If you ask any Personal Assistant (PA) what their job entails, you’re likely to get a smile, and maybe a short laugh, then a sentence that begins with “Well, it depends…” Because being a PA isn’t just a job; it’s a role, a lifestyle, and let’s be honest a bit of a superpower.
While every day is different and no two PAs have identical job descriptions, one thing remains universal: the true value of a PA doesn’t just come from their to-do list prowess it comes from their network.
Let’s talk about that.
Behind the best PA’s is a great network. When my CEO once asked me for that last minute dinner reservation at his favourite restaurant, it was possible, only because every time I ever booked that restaurant, I had taken the time to build a rapport with everyone from the restaurant manager to the administrator minding the company inbox.
That crisis where you needed access to your office building out of hours? If you take the time to be friendly and always chat to security of your building it will be a breeze! It all comes down to the strength of your relationships, with suppliers, colleagues, peers, and often, other PAs.
Why Your Network Matters (More Than Your Colour-Coded Calendar)
You can be the most organised, spreadsheet-savvy PA on the planet, but if you don’t have a network, you’re playing the hard game. Here’s why your connections are your greatest asset:
1. Information is Everything
Need to know how a Partner likes their coffee or which hotel chain has the best corporate rates in Milan? Chances are, another PA has already dealt with it. When you start a new role I always recommend grilling your predecessor/new colleagues on the good/the bad and the ugly, just so you can be prepared! Sharing insights, tips, and even pre-vetted contacts can save you hours of research and eliminate costly mistakes.
2. Speed and Agility
When your exec casually mentions they need a team offsite organised by Friday, your network becomes your emergency response team. That trusted travel agent, that go-to AV supplier, the fellow PA who has a contact at that new venue, they’re the difference between flustered scrambling and smooth sailing.
3. Reputation and Reliability
In the world of executive support, your word is your power. If your contacts know you’re reliable, professional, and efficient, they’re more likely to go the extra mile when you need a favour. Your reputation within your network can unlock opportunities that no amount of Googling can.
The Art of Building a Strong PA Network
So how do you cultivate a network that supports, empowers, and occasionally saves your sanity?
Be Generous First
It sounds simple, but generosity is magnetic. Share your contacts. Offer your templates. Be the person who says “Let me introduce you to someone who can help.” It builds trust, and trust is the currency of networking.
Attend PA Meetups and Events
Whether it’s a local admin group, a national conference, or a virtual webinar, showing up matters. These aren’t just events, they’re incubators for professional relationships. You’ll learn, laugh, and often leave with a few more people in your corner. Pally Talk’s Co-Working Meet ups have been invaluable for me now I am working remotely from home as Virtual EA.
Join Online Communities
LinkedIn, Slack channels, Facebook groups, PAs are everywhere, and they’re chatting! Join the conversations, ask questions, and contribute your own knowledge. Sometimes the best venue recommendations come from someone you’ve never met in real life.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
Networking isn’t speed dating. It’s more like gardening, it takes time and attention. A quick ‘like’ of a post, check-in message, a “thanks again” email, or even a comment on someone’s LinkedIn post keeps the relationship alive.
The Joy of finding “Your People”
Beyond the professional benefits, a strong PA network offers something else just as important: solidarity.
Who else truly understands the sheer panic of a double-booked calendar? Or the emotional whiplash of planning a funeral and a company gala in the same week? Fellow PAs get it. They offer empathy, advice, and sometimes just the comforting assurance that you’re not the only one juggling ten flaming swords with a smile on your face.
In a role that can feel lonely and often operates behind the scenes, having people who see your effort and cheer you on can be incredibly validating.
Final Thoughts: Power in the People
Being a PA is a dynamic, high-stakes role that requires grace under pressure, strategic thinking, and yes, a near-supernatural ability to anticipate needs before they arise. But no PA is an island.
Your power doesn’t come from how much you do alone, it comes from how well you connect with others.
So if you’re a PA (or an aspiring one), don’t just invest in software, courses, and stationery. Invest in people. The right network can amplify your effectiveness, boost your confidence, and, perhaps most importantly, make the journey a whole lot more fun.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about who you know, it’s about how you know them, and what you can create together.
Go on, send that message, attend that meet-up, tag that LinkedIn contact. Your network is waiting and they’ve probably got a great restaurant recommendation, too. You won’t regret it!
