Marianne Wingco embarked on her virtual assistant journey in 2016. Her professional background includes significant roles in administrative support and customer service. Marianne began her career with Smart Communications, a leading telecom company in the Philippines, where she managed a team of 143 people across various departments. This experience provided her with a robust foundation in administration, communication, and multitasking.
Transitioning to Virtual Assistance
After leaving Smart Communications to focus on her family, Marianne transitioned to the BPO industry. Here, she honed her communication skills and developed confidence in English through various customer service roles. When her youngest son was born and her mother fell ill, Marianne sought a way to balance her personal responsibilities while earning an income. It was then that she discovered the world of virtual assistance.
Balancing Work and Life
As a VA, Marianne’s day revolves around task management and email prioritization. She emphasizes the importance of structuring her day to efficiently juggle both work and family life. Despite the challenges of working night shifts, Marianne finds ways to maximize her weekends, dedicating time to family activities, late-night movies, and shared meals. “I make sure to use my weekends to the fullest. It’s a time for family, relaxation, and catching up on things I love.”
Marianne appreciates the flexibility of her VA role, which allows her to spend more time with her family, avoid the daily commute, and organize her work schedule around her personal life. Her strong time management skills help her maintain a balance that aligns with her family’s needs.
"The flexibility in my role as a VA has made a huge difference. I can be there for my family and still get my work done efficiently."
Navigating Challenges with Communication and Client Relations
Marianne’s journey as a virtual assistant has not been without its challenges. Handling inbound and outbound calls with international clients, she faced language barriers and cultural differences. Despite her experience, she encountered clients who were hesitant to engage due to her accent or perception as a non-native speaker. In one instance, a customer requested to speak with someone from the United States, expressing discomfort with Marianne’s accent.
However, Marianne’s empathetic approach and commitment to excellent customer service prevailed. “I understood their concern and reassured them that I could handle their issue. By the end of the call, they apologized for their initial hesitation.”
Marianne’s ability to turn a challenging interaction into a positive outcome underscores her resilience and adaptability.
"Every challenge is an opportunity to show that I’m capable and willing to go the extra mile."
Expanding Skills and Embracing Continuous Learning
Throughout her VA career, Marianne has proactively expanded her skill set by learning tools like Canva, WordPress, QuickBooks, and Asana. Despite her initial lack of experience with these platforms, she adapted quickly, learning on the job to better support her clients. Marianne’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her plans to enhance her skills in Excel and learn Spanish to communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking clients.
"I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills. Learning new tools and languages helps me stay relevant and provide better service."
Having this mindset has prepared VA Marianne to step up in situations where it’s needed, when the previous office manager took a month-long leave, Marianne stepped up, taking on full business operations responsibilities. This experience solidified her confidence and expertise in scheduling and project management. “Taking on the office manager’s responsibilities was a great learning experience. It boosted my confidence and expanded my skill set.”
A Supportive Experience with VALUE VA
Marianne was drawn to VALUE Virtual Assistants because of the company’s growth potential and her desire to contribute to a developing organization. She enjoys being part of a company that values its employees and offers learning opportunities. Her commitment and passion have not gone unnoticed by her clients.
"Being part of VALUE VA has been a rewarding experience. I feel like I’m contributing to something meaningful and growing professionally."
Marianne is particularly grateful for the supportive and encouraging environment at VALUE VA. Unlike her previous roles, where her efforts often went unrecognized, she feels genuinely valued at VALUE VA. Within a few months of joining, Marianne received multiple rewards and recognition for her outstanding contributions through our GO VAluate Reward Program.
"At VALUE VA, I feel like my hard work is truly appreciated. The recognition and incentives I’ve received are a big boost."
VALUE VA’s regular check-ins, feedback, and resources such as skill up support have made a significant impact on Marianne’s work life. She appreciates the company’s genuine care for her well-being and professional development, which allows her to thrive in her role.
"The support from VALUE VA has been incredible. Regular feedback and resources help me grow and stay motivated."
Advice for Aspiring Virtual Assistants
Marianne’s journey wasn’t without challenges. It took her nearly a year to land her first VA job, but her perseverance and dedication paid off. She advises aspiring virtual assistants to stay patient, continually learn new skills, and maintain passion and determination. “Being a VA is not easy, but it’s worth it. Stay patient, keep learning, and don’t lose sight of your goals.”
Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to growth.
Marianne’s success story is just one of many at VALUE Virtual Assistants. If you’re passionate about helping businesses grow while enjoying the flexibility of working from home, VALUE Virtual Assistants might be the perfect fit for you. Explore your potential and join a community that values your skills and dedication. Apply today and start your own success story with us!
