Anne Watson
Personal Assistant
Plettenberg Bay,WC
Summary
Developed strong administrative skills in fast-paced environment, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling sensitive information. Looking to transition into new field, leveraging capabilities in organization and communication to contribute effectively. Dedicated to providing reliable support and driving success in dynamic work setting. Offering blend of organizational skills and ability to quickly adapt to new environments, ready to thrive as valuable team member. Brings understanding of importance of confidentiality and time management, along with proficiency in office software and communication tools. Ready to use and develop scheduling and organizational skills in any role. Experienced with managing executive schedules, travel, and communications. Utilizes proactive problem-solving to anticipate needs and ensure seamless daily operations. Track record of maintaining confidentiality and efficiency in fast-paced environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Small Business Owner
Fly Apothecary
01.2023 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
Personal Assistant
Sword & Clover
Plettenberg Bay, Western Province
07.2017 - 01.2025
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Assisted in the preparation of presentations and reports, contributing to well-informed decision making.
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events.
- Maintained confidentiality and discretion while handling sensitive information relevant to company operations.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
- Served as first point of contact for incoming visitors or phone calls, ensuring prompt responses or directing inquiries appropriately.
- Monitored expenses closely, maintaining an organized filing system for easy access to financial records.
- Aided executive in personal tasks such as scheduling appointments or running errands when needed.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Managed travel arrangements including flights, accommodations, and itineraries for smooth business trips.
- Improved time management of the executive through effective prioritization and organization of tasks.
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
- Coordinated events and functions with attention to detail ensuring successful execution.
- Used discretion when handling confidential information.
- Facilitated smooth office operations by managing supplies inventory and overseeing maintenance requests.
- Supported executive in achieving goals by proactively anticipating needs and addressing concerns promptly.
- Provided research assistance on various projects, leading to informed decisions based on accurate information.
- Provided multifaceted services to career professionals by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation.
- Kept detailed track of household and maintenance inventory and schedules.
- Facilitated smoother daily operations by promptly addressing and resolving administrative issues.
- Increased efficiency with organization of travel itineraries, ensuring seamless business trips.
- Boosted team morale, organized team-building activities that fostered positive work environment.
- Improved organizational culture, initiated wellness program that promoted work-life balance.
- Streamlined office operations, implemented digital filing systems to reduce paper use and improve accessibility.
- Bolstered executive decision-making, conducted preliminary research on potential business ventures.
- Streamlined invoice processing to ensure timely payments, closely collaborated with finance department.
- Improved document management, established systematic filing system that accelerated information retrieval.
- Reduced missed opportunities, diligently monitored emails and responded to time-sensitive requests.
- Enhanced executives' public image, coordinated logistics for public speaking engagements and press interviews.
- Maintained confidentiality, handled sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
- Handled incoming mail, bills and invoices and completed appropriate actions.
- Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter.
- Maintained entire family's schedule and organized events.
- Coordinated appointments with medical professionals.
- Liaised with key accounts to deliver targeted administrative household support.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to clients.
- Encouraged clients to take part in activities tailored to individual needs.
- Completed household tasks by assisting with laundry, light housekeeping and grocery shopping.
- Developed and implemented individual care plans tailored to needs of each client.
- product lists, stock control, packing of stock
- staff training
Owner
All Things Annabelle
10.2012 - 06.2017
- Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
- Increased revenue by implementing effective marketing strategies and establishing strong customer relationships.
- Provided elite customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities.
- Created financial plans and budgets to optimize resources, track expenses, and ensure profitability.
- Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
- Researched trends and current innovations to determine competition and develop competitive pricing points.
- Hired trained, and supervised staff to maintain high levels of productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Expanded client base through targeted networking initiatives, resulting in increased sales opportunities.
- Implemented innovative inventory management practices to minimize stockouts and reduce overhead costs.
- Evaluated competitors'' offerings to identify gaps in the market for unique selling propositions that attracted new clients.
- Launched new products or services by conducting market research, identifying opportunities, and developing targeted promotional campaigns.
- Fulfilled customer shipping needs by completing all purchase orders and customer invoices.
- Reduced overhead costs by renegotiating contracts with vendors or suppliers while maintaining product quality standards.
- Participated actively in local community events or organizations as a way to give back while expanding brand visibility and credibility.
- Developed strategic partnerships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms to control costs and improve product offerings.
- Elevated customer satisfaction, responding promptly to feedback and implementing loyalty program.
- Invested in technology upgrades to streamline operations and improve customer experience.
- Developed and maintained strong supplier relationships to ensure product quality and timely delivery.
- Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising on product or service quality.
