Eul (00:49):

You, let's just wait for

Speaker 2 (00:51):

Max.

Eul (00:53):

Yes, Paul. Thank you. Um, mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Okay. Yes. Thank you. Thank you.

Max (03:43):

Hi guys.

Athena (03:44):

Hi Max. Good afternoon.

Max (03:48):

How are you both?

Athena (03:50):

Yeah. Doing great.

Max (03:51):

Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Excellent. What time is it there?

Athena (03:54):

Um, it's 1:33 PM at the moment.

Max (03:58):

<laugh>. Beautiful. <laugh>.

Athena (04:01):

Okay. So I have here with me is Yu.

Max (04:05):

Mm-hmm.

Eul (04:06):

<affirmative>.

Max (04:07):

Yes. For me. Hang on, let me bring up, here we go. Yu. Yeah.

Eul (04:11):

<laugh>. Yes. <laugh>.

Athena (04:13):

So, Yu, can you say something about yourself?

Eul (04:16):

Thank you. Uh, hi Max. Uh, my name is Yu. Uh, and um, previously I was actually, uh, an e s l or an English shooter. I used to teach a lot of, uh, students internationally. Um, mostly Japanese though 95% of them would be Japanese. And then I transferred here in this company. Uh, I do have, uh, some things that I like to do during my free time, and one of them would be, uh, amateur photography. Okay. Uh, definitely.

Max (04:50):

Yes. Hang on, hang on. Wait, wait, wait. I wanna make two notes cause that's a very valid point.

Eul (04:56):

Oh, okay.

Max (04:57):

Because I, I too love photography. Sorry. You'll, sorry to interrupt you. Gimme one sec cuz I know you were on a bit of a roll there,

Eul (05:13):

<laugh>. It's all right.

Max (05:14):

Uh, go for it. Yes.

Eul (05:17):

All right. So, uh, I do had, uh, some opportunities to take photos of people, but I prefer to take pictures of in animate objects because I feel like, you know, uh, people are very sensitive, delicate, so I prefer not to go over there. Uh, the subjects that I have actually are not common. Uh, they are tabletop miniatures, uh, specifically our Hammer fork. K. So this kind of, uh, game or entertainment isn't known here in my country. And that's why I am using my photography to let people know about this specific media. And yes, that's all about me.

Max (06:07):

Okay. Interesting. That was a very different, uh, um, angle to what most would've done. Most would've just gone on about the experience and everything else. I, I like that about you. Tell me, um, so when you, you mentioned earlier, so you came to this company, you're talking about, um, the guys at r e Assist?

Eul (06:27):

That's correct.

Max (06:28):

Great. So, so you've actually worked, as I could see, you worked as a real estate virtual assistant already.

Eul (06:34):

Mm-hmm.

Max (06:35):

<affirmative>. Right. And, and so can you tell me a little bit about the experience in that, from that perspective? Um, uh, you know, what things did you do? What, um, uh, what were your responsibilities? How long have you done it? Tell me a little bit about that previous experience in, say, property management and or real estate.

Eul (06:55):

Oh, regarding, uh, real estate. Okay. Uh, it's, I've actually, I'm actually new here. It hasn't been almost, let me just check the calendar because I'm not sure

Max (07:09):

It's okay. Just approximate. Approximate,

Eul (07:12):

Yeah. Just more than a month that I've been here. Okay. And it's definitely a very different feel from what I've, uh, I've done before. So before I talk with, you know, students who would like to learn a certain skill, and that would be a language English specifically. But for this one, we're actually dealing with data. We're dealing with information, we're dealing with, um, location that is, for me, not familiar because I've never had any experiences when it comes to Australian companies or Australian policies, especially when it comes to real estate. And, uh, for the responsibilities that I've had here, uh, I've been trained when it comes to, uh, property training, uh, specifically that would be the CRMs property, me and Property Tree. Uh, I've also had just now currently working on projects when it comes to updating contacts in a C R M called Vault. Okay. And, uh, this is a much, it's, it's a first time, definitely. It's a first time experience for me, and I'm enjoying it so far.

Max (08:26):

So, um, so I, I was going to say, um, mm-hmm. <affirmative>.

