016 Conference for Administrative Excellence Speaker
- Shelagh Donnelly, Exceptional EA
- Office Dynamics Team Members
- Administrative Professionals like yourself who had a revolutionary idea that they just had to share with you
- and many more!
There are chances to win great prizes, all you have to do is engage with the blog posts by commenting as well as sharing the post on social media.
Hint: Never miss a post by subscribing to our blog on the upper right of this screen. You will be notified by email each time we add a new entry to our blog.
Stay tuned for more challenges, contests and a ton of expert tips in the coming weeks.
Comment below and let us know what you are most looking forward to this month.
How to participate in the Blog-a-Thon.
- Simply comment to win.
- If you have strict corporate policies that restrict your from receiving gifts – don’t let that hold you back from participating. Please just let us know if you waive the right to win your prize and we’ll draw another name.
- Multiple comments do not equal multiple entries on the same post.
- Commenting on multiple posts does equal multiple entries. The more posts you visit and leave a comment on, the more chances you have to win.
- Sharing the post on social media will also be a bonus entry – please tag us in your posts so we know when you share them.
How do I tag you in my social media posts?
Follow us on the platforms below and be sure to mention us or tag us in your post so that we’re able to track your shares. The following platforms will be monitored:
- Twitter @OfficeDynamics
- Instagram @OfficeDynamics
- Facebook.com/OfficeDynamics
Why do we host a Blog-a-Thon in April?
Our Blog-a-Thon in honor of Administrative Professionals is held once a year (April). This is the time of year the administrative profession gets a lot of attention with the last week of April traditionally being Administrative Professionals Week and this year (2016) Administrative Professionals Day is Wednesday, April 27, 2016.
We enjoy providing an abundance of tools and resources for the administrative professional to enhance their career throughout the month with continuous blog posts. Offering educational programs to administrative support staff through free resources, products, services and events are something we focus on all year long and this is a great time of year to highlight why we’re here and that we are here for you.
What is a Blog-a-Thon?
Our Blog-a-Thon is a free online event. We update our blog daily with posts from our team or our partners adding content for you daily. You enter to win prizes by engaging with these blogs by commenting and sharing.
Please share this event with the administrative assistants, executive assistant, administrative professionals and other office professionals in your life.
Please note comments will require approval. You’ll see your comments as soon as our staff has approved them.
2016 Blog-a-Thon Posts
- 10 Questions to Find the Perfect Venue by Peerspace
- 5 Powerhouse Strategies for Creating Administrative Peer Power by Joan Burge
- Why Being an Executive Assistant is a Rewarding Career by Joan Burge
- Have You Reached a Career Plateau? How to Regain Control by Shelagh Donnelly, Exceptional EA
- Today’s Admin Needs to Become a Mobile Office Pro by Donna Gilliland, MOSTraining
- Enlarge Your Presence by Joan Burge
- Just the Savvy Ones. Recognizing Career Love. by Kemetia Foley
- Administrative Professionals Week Instagram Challenge #AdminProud
- How do you work for someone you dislike? by AdminPro Forum
- Why Use Active Verbs Instead of Passive? by Barbara McNichol, Word Trippers
- Handling Ethical Issues In The Workplace by Lisa Olsen
- Email Expectations: Getting Executives and Assistants to See Eye-to-Eye by Joan Burge
- 3 Tips for Organizing Your Executive & Team Members by Julie Perrine, All Things Admin
- 5 Reasons Why Office Admins Are The New Power Job by @OfficeNinjas
- How to Impact Your Work by Rephrasing What You Say by Joan Burge
- Tactfully Voicing Your Opinion by Joan Burge
- I Feel Like I’m Wonder Woman by Susan Kaplan Anderson, CAP
- All Progress Takes Place Outside Your Comfort Zone by Jasmine Freeman
- Grow Your Assistant By Hiring An Assistant Podcast – Standout with Cheryl Tan
- How to Optimize Your Career By Utilizing Your Talents by Joan Burge
- Executive Assistants Celebrate Your Peers’ Success by Joan Burge
- How to Choose Words with Intention Every Time by Barbara McNichol
- Teaching Your Assistant Yields Huge Return On Your Investment by Joan Burge
- 7 Strategies to Speak Up to Get Results by Colette Carlson
- How to Respond to Workplace Conflict by Joan Burge
- Proud to Be An Executive Assistant Because Miracle Worker Is Not A Job Title by Becke Wolf, CEAP, CWCA
- Own Your Story: Past, Present & Future by Jasmine Freeman
- How to Master The Art of Supporting Multiple Managers by Stacy Leitner
- Better Writing: When to Use “Like” vs. “Such As” by Barbara McNichol
- How to Present Data and Financial Information to Your Executive Video Presentation by Sue Pekonen
- How Administrative Professionals Can Prepare for the Office of the Future by Brandi Britton, OfficeTeam
- Expectations of Today’s Assistants by Joan Burge
- Silvia isn’t “Just an Admin” by Jasmine Freeman, letter by Silvia Fedor
- Assistants Are Simply The Best by Jasmine Freeman
What Can I Win?
