ThePersonalAssistantHandbook

The personal assistant diary The handbook for the professional personal assistant
The personal assistant diary
The handbook for the professional personal assistant
This yearbook and updates can be ordered online at http://www.worldpersonalassistant.com This guide is not intended as professional advice. Consult professionals and do your own homework before you follow any of the suggestions and/or advice.
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Short introduction Thank you very much for buying my personal assistant handbook. I think this handbook will be very useful for your (future) career as a personal assistant. This is a practical guide with information that I think is useful. You dont have to read this handbook from the beginning to the end. There is no logical order. You can always send me emails if you want more information or have specific questions. I always try to answer all emails, especially the emails from people who bought my personal assistant handbook.
Languages For a personal assistant its very useful to master several languages. Continuously try to improve the languages that you already speak and learn to speak and understand new languages. A great help for this are the language programs of Pimsleur. The Pimsleur language method consists of 30 minute lessons(units) and each level has about 30 units. My advice is to start with a course Mandarin Chinese or Arabic.
Hotels Hilton Group I think there will be many people who disagree with me, but I would like to recommend the Hilton hotel group for personal assistants. If you need a hotel almost anywhere in the world just step in a Hilton hotel and you can be sure you will have a safe, confidential, clean and modern place to stay. Also almost guaranteed internet in your room, fax and print possiblilties. I dont recommend the Hilton hotels for your clients, but for your own accomodation if you dont stay in the same hotel as your client. Its always good to have a printed edition of the worldwide Hilton guide. You can get it at any Hilton hotel for free. The Leading Hotels of The World Group There is a hotel rating organization which is very good. They are called The Leading Hotels Of The World group and they have a fine selection of hotels that are maybe even suitable for your clients. I recommend ordering their printed edition of their hotel listing. http://www.lhw.com I have very good experiences with booking hotels in a hurry at the very last moment(several hours before check-in) with http://www.expedia.com
Trust services / company formation / financial services MeesPiersonIntertrust is a good place to start. http://www.meespiersonintertrust.com
Investing knowledge Improve your money & investing knowledge by taking a membership and regulary read the articles of The Motley Fool. This company is the best investing resource that I know. Take some time to read their daily articles and you will learn everything about investing. http://www.fool.com
Air charter resource For worldwide air charter my best resource is International Air Charter plc. This is a very reliable company with a very professional team. I have had very good experience with the UK Head Office team.
UK Head Office Quayside House, Standard Quay, Faversham, Kent, ME13 7BS, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1795 590888, Fax: +44 (0) 1795 590880 Email: sales@aircraftcharter.com London Medius House, 2 Sheraton Street, London W1F 8BH, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8897 8979, Fax: +44 (0) 20 8897 8969 Email: sales@aircraftcharter.com Nice (Cote D'Azur) 400 Avenue Roumanille, B.P.309, 06906 Sophia-Antipolis, France Tel: +33 (0) 493 001 185 Fax: 33 (0) 493 001 184 Email: paris@aircraftcharter.com Frankfurt Mainzer LandstraBe 47, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Tel: +49 (0) 69 95 92 52 40, Fax: +49 (0) 69 95 92 52 41, Email: frankfurt@aircraftcharter.com Middle East PO Box 54366, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +97 14 2996868, Fax: +97 14 2996869, Email: sales@aircraftcharter.ae New York 1501 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10028, USA Tel: +1 212 517 1555, Fax: +1 212 517 1707, Email: sales@aircraftcharter.com Padova Via Savonarola 217, 35137, Padova, Italy Tel: +39 049 823 5952, Fax: +39 049 823 5953, Email: sales@aircraftcharter.com http://www.aircraftcharter.com
Yacht charter resource For worldwide yacht charter my best resource is Nigel Burgess. I have worked several times with Nigel Burgess. http://www.nigelburgess.com
London 16/17 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5LU United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 7766 4300 Telefax: +44 (0)20 7766 4329 Email: london@nigelburgess.com Monaco Le Panorama, 57, rue Grimaldi MC98000 Monaco Telephone: +377 97 97 81 21 Telefax: +377 97 97 81 25 Email: monaco@nigelburgess.com Fort Lauderdale 801 Seabreeze Boulevard Bahia Mar Yachting Center Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 USA Telephone: +1 954 525 1090 Telefax: +1 954 525 0297 Email: ftlaud@nigelburgess.com New York 3 East 63rd Street New York NY 10021 USA Telephone: +1 212 223 0410 Telefax: +1 212 223 0420 Email: newyork@nigelburgess.com
Car rental europe For car rental in Europe my best resource is Dockx in Belgium. This company can provide you with almost any car for as long as you want for a good price. If they dont have the car you request, than they will buy it if you rent it for at least 5 months. Short term rental is also possible. http://www.dockx.be
Personal assistants library The Definitive Book of Body Language by Allan & Barbara Pease (ISBN 075286-385-1)
Email A payed Hotmail account is very useful for a personal assistant. I have experienced not much downtime. I tested many email systems and Hotmail has proved to be the most reliable until now. It also features many things that are useful to a personal assistant. For example: large attachment size, nice calendar, contacts, good spam filter, excellent interface. http://www.hotmail.com A second option is an account at Googles webmail solution at: http://www.gmail.com Googles gmail is only by invitation. If you would like to be invited for registering an account , send me an email and I can invite you. A public proivider email-address sometimes doesnt look professional, but the service is very good. Make a new email account which you will only use for your work at your current client. Dont use it for private conversations, because you may need to transfer this email address to someone else if you stop working for your client. Make sure you choose an email address that is not too long and is easy to tell/spell to other people. If possible use a word that everybody knows how to spell. This will save you a lot of time.
Microsoft Excel For private and business accounting. I use it for example to keep track of expenses that I made while working for my client.
Fax Subscribe to a fax2email service. This kind of service will send all your received faxed to a specified email address. You will be able to receive and print your faxes wherever you are in the world.
Appointments When you write down your clients and your own appointments, make sure you have all the basic information. Phone numbers, names, addresses. Have this information with you at all times, so that you can easily reschedule appointments.
Paper shredder Buy a good paper shredder to protect yourself and your client against identity theft.
Collect business cards While you are working collect business cards of all kind of companies. Organize them in several categories(for example: positive, negative, neutral, no experience). Its also useful to write something on the card that you think is important about the company. This can be a good or bad experience or on a hotel-business-card a specific room number that you enjoyed. Very useful for future reference.
Luxury villas and chalets rental For luxury chalets and villas in Europe check http://www.indigolodges.com Indigo Lodges is driven by a passion to offer the very best properties, in the best resorts, with the best services that can be arranged. We cater only to the top end of the market. We visit each property in our portfolio and use only the services of the most professional suppliers. We offer an unbiased service to help find the perfect villa in the resort most suited to you. Our collection of villas can accommodate parties ranging from a couple looking for a romantic hideaway to groups of 25 or more looking for the ultimate in summer luxury. This collection is unique in its breadth and quality. Properties can be suppplied with butlers, Michelin class chefs, and any other service you may wish for. Visit the Membership page if you want an even more bespoke service.
Embassy Make sure that you always have the addresses of embassies of your own and your clients country of residence during international travel. Write the addresses down on a paper or in your notebook/pda. Dont rely on a internet search for an embassy in case of emergency need for an embassy.
