blog – Daniela Tanjutco

Love-Hate Relationship with October

Daniela Tanjutco — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:11:05 +0000

“Hello, October! Be good to me.” This is what I whispered when I opened my eyes on the morning of October 1. I want to attract more blessings and positivity every month but October is always different. I always have a Love-Hate relationship with October every single year.

First Week

I started my October with another milestone because I received my Social Media In-depth Gold Certificate. I was so happy that I finished the course portfolio on time and started the 4th online course – English for Freelancers with Coach Robbie Lorenzo.

English for Freelancers is my third course with the FVA Academy. I enrolled because I want to improve my grammar and enhance my vocabulary. I need to develop my skill in writing to write engaging blogs and creative copywriting.

I started my month positively. In my heart, I know that this will continue until the month ends. I am keeping my faith to end my Love-Hate relationship with October this year.

Second Week

This Monday morning, I woke up so gloomy. I did not know the reason why. I reached for my phone to see what time it was then I saw a message from my client. It was sent 2:00 in the morning. I opened it and it read: “… I no longer need your Virtual Assistance Services.”

I was bewildered and tears ran down my eyes. I was lost for words and stared at her message for about 30 minutes. When I finally got the courage to compose my message, I said “I understand. When is my last day?” “Today is your last day. Thank you for your services,” she replied.

We exchanged kind words and she promised to send me a great review. However, I still felt sad and depressed because she was my first client and I pictured myself working with her for a long time. I even planned out and prepared for her a one-month content for her Instagram Account.

Questions that popped into my mind: Why so sudden? Did I make a mistake? Did I offend her in some ways? I just could not figure out what I did or Am I just overthinking this situation?

I could not handle bad news this early and on a Monday! Of all the days, why Monday? There is a saying that goes if you want to start a great week, start your Monday right!

I am trying to be optimistic. On the other hand, I could not carry out any chores. I decided to sleep on it. When I woke up, I felt that I needed to do something to ease my mind so I organized and arranged my work portfolios and I sent multiple applications to all Freelancing Platforms.

Mid of Second Week

I had an asthma attack that started with allergic rhinitis. It developed into coughing with body malaise. These are some of the signs and symptoms of the Corona Virus. I did not panic but instead I solemnly prayed to God that I not lose my sense of taste and appetite and my sickness does not worsen.

My Mom demanded to rush me to the hospital. I refused. I know this is not Corona Virus because my appetite and taste are still intact and I am craving for a donut and mi Goreng. These are great signs.

I told her that hilot (folk massage) is what my body needs to ease my body malaise and to prevent it from worsening. I also drank some natural home remedies like pure calamansi juice and ginger tea. I felt better after a day or two. Thank you, God!

Second Week (Weekend)

That Saturday, I got invited by my friends to hang out for a few hours. I did not hesitate and immediately said yes. I have not seen them since lockdown and I honestly wanted to go out.

When we arrived at our meeting place, I was going to message my other friend to order food for takeout. I noticed that my phone screen was blacked out and could not open it. I asked my friend to dial my number to check if it is still working. To our surprise, it rang.

The phone is working except for the screen. The breakdown was unexpected. Why is this happening to me? Why now? I need my smartphone for emails and I have lots of files in there too.

OMFG, October! I undoubtedly hate you!

Third Week

My mom was scheduled for a medical check-up. We went to the doctor’s clinic right after we picked up the CT scan result. I came with her to show my support and to know the findings first hand.

I was sitting beside her when the doctor told her she needed an operation, ASAP. Her Doctor was very direct in delivering the news. She was startled; I was speechless. He suspected that the mass is inside her ovaries because she has healthy liver and kidneys.

My mom was concerned with the operation cost and asked her doctor. The doctor just smiled and did not answer. Instead, he referred us to his gynecologist/oncologist friend and Mom was scheduled to see the doctor the next day.

The gynecologist said the same thing. She needs an operation right away. Imagine the size of a volleyball ball, that is how large the mass is inside her. He also told us how much the surgery would cost. It is important that we collect funds for her operation to happen soonest.

It was bad timing to lose a client when my mom is required to have a surgery. I want to help but am financially unable. I did not know how. I felt useless. I was so frustrated that I have been crying every night since then.

Emotional support is not enough. Money is what we need.

Fourth Week

I got invited to be part of my childhood friend’s birthday trip with her sister. One of our couple friends also joined us. The celebrant booked a cabin at Kwentong Dagat in San Felipe, Zambales.