- Set strategic goals and monitored progress, adjusting tactics to meet changing market conditions.
- Conducted market analysis to identify trends and adjust business strategies accordingly.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and areas for expansion.
- Diversified product offerings to meet changing customer needs and tap into new markets.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements, avoiding penalties and fines.
- Managed financial accounts to maintain budget discipline and ensure profitability.
- Increased customer base by implementing targeted marketing strategies and engaging with community through local events.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
Assistant Guest House Manager
Janet's of Knysna
Knysna, Western Province
08.2003 - 05.2011
- Established partnerships with local businesses to enhance guests'' experience through value-added services.
- Trained staff members on best practices in customer service, resulting in improved guest feedback scores.
- Collaborated with external vendors for supply replenishment, negotiating favorable terms while upholding quality standards.
- Coordinated maintenance tasks for timely repairs and minimal disruption to guests'' stay.
Manager
Harry B's
08.2009 - 01.2011
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
Assistant Manager
Mark's Restaurant
04.2009 - 08.2009
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Planning full event(weddings; parties; band evenings)
Sales Representative
Aqua Dor
01.2006 - 04.2009
- Expanded customer base through cold calling, networking, and relationship building.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and providing exceptional service.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying and targeting high-potential accounts.
- Conducted product demonstrations to educate customers on features, benefits, and competitive advantages.
- Developed tailored solutions in response to unique customer needs, increasing overall satisfaction rates.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for informed decision-making during client interactions.
- Achieved top performer status consistently through dedication to meeting goals and exceeding expectations.
- Increased repeat business by fostering trust-based relationships with key accounts through regular communication.
- Provided feedback from customers to product development team, influencing future product enhancements.
- Streamlined sales process, reducing time from lead to close.
- Managed portfolio of high-value accounts, ensuring they received exceptional service.
- Achieved consistently high customer satisfaction ratings by tailoring solutions to individual needs.
- Cultivated deep understanding of product features to answer questions and overcome objections.
- Identified and tapped into new markets, significantly expanding customer base.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Developed, maintained and utilized diverse client base.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Collaborated with managers to provide customer feedback and recommend operational changes to meet emerging trends.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Consulted with businesses to supply accurate product and service information.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
Bartender
Bosun's Pub
08.2003 - 01.2005
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Contributed to event success, planning beverage menus and efficiently serving large groups.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Streamlined bar operations by maintaining clean and organized work area, ensuring efficient service.
- Enhanced customer experience with engaging conversations and personalized drink recommendations.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
- Developed loyal clientele by engaging in friendly conversations and providing exceptional service.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
- Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
- Improved team morale and efficiency, leading by example and offering support during peak hours.
- Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
- Cultivated strong relationships with repeat customers, engaging in friendly conversation and memorizing drink orders to promote loyalty.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
- Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Created attractive bar displays by strategically arranging bottles and glasses.
- Upheld strict regulations for safe alcohol service and food safety.
- Helped management plan and serve bar menu exceeding customer expectations.
- Verified drinking age requirements of customers by carefully reviewing photo identification.
- Prepared garnishes by evenly slicing and pitting fruits.
Education
M.D. - Paralegal Studies; Business Studies; Secretarial
Montrose Business College
Claremont, South Africa 01.1997 - 11.1997
Skills
Negotiation
Planning and execution
Budget management
Business management and development
Cost control and analysis
Small business operations
Business growth and retention
Business marketing
Staffing
Human resources administration
Employee development
Payroll administration
Vendor relations
New market research
Reporting and documentation
Sales oversight
Accounting oversight
Customer service
Multitasking Abilities
Active listening
Professionalism
Relationship building
Customer relations
Problem-solving
Customer service management
Sales tracking
Supplier monitoring
Adaptability
Staff training/development
Inventory control
Work Preference
Work Type
Part TimeContract WorkInternshipLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceFlexible work hoursWork from home optionPersonal development programsStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingWork Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
The supernatural is the natural not yet explained.
Elbert Hubbard
Timeline
Small Business Owner
Fly Apothecary
01.2023 - Current
Personal Assistant
Sword & Clover
07.2017 - 01.2025
Owner
All Things Annabelle
10.2012 - 06.2017
Manager
Harry B's
08.2009 - 01.2011
Assistant Manager
Mark's Restaurant
04.2009 - 08.2009
Sales Representative
Aqua Dor
01.2006 - 04.2009
Assistant Guest House Manager
Janet's of Knysna
08.2003 - 05.2011
Bartender
Bosun's Pub
08.2003 - 01.2005
M.D. - Paralegal Studies; Business Studies; Secretarial
Montrose Business College
01.1997 - 11.1997