Hey Raindance!

I totally agree with your Good Rule - and it's one I've used over the (too many to mention) years.  Add to that the guys in the Post Room and someone in Accounts Payable and you've got The List of everyone who can make your life easier and therefore operate more efficiently.  Like me, I'm sure you've had people be amazed that you managed to get Mr A to do something because "he's never done that for me"!

As for Job Titles, yes, it really does make a difference to how people perceive you.  It shouldn't, but some people react much more positively and helpfully to PA rather than Secretary.  Also, and this is daft (!), I've found people to react more positively to the words "Personal Assistant" than they would to "PA"...

It's a funny old world!