u/gophergirlnyc

Currently working as the first assistant (ever) for a founder/CEO in creative. Unfortunately can't help that I'm assisting an individual who's at this time, finally trying to transition out of constant office presence/accessibility. But no one is used to me yet, and I think having a new gatekeeper is rubbing them the wrong way.

I don't mind taking the heat for last minute changes or complaints - that comes with the territory. It's just an awkward time for a team who's always had an accessible boss, and I'm the person responsible for there being less of that.

Anyone have tips for not creating unnecessary enemies at work - but also maintaining gatekeeper status in order to give my exec the ease of life they've built all of this in order to have?

Looking for any tips on finding a florist here in New York City that can arrange deliveries to further out in Queens + all over Manhattan. Also looking for best communication styles (whether you're a florist or EA w/some tactics to share) for getting grand, ethereal-level arrangements that capture well on camera.

Give me the real talk on if $250 is too low for this; I know people who've achieved this in the past, but need to takeover this myself for ongoing deliveries.

Previously, I've worked as a nanny, family assistant, house manager, personal assistant, and now I'm in an EA role. Most of my prior jobs included a lot of autonomy and a basic structure off the bat: learning personalities, taking over premade systems, etc. Basically - a lot of my jobs have been plug + play.

This role is different due to my principal never having an assistant before. So, they don't know what styles they have, any organization tactics, or really any directives on how they'd like to be assisted.

I'm 6 weeks in, and was just now able to confirm a new calendar system and introduce to the team/HR. There was no structure/schedule before, it was just a free for all/open door Founder type of environment.

I want to know: does anyone have experience creating a role from scratch? I can read rooms and pickup on personalities fairly quick, but I'm having a hard time keeping my boss's attention span when it comes to making new systems. Almost like they were expecting me to take control of everything immediately, except when I've done that, the feedback is not collaborative or offers any direction. Kind of just trying/failing and redirecting myself.

(I'm an overachiever and eager to please, so this is hard to be in a role that I can't be my fully operational self yet lol)

My new exec is really pushing for me to secure the most challenging reservations in NYC. Before this job, I was in hospitality for years - but not the trendy, massive spots she's after. This means I know I need to have a personal connection in order to secure these spots - but just don't.

I also can't spend my time just going to these spots spontaneously myself and hoping to become a regular or something. I've also outsourced Amex Concierge and that has been of no use either; they just call and only speak to the reservations specialists for a maximum of 5 minutes.

I need some kind of strategy, if any EA's in NYC could provide some help. My sanity would appreciate it!