(08:35):

So when given, say, uh, a new bit of software, I mean, you already have a little bit of knowledge around property Me mm-hmm. <affirmative>, um, to be honest, uh, well, actually before I go there, I should probably tell a little bit about myself that might help, uh, sort of jump straight. I've been on meetings all day, and I'm in my casual gear today. Mm-hmm. Um, so I, uh, have a, I I'm originally a sales agent, so selling property in Australia, in Melbourne. And, uh, over the last seven, six or seven years, I've grown a property management portfolio with about a hundred, approximately a hundred properties. So, um, so as well as sales, uh, we manage the properties. Uh, some of those are commercial like shops and offices and so on. And most of, most of them, about 80% are residential. Um, and I have a current, uh, property manager here in Australia who, who will be leaving, and I am going to be, um, uh, produ providing the mm-hmm. <affirmative>

(09:44):

Property management support and let's call it property or real estate support, because initially we'll start with just property management tasks, but over time, I'd like to build into a little bit of sales support to support myself as well. Um, but we are a small team, and when I say small, after Wednesday, we'll be a one and a half person team until you or somebody else comes on board. But the, the plan is to grow from there. And so, you know, uh, a long term, uh, I'm looking for a long term, um, mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, engagement. So having said all that, um, and given that we don't use a, a great deal of software, but, um, you obviously being a photography, you'll be familiar with various, um, tools, uh, with photography. But if I give you a piece of, or let's say we're using a piece of software, like, for example, we use Slack for communications and Trello for task management mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, and training as well. Um, how would you go about, so new piece of software, excuse me. How would you go about learning that, um, new piece of software? What would you do? Mm-hmm.

Eul (10:55):

<affirmative>, for me personally, max, uh, I really love to take notes. Okay. Uh, especially when it comes to something new. Uh, I am very much, uh, well, personally, I'm uncomfortable <laugh> when it comes to, uh, trying out new things. But, uh, I believe that it is through going out of your comfort zone, that there's growth and learning new, uh, tools and software would, uh, allow me to do that. So when it comes to learning new things, uh, I would be very enthusiastic and very much keen on details so that I wouldn't miss any information, uh, that is very vital when it comes to, uh, doing processes using these new tools.

Max (11:41):

Great. Great. Um, and so the previous role was teaching English mm-hmm.

Eul (11:47):

<affirmative>, correct?

Max (11:48):

Yes. Um, so when did that finish and why did that finish?

Eul (11:53):

Um, that's, that's a really nice one. So I actually, um, initially I plan to teach English, uh, alongside working here because, uh, that role or that, or that job, uh, I could do that regardless of how many classes I open. Okay. However, I felt that, uh, it's best for me to focus on one task alone or on one field. And that would be here in Reas Assist. Uh, I've taught students for two years already, and I believe that I already am proud of the students that I've taught. They've grown much more than when I first met them. And I believe that, uh, other tutors would take my place and also do the same.

Max (12:42):

So, so were those, um, students, was that your own business or did you work for

Eul (12:49):

Uh, I worked for someone. Uh, I am considered to be an individual contractor.

Max (12:54):

Got you. Okay.

Eul (12:55):

Yes. Yeah.

Max (12:56):

Okay. So, so basically you're looking for some, you're moving into something a little bit different, maybe a little bit more stable. Is that the reason?

Eul (13:03):

Uh, that is one factor, yes.

Max (13:07):

Okay. Uh, I just wanna understand mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, I guess why you don't wanna teach anymore and why you want to get into this type of business. Does that make sense? So normally I'd ask someone, um, you know, well, the question is why do you want to change? Why do you wanna do real estate or be a, a real estate virtual assistant?

Eul (13:27):

Well, because teaching is much more difficult than it sounds, <laugh>, it takes so much more effort, max. Uh, I've had so many students of different ages as old as 83 years old trying to prevent dementia and as young as six years old, just trying to get into a public school. And Yeah. And each student, you have to, as a teacher, you have to use a different approach on what's best for them. And for me, that one is very tiring, <laugh>, and yeah. That's why I wanted to change something with this one. Right.