- One of 4 subscriptions to Executive Secretary Magazine
- Gift Cards from Boxed.com
- Gift Certificate to Peerspace.com
- Word Trippers Book
- Managing Your Executive’s Day Online Learning Program
- Mastering Exceptional Self Leadership Online Learning Program
- 2016 Conference On Demand (The Revolutionary Assistant)
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
I have enjoyed several articles and webinar’s Joan Burge is awesome as well as Jasmine – I am looking forward to learning more especially reading some of the Books that are available on the site. One in particular “Live a Big Life”!
I truly appreciate being an administrative Secretary and assistant to an executive. I love helping people and I feel that I bring a little balance to the office. My department showed their appreciation today and it reaffirmed my love for the job and for my staff.
Agreed Donna! My executive doesn’t say much but brought me flowers today and took me out to lunch. When I thanked her for lunch she said “no thank you.” In her own little way she was saying thank you for all I have accomplished through the years.
When I first started in this role 15 years ago, I thought the same way. “I don’t have special talent, anyone can do this job”. After observing other people in other jobs, I learned that, “no, not everyone can do what I do” I became more confident and appreciated my unique skills and talents. We all contribute to the whole. We need to appreciate our part in it.
Happy Admins Day everyone,
Good Afternoon. I have enjoyed reading Office Dynamics and replaying the webinars. Never seem to be able to watch one from start to finish. I am caught in the middle of admin and staff. Sometimes I can considered staff and sometimes I am considered admin. I do not really have a place.
I have started working on my portfolio. Thank you for all of your positive support.
Why is being an Executive Assistant a rewarding career…well, why not? What other career can you earn the respect of so very many in your organization…in my company, I am not only the Executive Assistant, but a counselor, mother (at times), a spiritual leader, a prayer partner, an educator, an advocate, a “nurse”. a business partner, an event planner, someone to celebrate with and cry with, and a fixer…these are just a few of the jobs of the Executive Admin that go along with my daily “normal” admin duties of calendar, travel, minutes, coordination of events, telephone calls and problem solving—of course, in this field these lists are not at all inclusive of our daily workload. I have been blessed with many spiritual gifts, notably compassion and mercy, so this career is the perfect fit for me. I am not saying it is always easy, as I am a fixer and a doer, but I know at the end of the day, I work for a wonderful organization and have a boss who TRUSTS me with not only the business, but his family life as well. So anyone who does not like to do the same thing day after day…go for it, own your position and grow into the outstanding and amazing woman or gentleman that you are…you will be surprised how far your impact will reach and how many lives you will touch. Happy Administrative Professional’s Week, everyone! (PS — i have been doing this since 1980, so I know I can share my feelings with only the best intentions for you…Enjoy life and enjoy what you do!)
Thank you for enlightening information and inspirational stories – they have kept me going. I have gained greater self respect and perspective. I have worked hard, networked and stretched in ways I did not deem possible. I fought for and finally after 2 years gained a promotion [along with an unexpected bonus!] I strongly felt I deserved. Oh Happy Day… how appropriate it should happen this week! I am not done though… I am still looking forward and continue on a journey to the “me” I see in my future. Thank you for being a part of that journey!
Even though I have been with my company for 35 years, I am still learning because of Office Dynamics. I am getting out of my comfort zone by commenting on the blogs.
Thank you again, Office Dynamics for giving Administrative Professionals a platform to learn, grow and always stay a step ahead. Admins now have a voice!
As Lucy Brazier puts it, #oneprofessiononevoice
Thank you for helping me love and appreciate my profession. Its wonderful to be a part of a family with mutual interests.
The pleasure is all mine, Nicole!
This is exactly what I need! Happy to have found this!
So happy to hear it meets your needs, Amanda! We’re here for you.
I have learned so much from Office Dynamics and it you are constantly helping me stay ahead of the trends in my Executive Assistant career. Thank you.
We are happy to be here for this very purpose. Thank you!
Loved this last year.
Good morning – I’m new to the Blog-A-Thon idea (well, actually to blogging all together) so this is exciting as well as all the information that is being provided. Thanks, Deb
This is so wonderful what Office Dynamics is doing. Office Dynamics is a great Administrative Advocate and offers very helpful training to further the success of Administrative Professionals.
