How it all began As a virtual assistant based in the Philippines, I have always been on the lookout for opportunities to use my skills to help businesses grow. In 2018, I stumbled upon a job posting for an e-commerce virtual assistant for a new business on Amazon. It was a stroke of luck, as I had always been interested in the e-commerce industry. I applied for the job, and to my surprise, I was hired in May of that year - and it was even a birthday gift for me! Elbert Mountain (EM) is the name of the company, and I was the first employee hired by the owner, Nick, who was just starting up in e-commerce. Just like me, he was still learning the ropes. At that time, there was only one brand under EM. The world of e-commerce was a new adventure. With a shared passion for growth and a willingness to learn, we were able to work together and make it a successful journey.

The Challenges  Starting as an e-commerce virtual assistant was not easy, especially in the beginning. There was a long process of learning involved as there were so many things to know in this field. It was a steep learning curve, and I had to devote a lot of time and effort to keep up. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my domestic duties with my work responsibilities. As a father, it can be difficult to separate my attention between my daughter who wants to play and my work, which sometimes requires my full focus. This delicate balance was a constant struggle, but I was determined to make it work. Overall, the challenges I faced as an e-commerce virtual assistant were numerous and required a lot of patience and persistence but, the rewards of this work have made it all worth it.

The Advantages Despite the challenges, being an e-commerce virtual assistant has its own set of benefits that made it all worth it. One of the biggest advantages of this job is the flexibility of time. As a virtual assistant, I have the freedom to set my own schedule and balance my work with my personal life. This has allowed me to spend more time with my family, especially my 3-year-old daughter. I am no longer tied to a 9 to 5 schedule, and I can be there for my family whenever they need me. When we go on vacation or just go out for a stroll in the park, I can still check on my work as long as I have my mobile data. Another advantage of being an e-commerce virtual assistant is the absence of long commutes to work. I can work from the comfort of my home, saving me time and energy. In this field, there are also so many opportunities to learn and grow. There are numerous training options available that can help me level up my e-commerce skills. With the growing demand for e-commerce virtual assistants, being good at this job opens up a lot of job opportunities. Businesses are ramping up their online presence, and e-commerce virtual assistants like me are in high demand.

How it's going Five years into my journey as an e-commerce virtual assistant, I am now an Operations Manager at Elbert Mountain. I handle a team of Amazon e-commerce experts who work under my supervision to provide the best support to our clients. Over the years, I have developed a solid trust and working relationship with the founder, Nick. He has given me the opportunity to grow my career, and am now handling some of the PPC (pay per click) work on Amazon. This has allowed me to further develop my e-commerce skills and take my career to the next level. When I first started with Elbert Mountain, there was only one brand. But as of December 2022, the company has expanded to over 30 brands. This is a testament of our hard work and dedication. The best part is that there are still more brands coming into Elbert Mountain’s account management. This is an exciting time for me and the company, and I am looking forward to what the future holds. Overall, my journey as an e-commerce virtual assistant has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and the growth that I have experienced in both my personal and professional life.

If you guys are seeking a career in e-commerce, here are some pieces of advice that I have learned from my experience:

• Keep an open mind to learning. The world of e-commerce is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques.
• Don't worry if you're not a pro yet. Everyone starts somewhere, and with time, dedication, and hard work, you'll get there.
• Be humble. Even when you think you're already an expert, there is always more to learn. Embrace the learning process and keep growing your skills.
• Appreciate the learning process. This is what makes e-commerce such a dynamic and exciting field to be in.
• Don't be afraid to navigate new tools. The e-commerce world is constantly changing, and it's important to stay ahead of the curve.
• Don't be afraid of new and daunting tasks. This is where you will grow the most and expand your skillset.

I hope sharing my experience with you will be helpful. Good luck!