Max (14:08):

Very, very good answer. Look for what it's worth, I two once taught, uh, technical, uh, many, many years ago in university level. Um, I have a technical background and I also, my number one, um, strength is learning. So I think we could get along quite well, um, uh, because, uh, you know, someone who can teach can also do things quite well. Cause they understand the process very well. So, uh, moving on. Um, how, how do you manage competing priorities and deadlines? You know, because we, we, because we're a small team, things sometimes can move really fast, right? Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Yes. Um, so, you know, for example, I might hit you with one slack message, uh, I need this done, then I'll hit you with a voice message on Slack, which, which, um mm-hmm. <affirmative> you have to listen to, but it also transcribes it. And you might have five different things I've hit you with in a matter of five minutes, but they're not all necessarily need to be done straight away. And I try and prioritize for you. But how would you manage that? Like, what's your normal process of managing multiple tasks

Eul (15:18):

When it comes to multiple tasks? Uh, I would love to, uh, take note on all of them. And depending on the urgency of each process, then I would prioritize the one that needs to be completed first. Okay. Because of course, when it comes to businesses and, uh, in this field, you know, um, emergencies or orders come up every now and then, and it's unexpected. And for me, the priority would be the one that needs to either be completed first, or the one that is deemed to be, uh, the most urgent that you deem to be.

Max (15:55):

Yeah. And obviously that'll be based on your knowledge as you get to know the business, but also my, my input saying, Hey, listen, you'll, this one is important. I need you to do this first. And then you would, you know, obviously if you've got something that needs to be finished, finished that, and then move on to this one. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, that's, yeah, that's great. Um, tell me about, can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult client, or a difficult tenant, or a difficult landlord? You probably haven't had too many of those just yet. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, well, let's say a difficult client or a difficult, um, student. Um, and, and how you handle that situation.

Eul (16:36):

Hmm. Uh, someone

Max (16:37):

Makes a complaint or someone's really, you know, uh, unhappy. How would you handle that?

Eul (16:43):

Yes. Um, I've actually had those before <laugh>, uh, sadly enough, um, I wouldn't mention like the nationality, but they're really famous for being it. So, uh, I, no, definitely not <laugh>. So I,

(17:03):

Yes. And, um, always be professional, definitely, because the very first thing that you have to know or to remember is that they may be difficult, but at the same time, it's not your fault. Okay. Uh, there are times when a client goes to you and they're irritable or annoyed, and it may not be your fault, it may just be a personal problem or a thing that they're carrying on, they don't have anyone to vent to. And coincidentally, you're the next person they talk to. And so they unleashed everything that they wanted to. And for me, I need to be understanding because I don't know the situation between the different people that I interact with, especially when it comes to students and everyone else here. Okay. So, to interact with them would be to understand them first and be professional in the things that you have to do. Then afterwards, if there's there, uh, if there's time, or if they're willing to open up. Most of the time they don't, but if they're willing to, then that would be the appropriate time to discuss why this is happening.

Max (18:12):

That was a very good answer, by the way. Probably the best I've had so far. Um, I think you have a good understanding of customer service. Um, you know, one of the key issues that I'm experiencing here in my business is that I grew my business from zero properties and each of the properties that are owned by my clients, I know them personally. I say personally, they know me well, and there's a very strong relationship, and I need to maintain that in every other aspect of the business. You know, um, that's critical to me. So that, that was a very good answer. Well done. Um, thank you. I I probably only have a couple more questions. Uh, one of them is, um, uh, with relates to the interview, then I just wanna ask you a couple of personal questions. Yes. Um, so, so how do you manage your time and stay motivated when working remotely as a virtual assistant?

Eul (19:06):

Hmm. Definitely. Uh, I have a, we call this d and d or Dungeons and Dragons. Okay. This is a collaborative storytelling game that I do. I am a dungeon master, and this is a small escape to the world as right what we call it. Uh, my friends have different jobs. Uh, one is a customer service in a game company. Another is an IT sport, another is a journalist in my city. And we all use this time to just tune out from the world, basically. Um, I think the core reason why we're doing this is that if you're working remotely, you just want to have that connection with people. And this is the perfect opportunity for us to have that, not just out of character, but also in character. So that is how I manage my time.

Max (20:07):

Gotcha. That's, yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Well done. Um, so, so do you live close to where the office is?

Eul (20:17):

Uh, yes. I, I do.

Max (20:20):

So, so commuting is not a problem, obviously. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, I mean, I know this, this Athena, I know this is something that I've spoken to with Andrew and just wanted to confirm that obviously. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, <affirmative>. Um, do you have, uh, do you have family, do you have a family? Do you have kids or you, do you have a partner?

Eul (20:35):

Uh, I do have a partner. I'm currently living with my biological family and, uh, I'm working my way up to move out and start a family. Though it might take some time, probably in five or seven years time. No kids yet.

