Dear Readers ![Secretarial Newsletter Editor Penny Cottee](http://www.deskdemon.com/images/newsletterart/penny100.jpg)
I've been asking myself this question for some time,
but have as yet have found no satisfactory answers. According to the Council
for Administration, there are 4.7 million administrative staff in the
UK. So how can it be, that the sum of the members of all the major secretarial
and administrative support organisations in the UK struggles to reach
10,000? What's going wrong?
Of course, a large percentage of those four million
admin staff will not be in secretarial or support roles. But many will.
So why are the memberships of the support networks so desperately low?
Why are secretaries, PAs, and office administrators not using these organisations?
So I thought I would ask you gals and guys, the readers. Given that
all the 10 secretarial associations we have highlighted in this issue
provide professional support and networking opportunities, is one to
infer that you are not taking your careers seriously? Or is it that
you are unaware of the support these bodies can offer? Or is it that
you don't feel they provide information and guidance which is relevant
to you and your role? Or perhaps they are not local enough to you?
Or, is it that you still don't believe in the value of networking?
If that is the case, I hope this issue of our e-zine will persuade
you otherwise! We're looking at networking from all angles - why you
should network, where you can network, and how to network. We've packed
this issue with thoughts, advice, inspiration and contact information.
We've even got two super giveaways: a handy book, "30 minutes to
improve your networking", and an excellent self-development audio
tape, "How to maximise your self-esteem" to help give you
the confidence to get out there. Both free to lucky winners, both great
tools to help you on your way to successful networking.
So there really is NO EXCUSE! Get out there and find out what's happening
in your profession. You can make business acquaintances, further your
career, help others, swap skills, have fun, and make friends. And if
nothing's happening, set one up yourself which suits your particular
style and needs.
And I would really like to know why so few secretaries and PAs are
drawn to networking organisations. So much is on offer, and it's not
being taken up. Do tell me why!
Have a good month! Until the next time…
Penny
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