Thank you for the invite! This looks fun! This is a great site and has wonderful information!
This sounds like such a fab idea. Thank you for all the work you do for all us Administrators and Assistants
This sounds like and interesting event. Very curious, can’t wait.
Can’t wait! Sounds fun!
I am looking forward to tips/tricks for email management, how to manage a busy executive who doesn’t know how to delegate, and meeting minutes and tracking action/to do items. Thank you Office Dynamics!
Thanks for letting us know exactly what you’re looking for. Have you tried the Executives and Assistants Working In Partnership Guide, Carrie?
This guide is awesome!! It’s been very helpful between my client and I.
What a great idea! Thank you for inviting me to this fun, innovative event! Enjoy your day!
Looking forward to this month and reading all of the great articles and tips! Thank you for making us feel “extra special” this month!
What a fun idea! I am excited
Great idea. Thanks for the invitation!
Looking forward to celebrating Administrative Professionals all month long with you. Thank you Office Dynamics!
What a fantastic idea!
Thank you! What a fun idea!
Thanks for joining us, Debbie!
I love that you celebrate Administrative Professional’s Day all month long! It’s a great April party with @OfficeDynamics!!!
Always a great site for information and helpful tips. Looking forward to a fantastic month!
Thank you for always thinking outside and inside the box on how to engage and educate!
Please add a topic on: Be Ready for Change and Reinvent Yourself,
Ties into going outside your comfort zone.
I second that request! At times I am not always sure if I should say yes to new projects, and sometimes I re-think and want to say yes
Always a very fun, informative site for very helpful ideas!
Thank you for all you do. I always look forward to this blog and all the exciting things happening in Admin Pro Month. I’ve been a fan of Office Dynamics for several years and am so grateful I found you, I’ve learned so much and it’s helped to shape my career. My dream job is to be part of the Office Dynamics Team — unfortunately, the commute makes it pretty impossible. 🙂
Always looking for quick, valuable bites of info that I can use right away to make me a better Assistant. I work at an accounting firm and we are in the heat of tax season so the blog-a-thon is a great way to re-charge my motivation! Thank you Office Dynamics!
So excited for this. Thank you so much.
Jasmine/Office Dynamics, April is officially the start of the second quarter and this Blog-A-Thon will be a great way to be introduced to different ideas and work up to Administrative Professionals Day. This will be fun reading the posts each day. Eunice
How exciting! Thank you so much for doing this!
Can’t wait to learn more great tips!
I was so excited to see your email Jasmine! I discovered Office Dynamics almost a year ago and have enjoyed and benefitted greatly from everything you offer us. I’m always in search of education and after extensive searching online you provide the best training anywhere. All others pale in comparison! Thanks for all your hard work. I appreciate you all.
Thank you, Barbara. We are thankful you choose us and that we’re able to serve the learning and development needs for the administrative profession in this way. Looking forward to enjoying the month of April with you. We hope you enjoy the many surprises that are in store this month. Hope to see you here daily!
This is my first time joining the Blog and I’m really looking forward to learning something new this month. I really appreciate everything you do at Office Dynamics to provide us with resources and training. You provide resources that fit into any budget which is extremely important. I especially love your webinars, which always motivate me. When I get pulled off the call to handle something, I can listen to the rest of the call later. You know our world.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for your efforts throughout the year and during this fun month!!!
It is our pleasure, Jacqueline. Thank you for choosing to participate with us! Lots of fun ahead for all of us!
Looking forward to this month of sharing.
How exciting! Thank you so much for your investment in all of us.
Thank you for the opportunity to benefit from your expertise and experts! Looking forward to the next entry!
I have been using Office Dynamics for the past year and LOVE, LOVE their training webinars and books! In today’s business world, you need to show constant value so continued growth is imperative. Thanks for providing us with constant training and resources! This blog will be fun!
Looking forward to this month.
Looking forward to it!
I am looking forward to any advice I can get!
This is great and I so look forward to being part of this.
Glad to have you join us.
There are many ways to gain knowledge and skills. We admins need to take the time to go to websites, attend seminars and listen to webinars. We will benefit greatly by keeping our skills sharp.
We agree, Charlotte.
I’m super excited – I’ve never participated on a blog before so looking forward to it…and of course, looking forward to all the great info & tips.
What a wonderful resource Office Dynamics continues to be. Thank you for consistently offering wonderful guidance and tips!
i love the idea of being pumped up with real world advice by rallied together experts. Just the language makes me smile. lol
Thanks for encouragement and tips. Both are needed.