Worldwide Limo/Chaffeur service This company has helped me already many times. They can arrange a car with a professional chauffeur quickly. Worldwide service. http://www.interline-berlin.com
World Time and Date If you need to know a time and date in a foreign country visit the following website: http://www.timeandate.com
Worldwide phone and internet service My advice is to use an Iridium handset with datakit. http://www.iridium.com
Private islands For private islands you need to contact these people. http://www.vladi-private-islands.com
Vladi Private Islands GmbH Ballindamm 7 D-20095 Hamburg Germany Tel. +49 40 33 89 89 Fax +49 40 33 00 81 info@vladi.de Vladi Private Islands Limited Historic Properties Suite 158 1869 Upper Water Street Halifax, N.S. B3J 1S9 Canada Tel. +1 902 423 3202 Fax +1 902 425 4765 Vladi Private Islands "Pacific" Limited OLD BANK ARCADE PO Box 5373 Wellington New Zealand Tel. 0064 4 922 0600 Fax 0064 49 22 0602 E-Mail: vladi@vladi.de
CIA World Fact Book This is a good resource for country information. I have used it so many times for travel preparation and various products. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook
Googles Earth service (Satelite Imaging) I used this service many times to locate cities arround the world. Very useful for travel planning. http://earth.google.com
Recruitment agencies If your clients asks you to find private domestic staff I recommend you to start a relationship with the Wennekes International BV organization. This company can arrange all types of domestic personell for you. Butlers, personal assistants, nannys, chefs and much more. http://www.butlers.net
Travel cases : Samsonite suitcases If you need to buy suitcases and bags, my advice is to buy the Samsonite brand. Very good quality(you will experience that when you travel a lot as a personal assistant, my other brand bags last just only an average of 3 journeys). Good guarantee, if your bag or suitcase gets damaged(it will! Especially the zippers) you can bring it to any official Samsonite dealer and they will send it to a repair center for free repair. http://www.samsonite.com Pelican cases Pelican cases are great. Very strong, many models are water resistant and even float in sea water. There is a foam system inside, you can create exact fitting for your precious items. http://www.pelican.com
Plastic see-through boxes These boxes are very useful for storing all kinds of items. You can see immidiately what is inside the box, they are easy stackable and keep your items dust free and these boxes are also water resistant.
The Guidry Group Established in 1985 and based in Montgomery, Texas, The Guidry Group is an international consultancy specializing in security risk auditing and management. These domains encompass the identification and assessment of natural and intentional threats to persons, property, and business processes, as well as the design and implementation of strategies that enable clients to minimize and protect against such threats and to recover swiftly from the disruption they are capable of causing. http://www.guidry.com
Resume writing Dont write all your jobs including vacation work. Just mention the activities. Never give any personal information like social security numbers during the first round of information sharing.
Medical Make a medicine list of you and your clients and take note of allergies, blood group and diseases and keep these lists with you at all times and have one copy at home.
Medial insurance For you and for your clients consider Allianz Worldwide Care www.allianzworldwidecare.com
Lawyers If you are on international travel with your client, make sure that you have a list of lawyers in the country that you are visiting. You should at least have contact information of a immigration lawyer and a criminal law lawyer.
Security for your client at restaurants If you have to make a booking for your client at a restaurant, try not to book too close to closing time. I have experience a robbery near closing time of a restaurant.
Airline codes If you need to know which airline belongs to a certain airline code, go to http://www.airlinecodes.co.uk
Banking As a international personal assistant its important to have a serious and good relationship with a bank. I recommend: Credit Suisse Private Banking in Switzerland. http://www.credit-suisse.ch
Whole-house automation companies There are only two companies in the world that I would recommend for your clients whole house automation. Interface Engineering http://www.interfaceengineering.com Keen Engineering http://www.keen.ca Many of my clients have asked for help with their house automation. Thats why I think it is useful to have these two resources.
Clothing What you should wear as a personal assistant depends on your client. For men its always a good choice to choose black colored pair of trousers, nice black shoes and a shirt with long or short sleeves. For women its good also good to choose for black coloured trousers or a skirt that does not show the knees. For activity wear go to an adventure style shop and buy for example clothes of the brand Columbia(http://www.columbia.com).
Shoes Its very important for a personal assistant to have good quality shoes(because you will walk a lot). Please invest in good shoes. Its worth the money. Dont forget to take good care of your shoes. Have at least two pair of shoes and wear a different pair everyday. Colours: black and brown.
Buy and shipping products from the US to the rest of the world. Some American companies dont ship outside the US. There is a solution, let them ship the items to the owner of http://www.fromus2eu.com and she will reship it to your country. This is a great and reliable service. http://www.fromus2eu.com
Buying property in France If you need professional help when you are in the final stage of buying a property in France call: Law Office Steinz Eemnesserweg 11-07 1251 NA Laren The Netherlands Tel +31 35 531 3143 Fax +31 35 531 7330 http://www.steinz.nl
Confidentiality One of the most important skills is keeping everything you hear and see private. Your confidentiality is one of the most important reasons why you have the job with your client, never forget that.
Londons finest dry cleaner: Jeeves of Belgravia 30-48 Lawrence Street, London, N15 4EG. Tel: 0208 809 3232 Fax: 0208 809 7833 Email: services@jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk http://www.jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk
Postbox Take a postbox for your own private and business mail. Make sure that your postbox is easy to reach at every time of the day and find someone who you trust to empty the mailbox for you regulary.
Country specific information If you are looking for country specific information check the CIA World Fact Book at http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook My own experience: Jamaica: make sure to bring at least 50US$ per person. You may need it at immigration desk. I needed it to buy a business visa and I could only pay with US$.
Tailors For men, you can buy a good suit here: Scabal U.K. 12, Savile Row London W1S 3PQ Tel +44 20 7734 8963 Fax +44 20 7439 0093 Email info@scabaluk.com Henry Poole & Co. 15, Savile Row London W1A 3PJ Tel +44 20 7734 5985 Fax +44 20 7287 2161 Email office@henrypoole.com
Storage Do you need some (temporary) storage place? Try Shurgard in the USA, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. http://www.shurgard.com
Computers and security Never use a public computer for your activities Buy the smallest type of notebook and bring it everywhere. Dont let other people(including friends and family members) use your computer. Ask a computer security expert/company to install anti-virus and spyware protection software and arrange a monthly checkup. Make backups of your harddisk, preferably a complete harddisk image. You can also make a monthly appointment for this at a security company. Dont leave your notebook computer in your car, take it always with you(buy a small one) and dont forget or loose it on your way.
Diving If you or your client or anybody in your party is a diver, check membership of DAN(Divers Alert Network). More info: http://www.daneurope.org
Mobile Phones My advice is to have at least 2 mobile phones of different brands and charge them whenever you have to possibility.
Flight tickets in a hurry at travel agencies If you need to buy flight tickets in a hurry, be sure that the travel agency that you visit can print the tickets in their shop. There are many travel agencies who belong to a larger group and print their tickets at their main office and send the printed tickets by mail. So call first before you visit a tarvel agency.
Work with local people Try to build up a network of personal assistants all around the world, so that when you travel with your client(s) abroad you will have someone to assist you if you need local help. I have partner personal assistants in many countries in the world. From Argentinia to South Africa to Japan and more. Working with local people can save you time and can make you work more efficient and better.
