When I mention to my family and friends that I work as a Virtual Business Assistant and then later on as an Online Business Manager (OBM), their faces always light up with confusion.
But hey, I don't blame them. Even I had no clue what these terms meant when I first started working from home. Back then, all I knew was that I was helping small business owners and entrepreneurs run their businesses from the comfort of my own home. But job title? Ha! That was a whole different story.
It wasn't until someone invited me to take on a marketing gig that had the word "virtual" in it that I finally discovered what it meant.
Turns out, being a Virtual Business Assistant and Online Business Manager is just a fancy way of saying we're super-cool people who provide business support to clients virtually. No need to physically be in our client's workplace – we've got the power of technology on our side!
Now, whenever someone asks me what I do for a living, it's like opening a floodgate of questions! So, let me share with you five of the most frequently asked questions about my line of work – along with some answers that will hopefully give you a glimpse into this exciting career path.
Question 1: Do you just sit in front of the computer all day, clicking on things here and there and getting paid for it? Sign me up for that!
Haha, I love it when people ask me if I just sit around all day, clicking away on my computer and getting paid for it. Sign me up for that too, right?
But let me set the record straight. While I do spend a good amount of time in front of my computer, it's definitely not all fun and games. I've got a real job here! From handling everyday admin tasks to rocking the marketing world with blog posts, social media management, and creating eye-catching marketing materials to managing a team of other remote workers and overseeing a client's whole business operations - there's always something to keep me on my toes. And hey, let's not forget those special projects like crafting killer marketing plans or building awesome websites.
So if you're thinking about joining this world of online work, remember one thing: it's not a walk in the park. It's a real job that requires dedication and expertise. You won't simply sit idly behind a computer and expect money to magically flow into your bank account.
Question 2: You must be a tech wizard to work online, right?
Ah, the misconception that technology is only for wizards! Let me tell you, that's not true at all. While there are plenty of opportunities for tech-savvy individuals online, there are also opportunities for non-tech people like us. If you can Google something and read this blog post, then you have what it takes to learn the necessary technology for an online job. All you need is an open mind and a commitment to learning!
Question 3: Do you work in your pajamas?
Oh boy, who doesn't love the thought of lounging around in their comfiest PJs all day while getting work done? But let me tell you a secret...sometimes I take it to the next level and wear a full-on onesie! Yep, nothing screams productivity like wearing a fluffy unicorn onesie while managing online businesses. Trust me, it's all part of the magic!
But on a serious note, being a remote worker or telecommuter means having the flexibility to work from anywhere – including your cozy bed. While rocking pajamas is definitely an option (and quite tempting), I still make sure to dress professionally when interacting with clients or attending virtual meetings. Gotta keep that polished image intact, right?
Question 4: Do you actually get paid?
Yes, indeed! I do get paid for my work, and so will you if you decide to venture into the world of online work but just like any other job, salary rates vary depending on expertise, skills, experience, and performance.
When I started out about 15 years ago, I was hustling like crazy just to prove myself to online employers. I mean, I worked my tail off for peanuts just to show them what I was made of. And let me tell you, building up that online reputation took some time (but not as much as you'd expect). But once you've got your name out there you can steadily increase your rates. Sure, start-up online jobs may not offer the same monetary rewards as traditional ones initially. But here's the thing: they come with a plethora of amazing perks that make them absolutely worth it. Imagine having the freedom to work whenever suits you best – no more rigid schedules or mundane routines. And guess what? You can do it all from anywhere in the world. I once traveled to seven countries during one summer without interrupting my work – now that's cool, don't you think?
Question 5: Are online jobs for real?
I'm sure you've seen those emails or ads claiming you can earn thousands of dollars by working from home with no experience necessary – talk about a hoax! While those promises are usually too good to be true (especially when starting out), I can assure you that online work, remote jobs, and virtual opportunities are 100% real. I've been working remotely for 15 years now and have experienced it firsthand. Not only do small businesses and entrepreneurs offer these opportunities, but even big companies have started adopting partial or full telecommuting options.
So there you have it! I hope this sheds some light on what online work is all about.
P.S. If you're an overwhelmed entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a private practitioner looking to run and grow your business without all the technical headaches, you need a Proactive Virtual Assistant or an Online Business Manager like me. Let's chat!
P.P.S. And if becoming a Virtual Assistant sounds intriguing to you, I have lots of helpful resources waiting for you too! Click here to reach me out.
Happy virtual working!