In this post, we’re going to talk about how to become a virtual assistant as a digital nomad! It can be difficult trying to travel long term without knowing how to make it happen without having a steady stream of income along the way.
In reality, there are many options for you to choose. In the beginning of my digital nomad journey, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to find online work without having some sort of design experience or computer programming knowledge. I was incredibly discouraged. Was working in a brick and mortar all I was able to do? Would I have to go home to get an income?
If you’re having these thoughts, fear not. There is a world of options for you to choose from. You do not have to be a software engineer to be able to do them.
Instead, one option you may consider is becoming a virtual assistant! This post covers everything you need to know about how to become a virtual assistant as a digital nomad.
How to Become a Virtual Assistant as a Digital Nomad
You may not realize this, but being a digital nomad gives you a lot of the skills you need to be a successful virtual assistant. In fact, you are your own virtual assistant. Virtual Assistants do any of the following:
- Correspond via email
- Schedule meetings
- Schedule transportation
- Schedule accommodations
- Post on Social Media
- Write articles for blogs
- Schedule appointments
- Bookkeeping
- Create policies and procedures
- Billing and accounts receivable
- Schedule management
- Date Entry
- Event Planning
While you may not have experience in all of these areas, you most likely have experience in a handful of them. Different companies look for different skills. One of the most important skills, in my opinion, that is required is computer literacy. Good news, if you have scheduled your own travel arrangements, used email, and used a search engine you are on your way. Other important skills are flexibility and a willingness to learn. As a virtual assistant you will most likely be working with people in different timezones, this is where the flexibility comes in. The likelihood that you’re going to be able to go back to a 9-5 schedule is minimal. Particularly, considering that you may not be legally able to work in the country you are visiting. Your clients will most likely come from your native land which means that they are working on their schedule. If this is the case, great! You can play by day and work at night. I’ve found that the difference in time is almost ideal. What is 5pm in my homeland is actually 11pm my time. It is almost like I get an extension on every project I’m assigned.
Personal Virtual Assistant or a Business / Corporate Virtual Assistant.
There are different types of virtual assistants. You can be a Personal Virtual Assistant or a Business / Corporate Virtual Assistant.
A Personal VA typically has responsibilities that are beyond just scheduling meetings and typing on a computer. You may have to do research for the top private schools for your clients’ children, coordinate playdates, schedule doctors’ appointments, or vacations. Being a personal assistant has a lot of perks when it comes to variety. You definitely won’t get bored helping someone live their life because life is not boring. The downside is that you could run into a lack of professionalism from the client. This is a risk you run working with any humans, but it may be more common because you are working with an individual and not a business.
A Business or Corporate VA could have tasks as simple as scheduling lunches or as challenging as coordinating last minute travel arrangements for a corporate merger within 24 hours.
No matter what type of VA you are, you’ll want to be compatible with the person or company. All people do not get along and accepting a job just because you need it could prove to be more detrimental than its worth. What a waste to embark on this life changing adventure as a digital nomad when you’ve opted to work for someone who contributes to your life negatively. Remember, when you interview for a job, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Ask them important questions like:
- What are your expectations of the person who accepts this position?
- What is your communication style?
- What is your management style?
- These questions could save you a lot of time and energy from picking the wrong people to work with.
Skills to Pay the Bills
With regard to learning, keep an open mind. It doesn’t matter whether it is in person or online, there is always a learning curve when starting a new job. You may find you have questions in the beginning phases, don’t be afraid to ask. You will not be able to perform your job to your best ability if you don’t ask for clarification and explanations. More importantly, if you don’t allow yourself the ability to learn in the beginning, you will prohibit yourself from being an ideal candidate for future clients. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. There may be some skills that your employer is unable to teach you, that is okay. They call it the world wide web for a reason. You can search for instructional videos and tutorials online to guide yourself. If you need more check out online universities like Udemy or take an online course via Takelessons to gain some new skills. No matter what limitations you think may exist, you can always find a way around them if you get creative enough.
You’ll need to be extremely self-motivated and reliable. You have a boss, it is your client. However, you are working virtually. Virtually is the same as working from home. It takes a certain mindset to be able to do it well. Make sure you are putting yourself in an environment that you can be productive in. Everyone is different. I have friends that can stay in bed in their pajamas all day and work efficiently. I also know other people who have to leave their home and go to a coworking space to be productive. Think about what you’ll be doing.
Will you be on the phone? If so, you’ll need a quiet environment.