One client at a time I personally believe that working for one client at a time is the best way to go. I cannot work for several clients at the same time. Probably there are people who can do that, but I still have to meet that person.
Speak directly I always try to be direct to my clients. Tell them exactly how it is and whats going on. Most clients appreciate that. In some situations this is not advised, you will know when that is. I also ask my clients to speak directly to me. I tell my clients that they should tell me and tell me everything whats on their mind when there is something wrong about my way of working. If you and your client can speak directly about problems that arise, than you will be able to find solutions and continue to work together on the long term.
Advisors Dont be afraid to hire external advisors, but dont forget about privacy and confidentiality. If you dont know enough about a certain subject, ask help of some experts. If the subject requires constant debate with your client, try not to be in the middle, but let them converse with each other.
Availability If you start looking for a PA job, be available! My experience is that it is very difficult to work with people who are not yet available, because they are still working for someone else or at another job.
Travel by train If you have to travel by train with or without your client(s), if possible take a seat in the last part of the train for security reasons.
Structure My advice is to start your own company and bill your client directly. There are many advantages and also disadvantages for both you and your client. Consult a financial professional(with worldwide knowledge) about this subject.
International Driver Licence As a personal assistant there is a big chance that you have to drive a vehicle in other countries. I recommend an International Driver Licence in conjunction with your local. Inform at your local driving school about obtaining an International Drivers Licence.
Emergency Medial Training Its a very good idea to follow some (emergency) medical courses of the Red Cross. Potential clients will appreciate it and in general its very good to learn the skills that can save peoples life. More information: http://www.redcross.org
Travel books and guides I have used the travel books of Lonely Planet alot. Lately I have been buying and using the Rough Guides. For more information: http://www.roughguides.com http://www.lonelyplanet.com
Creditcards I have been using an American Express and a Diners Club card. I recommend to have one or both of these cards with you. I have used them a lot for reservations for hotels and rental cars. I didnt pay the bill with these, the bills were payed by the clients creditcard or cash. Sometimes you need to make a lot of reservations and each reservation will make a temporary authorization on your card. The American Express card and Diners Club card that I use have no pre-defined spending limit, that is very useful for a personal assistant, because sometimes you just dont know what is going to happen in the next weeks. These cards are easily obtainable, just apply. Make sure you also have a VISA or Mastercard.
Emergency food and drinks I always make sure that I have a small bottle of water and 2 energy bars with me.
Travel planning When you are planning the travel schedule for you client, be sure to check the local events and activities of the destination. These things can ruin or make your clients holiday or business travel. Before travel find 2 contact numbers of a criminal and 2 of a immigration lawyers at the destination country. Someday you will need it.
Copy important documents To keep a copy of the following documents might be very useful: - clients passport and driver licence - clients creditcards(front and back) - clients insurance papers
Best seats in aircraft Visit http://www.seatguru.com As a frequent flyer, the owner of this website pays attention to where the best (and worst) seats are on planes. He created SeatGuru.com to share his knowledge.
Alarmnumbers in foreign countries Make shure that you always know the alarm number in a foreign country.
Business cards Make a business card when you start working for your client if its not a privacy problem. A business card which states that you are the Personal Assistant to. http://www.vistaprint.com If you work or go for business in a country in which english is not the main language, translate and print business cards with on the front english and on the back for example spanish, portuguese or chinese. Do this for every country that you visit, you can do this usually within 24 hours.
Integrated Weatlh Management & Family Office Services The Treshold Group http://www.thresholdgroup.com Maohoney Cohen Family Office Services http://www.mahoneycohen.com Cymric Family Office Services http://www.cymricfamilyoffice.com Asset Management Advisors http://www.amaglobal.com Gries Financial http://www.gries.com Laird Norton Tyee http://www.lntco.com
The Whittier Trust Companies http://www.whittiertrust.com Rockefeller & Co. http://www.rockco.com U.S. Trust http://www.ustrust.com
Baggage check-in I personally never check-In or travel with any of my clients bags, unless I packed them myself or I have seen the content. I suggest you do the same.
Virtual office It may become necessary for you or for your client to have a virtual office or mail accepting service. I can give as a reference the following company: http://www.regus.com Take some time to read about their services. I have used several of their services and I am very satisfied.
Online translation For quick translation on the internet you can use Alta Vistas Babel Fish Translation. Another great tool for translation of websites is the translate in English option of the Google toolbar. Google Toolbar Alta Vistas Babel Fish http://toolbar.google.com http://world.altavista.com
Internet Toolbox Links Currency converter Time and Date CIA World fact book Country Calling Codes
http://www.xe.com http://www.timeanddate.com http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook http://www.countrycallingcodes.com
Various Domestic Staff Internet Links E. Johnson Agency: www.aejohnsonagency.com A-Plus Domestics: www.aplusdom.com Best Domestics: www.bestdomestic.com Butler Did It: www.thebutlerdiditeliteservices.com Beauchamp Bureau, London: www.beauchampbureau.co.uk Breedlove & Associates: www.breedlove-online.com Camelview Domestic Placement Agency: www.camelviewdomestic.com Care of Hats: www.shushans.com/hattips.html Caring Nannies: www.caringnannies.com Caretaker Gazette: www.caretaker.org Cass & Company: www.casscompany.com Chadwick Village: www.domesticstaffing.com Charles MacPherson Associates: www.charlesmacpherson.com Childcare Resources: www.childcareresources.com Claire & Company Domestic Services: www.claireandcompany.com Clothes: www.AskAndyAboutClothes.com Distinguished Domestics: www.distinguisheddomestics.com Domestic Placement Network: www.dpnonline.com Domestically Yours, Inc.: www.domesticallyyours.com Don Aslett's Cleaning Center: www.donaslett.com Elite Alternatives Domestic Placement Agency: www.elitealternatives.com Executive Assistance Service: www.executiveassistanceservice.nl Executive & Estate Protection: www.guidry.com Grand Staffing Firm: www.grandstaffing.com Greenhouse Agency, Ltd.: www.greenhousestaffing.com Greycoat Placements, UK: www.greycoatplacements.co.uk GTM Associates: www.gtmassociates.com Hamilton Scott Agency: www.Hamiltonscott.co.uk Heartland Caregivers: www.heartlandcaregivers.com Help Company: www.thehelpcompany.com Hawthorne Domestic Services: www.hawthornedomestics.com Home Details: www.homedetailsinc.com HomeWork Solutions: www.4nannytaxes.com In House Staffing Aunt Anns: www.auntanns.com J.A. La Sorca & Associates: www.lasorsa.com John Crowell: www.thebutlerofcharlotte.com International Guild of Professional Butlers: www.butlersguild.com International Nanny Association: www.nanny.org Katie Facey Agency: www.katiefaceyagency.com Kerri Campos Inc.: www.KerriCampos.com