Max (20:51):

Yeah. And where are you? Where, so what, what city are you in? I, I think I was told where are you guys? Is Bagu?

Eul (20:57):

Yes, that's

Athena (20:57):

Correct. It's Bagu City.

Max (20:59):

Um, yes, I'm sort of familiar with, I've never been to the Philippines and I'd love to go, but I, I, I think from me that's, um, that's all I wanted to know. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, firstly, Athena, did you have any questions that I may have missed, uh, for you all? And then finally you, did you have any questions for me?

Athena (21:21):

All good for me. How about you? You, do you have any questions for Max?

Eul (21:25):

Uh, none so far. <laugh>,

Athena (21:27):

<laugh>.

Max (21:28):

Okay. Great. Um, now I really appreciate, um, uh, your time. I, I, I think, uh, obviously Athena will reach out to you, um, Athena, if, if your was to be the successful applicant mm-hmm. <affirmative>, would you be his mentor slash uh, uh, manager, so to speak?

Athena (21:47):

Yes, that is correct. Max, I will be his direct supervisor until, um, the time that we are already, uh, we are already both confident that he could already be transferred to our operations department where he will have a permanent team leader who will look after me. Right.

Max (22:04):

And, and we'll of course we'll talk more about that as mm-hmm. <affirmative> as we get into it. But yeah, you'll thank you so much. Um, I really appreciate your time, uh, and also very much enjoyed talking to you.

Eul (22:18):

Thank you so much, so much as well.

Athena (22:19):

Thank you so much. Hug.

Eul (22:21):

Mm-hmm. <affirmative>.

Athena (22:22):

Okay. Um, max, we just have to wait for, um, fe the other candidate.

Max (22:27):

Yeah, yeah. Perhaps, uh, you and I can talk. Yep. Athena, just a couple questions.

Athena (22:32):

Thank you Yu.

Eul (22:32):

Um, thank you. Thanks

Max (22:34):

You. Bye.

Eul (22:35):

Bye.

Max (22:38):

So, Athena, I'm curious to know, um, from you, I know what I think of him, um, yeah. Uh, but I, I'm curious to know from you what you think compared to others that you've interviewed.

Athena (22:50):

Well, I really think that he has very good comprehension skills and he answers straight to the point. Um, I believe he's a very, he's a very strong candidate for your office, which I, yeah. I really wish I also, yeah. Yeah. I also think that we will not have that much of a problem if, if we're going to be engaging with you because, um, that is actually the most critical part of onboarding you, you have to find the right candidate.

Max (23:21):

So, um, obviously he has some, you know, knowledge of property me, cuz you've obviously trained him in that, but there's obviously a little bit more, I'm assuming some of those things that you sent me today would form part of his training to as we move forward, correct?

Athena (23:36):

Yeah, that is correct. And I will also, um, I will also be supporting him moving forward if, if, if in case he needs any or he has any questions.

Max (23:47):

No, he look really well spoken. I think there's a lot of things that I clicked with the photography side he would understand, you know? Yeah. I'd be able to show him photos of properties and, and say, look, you know, what do you think of these? How we can arrange them. Uh, so there's, I see a lot of, um, he, he's great. I'd be interested to see what the next person's like <laugh>. It's very good to some I've come across, so. Yep. Um, uh, yeah, let's, uh, when you're ready with the next one, just, just out, uh, were you happy with the questions that I asked? Yes, yes. I

Athena (24:20):

Think that

Max (24:21):

Questions okay. Yeah, because I, um, you know, I, I don't often interview that much mm-hmm. <affirmative>, uh, well as you know, the last employee I had spent before a while. But, uh, just trying to get to understand them. Um, you know, I have a, I have a, a much better knowledge of the Filipino culture since, uh, about six, when I first started I did have a virtual assistant that I engage directly. Um, but, you know, perhaps that wasn't the best way to go at the time. Um, because obviously having the support, I mean, I I'm assuming the obvious environment there is quite a, quite a good one by the sounds of it.

Athena (25:02):

Yeah. We actually have, um, different virtual assistants here in, in the office as well. So if ever we have questions, it would be easy for us to, to ask the others that are already this, uh, doing the same process. Yeah.

Max (25:17):

And, and just to be clear, I'm, I'm sure, look, Andrew explained this to me, but if we took on someone like you all, he would be working just for me. Yes. And by the way, by the way, I, I don't think I've said, told Andrew, Andrea, but I I I it would be a full-time. I believe it needs to be full-time. Yep.

