Virtual Assistant
FEMALE FRIDAY FEATURE – MARTJIE CRONJE
Female Friday Feature

MARTIE CRONJE

Add Your Heading Text Here

I met Martie when we worked together on a transcription project.  It was my very first one and boy o boy.

Through the trials and struggle of one’s first transcription, I learned more about Martie as we were chatting while we were typing exchanging information and encouraging each other. 

I found a gem and a new friend in her.  We have been collaborating on many projects and Martie is always a good VA soundboard. 

Here is her story…. 

Contact her on:

martie@completeva.com

website: https://www.completeva.com/

My Story is a good one

I’m the youngest of 4 siblings. We moved around quite a bit before I started school because of my dad’s work. After matric, we moved to Somerset West, where I met my husband (32 years ago). We got married in 1994 and moved to Johannesburg in 1997. We have 3 kids, aged 26, 22 and 20.  

As someone who has always been a PA, it was a natural progression for me, when the time came, to step into the role as a Virtual Assistant, helping clients with tasks I’ve been doing for over 30 years.

My husband and I researched and looked at this ‘VA thing’ back in about 2000 / 2001. The way South Africans worked then was still very much that you had to be at the office from a certain time to a specific time. With the onset of technology which allowed people to work from home, it became more than just a pipe dream. My last manager travelled extensively, which is when I realised that working as a VA is a viable option. No matter where he was travelling in the world, we could still communicate, and I could assist with the tasks he required.

I had this vision of offering a complete service, a one-stop-shop, so to speak. Even if I didn’t know how to do something I knew someone else who does, thus clients are always supported, hence the name Complete Virtual Assistants.

I think my biggest challenge was my mindset, to believe that I can do this.

We not only assist and support clients, but also offer training for new VA’s, so they can (hopefully) learn from our mistakes

My faith in God, consistency, perseverance, confidentiality and honesty

I was fortunate that my business continued and grew despite COVID19.

By setting boundaries in terms of work time and family time. I keep a default diary where I schedule everything that needs to happen in a day; this includes exercise and family time.

Sometimes we perceive someone as difficult when they are actually just verbal about their needs and expectations. Every client is not every VA’s cup of tea and vice versa. At times it’s best to help the client find a VA who is more suitable for their personality.

Yes, plenty of times – especially when I have new and crazy ideas and have to figure out how to make it a reality.

I market on Facebook and LinkedIn because that is where my ideal target market is. Firstly, I defined my ideal target market so that I can ‘speak’ to them through my marketing, I’m very specific and only talk about one service or product at a time.

I keep a default diary, which helps to keep me organised and focused. I also use time tracking software to keep track of time spent on client’s work.

Yes, I would have made sure all the foundational requirements are done. I would make sure that contracts are in place and ready to go, as an example.

I can manage my time around client’s work, I have the freedom to run errands without feeling guilty, knowing that I might have to work a little later tonight.

A big ‘AHA’ moment was about a year into my business when I was driving to meet with the CEO of a company. While thinking about our upcoming meeting I realised that he was a human and his title was just a title – we were both business owners in our own right. Three of the most satisfying moments were definitely the 3 international awards we have won in 2020 and 2021.

Jesus – no matter the challenges He faced, He knew what He had to do to fulfil His prophecy.

I get daily affirmations from the Bible, knowing that my faith in God is all I need to succeed.


Ps 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”

 

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”

When I’m having a challenge I am reminded of the quote by Nelson Mandela “It seems impossible until it’s done”

The mindset of people and how they see themselves

Wisdom to know what to do in every situation

Do your research before you start, know that it is hard work but so worth it and don’t give up, you never know how close your breakthrough is.

Find her on social media: