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Joan Burge's Administrative Blog

You Are More Than Administrative Professionals

Posted by: Joan Burge on 4/22/2009

Dave Burge sneaks in a blog post:

I am taking the opportunity to post this blog while Joan is on the road coming back from a client in Washington State.
First let me congratulate you on your special week and day. I am sure it is not said enough but “Thank You” for all your efforts and hard work in keeping America and the rest of the world organized and moving in the right direction; which brings me to the point of this blog.

Having been married to Joan for almost 33 years and seeing her develop her talents to promote this chosen career path, helping the Administrative Professional achieve recognition, goals, and a stature in the work place community I ask that you take a moment and reflect on what I am about to say.

You may not realize it but this profession has more to it than just being someone’s assistant. It prepares you for all the other things life deals out. You are a better daughter, son, spouse, life partner, soul mate, mother, father, friend, caregiver, cook, cleaner, driver just to name a few. Your passion, training, organizational skills, problem solving, and just plain fixing things, carries over from your career to the rest of your life every day. Just stop and think about all the fires you and you alone have put out both personally and professionally. Smile, you know I am right.

I know many of you have had the opportunity to meet Joan personally and know that her passion for you is deeply rooted and never ending. I too have had the pleasure of seeing this in Joan. Many of you know that I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a little over 2 years ago and have undergone 2 surgeries and chemotherapy since that time. Why do I mention this? Because she uses her years of learning and teaching to keep me, our kids, our grandchildren and her business on track. Every day she continues to be inspired by all of you. She tells me daily of all the extraordinary hurdles you all face and meet head on, not just at work but home as well. So, in the eyes of someone who knows….
That’s why you are more than just Administrative Professionals.

David Burge

PS: Now that the Blog-A-Thon is almost over, why let it end? Your comments have been so rewarding to Joan and I am sure to all of you who have read them. Visit Joan often through her blog and keep those comments coming.

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24 Comments

    • Apr 22 2009, 5:10 PM Joan Burge
    • Well, I'm back from Washington State; but now on my way to Moline, Il! I was very pleasanty surprised to read Dave's Blog post. I'm also very touched by his words. He is right, you know? The admin profession prepares you for so many aspects of your life that you cannot even anticipate or imagine right now. So take in everything you can; learn and continue to grow. We are always in training for the next stage of our life. Thanks Dave for your words of wisdom to admins worldwide. You are my hero and mentor!

    • Apr 22 2009, 4:02 PM Laura
    • Dave, thank you for an encouraging post and for letting the world share in your love with Joan! I ordered Joan's latest book last Monday and received it in the mail on Wednesday...can't wait to apply what I learn.

    • Apr 22 2009, 4:02 PM Jessica
    • Thank you for your uplifting post. I am so happy that someone took the time to tell me about Joan's webinar and the blog and grateful to the entire Office Dyanamics team for their efforts to help us be successful. Participating in the blog-a-thon has really helped to pull me out of the shell I found myself existing in.<br><br>Warmest regards,<br>Jessica Cherry

    • Apr 22 2009, 4:25 PM Jasmine Freeman
    • Dave, <br><br>What a great blog post this morning. I am touched by your kind and thoughful words. It is a blessing to work side-by-side with you and with Joan. I learn so much everyday and to be appreciated and respected by the people I work so closely with means the world to me. I look forward to the many years ahead with you and Joan.<br><br>Cheers to of the Administrative Professionals out there in the world today, it's YOUR day!<br><br>Jasmine

    • Apr 22 2009, 4:52 PM Will Paccione
    • Great post Dave. I'm sure you guys know by now that you're so much more than clients to me!<br>It's so obvious that you guys touch so many in so many different ways.<br>I can't wait for Dave's book to come out next.

    • Apr 22 2009, 5:04 PM Janice Seaman
    • Thanks to both Joan and Dave. And I have learned so much having Joan in my career corner. She has been the best mentor and friend that anyone could have. Dave everything you said about Joan is so true. She is the best. Again, thanks to both of you for thinking about us today.

    • Apr 22 2009, 5:56 PM Alice
    • Thanks for your encouraging words David! I want you to know that Joan has helped me grow so much in my professional and personal life. I do not think I could have handled my job without the advice in her wonderful books, cd's and Monday Motivators. I am so thankful for her. Thanks for sharing her with us.

    • Apr 22 2009, 6:06 PM Linda M
    • Thank you Dave, for sharing your insight. Two years ago, at age 50, I went back to college to prepare myself to enter the work force because my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This Spring I will graduate with a BS in Business Management, and my goal is to obtain an Executive Assistant position. I am writing to say that I purchased Joan's book, The Inner Circle Assistant, and it is next to my university texts on the bookshelf. I consider it invaluable because it provides the missing "academic" piece - a guide that defines business techniques, partnerships, interpersonal relationships, attitude, and how to excel in the profession. I appreciate Joan's discussions with management to learn what they see as critical to a successful manager/assistant team. I can truly say that she has inspired me to enthusiastically approach a new job with the objective of being a proactive and vital partner. The blogs are enlightening, and I have learned a great deal from others who have shared their personal experiences. I visit this website regularly, and love the new video series. Thanks again, Dave, for helping us realize that our management skills can provide positive results in different areas of our lives and are appreciated by others. Best of luck to you.

    • Apr 22 2009, 6:37 PM Tammy Kunzman
    • Thank you Dave and Joan! Dave really did sum it all up because what we do does prepare us for what is to come. What great things to say about Administrative Professionals. Sometimes I believe we just don't realize how much we do until someone points it out like Dave did in his blog. He is also so right about Joan. Joan has been a tremendous coach and mentor as well as a friend. Any time I am around her, I feel like a sponge because she has so much information for me to absorb. We are all so fortunate to have the two of you. And, what would the two of you be without Jasmine -- JASMINE, you are one terrific support system for Joan and Dave. Keep up the good work!