Athena (25:34):

Um, Andrew, Andrew actually mentioned that, that, uh, you want the VA to be full-time?

Max (25:38):

Yeah. Oh, good. I, I wasn't sure if I told him and I, I just think that, you know, we're gonna get the most out of someone working just for me, so, um, and my business and yeah. No, so I thought I'd just make that clear. Yeah. Alright. Um, yeah, no, that was good. So, so while we're waiting for the other person to come on, so mm-hmm. <affirmative>, um, so the, the summaries that you send me, um, they're obviously, cuz they're quite, I mean, I like the way it's written actually. It's very good. It's better than a CV because it just tells me straight to the point. But those summaries are short like that because obviously you have already screened these people and put them into the system. That is correct assist. Right. Okay. And how long have, while we wait, how long have you been with r re assist? Um,

Athena (26:27):

We have been with turning three years this March. Wow.

Max (26:32):

<laugh> fantastic. Sounds like, um, look, you know, there's always a bit of apprehension, um, working remotely, but again, I I I'm not totally, um, new to the Filipino culture, uh, but it sounds like, you know, it's a good place to work. Um, uh, and so far, look, I I'll be totally honest with you and Andrew will probably re um, view this recording, but <laugh>, I've met up with a whole lot of other providers, a lot of them, to be honest. And so far this has been the best experience, I'll tell you that, honestly. Um, so, uh, yeah, I'm looking forward to getting started. I'll be like, if it's a Phoebe Yep. Phoebe or Phoebe, happy to see how, how, um, <laugh> she is because have to employ both of them.

Athena (27:21):

Okay. She's already here. Let me just admit her. Hi, Fabi.

Feby (27:42):

Hello. Good morning. Uh, good afternoon, <laugh>.

Athena (27:45):

Okay, <laugh>. Okay, Fabi. Um, before we start, can you tell us something about yourself?

Feby (27:52):

All right, so, good afternoon, max. My name is Fabi. So I've been working as a front desk in a hotel. That was my previous job before working here at, uh, re so this is my first job as a va. Um, it's, it's a lot. It's a whole different, um, experience for me. But then, uh, uh, during my, uh, one month being with re I enjoyed, I enjoyed being with the company, so I, I get to learn different skills, different, uh, I learn a lot from, from re so during the week weekends. So I enjoy, I enjoy watching, um, documentaries, uh, specifically, um, crime documentaries, interventions about, um, addictions, about, uh, yeah. So that's all.

Max (28:52):

What's your favorite crime documentary?

Feby (28:55):

My favorite crime documentary? Uh, I do not watch series of, um, documentaries, but specifically, um, forensic files.

Max (29:05):

Right, okay. Yes. I, I love, uh, um, a lot of the, uh, organized crime ones, you know? Yes,

Feby (29:13):

Yes.

Max (29:14):

Up here in that style of stuff, so, so we could get along there quite well. We'd be talking about, um, uh, you know, the old, the old days mm-hmm. <affirmative> of up here and so on. So, so you, so you were working front desk at a hotel? Is that what you said?

Feby (29:29):

Uh, no, I used to work as a front desk before. Uh, yes.

Max (29:34):

Yeah. And so why the change?

Feby (29:37):

Um, since the, I decided to look for a job that would fit or my schedule since I do have a five year old daughter. So, as we all know, working in the hospitality industry, we have to, we are, um, mandated to work during the holidays or during the weekends. So my time is already consumed at work. I cannot, um, take care of her. So I decided to look for a job, which is r e since we get this opportunity not to work during the weekends. So I have, I have a lot of time also, we are just, um, we just work from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Unlike, uh, in the hospital industry, we have a lot of overtime. That's why I decided to change, um, career.

Max (30:29):

Interesting. Um, I too come from hospitality background. Wow. Um, I'll tell you a little bit about myself and my business currently. So I spent, uh, I met, I spent 20 years in the entertainment industry as a musician. Whoa. And then I, I had a, uh, a large function center, and then I had a restaurant. Uh, and I understand totally what you're saying about hospitality. It was good while my wife and I were, you know, for nearly married, the kids were very small, but as they got older, uh, hospitality is not conducive to family life. You know, you work Yes. When everyone else is having fun. Um, so I totally get the move. Uh, you know, it's a move for all the right reasons. Um, yes. So currently now since 2012, I became a real estate agent. And since 2015 I started my own business. Um, and I started as a sales agent selling homes.

