For administrative professionals and executive assistants who want more control over their careers, treating your role like a startup can be a game-changer. This unconventional mindset not only fosters increased efficiency and innovation but also leads to greater job satisfaction. By embracing a startup mentality, you can empower yourself to take charge of your career, set clear boundaries, and recognize the value you bring to your organization. Let’s explore how thinking like a startup and defining your services can help you thrive in your professional life.

Shift Your Perspective and Think Like a Founder

Take a moment for yourself. Close your eyes and imagine this: you are the CEO of your very own startup or a consultant running your agency that specializes in Executive Support Services. Now, picture your employer as your client. If you’re currently in the job market, think of it as you searching for your next big client—aka your future employer.

This mindset shift is powerful! It places you on equal footing with your employer, reminding you that you are a sought-after professional hired to deliver specialized services. You’re no longer just an employee—you’re a skilled business leader who understands the needs of your clients and provides impactful solutions.

Embracing this perspective is the first step toward gaining more autonomy and control over your professional life. It empowers you to make choices that resonate with your values and support your well-being. Now that we’ve begun this perspective shift, let’s explore how defining your services can help you set boundaries and clarify your value.

Define Your Services, Create Boundaries

As any savvy business owner knows, clearly defining your offerings is essential to success. This principle holds true for you as well! It’s time to take stock of the services you provide. Start by crafting a detailed list of your skills and contributions. A fun and effective way to do this is to imagine you’re setting up a website for your own business—what services would you highlight on your services page?

Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Executive Support
• Calendar Management
• Travel Management
• Project Management
• Office Management
• Event Planning
• Onboarding Management
• Culture Creation

By defining your services, you’ll not only clarify your role but also empower yourself to establish boundaries and negotiate your worth confidently.

Once you have your list, reflect on how each service aligns with your current job description and the expectations your employer has set.

Once you have your list, reflect on how each service aligns with your current job description and the expectations your employer has set. Concentrate on the core services your employer has explicitly requested you to provide. Additionally, take note of any responsibilities you’re handling that fall outside of these core services. If you identify several tasks that aren’t part of your job description, it may be time to approach your employer for a conversation about recalibrating your role.

Tip from our Founder, Lauren Bradley: Avoid putting everything you do on your job description. Many assistants make this mistake, which can result in being contractually obligated to provide a wide range of services. Instead, focus on the services that extend beyond the core requirements of your role. Determine which of these additional responsibilities are significant projects or require considerable effort. This insight can empower you to negotiate a new remuneration package—whether that means a higher salary, a bonus, or more PTO.

Think about it: if you hired a supplier and asked them to deliver five services, you wouldn’t expect them to suddenly take on five more without renegotiating their service agreement just because you requested it. Voila, boundaries!

This exercise can help you pinpoint areas where you not only meet but exceed expectations, as well as identify tasks that may fall outside your scope.

Understand the Value of Your Services

One of the most critical aspects of defining your services is understanding the value they bring to your “client”—your employer. Each service you offer should be framed in terms of its impact. For example, if travel management is one of your services, you might define that:

Travel Management – I handle all the travel logistics for executives, ensuring seamless and cost-effective journeys that prevent disruptions and reduce costs. By organizing a clear agenda and taking care of every detail, I create a comfortable travel experience that lets clients arrive relaxed and focused, ready to engage in high-stakes meetings without the stress of last-minute changes or travel headaches—allowing them to maximize their impact and effectiveness during their trip.

By articulating what you do, who you do it for, and the value it brings, you not only position yourself as an essential contributor to your organization’s success but also demonstrate a clear understanding of the business case for your role. This clarity not only reinforces your boundaries but also strengthens your case when it comes to negotiating your role or compensation.

Knowing the full range of your services equips you to communicate your boundaries effectively. If you notice that you’re taking on tasks beyond your defined services, you can leverage this knowledge to advocate for adjustments in your workload or negotiate for better compensation or additional benefits.

Conclusion

Defining your services and understanding their value is more than just an exercise in clarity; it’s a vital step toward owning your professional narrative and enhancing your career journey. By treating your role like a startup, you empower yourself to be proactive and intentional in your work. You’re not just an employee; you’re a talented consultant offering invaluable services. Embrace this mindset, set your boundaries, and watch as your career flourishes!