Paula Viljoen
@paulaviljoen
Remote telesales professional delivering targets through customer-focused sales and service.
South AfricaWhat I'm looking for
I’m a results-driven telesales professional with 30+ years of experience delivering outstanding sales performance and customer satisfaction. I’m known for strong communication and persuasion, building rapport quickly, managing objections, and closing deals effectively—even in high-pressure environments.
I leverage CRM and telemarketing platforms to analyze customer needs, qualify leads, and offer tailored solutions. I’ve driven success through cross-selling financial products, maintaining high call volumes while protecting customer experience, and producing accurate data capture and management reporting; earlier leadership roles as Finance and Insurance Manager also sharpened my compliance mindset and goal ownership.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Appointment Setter
Creative Intelligence (B2B)
Aug 2025 - Oct 2025 (2 months)
Conducted outbound and inbound calls to prospective clients, presenting software solutions with tailored information to meet business needs. Maintained accurate CRM records and supported email/outreach initiatives while feeding market and competitive insights back to management.
Appointment Setter
TNW Marketing (B2B)
May 2025 - Jun 2025 (1 month)
Supported a UK campaign promoting renewable energy solutions to residential and commercial prospects by identifying, engaging, and educating leads. Closed sales opportunities and coordinated with approved installers to ensure smooth projections and customer experiences.
Telesales Agent
Call On Me Marketing (B2B & B2C)
Jan 2020 - Apr 2025 (5 years 3 months)
Qualified leads for financial advisor appointments by determining fit based on income, financial goals, and investment interests. Built trust to secure appointments and cross-sold financial products including investments, income protection, retirement annuities, and insurance.
Finance and Insurance Manager
Volkswagen Ballito
Oct 2018 - Sep 2019 (11 months)
Facilitated vehicle finance and insurance transactions while ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory standards. Developed and executed VAP-related marketing strategies, supported sales to structure profitable deals, and improved approval rates through coordination with financial institutions.
Finance and Insurance Manager
Weiss Volkswagen
Jul 2006 - Sep 2018 (12 years 2 months)
Managed end-to-end finance and insurance processes, ensuring vehicle finance and insurance transactions met legal and regulatory requirements. Conducted customer needs analysis, prepared and reviewed documentation and contracts, and monitored targets including penetration rates, profit margins, and customer satisfaction.
New Business Sales Consultant
Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance
Jan 2000 - Jun 2006 (6 years 5 months)
Liaised with vehicle dealerships to deliver tailored vehicle finance and leasing solutions through ABSA products. Advised dealerships on insurance and protection offerings, assisted in structuring lease agreements in line with ABSA policies, and maintained dealership relationships as the primary F&I point of contact.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Call on Me
Tele sales certificate, Tele Sales
Completed a Tele sales certificate through Call on Me in February 2023.
Customer Relationship Management Certificate
Certificate, Customer Relationship Management
Completed a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) certificate in 2019.
Moonstone
RE 1 (FICA/FAIS/NCA Certifications), Financial Services Regulation
Completed regulatory training/certifications including FICA, FAIS, NCA, and RE 1 in June 2012.
INSETA
National Certificate (NQF 4), Retail Insurance
Completed a National Certificate in Retail Insurance (NQF 4).
INSETA
SA Economy and Insurance (Certificate), Economy and Insurance
Completed training in SA Economy and Insurance.
INSETA
FETC: Short Term Insurance (NQF 4), Insurance
Completed FETC: Short Term Insurance (NQF 4).
Motorite
Warranties and Maintenance Plans (Certificate), Warranties and Maintenance Plans
Completed training in warranties and maintenance plans for motor products.
Hollard
Short Term and Long-Term Insurance (Certificate), Insurance
Completed training in short-term and long-term insurance.
Regent
Short Term Insurance (Certificate), Insurance
Completed training in short-term insurance.
Telephone Etiquette
Telephone Etiquette (Certificate), Customer Communication
Completed training in telephone etiquette in 1993.
Management of Interpersonal Effectiveness and Diversity
Interpersonal Effectiveness and Diversity (Certificate), Interpersonal Skills
Completed training in Management of Interpersonal Effectiveness and Diversity in April 1993.
Kingsway High School
Grade 12 / Senior Certificate, Secondary Education
Activities and societies: Library Monitor; Class Captain; Netball Captain; Victrix Ladorum (athletics); Athletics Captain
Completed Grade 12 / Senior Certificate in 1987. Studied English, Afrikaans, Biology, and completed touch typing (45 WPM).
AI Marketing
AI marketing course, Artificial Intelligence Marketing
2026 -
Completed or ongoing AI marketing training listed as 2026.
Availability
Location
South AfricaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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