(31:25):

And slowly the property management side of the business crew, that's when we manage other with landlords, homes and properties. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Uh, and so we're a small team. Um, currently two and a half people, uh, maybe three, but that'll soon become one myself. And I'm changing the way I do things. So there'll still be a person here on the ground eventually that will do a lot of the face-to-face and inspections and so on. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And your role would be a property management and sales support. 90% property management support, 10% sales support. That might increase the 20, as, you know, you start to get used to it. So, so, and I'm looking at a long term, uh, you know, I'm not doing this to start for two months and then stop it. We're looking at, you know, as many years possible, cause I'm very far from retirement myself, uh, so many, many years to grow.

(32:21):

And I want to grow the business to, to make it scalable. We currently manage about a hundred properties. Uh, actually probably, it's probably 150 if you consider another area of the business that's called, uh, strata management or Body Corporate Manager. That's when mm-hmm. <affirmative> you, um, you know, multi-unit type building where it might have mm-hmm. <affirmative> Apartments or, well, here in Australia, I'm not sure it is. It's called Strata Management, where you manage the common areas and so on. So we have many of those as well. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Um, so, um, I have, so with, with that as an introduction, um, I have a few questions that I'd like to ask you, if that's okay. All right. Uh, so I know why you've moved, that makes a lot of sense. Um, mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And so your previous experiences obviously with, with, um, you know, customers all the time. Yes. Um, so one of the questions I have is, uh, can you describe a time, uh, when you had to deal with a difficult customer or a difficult client, or there's a dispute? So just a time where you think that, um, you know, it was a tough, like it wasn't the most part of your job. How did you handle that situation?

Feby (33:38):

All right, so there was this one time we had a guest who had a pet. And, um, we, since, uh, during check-ins, we do have this registration form where the policies are written that we have to let them sign. So in that registration form, uh, it says there are no pets allowed, small pets, any pets, so strictly. And then that guest signed the registration form. And, um, little bit did we know he, um, he brought his dog in into the room. And so we knocked the, we, we knocked at the door. We told him that it's strictly prohibited. And so again, we reminded him about the registration form. He was very angry. He said, it's just a little dog. But then we, again, I tried to explain that it's written in the registration form, and, uh, he signed that document. So it means that he agreed with the terms and policies of the hotel. So what I did, I just, um, heard him out. So I listened to him, uh, when he was already calm. That's the time I, again, explained to him calmly about the policies and with the, um, policies and the con conditions of what he did. And so at the end, uh, he, we ended up, uh, meeting halfway. So instead of paying, uh, the full amount, he just paid half of the amount. So it's still a win-win for us.

Max (35:20):

Yep. So, and that, that, that compromise was that, did you have to get approval for that, or was that your idea?

Feby (35:30):

Uh, I had to have an approval from my, uh, manager.

Max (35:35):

But was the idea yours or the managers?

Feby (35:37):

Uh, the managers.

Max (35:39):

Right. So you, you took the problem to the manager and said, uh, this is what's happened. What do we do? Or did you go to the manager and say, look, I think we can do this.

Feby (35:48):

Does that make, I think we can do this because, um, uh, he doesn't, he doesn't agree to pay the full, the full price.

Max (35:57):

So, so you, so you, you went to the manager with potential solution rather than a problem?

Feby (36:03):

Yes.

Max (36:05):

Right. Very good. Um, and, and was that conversation in English or in, uh, in Filipino.

Feby (36:12):

In Filipino.

Max (36:13):

Okay. How you think you'd go with that conversation in English?

Feby (36:18):

Uh, I think I, I'd, I'd go well with it. Okay. We have it in, in

Max (36:22):

English. Good answer. Um, so we, we, so being a small team mm-hmm. <affirmative>, um, often things happen really fast and then some days they don't happen at all. Um, so I might throw five 10 tasks at you for one day. Uh, how do you manage competing priorities and deadlines in, in this fast paced

Feby (36:48):

Environment? All right, so I usually do scheduling. So I, I, I, once I get the task or the, the things that I need to do, so I make a list or, uh, what to prioritize first or what is, uh, the urgent or the urgent thing that must be done first. So once I do that, uh, that's the time I do the task. At least, uh, from there, I already know what to prioritize first. And, uh, there.