Thank you for always providing the exact training we need so that we can be the best assistant we can be.
Great way to learn new ideas or simply share thoughts. Look forward to participating.
Great to see you here, Joan!
Looking forward to another great April with Office Dynamics!
April is turning out to be an exciting month. So looking forward to my first blog-a-thon
We’re so glad to have you joining us for the blog-a-thon! Looking forward to seeing you next week in London.
Hi ladies, thanks for this. I learn so much from your webinars and am grateful that you send me a link…seems the ones I wanted most are the ones I got called away from:)
Blessings! KFB
Hi Kay! Sorry to hear you get pulled away. We will have many more free webinars this year so keep coming back.
Sorry you get pulled away but we will be hosting many more free webinars!
First time participating, looking forward to it!
Thank you for allowing me to participate in your blog and the free webinars. I watch the webinar on my home computer…my computer system at work only allows certain people to access webinars. I thoroughly enjoy your webinars…they are invaluable to me!
looking forward to a great month in April! Appreciating all the AAs & EAs!
I’m looking forward to an awesome month ahead! I’m loving your monthly free webinars and the wealth of resources on the Office Dynamics website
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much. We have several great free webinars the rest of this year. I hope you can attend or at least listen to the replay. Let’s have some fun in April learning and networking through our Blog-a-Thon!
Thank you Office Dynamics for all you do to help us in our careers as Admins! My Sr. Manager recently listened to a Webinar and is interested in know how the other Admins in our department would feel about these informative webinars. I will be sending them invitations as the webinars come up.
Looking forward to picking up new tips as always!
This is awesome! I can’t wait to read all the postings.
I am excited for this years blog-a-thon! Thank you for sharing many opportunities to aid in the professional growth for admins.
This looks like it’s going to be a great month! I haven’t participated before. Looking forward to the guest posts!
Welcome Jules! You are in for a real treat. We love hosting the Blog-a-Thon. There are many good ideas that will be coming forth from myself and all our guests so be sure to sign up. We’re also going to have lots of fun doing it!
Thank you Office Dynamics for bringing meaning to Administrative Professionals Week! It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate our chosen career. So many people think anyone can be an assistant, I’m hoping that this blog will help those understand this isn’t true. Administrative Professionals are special!
Hello Becke! Absolutely–this is a special profession and not everyone can be a great assistant. Glad you are participating in the Blog-a-Thon!
I love your Webinars and now this! Excited to be part of the Blog-a-thon for the first time!
Welcome, Bobbee! So happy to have you joining us. Thanks for being here.
This is so Exciting!! Looks like we’ll have a full month of fun with Office Dynamics!! I can’t wait! Thank you!!
Glad to have you join us! Let’s have some fun.
Thank you so much for your dedication to all of us Administrative Professionals out there!!! I stumbled on to you sometime in the last year or so, and appreciate all your timely tips. Am looking forward to the next month!
Happy to be part of it!
Long time executive assistant first time Blog-a-Thon follower. Thanks for offering this great learning opportunity!
Looking forward to the opportunities the Blog-A-Thon provides! The prizes are pretty great as well! 🙂
This is my first April with Office Dynamics and I am very interested to see what is in store!
Happy Admin Appreciation Month, everyone! And thank you, Office Dynamics, for hosting this event. I am looking forward to learning and participating. Have a great month, everyone! 🙂
Love the free monthly sessions. I have learned a lot. Thanks for posting them when I miss one.
I’ve recently subscribed to the blog and look forward to what April has to offer! It’s nice to get flowers from my boss, but THIS is something I can really use. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that, Elaine! Glad to be of service.
Elaine, I agree flowers are wonderful. But eventually they are gone. Learning stays with us forever. We can take it with us no matter where we go or what we do. 3 Cheers for those of you who love being a student.
When I started with Office Dynamics, I was an administrative assistant, but have since made lateral moves to become a payroll specialist. It’s worth noting that even though I’m not considered an administrative professional in some aspects, I’m still able to use everything in the webinars, blogs, etc. in my current position. Thank you for allowing me to participate!
Looking forward to participating!
I found this site by accident, but it has been a most beneficial blunder! For a number of reasons both professional and personal, I had lost a lot of momentum and focus. I haven’t been able to afford conferences or webinars. I am thrilled that I found options that will enable me to rejuvenate my energies, reform my mindset and develop new skills!
That’s awesome to hear, Judith! Please don’t keep us a secret.
I’m looking forward to the sharing of great tips and other useful information to help all admins enhance their skills.
I’ve never blogged before so this should be a great experience!
Beverly, you will have fun. It is a great way to interact with your peers and the Office Dynamics team.
