When I decided to become a Virtual Assistant, I had no idea where and how to start. I just wanted to quit working for companies, feeling drained and bored, so I took up everything that crossed my path to become a VA. Was this the right way? Well, who knows, I learned a lot, let me say that! And I feel I need to share this overlooked topic with you guys.
The ONE crucial step I missed in discovering my Virtual Assistant journey
Slowly but surely, I started to learn more about the VA world and grow my Freelance business, but I missed an essential step in the beginning: “finding out who I am”—not necessarily who I am as a Virtual Assistant, but who I am as a person.
Without that understanding, you are likely to end up working for clients that don’t give you energy, and although you are now a Freelancer, it will leave you drained and bored again. Yeah, that’s not what we want.
I never could have known how important it is to determine this before you embark on your journey as a Virtual Assistant. This Blog is going to dive into “you.” Who are you, what makes you you, and how are you going to use that in your Virtual Assistant journey? Let’s dive in!
I know who I am, right?
Let’s be honest; in general, we know who we are. But many of our traits, behaviours, and emotions are conditioned over the years. We adapt to the job market to adapt to change and transform ourselves into attractive profiles in the hope of getting noticed. With that, we lose a part of our authentic selves. The lines get blurred, and soon, we kind of all become the same.
Because that is what we do—at least I did—we compare ourselves to successful people, copy their traits, transform ourselves, and think whatever they do will work for us also. Wrong. It won’t. Yes, we can learn from each other, but we have to try to stick to our own individuality.
The more you are who you are, the more likely you will attract the right client
It’s time to look at yourself and create your profile. I asked myself ten crucial questions that helped me to understand myself better.
So, grab a pen and paper and start building your profile!
1. Who Are You as a Person? What Are Your Characteristics?
Think about what makes you, you. Are you naturally organised, detail-oriented, or a great communicator? Understanding your unique qualities helps you identify the strengths you bring to your virtual assistant role. It's like figuring out your superpowers!
2. How Has Your Life Been Up Till Now?
Consider your life's journey so far. The good and the bad. What experiences and paths have led you to become a virtual assistant? Your background shapes your unique perspective and skill set, making you the remarkable individual you are today.
3. What Cultures Do You Like?
Think about the cultures you admire and feel connected to. Whether you prefer European culture's teamwork vibe or Japanese culture's precision, your preferences can influence how you approach your work and interact with clients.
For example, I’m from the Netherlands, and we are pretty direct. We like to do business efficiently and straightforwardly. I knew I needed clients with the same mentality: get things done, work hard, don’t complain, and grow quickly. Not all companies/ clients are like that, and that is okay.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for your/ or a specific culture. This is not to say that you don’t respect other cultures.
I lived for eight years in South-Africa, but my colleagues in the office were anything but direct, and it was tough for me to deal with that daily. But on a personal level, I loved the people!
4. What Are Your Core Values and Beliefs?
We all stand for something. What do you stand for? What is important to you?
Identify your core values and beliefs. These are the principles that guide your decisions and actions. Are you driven by honesty, a commitment to quality, or a passion for helping others? Knowing your values will help you find clients who share your vision.
5. What Are Your Motivations?
Understanding what gets you excited is vital to keeping your passion alive.
I became a VA so I could travel the world and visit all my loved ones who live in different countries. Connecting with my people was a big motivator.
Take some time to write down your main motivation. Is it to become independent, spend more time with your family, or travel and see the world? Your motivation and vision are what will keep you going when things get hard.
6. Evaluate Your Strengths
What are you good at? Take a moment to recognise what you excel at. Whether you manage schedules, conduct research, or provide top-notch customer support, knowing your strengths helps you offer your services confidently and attract the right client.
7. What Are Areas Where You Can Improve?
I love this one; nobody's perfect, and there's always room to grow. Identify areas where you can improve, like learning new tech skills, improving your communication, or managing your time more efficiently. Continuous improvement is the key to long-term success.
8. Do You Have Fears and Insecurities?
Everyone has fears and insecurities, and that's okay. Maybe you worry about meeting client expectations or juggling a heavy workload. Acknowledging these fears lets you tackle them head-on and develop strategies to overcome them. 9. What Is Your Life Purpose?
Think about your bigger life goals. How does being a virtual assistant fit into your dreams and aspirations? Knowing your life purpose can give your work a more profound sense of meaning and direction.
10. Would You Like to Work With Yourself and Why?
Ask yourself if you would enjoy working with someone like you. Reflect on your work ethic, reliability, and interaction with others. Understanding this can highlight areas for improvement or qualities to emphasise when attracting clients.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a nice overview of what makes you you. Of course, there's so much more to it, but that would be a 100-page blog. This is a good start and gives you direction.
Download Here the profile template that I have designed for you to create your profile!
To attract the right clients, it's essential to know who you are as a person. By understanding your characteristics, values, strengths, and areas for improvement, you can define your niche and target your audience effectively. And more importantly, enjoy your work!
When you're clear about who you are and what you offer, you can attract clients who resonate with your values and appreciate your unique approach. This alignment not only leads to successful collaborations but also ensures a fulfilling and rewarding career as a virtual assistant.
So, take the time to discover yourself, and let your journey as a virtual assistant reflect the real you. Please share your journey with me, and let us learn from each other and grow!
To all you brave souls out there, you are doing amazing! Step by step, day by day!
I invite you to join me in a 30-min Virtual Coffee Moment where we can connect and talk about the VA world! You are not in this alone!
Comments