Max (37:27):

Good. No, that's fine. That's very good. Um, so you obviously, I think through R e e r re assist, you have some knowledge of property me, which is the, the main that we use. Um, and it's, there's plenty of training available for that anyway. Um, yes. So we don't use much more software. Uh, but how, how would you approach, um, uh, like, like tell me about a time when you had to learn a new system or a software quicker, how you approach the challenge?

Feby (38:01):

So this was, uh, my previous experience, again with the hotel. So we changed our system. So, uh, I was assigned to have, uh, the Google meet with, with, with the system that we chose. So, um, from there, I, I took notes. So I, I cooperated, I, I asked questions about the system, so I took, I took notes and, um, really did, um, which ones are important to take note of so I could, I could remember. And also of course, I requested for, um, if they could, um, uh, teach me or they would, they, if they can share their screen so I could, you know, navigate it myself.

Max (38:47):

Very good. Excellent. That's great. Um, you've answered some of the questions just by talking, let me have a look. Um, you said that one <laugh>, you said that, um, what do you think, what do you think now that you've moved from a sort of face-to-face type role mm-hmm. <affirmative> a virtual role, what do you think are the key qualities of an effective virtual assistant, and how do you embody them?

Feby (39:26):

I think, uh, being a, um, effective virtual assistant is you really have to know, um, time management because, uh, other clients, they really give you, um, a lot of tasks that, uh, you have to finish. So that, for me, it really is important knowing how to management to manage your time and to work efficiently as well. So,

Max (39:51):

So that's, that's, you are a hundred percent correct. So how do you embody that?

Feby (39:57):

So, uh, I embody, uh, uh, by, no, you, um, how do you call this by, uh, I guess doing it or, or, uh,

Max (40:15):

Do you want me

Feby (40:15):

To answer it? Not practicing it? Yeah.

Max (40:17):

Okay. I, I think the fact that you are a mother already makes you, um, like there's so many things you have to do as a parent and especially a mother, uh, that, you know, time management is almost mandatory, isn't it?

Feby (40:32):

Yes.

Max (40:33):

I'm assuming your, your daughter, you said you've got a daughter.

Feby (40:36):

Yes, I do.

Max (40:37):

That's she's school age yet or not?

Feby (40:40):

Uh, she's five years old.

Max (40:42):

Yeah. So she, she goes to school. Oh, should, yeah. So, you know, um, I think you're right. Time management is, is probably one of the key things, you know, and being efficient. Absolutely. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Um, so, so the, the final question I have for you is, um, how do you, how do you manage your time and stay motivated when working remotely?

Feby (41:10):

When working remotely? How do I stay motivated?

Max (41:14):

Yeah.

Feby (41:15):

Huh. Usually I just, you know, um, give my self time to, uh, incorporate everything so the tasks that's, that are given. So I read them, so I look at them, uh, and from there, I, I motivate myself by just, um, no, um, that I, I motivate myself by reminding myself that, um, my, not my, my daughter needs me, so I, I, I need this job, so I, I do everything for her. So that's the number one that motivates me to go to work. Yeah, yeah. To do, get things done.

Max (41:57):

Absolutely. I get that. That's great. Well, I, I, I think you've answered everything that I wanted to know. Athena, have I missed anything? Was there anything you wanted to know that, that you think,

Athena (42:08):

I think, um, you've, or already asked all the questions that you had for PBI

Max (42:15):

And pbi. Did, did you have any questions for me? Was there anything that you were curious about?

Feby (42:22):

No, I don't have any questions for you, max <laugh>.

Max (42:25):

Great. Well, listen, thank you so much for your time. Uh, it's been a pleasure getting to know you. Uh, and, um, uh, obviously Thena and I will speak and, and we'll decide on, um, and then we might need to come back to you again with some further questions. But I, I think for now we have everything we need. And it, it was a pleasure to, uh, to meet you.

Feby (42:46):

All right. It was nice meeting you too. Thank

Athena (42:49):

You, Debbie.

Feby (42:50):

Thank you. Thank you. You're welcome.

