Back in the late 2000s, the concept of virtual assistants first caught my attention, but I never thought of it as a viable career path. As a dedicated teacher, stability and classroom dynamics were my world. Little did I know, life had other plans for me—a journey that would lead me to discover a deep passion for remote work and redefine my career trajectory.
After a heart-wrenching loss and a much-needed break with my spouse, I found myself pregnant with our second child and craving something meaningful to fill my days. Then, out of the blue, my sister-in-law mentioned a virtual assistant job opportunity. Intrigued, I dove into the details. With a background in customer service at T-mobile and DirecTV, and organizational skills sharpened as a teacher, it felt like the perfect fit.
I decided to take the plunge and set up an interview with the CEO of Kalinaw Virtual LLC, excited to see where this new adventure would take me.
I had the pleasure of meeting Shalom Mascariñas, the CEO of Kalinaw Virtual, where we discussed how my skills could benefit our clients. Impressed by our conversation, he offered me a position, and soon I found myself diving into the dynamic world of remote work with Allittech, an IT reselling company based in Chicago.
As their Tracing Specialist, I took on a range of responsibilities that showcased my organizational prowess and dedication to customer satisfaction:
Tracking and Resolving Issues: I diligently monitored shipment statuses, swiftly resolving any issues that arose, and kept both customers and internal teams informed with timely updates.
Order Processing Expertise: With a keen eye for detail, I meticulously processed incoming orders, ensuring accuracy in product availability, pricing, and documentation.
Data Management and Reporting: I maintained precise customer and order data in our database, leveraging it to generate insightful reports and summaries that informed strategic decisions.
Comprehensive Post-Sale Support: I excelled in providing top-notch post-sale support, handling everything from managing replacements and refunds to efficiently managing operational emails.
My role at Allittech not only sharpened my skills in logistics and customer service but also deepened my commitment to delivering exceptional results in a virtual setting. Each day brought new challenges that I met with enthusiasm, contributing to the company’s operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Reflecting on my journey with Kalinaw Virtual LLC over the past year fills me with gratitude for the growth and opportunities it has brought. Recently, in 2023, I was honored to be promoted to the role of Director of Quality Assurance, both at Allittech and within Kalinaw Virtual. This advancement is a testament to the company’s recognition of my contributions and potential, underscoring their commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within.
Director of Quality Assurance Responsibilities
In my role as Director of Quality Assurance, I take pride in ensuring seamless interactions between our clients and virtual assistants, prioritizing their satisfaction and addressing any concerns promptly. Key responsibilities include:
Client Relations: Acting as a dedicated liaison, I facilitate communication between clients and our virtual assistant team, ensuring that feedback is addressed promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
Performance Monitoring: Implementing robust systems to monitor and evaluate the performance of virtual assistants against established standards and KPIs, ensuring optimal service delivery.
Best Practices Implementation: Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base of best practices in virtual assistant operations. This includes guidelines for client interactions, team communication standards, and other essential aspects to uphold quality and efficiency.
My journey to leadership has been marked by continuous learning and the opportunity to shape the future of our operations. I am excited about the challenges ahead and remain committed to driving excellence in every aspect of our service delivery.
My role as a virtual assistant with Kalinaw has provided me with enriching opportunities to collaborate with various clients across different industries. One such memorable experience was supporting a recruitment firm, where I conducted phone interviews with caregivers and played a pivotal role in shortlisting candidates for final interviews with the Human Resource Director.
In addition to my work with Kalinaw, I also engage with freelance and task-based clients. As their trusted virtual assistant, I take on multifaceted roles such as social media management and office administration. This diverse portfolio allows me to leverage my skills in:
Communication: Effectively conducting phone interviews and maintaining professional correspondence with clients and candidates alike.
Organization: Juggling multiple roles seamlessly, ensuring deadlines are met and tasks are prioritized effectively.
Problem-Solving: Addressing client needs and challenges proactively, contributing to their operational efficiency and success.
These experiences not only showcase my adaptability and dedication but also highlight the dynamic nature of virtual assistance in today’s digital age. Each client interaction fuels my passion for delivering exceptional service and making a meaningful impact.
One of the things I cherish most about being a virtual assistant is the freedom it offers. Working remotely allows me to be flexible with my schedule and location, which means I can seamlessly integrate work and family life. This work-life balance is invaluable to me, as it means I can be present for my loved ones while still pursuing a fulfilling career.
I find immense joy in knowing that my role as a virtual assistant contributes to the success and well-being of businesses and their owners. By handling administrative tasks and providing reliable support, I help them achieve their goals while maintaining their own work-life harmony.
Being part of the Kalinaw Virtual family adds another layer of fulfillment. The support and camaraderie within the team create a positive work environment where I can thrive and grow professionally.
As I continue on this journey as a virtual assistant, my goal is to extend my support to many more clients in the future. Each new opportunity brings excitement and the chance to make a meaningful impact. I am grateful for this career path and look forward to what lies ahead!