Various Internet Links(continued) Klaus Nielsen: www.confidential-service.com Lindquist Agency: www.lindquistagency.com Locke Domestic Agency: www.householdstaff.com Mahler Enterprises: www.mahlerent.com Marshall Harber: www.marshallharber.com McDonald Employment Services, Inc.: www.mcdonaldemployment.com Morningside Nannies: www.morningsidenannies.com Nanny Association: www.nannyassociation.com Nannies and MORE: www.nanniesandmore.com Nanny Network: www.nannynetwork.com NannyQuest, Inc.: www.nannyquest.net Pavillion Agency: www.pavillionagency.com Poppens & Jeeves: www.poppensjeeves.com Precise Home Management: www.precisehome.com Private Chefs Incorporated: www.privatechefsinc.com Personal Chefs Network: www.personalchefsnetwork.com Professional Domestic Institute: www.professionaldomestics.com Randolph Butlers: www.randolphbutlers.com Regal Domestics: www.regaldomestics.com Robin Kellner Agency: www.robinkellner.com Robert Hanselman Agency: www.planetdomestics.com Rose's Employment Agency: www.rosesagency.com Starkey International: www.starkeyintl.com Taylor Grey, Inc.: www.taylorgrey.com The Tuttle Agency: www.tuttleagency.com Town and Country Resources: www.tandcr.com Tutors International: www.tutors-international.com Wennekes International Ltd.: www.butlers.net Windsor Nanny Agency: www.windsornannies.com
Swift codes Here are some common SWIFT codes that will be useful:
Country Algeria Argentina Australia Australia Australia Australia Austria Austria Austria Austria Austria Austria Austria Austria Belgium Belgium Belgium Belgium Belgium Belgium Brazil Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada Canada China China China China China China China Croatia Cuba Cuba Czech Republic Czech Republic Czech Republic Denmark Bank Name Credit Populaire d'Algerie Banco de la Nacin Argentina Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Commonwealth Bank of Australia National Australia Bank Westpac Banking Corporation Allgemeine Sparkasse Bank AG Bank Austria AG Creditanstalt-Bankverein Erste Bank der sterreichischen Sparkassen AG Oberbank AG Raiffeisen Landesbank Tirol Raiffeisenlandesbk. Obersterreich Verkehrskreditbank AG ALSK-CGER Bank Bank Brussels Lambert SA Fortis Bank Fortis Bank N.V. (Fortis Bank has two) Generale de Banque S.A. (=Fortis) KBC Banco ABN AMRO Real S.A. Bank of Montreal Bank of Montreal Canadian Imperial Bk of Commerce Nova Scotia Bank Royal Bank of Canada The Toronto-Dominion Bank Agricultural Bank of China Bank of China Bank of Communications China Construction Bank China Merchants' Bank Citic Industrial Bank Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Zagrebacka banka dd Banco Central de Cuba Banco Internacional de Comercio S.A. Bank Austria A.S. eskoslovensk Obchodn Banka A.S. Komern Banka A.S. BG Bank AS Location Algiers Buenos Aires Melbourne Sydney Melbourne Sydney Linz Vienna Vienna Vienna Linz Innsbruck Linz Linz Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Sao Paulo Montreal Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Toronto Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Zagreb Havana Havana Prague Prague Prague Copenhagen SWIFT BIC CPAL DZ AL NACN AR BA ANZB AU 3M CTBA AU 2S NATA AU 33 WPAC AU 2S ASPK AT 2L BKAU AT WW CABV AT WW GIBA AT WW OBKL AT 2L RZTI AT 22 RZOO AT 2L OVER AT WW CGAK BE BB BBRU BE BB GEBA BE BB CGAK BE BB GEBA BE BB KRED BE BB ABNA BR SP BOFM CA M2 BOFM CA T2 CIBC CA TT NOSC CA TT ROYC CA T2 TDOM CA TT ABOC CN BJ BKCH CN BJ COMM CN SH PCBC CN BJ CMBC CN BS CIBK CN BJ ICBK CN BJ ZABA HR 2X BCCU CU HH BIDC CU HH BACX CZ PP CEKO CZ PP KOMB CZ PP BIKU DK KK
Denmark Denmark Denmark Denmark Estonia Estonia Estonia Estonia Ethiopia Ethiopia Fiji Fiji Finland Finland Finland Finland Finland Finland Finland Finland Finland Finland France France France France France France France France France Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Greece Greece Greece Greece Hong Kong Danske Bank Aktieselskab Jyske Bank A/S Spar Nord Bank A/S Unibank A/S Eesti Krediidipank (Estonian Credit Bank) Eesti hispank (Union Bank of Estonia) Hansapank Optiva Pank Commercial Bank of Ethiopia National Bank of Ethiopia National Bank of Fiji Ltd. Reserve Bank of Fiji Aktia Savings Bank Bank of Finland, Savings Banks, Local cooperative banks Bank of land Danske Bank Handelsbanken Finland (SHB) Sampo Bank Nordea Bank Finland OKO Bank Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) Tapiola Bank Banque populaire de la Rgion conomique de Strasbourg Strasbourg BNP Paribas S.A. Caisse Centrale des Banques Populaires Caisse Centrale des Caisses d'Epargne et de Prevoyance Credit Agricole Credit Commercial de France Credit du Nord Credit Lyonnaise Socit Generale American Express Bank Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank A.G. Bayerische Landesbank Commerzbank AG Deutsche Bank Dresdner Bank AG Hamburger Sparkasse Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale Vereins- und Westbank Westdeutsche Landesbank Commercial Bank of Greece Ergobank EFG Eurobank Ergasias National Bank of Greece Hang Seng Bank Copenhagen Silkeborg Aalborg Copenhagen Tallinn Tallinn Tallinn Tallinn Addis Ababa Addis Ababa Suva Suva Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Frankfurt Munich Mnchen Frankfurt Frankfurt Frankfurt Hamburg Hannover Hamburg Dsseldorf Athens Athens Athens Athens Hong Kong DABA DK KK JYBA DK KK SPNO DK 22 UNIB DK KK EKRD EE 2X EEUH EE 2X HABA EE 2X FORE EE 2X CBET ET AA NBET ET AA NBFI FJ FJ RBFJ FJ FJ HELS FI HH HELS FI HH AABA FI 22 DABA FI HX HAND FI HH PSPBFIHH NDEA FI HH OKOY FI HH ESSE FI HX TAPI FI 21 BPRS FR 2A BNPA FR PP CCBP FR PP CEPA FR PP AGRI FR PP CCFR FR PP NORD FR PP CRLY FR PP SOGE FR PP AEIB DE FX HYVE DE MM BYLA DE MM COBA DE FF DEUT DE FF DRES DE FF HASP DE HH NOLA DE 2H VUWB DE HH WELA DE DD EMPO GR AA ERGO GR AA EFGB GR AA ETHN GR AA HASE HK HH
Hong Kong Hong Kong Hungary Hungary Hungary Hungary Hungary Hungary Hungary Hungary Iceland Iceland India India India India India Iran Iraq Ireland Ireland Israel Israel Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Japan Japan Japan Japan Japan Japan Japan Japan Japan Jordan Korea Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Standard Chartered Bank Budapest Bank Rt. ERSTE Bank Hungary Rt. HVB Bank Inter-Eurpa Bank Rt. Kereskedelmi s Hitelbank Rt. Magyar Nemzeti Bank Rt. OTP Bank Rt. Raiffeisen Bank Rt. Landsbanki Islands slandsbanki ABN-AMRO Bank N.V. ANZ Grindlays Bank Plc. ICICI Bank Standard Chartered Bank State Bank of India Bank Markazi Jomhouri Islami Iran Central Bank of Iraq AIB Bank (Allied Irish Banks) Bank of Ireland Bank Hapoalim B.M. Bank of Israel Banca Commerciale Italiana Banca Di Roma Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Banca Popolare del Emilia Romagna Banca Popolare di Milano Cassa di Risparmio delle Provincie Lombarde SPA (CARIPLO) Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo SPA ICCRI SPA Sdtiroler Landessparkasse Unicredito Italiano American Express Bank Bank of Hawaii Mizuho Bank Ltd. Shinsei Bank Ltd. Standard Chartered Bank Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd. UFJ Bank Ltd. Union Bank of California Arab Bank Plc. (see South Korea) Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad Bumiputra-Commerce Bank Berhad Hong Kong Bank Malaysia Berhad Hong Kong Hong Kong Budapest Budapest Budapest Budapest Budapest Budapest Budapest Budapest Reykjavk Reykjavk Mumbai Mumbai Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Tehran Baghdad Dublin Dublin Tel Aviv Jerusalem Milan Rome Rome Modena Milan Milan Padova Rome Bozen Milan Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Amman Seoul Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur HSBC HK HH SCBL HK HH BUDA HU HB GIBA HU HB BACX HU HB INEB HU HB OKHB HU HB MANE HU HB OTPV HU HB UBRT HU HB LAIS IS RE ISBA IS RE ABNA IN BB GRND IN BB ICIC IN BB SCBL IN BB SBIN IN BB BMJI IR TH CBIR IQ B1 AIBK IE 2D BOFI IE 2D POAL IL IT ISRA IL IJ BCIT IT MM BROM IT RD BNLI IT RR BPMO IT 22 BPMI IT MM CARI IT MF CRPD IT 2P ICRI IT RR CRBZ IT 2B CRIT IT MM AEIB JP JX BOHI JP JT MHBK JP JT LTCB JP JT SCBL JP JT SMBC JP JT BOTK JP JT SANW JP JT BOFC JP JT ARAB JO AX ???? KR ?? BBMB MY KL BOCM MY KL HBMB MY KL
