A lot of people tend to think you need to be an extrovert to become a virtual assistant. Not at all.
In fact, most of my team are introverts or a little bit of both.
Introverted or not, the best part about working for yourself is that you do what works best for you.
If you want to take on fewer clients, then take on fewer clients. If you don’t want to offer certain services you’re not comfortable with, you don’t have to. It’s as simple as that.
You don’t even have to leave your bed to network with people within the virtual assistant community. It’s all online, baby!
Clients are not looking for someone who’s jumping up and down with excitement and peppy all the time.
As long as you seem genuine, smile a lot, and are friendly on calls – that’s all that matters.
But if you’re concerned that being an introvert will affect the way you network or find work in general, I’m here to open up your mind to some pretty fantastic opportunities.
Here are my top tips to help you conquer any limiting beliefs you may have and make those qualities work FOR you, not against you. Let’s get into it!
1. Your mindset is everything
Many students who join my 90 Day VA course have little to no experience working online. And although I teach you everything you need to know to start your VA journey, many don’t realize that building and strengthening your mindset is half the battle.
This is why I have several modules about the topic sprinkled throughout the course. YOU WILL come across certain limiting beliefs that you’ve subconsciously held onto or gathered throughout your life.
For example, thinking you can’t find work because you’re too shy, or that you need to be a social butterfly to work as a VA, or even share your ENTIRE life story on social media in order to relate to your audience.
That may be what some people do, but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same.
You overcome this mindset by recognizing that you can create your own life, find your dream clients, and work remotely as an introvert AND still be successful.
Seriously! You are more than capable to do this kind of work.
While I do recommend showing up for your audience on social media, that does not mean you need to share your deepest, darkest secrets.
There’s a way to work around it in a way that fits you, your personality, and your business. But the reality is you will have to put yourself out there at some point.
Think about it. Would you do business with someone you didn’t know? Probably not!
It’s easy to hide away if you’re an introvert. But recognizing the fear of putting yourself out there is the first step towards significant growth—both personally and professionally.
I’m not saying this will all magically happen overnight, but you want to be aware of these things and develop strategies that work for you.
2. There are SO many different services you can offer
Another perk of being your own boss is that you can offer the services YOU want to and turn away the ones you don’t.
You’ll want to set boundaries with your clients so that when they ask you something that you’re not comfortable doing, you can refuse.
But there are plenty of behind-the-scenes tasks that someone introverted can do:
- Blog writing/Ghostwriting
- SEO research
- Email management
- Web management
- Graphic design
- Pinterest management
And more!
Introverts tend to need more time to think about things and analyze the situation. If this is you, use it to your advantage! This is super helpful for business owners who may jump to the quickest solution without considering all possibilities.
Extroverted business owners often want someone who has contrasting strengths. Someone who can handle the systems and behind-the-scenes tasks becomes a huge asset for the business owner.
You being an introvert has nothing to do with whether or not a client will hire you. As long as you can get the job done and can bring value, you’re golden!
3. Socializing doesn’t have to be hard
Now, before you freak out about how you’re going to network with people, find clients, or even communicate with a team of people, take a deep breath. It’s easier than you think!
Networking
There are other ways to network that doesn’t involve having a website or starting up a new Instagram account. But you do have to put yourself out there.
Check out different Facebook groups for the types of clients and services that you want to offer. Comment on posts and search through job boards to see what all is out there.
Sometimes, something as simple as offering feedback or leaving a genuine comment on a photo can spark an entire conversation. Other times, it can lead to an entirely new friendship!
Be your authentic, friendly self and you will find your tribe.
Consultation Calls
If I’m going to be completely honest here, consultation calls can be an introvert’s worst nightmare. It will feel hard in the beginning, but I promise you the more you do it, the better you become.
The key is to prepare yourself ahead of time, know what questions you’re going to ask, what tasks you’re willing to do, and remember that this is not an interview.
The great thing about these calls is that there’s no hierarchy like your typical 9-to-5. You get the chance to ask questions, share ideas, and brainstorm the best ways to get the job done for both you and the client.
The client is NOT your boss. You are just as in charge of the call as the client is. If you start to feel the nerves, think of the call as a way for you to determine if the client is someone YOU want to work with. Not the other way around.
You want to enjoy the person you work with too. If you’re not feeling the vibe, you have just as much right to say ‘no’ as they do.
Client Communication
One of the best things that introverts tend to LOVE about working online is that most of the communication takes place virtually.
Platforms like Slack, Asana, and email are the most convenient ways to communicate when you work online. You don’t have to worry about being put on the spot to answer the question right away. You can focus on your work, and then as soon as you get a chance, you can respond on your own time.
Cue the sigh of relief!
Having less pressure to respond to messages right away is extremely helpful when your clients are in different time zones. Even then, clients are usually pretty relaxed and understanding that you’ll get back to them when you have the chance.
You can also kiss goodbye those awkward office parties and team building activities with people you don’t know! Just sayin’!
You get to choose who you work with. The client needs to be a good fit for YOU.
As long as you can still show enthusiasm for the client’s niche, customers, and the job, you’re already on the right track.
Business owners need people who can handle the behind-the-scenes so they can be the public figure of the business, which is why they’re hiring you. They don’t want someone who wants the spotlight.
Be knowledgeable, do your research and smile. You can do this!
Remember that no one grows from their comfort zone. Practicing the things that make you feel uncomfortable will help you build your confidence in other areas. And when you do, reward yourself for it because you deserve it!
To learn more about the skills you need to get started, check out my free masterclass to see if the virtual assistant route is right for you!
