Customer Reviews

Be the Ultimate Assistant: A celebrity assistant's secrets to working with any high-powered employer

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bonnie is right on point with this book. The Book "is a one of a kind for the Personal Assisting industry". Really. The stories she shares are great examples and so common in the industry. She makes the reader feel as if they were working with her and Olympia. Bonnie gives good pointers for people looking to break into this field as well as good contacts for internet searches, recruiters, and unique and cool gift ideas. This is a good desk reference book. Buy it and you will not be sorry.... I love it...

The Ultimate Assistant by Bonnie Low-Kramen was detailed enough for those of us who really are looking to continue as Executive Assistants. It emphasizes the importance of intelligence, thinking and getting jobs done without much help and just really working hard to research tools needed in a job that you are really on your own to do. It is all about working independently and using all resources including other key people to get the job done. I like the great examples of doing unexpected jobs and the "out of your way" challenges and hurdles that come up and have to be overcome in order to get it right for the executive. That is the true challenge of good executive assistants. To find a way no matter how.
I liked how the book is spersed with interesting and valuable inspirational quotes between chapters. It's a good book to keep at hand and reread.

Delightfully encouraging read. Very well written book. Bonnie is still working as a personal assistant and has over twenty years of experience. She shares those experiences with us in great detail. She also provide great solutions to everyday life as a a celebrity personal assistant. She shares not only her success but even her failures and mistakes and how she corrected them.

This book will definitely help you to become better in whatever field you choose.

Be the Ultimate Assistant is an essential tool for any current PA or person looking to become one. Bonnie Low-Kramen uses her 25+ years of experience to help the world realize what it takes to be the ultimate assistant. Every personal assistant would benefit having this book on hand as a "emergency bible" with all important details for day to day use. Her insight into being a celebrity assistant does a great job of painting an accurate picture of the life of a PA. Overall, this book is priceless because of the knowledge you gain from Bonnie! I would highly recommend it to current PA's, people looking to become PA's, or someone looking for an overall interesting and great read!

-Olivia Weger, Placement Manager at Alter Ego Concierge
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I picked up this book about 7 months ago when I was considering a career change. I had been told for years that I'd make a great personal assistant, but I wanted more information as to what was involved. This book really gives a terrific overview of the industry, including an employer's expectations, what to avoid, and how to be as prepared as possible for all situations. It also covers the "dark side" of working as an executive assistant, which is often ignored since most people focus on the potential perks and benefits. Once I decided to take the plunge and put myself out there as a potential candidate, I referred back to this book often during job hunting and writing my resume. It's a wonderful resource. I'm very glad Ms. Low-Kramen was able to put all this information in one place for all of us that are curious about this field.

All Assistant should read this book -- what a great place to start for those who desire becoming a Personal / Executive Assistant and, for those of us who are more experienced, to use as a reference book.

Not only did Bonnie Low-Kramen write this amazing book in which she shares her wealth of knowledge and her years of experience with the readers, but if you're fortunate enough to take one of her "Be The Ultimate Assistant" workshops, you'll get an added bonus. Bonnie is -- in my opinion and others who took the class and read the book -- the best in the field of teaching "from soup to nuts" what Assistants need to know to be successful. I highly recommend this book ... and Google her for info about her workshops too if you like.

A fan ...

Deborah, PA of 15 years

"Be the Ultimate Assistant" is required reading for every assistant, whether one is just starting out in the field or at the pinnacle of one's career as a top-level right-hand. As a Los Angeles-based recruiter who places many assistants, I can think of nothing I'd like more than to get a copy of Bonnie's definitive work into the hands of every candidate who is or has ever aspired to be the best of the best -- the "ultimate assistant". Three cheers to Bonnie for being so generous to share with others in one fantastic book what she has learned and mastered over the breadth of her extraordinary career! Become the ultimate assistant indeed and read Bonnie's book -- and then read it again.

I applaud Bonnie for having the fortitude to write a book, not easy! I don't think this is a 'must have' for someone looking to find a way to break into the PA world.

I started working as a PA in 2000, for benefactors at a world-renowned non-profit. Now I work for an entrepreneur and am really enjoying this experience.

Be careful what you wish for - many positions, it's not all that glam, long hours, 24/7 and you really have to be pro-active, thick-skinned, polite, smart, know your manners and grammar, and who's who. And believe me, I'd NEVER write a book about my experiences (to make money). I think it's brave of Bonnie, because I think employers would say "I won't hire her". They don't want stories of their personal and professional lives in print. Protect your reputation, it's everything in this world.

My best to you-all looking for a new job, in this economy...sincerely!

I read this book awhile back but have always used it as a reference when I run into a problem..Bonnie has captured the chaotic stream of consciousness of the life of a personal assistant and has helped give information about focus and making everything work....two thumbs up!!!!

Bonnie Low-Kramen hit the nail on the head. This is such a fantastic book with great information. I love the real-life stories she includes as well as the heroic efforts and pain-staking steps she takes to accomplish some of the tasks put before her. It is a realistic look at what it takes to be an outstanding personal assistant to a celebrity.