Malta Morocco Morocco Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand Norway Norway Peru Peru Peru Poland Poland Poland Portugal Portugal Portugal Portugal Portugal Portugal Russia Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Seychelles Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Slovakia Slovakia Slovakia Slovakia Slovakia Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Bank of Valletta Banque Centrale Populaire Crdit du Maroc ABN Amro Bank De Nederlandsche Bank F. van Lanschot Bankiers N.V. ING Bank Postbank N.V. Rabobank Nederland SNS Bank Nederland ANZ Banking Group ASB New Zealand Bank of New Zealand National Bank of New Zealand WestpacTrust New Zealand Den Norske Bank Union Bank of Norway Banco de Credito del Peru Interbank Banco Wiese Sudameris Bank Handlowy w Warszawie BRE BANK ING Bank Slaski Banco BPI Banco Comercial Portugues S.A. Banco Espirito Santo e Comercial de Lisboa Banco Nacional Ultramarino Banco Portugues do Atlantico Caixa Geral de Depositos Bank of the Russian Federation National Commercial Bank Saudi Hollandi Bank The Saudi British Bank Seychelles International Mercantile Banking Corporation Ltd. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Singapore Branch Standard Chartered Bank United Overseas Bank Investicna Rozvojova Banka (Investment Development Bank) Ludova banka (People's Bank) Narodna banka Slovenska (National Bank of Slovakia) Slovenska Sportilelna (Slovak Savings Bank) Tatra banka (Tatra Bank) Vseobecna Uverova Banka (General Credit Bank) Nova Ljubljanska Banka Firstrand Bank La Valletta Casablanca Casablanca Amsterdam Amsterdam 'sHertogenbosch Amsterdam Amsterdam Utrecht Hertogenbosch Wellington Wellington Wellington Wellington Wellington Oslo Oslo Lima Lima Lima Warsaw Warsaw Katowice Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon Moscow Jedda Riyadh Riyadh Mah Singapore Singapore Singapore Singapore Bratislava Bratislava Bratislava Bratislava Bratislava Bratislava Ljubljana Johannesburg VALL MT MT BCPO MA MC CDMA MA MC ABNA NL 2A FLOR NL 2A FVLB NL 22 INGB NL 2A PSTB NL 21 RABO NL 2U BBSP NL 2A ANZB NZ 22 ASBB NZ 2A BKNZ NZ 22 NBNZ NZ 22 WPAC NZ 2W DNBA NO KK UBNO NO KK BCPL PE PL BINP PE PL BSUD PE PL BHWA PL PW BREX PL PW INGB PL PW BBPI PT PL BCOM PT PL BESC PT PL BNUL PT PL ILBK PT PL CGDI PT PL SABR RU MM NCBK SA JE AAAL SA RI SABB SA RI NOVH SC SC HSBC SG SG ESSE SG SG SCBL SG SG UOVB SG SG INRB SK BX LUBA SK BX BBSB SK BX SLSP SK BX TATR SK BX SUBA SK BX LJBA SI 2X FIRN ZA JJ
South Africa South Africa South Africa South Africa South Korea South Korea South Korea Spain Spain Spain Spain Spain Spain Spain Spain Swaziland Swaziland Swaziland Swaziland Swaziland Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Sweden Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Taiwan Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Thailand Thailand Thailand Thailand Thailand Tunisia Turkey Turkey Turkey U.K. U.K. U.K. U.K. U.K. U.K. Rand Merchant Bank South African Reserve Bank (Settlement Bank) South African Reserve Bank (Settlement Provider) Standard Bank of South Africa Korea Exchange Bank Korea First Bank Peace Bank of Korea Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Banco Central Hispanoamericano S.A. Banco de Sabadell S.A. Banco Pastor S.A. Banco Popular Espanol Banco Santander Caja de Ahorros del Mediterraneo Confederacion Espanola de Cajas de Ahorros Central Bank of Swaziland First National Bank of Swaziland Ltd. Nedbank (Swaziland) Ltd. Standard Bank Swaziland Ltd. Swaziland Development and Savings Bank Nordbanken Nordea Bank (former Postgirot Bank) Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Svenska Handelsbanken Swedbank Credit Suisse (First Boston) Swiss Bank Corp Union Bank of Switzerland AG Bank of Taiwan E. Sun Commercial Bank Ltd. Bank of Tanzania Bangkok Bank Ltd. Bank of Ayudhya Public Co. Ltd. Krung Thai Bank Public Co. Ltd. Thai Farmers Bank Public Co. Ltd. The Government Savings Bank The Siam Commercial Bank Plc. Socit Tunisienne de Banque Egabank A.S. Trkiye Garanti Bankasi Trkiye Imar Bankasi T.A.S. Barclays Bank PLC Lloyds Bank Plc HSBC Bank Plc National Westminster Bank Plc Standard Chartered Bank Co-operative Bank Sandton Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg Seoul Seoul Seoul Madrid Madrid Sabadell Madrid Madrid Madrid Madrid Madrid Mbabane Mbabane Mbabane Mbabane Mbabane Stockholm Stockholm Stockholm Stockholm Stockholm Zrich Zrich Zrich Taipei Taipei Dar es Salaam Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok Tunis Istanbul Istanbul Istanbul London London London London London Manchester RMBI IE 2D SARB ZA JP SARB ZA JY SBZA ZA JJ KOEX KR SE KOFB KR SE PBOK KR SE BBVI ES MM CENT ES MM BSAB ES BB PSTR ES MM POPU ES MM BDER ES MM CAAM ES 2A CECA ES MM SWAZ SZ MB FIRN SZ MX NESW SZ MX SBIC SZ MX SDSB SZ M1 NBBK SE SS NDEA SE SS ESSE SE SS HAND SE SS SWED SE SS CRES CH ZZ SBCO CH ZZ UBSW CH ZH BKTW TW TP ESUN TW TP TANZ TZ TX BKKB TH BK AYUD TH BK KRTH TH BK TFBS TH BK GSBA TH B1 SICO TH BK STBK TN TT EGEB TR IS TGBA TR IS IMAR TR IS BARC GB 22 LOYD GB 2L MIDL GB 22 NWBK GB 2L SCBL GB 2L CPBK GB 22
Uruguay U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. Vietnam Vietnam Yemen Yemen Yugoslavia Zimbabwe Banco Surinvest American Express Bank Bank Of America Bank of Hawaii Bank of New York Bankers Trust Company JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. Citibank N.A. First Chicago International First Union National Bank Harris Bank Intl Corp Standard Chartered Bank Union Bank of California UMB Bank N.A. Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) Industrial and Commercial Bank of Vietnam Central Bank of Yemen National Bank of Yemen Jugobanka Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Montevideo New York New York New York New York New York New York New York New York New York New York New York New York Kansas City Hanoi Hanoi Sana'a Aden Belgrad Harare SURI UY 33 AEIB US 33 BOFA US 3N BOHI US 77 IRVT US 3N BKTR US 33 CHAS US 33 CITI US 33 FNBC US 33 PNBP US 33 HATR US 33 SCBL US 33 BOFC US 33 UMKC US 44 BFTV VN VX ICBV VN VX CBYE YE Y1 NBYD YE Y1 JUGO YU BG REBZ ZW HX
For more information about Swift codes: http://www.swift.com
Personal Assistant Standard Equipment list These are the items that are very useful for the average personal assistant. Try to keep these items to be readily available at all times. currency set tools superglue victorinox pocket knife (http://www.victorinox.com) backpack digital camera medical aid kit notebook with hardware to use the internet anywhere(WLAN,bluetooth,LAN) mobile phone bottle opener letter opener lighter and matches several sheets of A4 paper pen several envelopes anti transpiration spray duct tape umbrella(rain,sun and wind protection) business cards anti diarrhea pain killers flamigel a really small bottle of water several blank sheets of paper several business cards of your client and of your own extra large umbrella(a black and a white one)
Example contract
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
