Ask An Assistant

Jess Lindgren shares lessons learned, best practices, and actionable advice from her 20+ years as an administrative professional. Submit your questions at askanassistant.com for consideration!

AAA 54 | Dongles 02/04/2025

AAA 54 | Dongles Esteemed Colleague Lauren wrote in to ask about a pet peeve in the office relating to adapters, and asked if I could relate. COULD I EVER. Lauren, you're not alone, and I hope my commiseration (and solution) prove helpful. I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/35141845

AAA 53 | With vs For | Importance of Language Series 01/28/2025

AAA 53 | With vs For | Importance of Language Series Today, I'm talking about the importance of language, and specifically, the notion of working WITH someone vs FOR someone. This has been a very important practice in my life - let me know how it sits with you! The other episodes in the Importance of Language Series that were mentioned in this episode: AAA 25: AAA 40: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/35042395

AAA 52 | Minimizing Distractions on your Phone 01/21/2025

AAA 52 | Minimizing Distractions on your Phone Let's talk about minimizing distractions on our phones! I try to think of my phone as a tool rather than a toy, and minimizing distractions as a practice. Let me know if you try any of these tips and how you feel after. :) I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34936440

AAA 51 | Supporting Employees, Colleagues, and Fellow Humans Through a Disaster 01/14/2025

AAA 51 | Supporting Employees, Colleagues, and Fellow Humans Through a Disaster Go Fund Me campaigns for Black families in LA: Solidarity and Snacks: Junior High LA: Leola Lula, my esthetician, who is replacing skincare routines for people affected by the fires: Blair Imani: Caroline Moss's suggestion to 'adopt' a GFM and see it through to its goal: Nora McInerny's formula for helping: ----- I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34846085

AAA 50 | January 2025 Housekeeping 01/07/2025

AAA 50 | January 2025 Housekeeping Burnout session: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34752820

AAA 49 | Until Next Year 12/31/2024

AAA 49 | Until Next Year Until next year, Esteemed Colleagues! xo Jess Top three episodes of 2024: AAA 26 | 1:1 Frequency and Format: AAA 39 | Task Management Systems: AAA 42 | Weird Requests: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34666740

AAA 48 | Unplugging Over the Holidays 12/24/2024

AAA 48 | Unplugging Over the Holidays Burnout session: Esteemed Colleague Abby needs advice for ACTUALLY unplugging from work over the holidays. I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34596690

AAA 47 | Owning up to Mistakes 12/17/2024

AAA 47 | Owning up to Mistakes Esteemed Colleague Dana needs advice for a big, expensive mistake. I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34480260

AAA 46 | Laptop Bags For The Executive Assistant On The Go 12/10/2024

AAA 46 | Laptop Bags For The Executive Assistant On The Go Esteemed Colleague Julie wants to know what I'm using for a laptop bag these days, and what she might consider for herself. I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34360225

AAA 45 | Scheduling Annual Board Meetings for your Exec 12/03/2024

AAA 45 | Scheduling Annual Board Meetings for your Exec Does your exec serve on a dizzying number of boards? Does the cadence of the meetings stress you out? You've got this! Give Ask An Assistant #45 a listen (that's this one), take some notes, and get your exec's board of directors service wrapped up in a nice, tidy little package. With a bit of proactive maneuvering, managing board meetings, travel, and follow up can be a breeze. I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34148555

AAA 44 | Gifting in the Office 11/26/2024

AAA 44 | Gifting in the Office As 2024 winds down and we are eyeballs deep in the holiday season, gifting is top of mind. Give this episode a listen for my thoughts on giving a gift to your executive. Spoiler - it depends! Other Ask An Assistant episode mentioned in this episode: Boss's Day, AAA 37: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/34148260

AAA 43 | Roughly Quarterly Email Signature Refresh 11/19/2024

AAA 43 | Roughly Quarterly Email Signature Refresh Roughly Quarterly projects from 2024 Q1, Template Refresh, AAA 8: Q2, Seek and Destroy Large FIles, AAA 20: Q3, Subscription Audit, AAA 30: Q4, Email Signature Refresh, AAA 43 - that's this episode! I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33990537

AAA 42 | Weird Requests 11/12/2024

AAA 42 | Weird Requests Ask An Assistant episode 17, Good/Fast/Cheap: Ask An Assistant episode 6, Time Split Talk: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33892207

AAA 41 | Mail Merges 11/05/2024

AAA 41 | Mail Merges How to do a mail merge, per Microsoft: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33788532

AAA 40 | Specificity in the Workplace | Importance of Language Series 10/29/2024

AAA 40 | Specificity in the Workplace | Importance of Language Series Time zones and names and days of the month, oh my! Obviously, this specificity doesn't only apply to the workplace, take these thoughts and apply them in your world wherever they're...applicable. Episode 10/my thoughts on DST: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33663592

AAA 39 | Task Management Systems 10/22/2024

AAA 39 | Task Management Systems I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33563242

AAA 38 | Start, Stop, Continue 10/15/2024

AAA 38 | Start, Stop, Continue I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33460687

