The Leap of Faith That Paid Off

Hey everyone,

Today I'm sharing my story to give you a glimpse into my journey.? Brace yourself for a long, rambling tale about my life. You've been warned. :)

In 2013, I began my career as a virtual assistant. I quit from my BPO job to prioritize my family. Leveraging my previous experience in customer service, I successfully landed a role primarily focused on email management and support. Over time, drawing on my writing background in college, I was able to contribute to content and copy writing projects. It was an awesome experience, allowing me to earn a living while being present for my family. Only problem is that I work at night because of the time difference from my client. But that was tolerable back then.

In 2014, a turning point came when I worked as assistant with a client who was in marketing. This experience was invaluable, as I learned a lot about social media marketing, website creation, email marketing, and a whole lot more! It was a completely different world, but I quickly learned the ropes and discovered a hidden talent for marketing. I realized that this was what I wanted to do.?

I was pretty comfortable, but something was missing. I felt like there was more out there for me. So, I took a leap of faith and decided to explore new opportunities. I was hooked on the world of marketing so I offered marketing services as a Virtual Assistant. And my clients are happy! I've proven my ability to drive business success through effective marketing strategies.

Fast forward a few years, 2016, It was a challenging but exciting time. Exciting because I had built a solid reputation and a growing clientele specially in the real estate industry. However, during this time, I faced a personal challenge that tested my resilience. Battling cancer while juggling clients in the US and Canada was a grueling experience because of our time differences. I work at night, and I get treatment by day. It was literally 4 to no hours of sleep. This set up has affected my performance at work and was let go by my high paying client. At this point in time, I craved the flexibility to set my own schedule and work at my own pace.

By 2019, I am no longer a Virtual Assistant but leading a marketing team and working closely with sales, deepening my understanding of both disciplines. This flexible role allowed me to balance work and personal life. I loved it. This flexibility allows me to spend more time with my children and prioritize my health and well-being.

Then COVID happened. My hours were reduced and so is my income.? The financial strain of battling cancer,? challenges of single motherhood and now working less hours because of the pandemic led me to reevaluate my goals in life. While starting my own business is a dream, financial recovery is a priority. Patience Maria, patience.

2020, I was able to secure a stable job, ensuring continued employment and financial security. Sure, I'm doing okay, but it's not fulfilling. I crave something I can truly call my own. I've helped clients build thriving businesses – why not do the same for myself?

In the last quarter of 2022, I was in remission and I finally felt ready. Slowly, I was building my dream business while still being employed.? And in mid 2023, I took the leap and launched Ramirez Digital Services. It was a mix of excitement and fear. I remember feeling like a small fish in a big pond, but I was determined to make it work. I persevered and closed my first few clients.

2024 brought its own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from a stable job to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Yes, I resigned from my job so I can focus on my business. It was a slow start and there were moments when I doubted my decision. In those early months, I was juggling multiple tasks, bootstrapping my business, and facing financial challenges without a steady paycheck. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it also fueled my determination to succeed.?

During this challenging period, I seized the opportunity to invest in my professional development. I dedicated myself to continuous learning and connect with like minded individuals who inspired and help me get through the challenges of building a business. Armed with newfound knowledge, I rebranded my business as Next Level Marketing Hub. We expanded our service offerings and ventured into coaching and SAAS.

Despite initial setbacks,? I persevered and adapted to the changing circumstances, and cultivated strong relationships with clients and partners. And now I can say that it has finally paid off, enabling me to achieve the freedom and flexibility I sought. I am now able to prioritize my work-life balance, spend quality time with family, and pursue my passion without compromising my health and autonomy.

Today, I'm grateful for the journey I've taken. My company has grown and evolved, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

Here's what those experiences taught me.

• Embrace change. Be open to face or create new opportunities and be willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Never stop learning. Continuously invest in your skills and knowledge.
• Build strong relationships. Networking and building connections are essential for business growth.
• Persevere through challenges. Don't let setbacks discourage you. Stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward.

So that's it for today! I hope it i worth your time. I'd love to hear your stories too!

Remember, your journey is unique, and every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams. Keep going!

Best,

Maria