Are you dealing with private information including, but not limited too, passwords, credit card information, sensitive material? Probably yes. Do not use public internet.
Will you be on a webcam for meetings or phone conversations? If so, being in a place that is not distracting is ideal.
Wherever puts you in the best business mindset to be successful, be there. Wherever that is, you’ll also want to make sure that you are accessible. Reliability is key to your success as a virtual assistant. If your client can’t reach you or if you aren’t able to perform your job functions, your career will be short-lived. Do what you say you are going to do. Also, don’t wait until the last minute. For example, if you have a call scheduled, be sure to give yourself at least an hour to test that all components of your upcoming call are working. Your computer, microphone, the internet, even your environment. Make sure everything is exactly as it needs to be. If you wait until 5 minutes before your call to discover that your wifi isn’t working you are not left with a large enough window to troubleshoot, much less solve the problem.
Equipment:
Like any job, you’ll need physical tools. If you don’t already have these, consider them an investment in yourself. You’ll likely replace the money you spent very quickly if you’re dedicated to hitting the pavement and finding a position.
- Laptop
- Webcam if your laptop doesn’t already come with one
- Smartphone
- Headset with microphone
- Internet Connection
- Office Software like Microsoft Office
- Time Tracking Software
- Video or meeting calling communication Skype / Zoom
- VPN
- Data Back-Up
The Nitty Gritty: Finding Clients & Getting Paid
There are a few different ways to go about finding employment. When doing so you’ll have an additional layer of things to consider as you move through the process.
You can apply to jobs via the internet as a remote virtual assistant. Some companies have this option available. This is ideal concerning avoiding any tax filing confusion. You’ll fill out the paperwork, be on the payroll, and get paid. Easy as pie. You can use Linkedin or indeed.com to find these types of jobs. You’ll want to cater your resume to highlight your office administration skills in addition to any of the previous abilities we highlighted earlier in this text.
- Most Virtual Assistants function as freelancers. What is ideal about freelancing is that you are your own VA business. There is some grunt work that you have to do. Filing your taxes is one of them. Ultimately, you are your own boss providing a service for your clients which is liberating and empowering. You also will have to determine your worth. Do your homework! Do you prefer an hourly rate or a flat rate? What is your time worth? What are your skills worth? What do you need to live? It is up to you! Once you decide your rates you will want to set up a way to receive payment from your clients. Take a look at this article to view some of the best online resources to receive payments. You will also want to create a payment agreement or contract along with a billing schedule. Do you bill your clients by the project? Biweekly? Monthly? You have some decisions to make.
As a freelancer you can find employment through different avenues:
- Networking – I refer to this as old reliable. This the best way to build any business. Word of mouth provides you intimate connections and is a personalized touch that other methods do not offer. You can network in person or virtually. Don’t forget about the resources you have at your fingertips. Linkedin and Facebook do a great job of connecting people by the groups that are offered. You can even post on your Instagram story that you are looking to connect with people so that you can have this type of job. You won’t believe the people that come out of the woodwork to help you, trust me.
- Platforms – There are different platforms, like Upwork or Freelancer.com, that allow you to apply for VA jobs. The upside to using these resources is that you receive payment through the website. This gives you an extra layer of security in terms of payment. You don’t have to worry about a billing cycle or a payment agreement. These websites provide it for you. The downside, especially with Upwork, are the fees that add up quickly. Upwork charges a small fee for their services. In addition to that, you lose a significant portion when you get paid for the service. For example, You are owed $80 for a service you provided. Subtract .10 for applying to the job $20 for their payment fee. You are left with $59.90. On the upside, those fees in the US can benefit you for tax purposes as a business expense.
- VA Agencies – A Virtual Assistant agency works similarly to a recruiting agency. You send them your resume and interview with them. After, their job is to place you with a company. There are some downsides to this. You don’t get to interview the company you’re working for. You also lose autonomy in finding a business that best matches you. The upside is that the legwork is done by someone else. Less search time means more time for exploring. Consider looking at websites like Zirtual or Virtual Employee.
Conclusion
Becoming a digital nomad has a lot of overwhelming factors. The employment portion is just one of them. Remember that this is all a process. Everything takes time. You will find the place that you are meant to be, both literally and metaphorically. Keep in mind, there are always options out of the worst-case scenario. For example, you find yourself in a virtual assistant position and you hate it. What do you do? Look for other opportunities. In the digital world you can do almost anything remotely. Go forth and conquer.