This Confidentiality Agreement ("Agreement") is made and effective the [Date] by and between [Owner] ("Owner") and [Recipient] ("Recipient"). 1. Confidential Information. Owner proposes to disclose certain of its confidential and proprietary information (the "Confidential Information") to Recipient. Confidential Information shall include all data, materials, products, technology, computer programs, specifications, manuals, business plans, software, marketing plans, financial information, and other information disclosed or submitted, orally, in writing, or by any other media, to Recipient by Owner. Confidential Information disclosed orally shall be identified as such within five (5) days of disclosure. Nothing herein shall require Owner to disclose any of its information. 2. Recipient's Obligations. A. Recipient agrees that the Confidential Information is to be considered confidential and proprietary to Owner and Recipient shall hold the same in confidence, shall not use the Confidential Information other than for the purposes of its business with Owner, and shall disclose it only to its officers, directors, or employees with a specific need to know. Recipient will not disclose, publish or otherwise reveal any of the Confidential Information received from Owner to any other party whatsoever except with the specific prior written authorization of Owner. B. Confidential Information furnished in tangible form shall not be duplicated by Recipient except for purposes of this Agreement. Upon the request of Owner, Recipient shall return all Confidential Information received in written or tangible form, including copies, or reproductions or other media containing such Confidential Information, within ten (10) days of such request. At Recipient's option, any documents or other media developed by the Recipient containing Confidential Information may be destroyed by Recipient. Recipient shall provide a written certificate to Owner regarding destruction within ten (10) days thereafter. 3. Term. The obligations of Recipient herein shall be effective [Non-Disclosure Period] from the date Owner last discloses any Confidential Information to Recipient pursuant to this Agreement. Further, the obligation not to disclose shall not be affected by bankruptcy, receivership, assignment, attachment or seizure procedures, whether initiated by or against Recipient, nor by the rejection of any agreement between Owner and Recipient, by a trustee of Recipient in bankruptcy, or by the Recipient as a debtor-in-possession or the equivalent of any of the foregoing under local law. 4. Other Information. Recipient shall have no obligation under this Agreement with respect to Confidential Information which is or becomes publicly available without breach of this Agreement by Recipient; is rightfully received by Recipient without obligations of confidentiality; or is developed by Recipient without breach of this Agreement; provided, however, such Confidential Information shall not be Page 31 of 44 http://www.personalassistantdiary.com
The personal assistant diary The handbook for the professional personal assistant disclosed until thirty (30) days after written notice of intent to disclose is given to Owner along with the asserted grounds for disclosure. 5. No License. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as granting or conferring any rights by license or otherwise in any Confidential Information. It is understood and agreed that neither party solicits any change in the organization, business practice, service or products of the other party, and that the disclosure of Confidential Information shall not be construed as evidencing any intent by a party to purchase any products or services of the other party nor as an encouragement to expend funds in development or research efforts. Confidential Information may pertain to prospective or unannounced products. Recipient agrees not to use any Confidential Information as a basis upon which to develop or have a third party develop a competing or similar product. 6. No Publicity. Recipient agrees not to disclose its participation in this undertaking, the existence or terms and conditions of the Agreement, or the fact that discussions are being held with Owner. 7. Governing Law and Equitable Relief. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of [State of Governing Law] and Recipient consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts and U.S. federal courts located there for any dispute arising out of this Agreement. Recipient agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by Recipient, Owner may obtain, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available, such equitable relief as may be necessary to protect Owner against any such breach or threatened breach. 8. Final Agreement. This Agreement terminates and supersedes all prior understandings or agreements on the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be modified only by a further writing that is duly executed by both parties. 9. No Assignment. Recipient may not assign this Agreement or any interest herein without Owner's express prior written consent. 10. Severability. If any term of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, then this Agreement, including all of the remaining terms, will remain in full force and effect as if such invalid or unenforceable term had never been included. 11. Notices. Any notice required by this Agreement or given in connection with it, shall be in writing and shall be given to the appropriate party by personal delivery or by certified mail, postage prepaid, or recognized overnight delivery services. If to Owner: Page 32 of 44 http://www.personalassistantdiary.com
The personal assistant diary The handbook for the professional personal assistant [Owner] [Owner's Address] If to Recipient: [Recipient] [Recipient's Address] 12. No Implied Waiver. Either party's failure to insist in any one or more instances upon strict performance by the other party of any of the terms of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any continuing or subsequent failure to perform or delay in performance of any term hereof. 13. Headings. Headings used in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and shall not be used to construe meaning or intent. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
[Owner] Signature Block [Recipient] Signature Block
Country information and advice Argentina Language: Spanish Religion: Roman Catholic Capital: Buenos Aires Most ATMs allow you to withdraw pesos or dollars. Banelco has an excellent network of machines that operate with Link, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. Tips are not included in bills or trips. A suitable tip is at least 10% of the cost of the service. Apart from renting a car, you can make use of other means of transport like the plentiful taxis [in big cities], radio taxis and limousines. Since passengers have been mugged on occasion, you had better use the radio taxi system. The city of Buenos Aires has five excellent subway lines, and the service is safe and efficient. By air, you get domestic flights to almost all major destinations; there are also good shuttle services. Long distance coaches are comfortable, safe and efficient. January and February are holiday months. It may be unwise to try to do business in these summer months. Fixed holidays: January 1, Easter, May 1 [Labour Day], May 25, July 9, December 25. Shaking hands is normal when being introduced, but after that don't be embarrassed when you see two men kissing when they meet, as it has become common practice. Argentines generally converse in closer proximity. Adapt to this practice--it may be taken personally if you back away from someone. Australia For the business traveler, the best time to visit is from March through November, since the tourist season occurs from December through February. Australians generally prefer direct eye contact. People who avoid eye contact may not be perceived as trustworthy. Topics which are currently controversial in Australia include migration and aboriginal issues. It is advisable for visitors to Australia to avoid these topics of conversation unless raised by your host.
