Ode to Those Behind the Scenes

I've always been a big fan of assistants, office managers and secretaries. These are the people who really know what's going on. They copy the reports, they chit chat with clients, they overhear important conversations. And usually they are the least likely to get a thank you.

Often times, these are the best people to have on your side, and the worst people to not have on your side. They can tell you the best way to get a hold of the Very Important Person you need to talk to, or they can give you so much run-around, you won't know which way is up. Much less ever talk to Mr. Very Important Person.

A good way to get them get them to like you? Genuinely (because these people deal with enough cold-calling salespeople to know the difference) tell them you appreciate them and the work they do. Obviously it's nice to send such glad tidings after a big project or a particular job well done. But don't wait for an opportunity. They like out-of-the-blue praise as much as you do.

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A Note of Thanks

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