Mary Ann Balane – Customer Service Expert, Real Estate Consultant

Hello! I’m Mary Ann Balane, but you can simply call me Mary. I am a wife and a proud fur mom to my Siamese cat named Choco and my adorable Shih Tzu, Aubrey. I took up a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Olivarez College. My virtual assistant journey started before I even knew what a virtual assistant was!

My journey began in the world of customer service. With every interaction with customers came a lesson in communication skills and empathy.

As I tried to challenge myself, I found I really loved solving problems and how to come up with ways of building meaningful relationships. Little did I know, this just ignited my desire for something with more flexibility and independence. I began exploring the freelancing world, even though I had zero knowledge of how to start. I researched online, joined forums, and soaked up as much information as I could.

It was all so exciting and suspenseful when I started freelancing as a Medical Virtual Assistant. With the decision to quit my job from traditional employment. With determination, and background in the medical field, I immersed myself in learning everything I could and familiarised all the tools needed to succeed.

After starting my journey as a Medical Virtual Assistant, I quickly realised how much I enjoyed the flexibility and variety that freelancing offered. Eager to expand my skill set and enhance my knowledge, I began exploring different niches within the virtual assistant space.

I ventured into areas like real estate, where I learned about property management and client relations, and social media management, where I honed my skills in content creation and engagement strategies. Each new niche not only broadened my expertise but also allowed me to work with diverse clients, enriching my experience.

Through these transitions, I developed a deeper understanding of various industries and improved my adaptability. I found that each role brought its own unique challenges, but they also allowed me to build a versatile skill set that made me more marketable and valuable.

With my recent success, I was able to purchase everything I had always dreamed of from a dependable laptop to improve my work environment, to providing my family with the experiences and comforts they truly deserved. A deep sense of pride washed over me, knowing that my hard work was directly benefiting my family’s well-being.

Freelancing has granted me the freedom to support my family while following my passion. Every day, I appreciate the opportunities this path has offered, transforming my life and allowing me to give back to those I cherish.

I’m happy and honoured by how far I’ve come from working as a CSR with a second-hand laptop to confidently navigating the digital landscape as a freelancer.

Now, I’m grateful for the journey that has taken me from a focused medical role to a well-rounded virtual assistant capable of supporting various lines of service. This continuous learning and exploration keep me motivated and excited about the opportunities ahead.

For a copy of Mary’s resume, please click here.