AAA 37 | Boss's Day 2024 10/08/2024

AAA 37 | Boss's Day 2024 I did not mention it during the episode, but Boss's Day is marked on October 16th annually, or the next business day when it falls on a weekend! Scholarly journal wikipedia's take: Mini masterpieces: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33370762

AAA 36 | Extenuating Circumstances 10/01/2024

AAA 36 | Extenuating Circumstances Esteemed Colleagues, extenuating circumstances are events or situations that can make it difficult to do something, or make it harder to do something well. I find myself mired in extenuating circumstances - a sprained shoulder, the loss of a friend, the dwindling days of summer before a rainy upstate NY fall/winter kicks in. I am not in a position to bring you an episode of Ask An Assistant that is up to snuff. Take a day off work to honor whatever life is throwing your way. I'll be back in full force next week. xo Jess I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33275142

AAA 35 | Your Corporate Holiday Gift List 09/24/2024

AAA 35 | Your Corporate Holiday Gift List I know September feels early to start thinking about corporate gifting, but I promise it's not. Your December self will thank you for doing this so early. xo Jess Minny & Paul: Wine Country: Harry & David's: (^^these pears are so good, GET THEM) Mrs. Prindables: Funky Chunky: Candyland in MN: (^^did not mention them in the episode, but they're my the best!) i like you: Downloadable template coming soon, will link it here: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33180617

AAA 34 | Celebrating Birthdays at Work 09/17/2024

AAA 34 | Celebrating Birthdays at Work Always make birthday celebrations optional at work! I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/33085247

AAA 33 | Start Planning Your Company Holiday Party NOW 09/10/2024

AAA 33 | Start Planning Your Company Holiday Party NOW Planning a holiday party in September might feel a bit early, but trust me, you're better off starting sooner than later. It takes time to complete site visits, develop menus, look into entertainment options, and for leadership to review (and approve!) all of the work you've done. Plus, all of best venues tend to book up months if not years in advance! Get a budget from your finance team, schedule those site visits, and get to work. Resources mentioned: Ask An Assistant 14: Varsity Theatre Minneapolis: Cadence and Eli: DJ Jake Rudh: Stay hydrated, call your grandmas, and take care! xo Jess I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32986552

AAA 32 | Getting That Annoying Project DONE 09/03/2024

AAA 32 | Getting That Annoying Project DONE Let's talk about motivation to get that one annoying project DONE, from a headspace and/or treat perspective. Some of my favorite treats: Fatcat Baking: Strong Hearts: Mojo's: Two of my favorite Get Things Done headspace treats: ALIVE (Daft Punk): All Day (Girl Talk): Let me know if I missed any other resources, happy to add them here! Feel free to follow Ask An Assistant on IG: You can connect with me on LinkedIn: Have an awesome week! We've changed heat and humidity for hoodies here in upstate NY. Hope you're all sleeping with the windows open. xo Jess I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32872727

AAA 31 | Firm Management Software Onboarding 08/27/2024

AAA 31 | Firm Management Software Onboarding I get a little ranty in this one! I hope it's a helpful rant. xo Jess Pareto principle: Qount: SecureFilePro: SmartVault: AAA9 | Phones at Work: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32696147

AAA 30 | Roughly Quarterly Subscription Audit 08/20/2024

AAA 30 | Roughly Quarterly Subscription Audit It's Roughly Quarterly time! Add another task to your own Roughly Quarterly schedule of Things That Need To Be Addressed...or not, it's up to you! xo Jess Roughly Quarterly Template Refresh, AAA8: Roughly Quarterly Seek and Destroy (Large Files), AAA20: Phones at Work, AAA9: Subscribe to the Ask An Assistant newsletter: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32649337

AAA 29 | Finding EA Communities Online 08/13/2024

AAA 29 | Finding EA Communities Online Resources mentioned during the episode - not necessarily in order, and quite possibly not all of them! LMGTFY: Leader Assistant Circle community: EA How To: EA Campus: Leader Assistant LinkedIn community: EA subreddit: I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32553772

AAA 28 | Personal Meets Professional | School Year 08/06/2024

AAA 28 | Personal Meets Professional | School Year Resources mentioned in the episode! Connect with me on , but know that I'm hot on the block button for anyone pitching an MLM. I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32453652

AAA 27 | Booking Travel for Others 07/30/2024

AAA 27 | Booking Travel for Others Befriend the legal and financial professionals in your life! Follow their processes and procedures. It's a big job, but I know you can do it. xo Jess I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32334967

AAA 26 | 1:1 Frequency and Format 07/23/2024

AAA 26 | 1:1 Frequency and Format Let's talk about the all-important 1:1 with your executives! Frequency and Format are the agenda of the day. Trivinia Barber's blog post on Priority VA: https://priorityva.com/your-ea-should-be-a-gateway-not-a-gatekeeper/ I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! xo Jess Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32219807

AAA 25 | Up & Down the Calendar | Importance of Language Series 07/16/2024

AAA 25 | Up & Down the Calendar | Importance of Language Series Up, down, back, forward, earlier, or later - I'd love your thoughts! xo Jess I always love to hear from you: Book a 1:1 with me: Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me. Have an awesome week! Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter? Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214 /episode/index/show/askanassistant/id/32171977

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