This is always a great month of information; thank you for continuing it!
Since I have been associated with Office Dynamics, I have gained a wealth of information. Not only professionally but personally as well. These webinars and the team at Office Dynamics is an awesome group and I appreciate everything they do for the Administrative Professional.
Thank you, Donna. We appreciate you!
Hello Donna! Thank you for the compliments. We love what we do and helping assistants is our passion. Please continue to comment throughout the Blog-a-Thon.
How exciting! I’m not sure I have done anything like this before : )
Be prepared to gain lots of valuable information.
Glad to know that am not the only “newbie” on this voyage!
It’s good to keep in mind that your tips and tricks can be used for those of us (ex: payroll specialist) who aren’t necessarily considered “administrative professionals” by all. When I started with Office Dynamics, I was an administrative assistant, but have since made lateral moves. I’m still able to use everything you promote in my current position, even though I don’t have an executive in the sense that others do. Thank you for the opportunity to participate!
Hello Sharon! Good point. Fortunately, because I teach mostly interpersonal skills for assistants, they can transfer to other support positions and careers.
Love the Blog-A-Thons! I may not always have the opportunity to comment but learn a lot from reading them. Thank you for doing this again!!!
Looking forward to picking up some tidbits during the month! Thank you.
Looking forward to reading the blog. It helps keep me energized.
REALLY appreciate all the energy – thank you!
I have over a decade of experience as an administrative assitant and always revert back to Office Dynamics for tips and tricks of the trade! There are so many “admin focused” sites and spaces on the web, but nothing in terms of professionalism, consistency, dedication, or authentic material. I’m so excited to see what is in store and happy to share my passion with those in this field that love it as much as I do!
Thank you, Candice! So happy to hear this site has been of use to you.
Hello Candice! Thank you so much. We certainly have worked hard for more than 25 years to establish an outstanding reputation and be the leader in the field for administrative and executive assistant training, development, and information.
I am so excited to read everything that will be communicated this month. It is no secret how much I LOVE Joan, Jasmine, and the rest of the ODI team! Let the Blog-A-Thon begin!!
What a wonderful opportunity for all Administrative Professionals – thank you so much for the time and effort you put into building confident, positive career guidance!!!
First timer for me too.
Welcome!!!
This will be my first April with you guys, and I think this is AWESOME! It’s not an April fool’s joke… is it?
No joke – we’re doing this!!!
Chelsea…. you are going to have a great time participating in our Blog-a-Thon plus learn some great tips to apply to your career. Be sure to comment. Thanks much.
I was hoping you would do this again this year! I look forward to new Office Dynamics posts in my reader, and have added an email subscription to be sure I don’t miss anything! Thanks to all of you for the encouragement and support!
I’m looking forward to all the great information I’m sure I’ll get this month through the Blog-a-Thon. I’ve done this a few times and have always gained by the information.
Great, Tina. And I’m certain we will have some fresh information and new ideas for you. We have some exciting guest bloggers this year. I am eager to see what they are going to post. We will all have a wonderful time and grow our skill sets.
This is one of my fave times of the year!
I have never participated in a blog-a-thon, but looking forward to the opportunity to learn! Office Dynamics shares such great information.
Every year this event goes above and beyond to celebrate us. Thanks ODI Team for the opportunity!
Office Dynamics always provides excellent information specific to we admins. Thank you.
Looking forward to learning valuable information – thanks for supporting us!
Looking forward to a Great Administrative Professional Day, Week, Month. Was part of this last month and just loved all the Tips and Information! Thank you for doing this!
Haven’t done this before – a new experience.
Welcome, Melissa! Thank you for joining us. An easy way to stay connected with the posts daily is the subscribe on the upper right of this page. That will trigger our system to send you an email each time a blog is posted. Then you won’t miss a thing! We look forward to having you here with us and hope you’ll really enjoy the experience and gain some valuable new skills.
Thanks – I think I did everything correctly as am getting posts.
Looking forward to this and thankful for the way you invest in admin professionals!
Thank you! We are honored to work with the administrative profession. Looking forward to an amazing April!
I look forward to April every year to see what “goodies” I can get for professional development!
I am looking forward to these activities. Thanks for doing this.
Our pleasure, Cheryl. It’s one of my favorite events.
Love this time of year!!
Me too!
Agreed!
I’m so excited to see what will happen!
FANTASTIC! Looking forward to a great month of expert admin advice!!
I am too. So much great information is shared.
One of the best months of the year, a time to show off the value and numerous contributions Administrative Professionals add to the work place! Celebrating all APs!
Welcome to the blog-a-thon, Sue! This is going to be so much fun.