Max (42:58):

Okay. Well, also a lovely candidate. I mean, I think comprehension was great. Um, you know, obviously clearly not as good English as Yu Yu was. I mean, whilst the role initially does not involve communicating with clients, you know, verbally communicating, um, certainly communicating with me, I, I, I found that I didn't, I didn't think that, um, fabi misunderstood anything I said. I think she understood everything I said and comprehended it more importantly. Um, and she obviously probably a little bit more nervous than you. Yeah. Um, you know, she's probably got a lot more at stake. She's got a child, you know, that sort of stuff. I can understand that, that little bit of, uh, nervousness. But yeah, I, I think, geez, they're, they're both very good candidates. Uh, to be totally honest. Um, I was thinking as, as we were talking, one of the things that I think he's gonna be really important for me because we, because of my, my day-to-day communication and because of I'm on the run all the time.

(44:11):

Today's been a day where I've just had back to back meetings. But, um, the communication in written form I think is gonna be critical decider between the two of these guys. Um, so I wonder whether, I mean, how would we check that? I, I think for example, I think if Jo communicates in written, uh, and he probably does communicate well because he's an English teacher, I think if he's written communication, um, he is just as good as he's spoken, he's probably gonna be the clear candidate. But then I don't wanna rule out, um, pbe, because here's the thing, I don't know which of the two is better at, do you dis profile the candidates or do you run a, like a, a, um, behavioral profile on the type of person they are? Do you do that behind the scenes?

Athena (45:05):

Yes, actually we, we do that during their, uh, 30 day training.

Max (45:10):

Right. So, so is it that the two that I have are probably similar behavioral styles as a result of the type of role? Yep. Right. So that would be so, you know, attention to detail, um, procedure following. So they'd probably be, well, I'm not sure if you're familiar with the disc profile. It's probably a little bit dated, but that's what I used to use where they're probably an S and a C, which is, you know, um, is that the case? So, so they've already sort of been pre-screened to be this type of person for this type of industry?

Athena (45:44):

Yes, that is correct. Um, we've actually had, um, workshops for them as well as to how they would send emails to their clients. Right. Um, and also I believe they underwent, um, what do you call this, um, problem solving, problem solving workshop where they would deal with client concerns. Yeah. Um, we are going to send emails to, uh, we send emails to them, um, with different scenarios as to what we, um, usually receive as client concerns and they, they, they give us answers through emails. Right,

Max (46:21):

Right. Um, yeah, I guess, well my first, I, I think I got along better with, I shouldn't say that they're both great people. I think you all just stuck out to me a little bit more from the communication perspective. Um, but, you know, Phoebe has a lot of, um, customer services, like coming from a hospitality background she would have to put up, but they both answered the, you know, the, the, the question about, um, you know, difficult situation very well, you know? Yes. Just understand the person. And then, so that's a hard one. What, what's the, what's the next step for me to decide? I mean, like, I've made some notes, obviously mm-hmm. <affirmative>, do you provide a summary or what, what, what would be the next step for me now?

Athena (47:15):

Um, well, the next step for us is to, to, to, to choose. Um, the VA will be, um, for your office. And then after that they will have a very quick refresher of the tasks that they will be doing for your office. And then after that, once we, once you are already confident that they could already start with the tasks, then that's a time.

Max (47:44):

And, um, so, uh, I was just gonna ask you Athena.

(47:53):

Oh. So, so both of these are already working in the system? Yes. They're probably doing little bits and pieces here and there for other people, right? Yeah, that is correct. Just to keep them while you got 'em here. Okay. Um, would it be possible to get a copy of the recording so I could review the interviews again and give you an answer tomorrow? Yep. Do you think that's possible? Yes. Um, I wouldn't mind just reviewing, you know, just going over it again because they're both, they're both really good candidates. They mm-hmm. <affirmative> well done. Um, I, I didn't expect them to be, um, as advanced, uh, in, in the process. But yeah, I'd like to review the, the recording if I can, and then give you an answer tomorrow.

Athena (48:34):

Sure thing, max. I'm just going, I'm, I'm going to, to send the copy through email.

Max (48:39):

Fantastic. Yeah. Great. Alright, well look, thank you so much for teeing that up cuz as you know, I'm, I'm sort of eager to get this going sooner rather than later. Um, I have a couple of questions, uh, for Andrew, but I'll reach out to him. This is more agreement related. Um, that's obviously the best channel right. To speak with him about. Yeah. Great. Um, I'll do, I'll send him an email. Um, but yeah, this has been very, thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

Athena (49:05):

Thank you so much, max.

Max (49:06):

Thanks Athena. Have a good evening.

Athena (49:07):

Thank you. Bye.