We recently connected with Tess Maribao and have shared our conversation below.

Tess, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

When I reflect on what my parents did right, one story always comes to mind, shaping who I am and the path I’ve chosen in both life and career. My journey into entrepreneurship was ignited by my supermom, Ligaya, a name that means ‘Happiness’ in Filipino. She was a woman of extraordinary strength and kindness. After we lost our dad, Ligaya mostly raised my two sisters and me on her own. Despite the challenges, she taught us the art of sharing—even when our own rice bin was almost empty. Her selflessness in moments of scarcity left a lasting impression on me.

Ligaya’s resilience and generosity didn’t just fill our home; they filled my heart and set the foundation for my business, WorQ Out LLC. This venture isn’t just a business; it’s a continuation of her legacy. It’s built on the principles of generosity with my time, talent, skills, and knowledge—values she instilled in me from a young age.

In the same spirit, I create social media content, blogs, email campaigns, and presentations that embody these core values of generosity and resilience. Each piece of content is crafted not only to engage and inform but also to add significant value to its target audience. My aim is to ensure that every interaction leaves a positive impact, empowering and inspiring others just as Ligaya did for us. This approach not only honors her legacy but also solidifies the ethos of my brand, making every message and campaign a testament to the enduring power of giving back and staying strong.

Now, as I navigate the world of entrepreneurship, those lessons are more relevant than ever. Her example taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and giving back. These principles not only guide my business practices but also my commitment to causes close to my heart. I support charities that resonate with our shared values, like the Red Rover Relief Program, which helps domestic violence survivors and their pets escape abuse. Similarly, Speak Up for the Poor’s Girls Education Program empowers young women to avoid child marriages and pursue education, embodying the empowerment Ligaya championed.

Reflecting on Ligaya’s influence, it’s clear that the greatest gift she gave me was showing how personal resilience can pave the way for helping others. Every step I take with my business is a step toward honoring her legacy—a tribute to a woman who turned every challenge into a lesson in giving.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a digital marketing strategist and the founder of WorQ Out LLC. In the vast kitchen of the digital world, my role is akin to that of a skilled chef. We blend the creative spices of innovative thinking with the solid ingredients of data analytics to cook up effective and enticing marketing campaigns. Just as a chef understands the balance of flavors, I specialize in mixing the art of storytelling with the science of consumer behavior to serve a feast that satisfies the diverse appetites of a digital audience.

At WorQ Out LLC, we serve as the master chefs in the bustling kitchen of the digital world, perfectly blending your business needs with the expansive digital landscape. Our menu of services includes:

1. Social Media Strategy: We navigate the crowded social media landscape to elevate your digital footprint, making your small business an unforgettable landmark in the bustling digital marketplace. Our strategy focuses on curating high-quality, engaging content that captivates and connects.
2. Email Campaign Services: Elevate your email game with campaigns that transform your mail into magic. We craft emails that don’t just hit inboxes but make a beeline for your audience’s interests, creating click-worthy content that excites your customers and ignites action.
3. Power-Packed Presentation Services: Brighten up your brand’s narrative with presentations that transform your expertise into a captivating visual story. Our presentations don’t just inform; they impress and inspire, putting every slide into the spotlight.
4. Blog Brilliance Services: We utilize the art of storytelling to weave compelling narratives that foster a deep and meaningful connection between your brand and your target audience. Our blogs position your brand as a beacon of expertise and insight, driving readers to become active participants in your brand’s journey.

What sets me apart is not just my ability to create and implement effective strategies, but my commitment to transforming each client’s digital presence into a dynamic and engaging narrative that resonates with their audience. Every strategy is carefully crafted like a signature dish, designed to convert views into leads and ultimately sales. Each piece of content is prepared with precision to not only captivate but also contribute directly to their business growth.

I’m really proud of the delicious successes we’ve cooked up at WorQ Out LLC. Seeing our clients savor the taste of victory—whether it’s through a boost in social media engagement or a surge in sales from an email campaign—truly makes my day. It’s these culinary triumphs in the digital realm that fuel my passion and keep me excited about what I create every day.

I’m always eager to bring this same energy and expertise to new clients. Whether they’re looking to launch a new product, give their online presence a fresh new flavor, or just want to spice up their marketing efforts, I’m here to help.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In my earlier career, I spent quite a bit of time in customer service roles, where the mantra ‘The customer is always right’ was almost a daily chant. If you’ve worked in customer service, you probably know it by heart too.

However, transitioning into digital marketing, I quickly learned that this old adage doesn’t always hold true. In fact, I had to unlearn it to truly excel in my field. Marketing, especially digital marketing, thrives on a collaborative approach. My most effective and impactful work comes from a partnership where my clients and I are equals. They bring deep insights into their industry and an intimate understanding of their audience. My role is to take this knowledge and articulate it in a way that resonates with their target audience, compelling them to engage with and believe in the brand’s promise.

This relationship dynamic is not about one of us being always right but about both of us contributing our best to achieve a common goal. It’s about teamwork, where each party’s expertise is valued and vital for success.

I’ve also noticed a shift in societal attitudes towards the ‘customer is always right’ philosophy. Especially among younger generations, there’s a growing appreciation for the idea that everyone deserves to be heard—not just consumers. This shift is fostering a more diverse and innovative community, where different viewpoints lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

In essence, unlearning the idea that ‘the customer is always right’ has not only made me a better marketer but has also aligned with broader cultural shifts that value dialogue and diversity.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Without a doubt, the most effective strategy for growing my business has been ensuring my clients are not just satisfied, but genuinely happy and seeing tangible results from our work together. Just the other day, I caught up with a long-time client who had just returned from a trip to Asia. He was thrilled to share that, even while he was traveling, his business continued to thrive back home. Thanks to the email campaigns and social media strategies we implemented, he gained 10 new clients in just one week! His business has expanded so much that he’s now hired a personal trainer to handle the extra client load over the weekends.

Stories like these are not just a testament to the strategies we develop but also crucial to my business growth. Happy clients become enthusiastic advocates for my services. This particular client has been so pleased with the growth and results that he regularly mentions my contributions to other businesses he interacts with. This word-of-mouth has been invaluable. It’s a reminder that great results speak louder than any traditional marketing or advertising—and that’s what really drives new clients to my door.

As a matter of fact, I was introduced to your magazine by another one of my happy clients, for whom I have the pleasure of co-writing blogs on skincare. This introduction is another shining example of how satisfied clients help extend my network and influence.

In essence, focusing on the success of my clients’ businesses not only helps them flourish but also fuels the growth of my own business. It’s a win-win situation built on trust, results, and genuine partnerships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://worqoutllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessmaribao/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worqoutllc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-maribao-98b252102/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tessmaribao1610
• Other: https://medium.com/@tessmaribao

Image Credits

Photo credit: Coco Haus Productions