Julie Smith

Julie Smith, an executive assistant with Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Fla., loves planning events and finding ways to stretch her company's dollars. And she's great at both. When the opportunity arose to organize a strategic-planning retreat several years ago, Smith jumped at the chance. According to Smith, more responsibility equals more reward — and more ways to save her employer money.

Smith now organizes a variety of important events. "Balancing these 'extra' duties with an already hectic schedule that involves supporting our company's top three executives is what keeps me going and keeps me challenged and excited about coming to work everyday," Smith says.

Advice to administrative professionals: "Share how your cost-saving ideas could help the organization. You'll be amazed how something you may feel is insignificant could actually have a wide impact. Managers will listen when you present ideas in a positive way, give examples of why your idea will work and provide cost analysis to back up your thoughts."

Advice to managers: "Acknowledge the importance of the work your administrative professionals do and encourage them to continually advance their careers. Support those who wish to attain a Certified Professional Secretary or Certified Administrative Professional certification. Treat them as you would someone holding a certified public accountant designation or any other well-known certification."