Portrait of a Freelancer: Marie-Lou Maisonneuve
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<p><em>Portrait of a freelancer—We have the chance to have inspiring freelancers and entrepreneurs among our clients. Discover their stories, unique lifestyles, and challenges through a humanistic perspective. Today, we meet Marie-Lou, a virtual assistant who founded her own business.</em></p>
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<h3>1-Tell us about yourself</h3>
<p>I am a virtual assistant and the proud owner and founder of Gestion MLM!</p>
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<h3>2-Where does your interest in administrative tasks come from?</h3>
<p>I had the opportunity to grow up in a family who owned a business. I then started to work at a young age. As is the case in every family business, everyone helps! When I grew older, I had the opportunity to be introduced to administrative work. I discovered that I enjoyed being behind a desk and working on 1001 projects. I quickly learned to do invoicing, manage emails, and provide customer service. I would say that it was after high school that I understood that I really LOVED everything about administrative work.</p>
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<h3>3-How did you become self-employed?</h3>
<p>Before becoming a freelancer, I studied tourism marketing. After graduating, I returned to the family business, a catering company. I worked as an administrative assistant for nearly four years and continued to work in the kitchens on weekends. </p>
<p>I felt the need to do something else, to spread my own wings. I then left for new challenges. I worked as a coordinator for some time before becoming an administrative assistant again for another business. Although I loved my work, after three years, I needed to look for new challenges. I left my job, and four weeks later, I started my great freelancer adventure! I knew for some time that I wanted to be my own boss. I did not know the best way to do it until now.</p>
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<h3>4-What is the most challenging part of self-employment?</h3>
<p>I would say that setting limits is the most challenging part since I am the type of person who always wants to please others and give a lot. I have learned the hard way that it is best to respect our limits.</p>
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<h3>5-Which part of being self-employed do you like the most?</h3>
<p>I have the freedom to choose my schedule and the place where I want to work! If I decide to leave for a few days, I can always work from anywhere worldwide! I just need some Wi-Fi and my computer. I can also build my schedule according to my desires and needs!</p>
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<h3>6-Tell us about your work routine.</h3>
<p>I am a morning person. I wake up around 6:30 am, and my day starts with small tasks at home. I am available to my clients early. I check my emails, answer what is urgent, and plan my day with Asana to see what I need to do today, the emergencies, due dates, etc. Next, I check my clients' emails. It's the same thing; we reply to emergencies and plan our day according to them. </p>
<p>Around 10 am, it is time to go to the gym! I take an hour to exercise, and I come back home afterward. I continue my day; I work on the projects and tasks that need to be done. I do not usually take any break for lunch, and I continue my day until 3:30 or 4:00 pm. At this time, I check all emails one last time. I deal with any emergencies left, and I close everything until the following day. </p>
<p>Mondays are the administration work day and the time for client meetings. I try to manage everything at this time to organize my work for the rest of the week.</p>
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<h3>7-What are the online tools you could not live without?</h3>
<p>Momenteo: I use the time tracker, so my Momenteo is always open!</p>
<p>Asana: It is my second head to help me manage my tasks and projects.</p>
<p>Canva: I create everything with Canva. It is simple and complete to meet my needs.</p>
<p>Drive: Whether it is Google or One Drive, I share everything with my clients with it.</p>
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<h3>8-How did you learn about Momenteo, and how long have you used it?</h3>
<p>I discovered Momenteo by looking for invoicing software. I was looking for something made in Quebec that would meet my needs. I needed to create and manage invoices and have a time-tracking system for my work hours. I have been using it for one year.</p>
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<h3>9-What makes Momenteo different from other accounting tools?</h3>
<p>I believe that it is the fact that it is a system made especially for freelancers and because it is made in Quebec!</p>
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<h3>10-How did you find your first customers? </h3>
<p>When I started my adventure, I already had two clients: my last employer and my husband's business. Next, after working on my company's structure, I started presenting myself on social media and Facebook groups. I got my first contracts on social media!</p>
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<h3>11-What are your tips for someone who would like to get into freelance?</h3>
<p>GO FOR IT! It is the best decision you will ever make. Is it difficult? Yes, but it is worth it. All the efforts you make are for yourself. You only need to organize yourself well at the start and structure your business adequately. After this, you will be able to face any challenges and grow.</p>
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<h3>12-What are your tips for someone who would work with a virtual assistant?</h3>
<p>Before starting to work with a virtual assistant, I think it is essential to note down all the tasks you want to delegate and create a good match plan. Next, I recommend doing some research and taking the time to find the perfect person to become your right-hand woman. Another tip I would give to someone who would like to use the services of a virtual assistant is to communicate well. The key is communication!</p>
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<h3>13-Why are you proud of being a freelancer?</h3>
<p>I built everything myself. I had an idea, and I achieved it. Today, I can say that I live from what I love to do!</p>
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<h3>14-Do you have any big plans for 2024?</h3>
<p>Yes! Regarding my business, I am finishing my website, where my clients will be able to find me. Other virtual assistants will also find many valuable tools I looked for when I started my business. </p>
<p>Regarding my clients, I am working on many projects with them right now. I am creating newsletters, e-books, and documents and implementing procedures to ease their day-to-day work. In sum, it has been a very busy year! </p>
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<h3>15-How can we contact you?</h3>
<p>It is with pleasure that I can discuss with potential clients or future virtual assistants! It is possible to contact me by email at <a href="mailto:gestionmlm@hotmail.com">gestionmlm@hotmail.com</a> or via Facebook on Gestion MLM. My website will also be available soon!</p>
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