Australians are usually distrustful of authority and of people who think that they are somehow better than others. Remain modest at all times; in conversation, refrain from drawing attention to your education, professional experience, business success, and related achievements. It is customary for guests to bring a bottle of wine for their hosts. When speaking to an Australian, keep an arm's length distance from the person. Maintaining personal space is important in this culture. Don't break eye contact with an Australian when he or she is talking to you. Although it is customary in this culture for men to sit in the front with the taxi driver, this is not the case for women. A woman traveling alone should sit in the back left passenger seat of the car; the driver will be on the right. Austria Do not refer to Austrians or their culture as German. The only thing that is truly German about Austria is the language. Dont ever mention the topic of: Austria's role during World War II Never keep your hands in your pockets when talking with others or even when standing alone Taxis cannot be hailed on the street. When you are leaving a hotel, ask the concierge to call one for you; otherwise the best way to get a taxi is to go to one of the designated taxi ranks. The standard tip is 10% of your fare. If the driver assists you with your luggage, be prepared to give slightly more than just your gratuity. In order to drive on Austrian motorways, you must purchase an AutobahnVignette, which is available at border crossings and from most petrol stations and tobacconists; failure to display a valid sticker will result in an on-the-spot fine. Belgium When planning your trip [and any follow-up meetings], you should bear in mind that most Belgians take a one-month vacation each year, usually in July-August. If your Belgian geography is not quite up to speed, you can always tell whether a company is Flemish or Walloon by the initials after its name: the former are either NV [public] or BVBA [private]; the latter are either SA [public] or SPRL [private]. Brazil Portuguese is the dominant language in Brazil. Be aware that Brazilians do not perceive themselves as Hispanics, and will only take offense if addressed in
Spanish. But if you do speak Spanish you may ask to speak it, and they will accept it better. Before putting the resources into a trip, hire a Brazilian contact in your industry that can help you make the right connections. Avoid scheduling any appointments around 'Carnaval', which precedes Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Keep in mind that the seasons in Brazil are opposite to those in North America; June/July and August is winter and December/January/February is summer. Brazilians also consider themselves Americans. Consequently, don't use the phrase 'in America' when referring to the United States. Avoid talking about ethnic and/or class differences, politics, Argentina, personal affairs. If you are having difficulties with a person's name, you may inquire about the correct pronunciation. Don't try to guess. Never touch food with your fingers, as Brazilians consider this rude. Canada Canadians in general do not wear scent in a business setting. Perfume, aftershave, and heavily scented personal care products such as shampoo and hairspray should be avoided, or at least used sparingly. Canada is officially bilingual. The federal government works in the two official languages - English and French. Generally, it's an asset to include both French and English translations on your business card. Chile Third party introductions, through institutions such as banks and consulting firms, are often a necessary prelude to conducting business in Chile. January and February are popular vacation times. This is the height of the summer in Chile. Trying to conduct business during these months is probably futile. If you want to get to a decision-maker, it's always necessary to go through the secretary first. Secretaries largely determine who gets access to their manager[s], so it will be in your best interests to remain polite and gracious when dealing with them.
Displaying a basic familiarity with positive aspects of the history and economy of Chile is an excellent way to establish rapport. It's a mistake to compare Chile to Argentina Have your business card translated into Spanish on the reverse side. It is considered important to keep any business cards you receive in excellent condition. Investing in a card case will be helpful in ensuring that your cards stay well preserved. It would be a mistake to bribe your Chilean business associates. Although this is standard practice in other Latin American countries, in Chile it could land you in jail. Generally, contract agreements are followed rigidly, problems are resolved swiftly, and payments are made promptly on the deadline. When receiving a mail delivery, you are expected to tip the postal carrier. This person should receive a few pesos for each piece of mail delivered. When greeting your Chilean counterpart, it is very important to offer a firm handshake while smiling and making eye contact. Be aware that the group "hello" might be perceived as rude and impersonal. Spanish is the official language, but most educated Chileans are fluent in English. An open palm with the fingers separated is a gesture for "stupid." China Being late for an appointment is considered a serious insult in Chinese business culture. The best times for scheduling appointments are April to June and September to October. When scheduling your appointments, be sensitive to holidays such as Chinese New Year. During May Day, or the National Day, many businesses will be closed for up to a week during this period. Negative replies are considered impolite. Instead of saying 'no', answer 'maybe', 'I'll think about it', or 'We'll see' and get into specifics later.
Refrain from using the terms such as 'Red China', 'Mainland China,' and 'Communist China.' Just say 'China.' The Chinese will decline a gift three times before finally accepting, so as not to appear greedy. You will have to continue to insist. Once the gift is accepted, express gratitude. You will be expected to go through the same routine if you are offered a gift. Saving face is an important concept to understand. In Chinese business culture, a person's reputation and social standing rests on this concept. Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous for business negotiations. The Chinese are very keen about exchanging business cards, so be sure to bring a plentiful supply. Ensure that one side is in English and the other is in Chinese Colombia The best policy is to arrive in Colombia a day early so that you can adjust to the high altitude. Dont mention/talk about: politics, terrorism, religion and illegal drugs, bullfighting, differences in culture. Ensure that you bring a plentiful supply of business cards, printed in Spanish on the opposite side. Ensure that you have all documents and presentation materials translated into Spanish before your trip to Colombia. Visual aids are also very valuable in getting your message across. Ensure that you take safety precautions when in Colombia. Ask your counterparts what areas of the city are dangerous. Be aware that both the murder rate and frequency of kidnapping is significantly high. Denmark Red is a positive colour in Denmark. Many people are flattered by compliments about how they look or clothing they're wearing, but this is not the case with Danes. Danes consider compliments to be inappropriate. Although taxis can be hailed on street corners, it's a better idea to call for one to pick you up at your starting destination. Danes are committed to preserving the environment.