    • Apr 22 2009, 7:21 PM Annette Brown
    • Dave, what an inspiring story you have! I believe everyone has a story, and that to everyone and everything there is purpose. Dave, thank you for your uplifting words. The work you and Joan have done together has touched so many lives and has created so many success stories for others...it's exponential! On behalf of the Star Achievement trainers and our Star Achievers here at Luxottica Retail, Happy Administrative Professionals day to all!

    • Apr 22 2009, 9:13 PM Sue
    • I was surprised to see Dave's blog note today. Thanks, Dave, for a most positive and inspirational note. This whole blog-a-thon has been a lot of fun. I looked forward to reading them whenever I could find a few minutes. I am following the Webinars now also. Thanks, Joan, for your continued support and encouragement to Admin. Profssionals.

    • Apr 22 2009, 9:35 PM Brenda L. Mason CPS/CAP, CWCA
    • Thank you David for a great outline. Joan has always spoke very highly of you and it comes from the heart. I can see from your writing why Joan is so inspired by you.

    • Apr 23 2009, 12:47 AM Peggy Vasquez
    • Dave you are no doubt an incredible partner to Joan! I can only imagine what an unstopable team the two of you must be!<br><br>I couldn't agree with you more regarding Joan's passion for administrators. I had the fortunate experience of hosting Joan yesterday for our onsite Office Professional's Seminar and she was keynote speaker. The vast knowledge and experience she has was clear to everyone. <br><br>I consider Joan a mentor and look forward to continuing to learn from her and to one day adopt the Star Achievement Program at our company.<br><br>Thanks again for your message Dave!

    • Apr 23 2009, 2:31 AM Max
    • Thank you Joan for this series and your passion for Administrative Professionals. Happy Administrative Professional Day to All. I requested copies of Joan's books for my special day. My managers were more than happy to give a gift to help me in my development.

    • Apr 23 2009, 2:50 AM Olivia
    • I love your blog, Dave. It's refreshing to see the love you and Joan share and the support you give her. Thanks for sharing. This blog series has been very good for me. thanks again.<br><br><br><br>

    • Apr 23 2009, 12:31 PM Teresa Henderson
    • Dear Dave:<br>How moving and inspiring your words are this morning! What a way to start the day. God bless you and Joan for all that you do. I'm very new to this site, but certainly not new to the admin profession with 37 years under my belt. It didn't take me long to recognize excellence in action after attending Joan's first webinar. <br><br>Thank you again for your kind words and heartfelt sentiments!

    • Apr 23 2009, 1:04 PM Ginny Hummell
    • Dave, thanks for all your encouraging words. I lost my husband to lung/liver cancer last August and was having a weepy day today and wondering how I was going to get through my Take Your Child to Work Day presentation. Then I read all the good things you have to say about the Administrative Professional. It really cheered me up. Thanks for recoginizing us and your wife, Joan who is so inspiring. Thanks again. Ginny

    • Apr 23 2009, 3:13 PM Debra Penny
    • Dave, thank you so very much for the kind words, I have learned much through attending Joan's yearly meetings. Last year I walked away with the encouragement to enroll in college and continue my education. At the end of 2008, I started the process of working towards a business management degree at the University of Redlands. I credit Joan with giving me the encouragement to do this. Unfortunately, I will not make her meeting this year in Las Vegas due to budget cuts at my company. I will sorely miss being there. Thank you Joan for all the hard work you do for us Administrative Professionals. Debra<br>PS - Happy Administrative Professionals Week Jasmine!<br>

    • Apr 23 2009, 4:13 PM Crucita
    • Joan,<br>Thank you for everything I have learned from you as an Administrative Professional. I have since made a career move into another field, but would have never been able to do this without the encouragement or the skills I learned as an Administrative Professional. I continue to visit your website and stay on your mailing list with good reason. The tips and encouragement you give apply not only in my professional life but in my personal life. God Bless You and Yours.

    • Apr 23 2009, 5:36 PM Prins Cowin CPS
    • What wonderful and encouraging statements. It's nice to hear form those who share our profession but it is especially nice to hear from others who recognize our strengths and talents. Sincere words of appreciation and acknowledgment are more than just words and go a long way. Recognition empowers us all!

    • Apr 23 2009, 8:25 PM Tori
    • Thank you. Also, my prayers for healing and recovery are with you.

    • Apr 24 2009, 2:40 PM MLuddeni
    • Thank you Dave! And Kudos to you! It is wonderful to have a supportive spouse! <br><br>You are both an inspiration!<br>

    • May 01 2009, 5:03 PM Janice
    • Dave, and Joan, <br><br>What an insightful post! My husband, who does not read your blogs, just mentioned this very thing to me a few days ago. I was struggling with handling some tasks at home and he said, "Why not put that Executive Assistant training to use?" At first, I was startled, thinking he was insulting me, but than realized he was correct! Each day, I handle numerous meetings, cancellations, and reschedules; I organize and manage 4 executive level directors: I create, copy, and collate. I am a whirlwind at work, getting it ALL done. Yet, I was allowing my home to "overtake" me. My husband's comments snapped me into shape, and I instantly began organizing. I am proud to say that I know run home just like the office - getting things done!<br><br>

    • Apr 24 2010, 4:23 AM Mike
    • Dave, thanks for all your encouraging words. I lost my husband to lung/Liver enzymes cancer last August and was having a weepy day today and wondering how I was going to get through my Take Your Child to Work Day presentation. Then I read all the good things you have to say about the Administrative Professional. It really cheered me up. Thanks for recoginizing us and your wife, Joan who is so inspiring. Thanks again. Ginny

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