It was a beautiful place but it made me aware I had no camera. I also could not post on social media. With no choice but to make do with what I have and what is around me, I began to appreciate the timeout.

I was able to unwind. My friends and I became even more close. We bonded. So see, I enjoyed my stay because I had no phone with me.

This trip helped me to recharge my soul and put my mind at ease. I even came up with this this topic for my blog.

So did I have a Love or a Hate relationship with October this time?

Insights gained

As I was weighing the happenings, I had some realizations.

For every hate moment we experience. there is a loving moment waiting to be noticed at the corner. Always look to the bright side of everything and stay optimistic all the time.

Believe in yourself that you can surpass everything. God will not give us a hate moment if we could not handle it. He may be just testing our ability to handle difficult problems and wants us to see how strong we are.

Solemnly Pray. Prayers can move mountains. God hears every single prayer from us. It may take time but he always answers at the right moment. He is always there watching and guiding us from above.

Always be thankful. Hate or Love, say thanks anyway. Charge it all to experience. You have nothing to lose. You might even gain lessons out of it.

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Dr. Robert Schuller

On becoming a social media manager

Daniela Tanjutco — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:51:11 +0000

It was the year 2015 when I first heard about Virtual Assistance – a job that allows one to work from home. I researched it and asked around. I was advised to make an Upwork and an Onlinejobsph profile but because I did not know exactly what to do, I never got verified in both and eventually gave up.

The journey begins

This year 2020, when COVID-19 hit the Philippines and lockdowns were put in place, I thought of the Virtual Assistant job again. In these trying times, I wanted to do something to help my parents with our financial needs.

I am grateful my friend Jennifer sent me a link to the Filipino Virtual Assistance online courses which turned out affordable. She suggested trying the SMM In-depth Course because she could see me as a potential social media manager. I also wanted to be one.

I messaged FVA immediately to ask for a course description telling them I have zero background in Virtual Assistance. They recommended I start with the basics, the Freelancing course. It was perfect for beginners.

First Course

The freelancing course description is virtual assistance basics, social media basics, and SEO basics. Yes, you read it right. BASIC. So, in my mind, “Oh! Easy peasy lemon squeezy. I can do this!”

In my first week of watching the video lessons, I was so surprised and in awe. Dang! It is not as simple as I think it would be. It was brain-racking and at the same time challenging. I fell in love and wanted to learn more.

After a month of making portfolios and weekly live coaching sessions with Coach Grace, I finished all of my portfolios on time. I was thrilled after receiving the gold certificate. All of my hard work paid off.

Second Course

A month after finishing the freelancing course, I purchased another online course – the SMM In-Depth Course because I wanted to become a Social Media Manager.

I have been done a bit of social media managing for some years now. I started when I pioneered and led a team of network marketers here in Bataan. I also manage and own an online business. I am intent on receiving a formal training on social media management and marketing to jumpstart my virtual assistance career.

I had fun taking this course because it covered the five major social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked and Pinterest. My creativity came out naturally while doing the portfolios. I received exemplary work on the Pinterest management and marketing portfolio.

I earned a gold certificate for completing the course on time finishing it in just four weeks. I can now say that I am a certified social media manager. Another milestone for me.

A new way of seeing the digital world

My heart is on social media. But being a Social Media Manager is not simple. It requires continuous learning and discovering of niches. Aside from following the course, I have to read blogs, watch YouTube videos, be updated on the latest trend. Why? Because social media is always updating and changing every month or two.

Social media can eat you alive

When I got hired for the first time, I felt too confident and thought I knew everything because I trained with FVA and have a certificate. I realized however that I still have more to learn. I did not know how to read insights. I did not have any idea what algorithms were. I did not know that I need to have graphic design skills for creating content. I did not know that one should have a contract for the tasks and hourly rates.

Arm yourself with skills

I now know how to use social media scheduler: Hootsuite or Later. I have learned how to do authentic engagement. I became good at looking for influencers, brand ambassadors, and potential clients. I got great at planning out the monthly content calendar specially when the clients provide the contents and captions.

Follow other social media managers on Instagram. They have valuable content, know the latest news and trends. They conduct free mini-training weekly and monthly and share their blessings with others.

This journey is just the beginning

I still have a lot to learn. I will see rejections as challenges. I will welcome criticisms and will always look for ways to improve myself. My goal is to serve my client and help his/her business grow with less supervision and be happy with my services. It will take time but the day will come when I can really say I am a full blooded social media manager.

Life Mantra: Stop doubting yourself work hard, and make it happen.