All foreigners traveling to Denmark must register with the local police within 24 hours of their arrival. This procedure is normally taken care of by hotels and other public accommodations, but if you are being privately housed, you must do it yourself. Forms can be obtained from the local police or at the post office. Egypt Keep in mind that Cairo has some of the worst traffic jams in the world. Delays are frequently caused by traffic congestion. It is standard practice to keep foreign businesspeople waiting. Realistically, you may be able to keep only one appointment per day. No business is conducted on Friday, the Muslim holy day. Most people don't work on Thursdays, either. Generally, the working week takes place from Saturday through Wednesday. Government hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Government offices are closed on either Thursday and Friday or Friday and Saturday. This variation is designed to reduce traffic on congested Cairo streets. Business hours vary widely. In the winter, many businesses close for much of the afternoon and reopen for a few hours in late afternoon. A typical business schedule would be 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the summer; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the winter. Men should avoid wearing visible jewellery, especially around the neck. Women business travelers are expected to dress modestly at all times. They are advised to pack shirts, blouses, and dresses with high necklines and sleeves that reach at least to the elbows. Hemlines should be ankle-length or well below the knee. If Egyptian men stare lewdly at you, your dress is not sufficiently modest. Dont mention Israel You are required to have an Egyptian agent to do business in this country. Moreover, if you're doing business in both Cairo and Alexandria, it's recommended that you have a separate agent for each city. Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in Arabic on the reverse. Since there are a myriad of greeting styles in Egypt, it is safest to wait for your Egyptian counterpart to initiate the greeting, especially at a first meeting.
A traditional Arab male may not necessarily introduce his wife. If he acts as if she isn't there, you should do the same. The left hand is considered unclean in the Arab world. Unless you are handling something considered unclean, always use the right hand. Moreover, avoid gesturing with the left hand. The thumbs up sign is offensive throughout the Arab world. France France practically 'shuts down' in August. It's strongly recommended that you learn basic French phrases and use them whenever possible. Your efforts will be well appreciated and will be remembered. The French will revert to English if they see you floundering. Germany Dont talk about World War II in Germany and dont ask direct personal questions Decision-making in German business culture is slow, protracted, and every detail relating to your proposal will be painstakingly examined. Therefore, do not expect substantial decisions to be made spontaneously at the table. However, once a decision is finally made, it is extremely difficult to change. If you do not speak German, be careful of automatically addressing a person in English. While Germans generally speak very good English, some may well feel offended at the presumption. Hong Kong Punctuality is very important in Hong Kong business culture and is seen as a gesture of respect. Make every effort to be on time, even though Hong Kong's congested streets can make this objective a challenge. Have business cards prepared with Chinese on one side and English on the other. In Hong Kong business culture, a person's reputation and social standing rests on the concept of saving face. Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous for business negotiations. A person's actions reflect on his or her family, plus any other groups of which he or she is a member. Moreover, saving face depends on adhering to the ethical norms of society in all human dealings. India In general, October to March is a better period to visit India, which marks the winter season. During this time, the temperature can go as low as 2-3oC in the
Northern mountains of India. However, in most other parts of the country, it is normally a comfortable 15-25oC. Indian summers [April to June] can be very hot, with the temperature reaching 50oC in many locations. Indian addresses can be confusing. This is so because the pattern of numbering the buildings varies across different places, even in the same city. This is further complicated by the fact that during the last few years, in many cities, the streets have been renamed. To avoid getting lost, it is useful to check 'how to reach there' from your contact. Most Indians take vacations during the summers [April-June] and Mid-December to Mid-January. In addition, in Northern and Eastern India, a favourite time for taking vacations is around October, which coincides with Dussehra/ Pooja holidays [see below]. India has a long list of holidays. Some of these--e.g., Independence Day [January 26th], Independence Day [August 15th], Gandhi Jayanti [October 2nd], and Christmas [December 25th]--are observed according to the western calendar. The others, which are Hindu, Sikh or Muslim festivals--e.g., Pongal/ Makar Sankranti, Holi, Idu'l Zuha, Dussehra, Deepawali, Muharram, Guru Nanak Birthday, etc.--follow the lunar calendar. The dates for the latter holidays are not the same in terms of the western calendar, and therefore, it is advisable to contact the local Indian Embassy/ Consulate to find out the holiday list for that particular year. Dont talk about Pakistan and the rich-poor divide in India Presenting and exchanging business cards are a necessary part of doing business in India. You must bring plenty since people exchange business cards even in non-business situations. Bargaining for the price or additional concessions is normal in India. Indian negotiators expect and value flexibility in negotiation. Therefore, sometimes a straightforward offer may be perceived as a rigid stand. It is always advisable to build some buffers in one's initial offer, which allow for bargaining later. Traditional Indian dishes are eaten with the hands. When it is necessary to use your hands, use only your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. It's considered acceptable, however, to pass dishes with the left hand. Normally, excessive tipping is not encouraged, but a certain amount of tip is expected. In most restaurants, 10% is a sufficient tip, which may be added to the bill. You can, however, give an additional tip by leaving the change to show your appreciation.
The traditional way of greeting in India is performed by holding your palms together, as in praying, and saying 'Namaste' [nah-mas-tay] or 'Namaskar' [nahmas-kar], with a slight bow. Shaking hands is also an acceptable way to greet people among urban and westernized Indians. Feet are considered unclean in India, so avoid pointing your feet at another person. In the case that your feet or shoes touch another person, you are expected to apologize by saying 'sorry.'
Indonesia In Indonesia dont talk about topics like: bureaucracy, corruption, criticism of Indonesia ways, religion, personal success. In Indonesia, names are considered sacred and must be treated with respect. Make every effort not to mispronounce the names of the Indonesians you encounter. No matter how difficult or unusual sounding a name, do not laugh at it. It's an asset to have your business card printed in color and embossed, since Indonesian businesspeople tend to appreciate ornate cards. Most importantly, however, ensure that your card emphasizes your name and position. Before answering a question, Indonesian business protocol demands that the respondent make a respectful pause--lasting as long as 10 to 15 seconds. Westerners will sometimes mistakenly assume that they have an agreement and resume talking before an Indonesian has a chance to give a genuine response. Bribery is common at most levels of society and is known as 'facilitating payments. Among both Muslims and Hindus, the left hand is considered unclean, and whenever possible, should not be used in giving or receiving. The right hand should be used exclusively to eat, accept gifts, hold cash, and touch people; these guidelines apply even if you are left-handed. You may, however, use your left hand to handle objects by yourself.
Questions and Answers from visitors
Are you looking for personal assistants? I am constantly looking for experienced Personal Assistant. I very often use
services of other personal assistants during my work. Some of my clients have also asked me to find another personal assistant for them. I cant guarantee a job, but if you have some experience or skills, email me your CV and picture and I will keep your information in my personal files. Email to: uplanitia@gmail.com
How much does a personal assistant earn?

Salaries start from 3.000 US$ per month to 10.000 US$ per month. This is the average range that I have seen. There are exceptions.
What should my strengths be when considering a post as a PA?

multi-tasking able to handle stress politeness confidentiality reliabilty resourceful
Are there courses or anything to become a Personal Assistant?

There are some courses available. I dont have experience with personal assistant courses. I am planning to do some research about those courses. I have worked for several clients and I don't think any study could have really prepared me for this kind of work. You need to have some basic skills and strengths. It is also useful to read some books about personal assistants and butlers. You can find many at Amazon.com
Thank you, For reading my guide. I appreciate your interest in my Personal Assistant Handbook. You can contact me if you have any questions or want more information, because you bought my Personal Assistant Handbook. Just send me an email. My Personal Assistant Handbook will be updated regulary. Send an email to me if you would like to receive the updates of my Personal Assistant Handbook. I can give you free updates until one year after your purchase date. Thank you, Kindest regards, Marcel uplanitia@gmail.com http://www.worldpersonalassistant.com

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Questions and Answers from visitors

How much does a personal assistant earn?

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Are there courses or anything to become a Personal Assistant?

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