Here Are Five Strategies to Get You Started:

• Recognize the value you bring to your boss, clients, and the organization.Professional pride is not arrogance. It is confidence in your ability to deliver timely, high-quality results.
  — Make a list of your outstanding abilities. - Try to keep it to four main points, which we call your “diamond of strength.”
  — Illustrate each strong point with examples summarized in 3 to 4 sentences. - This is not a stroll down memory lane or a résumé-writing session. It’s a chance to recollect and reconnect with your own history. In the everyday stress of facing our task lists and worrying about the next deadline, we too often forget our past triumphs and the evolution of our expertise. As you mine for gold in your work history, the uncovered nuggets will enhance your perception of your capabilities.
• Enhance your status. When asked about the discrepancy between your title or salary and your actual contribution, maybe you say, “It’s OK, I’m just here to do a good job.” Well, it’s not OK, especially in today’s economy; not for you, your boss, or your company.
  — Make sure your job description accurately and comprehensively describes your job.
  — Write regular one or two page updates to inform your boss of your achievements.
  Administrative assistants often meticulously document their bosses’ work and rarely create written descriptions of their own work.
• Nurture and expand your professional network. Network on your own behalf and for your boss as well. By expanding your internal network, you can smooth the way to efficient and productive relationships for both you and your boss. By interacting with colleagues beyond your company, you can learn what is new in your industry, from software platforms to operational trends, to joint ventures between firms.
  To begin:
  — Make a list of people who can mentor you, assist you in some way, or expose you to new ideas and opportunities. Create a plan for reaching out to them.
  — Schedule lunches with internal and external colleagues once a week.
  — Join an organization that provides opportunities to develop your career and make contacts with people in related fields and positions.
• Partner with your boss to take on greater responsibility.Many administrative professionals are surprised when we point out their leadership skills. “No,” they say, “I’m not a leader, I just work for one. Consider for a moment whether you’ve ever been in the position of coordinating the work of individuals across functions or even organizations.Many administrative professionals are surprised when we point out their leadership skills. “No,” they say, “I’m not a leader, I just work for one. Consider for a moment whether you’ve ever been in the position of coordinating the work of individuals across functions or even organizations.
  - Ask your boss to think of one thing you can do to make his or her job easier. If absolutely nothing comes to mind, congratulations—you just reinforced your excellence; but if a suggestion comes back, remember, your boss's success is your success.
  - Request project leadership. As you increasingly demonstrate your ability to achieve results, your boss can delegate higher level responsibilities to you. Start out with a project you feel confident about taking on, whether fully internal or with external parties. Determine the goals and the deadline— and then deliver. Nothing builds leadership skills as much as leading.
• Set short-term goals for your professional growth. Put aside the five-year plan for the moment. Achieving even a small success will increase your pride, value, and motivation. Vow to take some first steps, whether you want to elevate your standing at your current job or search for a new one. What professional skills do you want to acquire in the upcoming six months?

Final Thoughts Administration is a career path, not a static position. From being the assistant to a Leader, all the way up to "Chief of Staff / Chief Administrative Officer," you are valuable and make a positive impact on company culture and corporate results. If it feels too challenging to apply all of these recommendations on your own, no worries; there is no downside in getting some support. Admins, of all people, know that! Find a mentor to help you get on the right track, focusing on your professional growth and advancement.
Remember, admiration starts from within. But soon enough, it will feel pretty darn good when others reflect that admiration right back at you.