If there’s anything we’ve learned from the pandemic, it’s that remote work isn’t going anywhere. More and more businesses are either making the switch or have realized that the future is remote.
If you need some extra convincing, check out this article by Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. He mentions that COVID-19 has shown that remote work is suitable for both employees and businesses! He says companies are enjoying the switch because it saves time, money, and has created happier environments.
Shifting your work style to being remote can seem intimidating, but I’m here to tell you that you can do it!
I have been working remotely and traveling with my family for years, and now I can help others live their dream and show them that they, too, can take control of their life.
So, here are 4 lessons we’ve learned that the pandemic has taught us about virtual work.
1. Productivity is Higher than Ever!
People tend to be more productive when they’re able to control their schedules.
There are A TON of pros when it comes to working remotely, and one of them is higher productivity levels. Other pros include having more time to spend with your family, running errands in the middle of the day, or working from home in your PJs (a personal fave). You are your own boss, and as long as you can get the work done, that’s all that matters.
In the end, it’s these pros that boost your productivity levels. There’s just something about working when you can, at the times that work best for you, that make you ACTUALLY want to work.
Everyone has a different lifestyle, and having full control of how you work and when you work becomes easier for you to manage. There are other ways to stay focused while working from home, but overall – you’re able to set your schedule based on what happens in your life!
It took a pandemic for businesses to pick up on how valuable the remote lifestyle actually is! No need to spend money on vacant office space? Heck yes! Employees working at times more efficient to them? Absolutely.
People have been able to work from the comfort of their own home, create morning routines that didn’t involve jumping out of bed, getting dressed, and driving that long commute to the office. All of that time saved for you to work at your most optimal times. This is the future, you guys!
2. Connections Are Valued!
Before the pandemic, we may have taken our in-office relationships for granted. Now more than ever, connections are being valued – whether it’s among teams, clients, team members, you name it. Many people are feeling the isolating effects of quarantine. I know I have!
It doesn’t take long to notice how lonely the remote life can be if you’re not building relationships or connecting with others. This is why now is the time to reach out and grow your network.
If you haven’t done so already, participating in zoom meetings, virtual coffee dates, networking in Facebook groups – these are all a great start!
As a virtual assistant or aspiring to be one, adapting to different situations is a must.
If we’re focusing on the positives, the pandemic has forced us to find new ways to connect with other people. Because the reality is you can’t grow without support from others.
Use this time to put yourself out there and connect with like-minded people! This is SO important. I’m not just talking about your business but also for your MINDSET.
If you’re stuck at home, get out there, and interact on social media. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are the first places to connect with people in similar situations. Leave genuine comments or give positive (and constructive) feedback. A little goes a long way.
As a virtual assistant, social media is one of the best places to connect with others in your community. And if I’m completely honest – some of my best friendships formed this way!
3. More Opportunities to Grow and Flourish
Chances are you or someone you know has been affected by COVID. But my question to you is – are you using this time to be upset about it? Or are you looking for other ways to grow and make your work from home dream a reality?
There are a lot of opportunities to learn new things. Now is the time to focus on that thing that you’ve wanted to learn more about. Do you want to know more about becoming a VA? There’s a course for that. Do you want to learn more about editing videos? There are YouTube tutorials for that. Seriously. SO.MUCH.MORE.
There are tons of available resources, but you need to be searching in the right places. It’s easy to get caught up in a scam if you don’t know what to look out for, but don’t worry. I got you! Check out my podcast episode where I share some of my best tips on how to spot a scam from a mile away.
Take advantage of this time to really hone in on your current skillset. Because the more you learn and the more you master those skills – the better chances you’ll have of getting hired at a higher rate.
If you’re stuck in the mindset of “oh, businesses aren’t hiring right now” or “working online isn’t a thing,” check out my video where I dive into 10 reasons why RIGHT NOW is the best time to start working online.
There are so many different courses, training, and learning opportunities offered online, but you have to ask yourself – are you willing to make the investment? Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do for you and your business.
It’s time to step up those skills, my friend! And a great place to start is with my 90 Day VA course!
4. You Can Make More Money Working Remotely
This may surprise you, but this is one of the best things about being your own boss! It may not be the same if you’re working remotely for a corporate job, but if you run your own business, you make the rules, and you decide how much you want to charge for your services. The possibilities are endless!
As a virtual assistant, you have just as much say as the client does on whether or not you want to work with them. If there’s a potential client who wants to work with you but doesn’t want to pay what you charge – you don’t have to work with them! It’s as simple as that.
When you work in an office job, you’re lucky to get an occasional raise. When you’re your own boss, you can offer more services, or you can niche down in a specific area and charge what you’re worth!
The best part (and possibly the coolest thing about being your own boss) is that you don’t need to work full-time to make a full-time income. This means you can literally work 15 or even 20 hours and still bring in a full-time income!
When you specialize in a skill, you’re able to charge more because by this time – you’ve become specialized in this specific area of work. People will come to you because you are the go-to person for this service. You know exactly what to do and how to do it.
This is why I always tell my students to niche down as soon as possible. To find out more about the most in-demand skills right now when working virtually, check out my blog post here.
Remote work is becoming the norm, and just in case you doubted yourself – you have what it takes to make the change! You can take charge of your life, escape the 9-5, travel more, spend more time with the kiddos, you name it – it is possible.
I created my program 90 Day VA after clients kept asking to work with me, and I was fully booked! I didn’t have anyone to refer to, so I created this course to give you the tools and information you need to get started. Everything you need to know is here. I’ve already helped thousands of women change their life.
So, I have to ask – are you ready to change yours?
Open enrollment is happening now until the end of October and won’t be back open until the beginning of next year. If you decide to join, know that I will be cheering you on all the way through.
