Freelance Frontier: Conquering the Gig Economy with Tech Savvy Skills

I quit my corporate job in 2021. I worked at a tech company local to me, it was the height of the pandemic and I had just left my last in-office job to join this organization. I genuinely thought it was going to be where I built my career. It had other plans for me. Within 9 months of working there, you could regularly find me on my office floor in tears from the workload. My anxiety was terrible. I remember missing a meeting one day because I was having a panic attack. I let my co-worker know that I wasn't in a good space. My manager then felt the need to tell me that it was unacceptable to cancel a meeting, even after I explained the situation. 

So I quit. 

And I know, that's not an option for everyone. I know, that I am incredibly lucky to be in a situation where my healthcare and general livelihood is not tied to a traditional job. It should be though. It should be a human right issue that for a lot of people who follow my work, you are stuck in a job you hate because they control your healthcare. If you're in a situation where you're working a job you hate, and you're able to find a way out, it may be worth considering freelancing. I know a lot of people are hesitant to take the jump, and in general, it can be really confusing on how to even begin. I've written down some really basic ways you can get started if you have no clue where to begin. 

Register as a Sole Proprietor: Using a service like Ownr.com, you can easily register your virtual assistant business as a sole proprietorship. This is an essential first step towards formalizing your business and making it legitimate.

Set Aside Money for Taxes: As a self-employed individual, you'll need to pay your own taxes. A good rule of thumb is to set aside around 30% of your income for this purpose. Consider working with a tax professional to help you understand your tax obligations better.

Define Your Skills: As a virtual assistant, your skills are your currency. Identify what you're good at and what services you can provide to potential clients. This could range from administrative tasks, to social media management, to project management, and more.

Create a Skills-Based Resume or Sell Sheet: Once you've identified your skills, create a document that clearly outlines what you can offer. This could be a traditional resume or a more creative sell sheet. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience and expertise.

Join Virtual Assistant Communities: Participate in online communities where virtual assistants gather. This could be on social media platforms, online forums, or websites dedicated to virtual assistants. These communities can provide invaluable insights, advice, and job opportunities.

Research the Market: Before setting your prices, understand what others in your field are charging. This will give you a fair idea of what clients might expect to pay for your services.

Decide If UpWork is Right for You: UpWork is a popular platform for freelancers, including virtual assistants. If you decide to use it, ensure you have a clear, professional headshot and a well-filled-in profile.

Set Your Rates: Don’t undersell yourself by pricing too low. Consider your professional and personal experience when setting your rates. A good way to determine your rate is to decide on an annual salary you're aiming for, divide it by 52 weeks, then by 40 hours, and finally mark it up by 30%. This will give you a reasonable hourly rate that also accounts for overheads and non-billable hours.

Marketing and Networking: Start marketing your services through various channels such as social media, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and through word-of-mouth. Attend networking events and consider joining local business organizations to meet potential clients.

Ask for Referrals: Once you've worked with a few clients, don't hesitate to ask for referrals. Satisfied clients are often happy to recommend your services to others.

Continuous Learning and Improvement: The world of virtual assistance is dynamic, with new tools and practices emerging regularly. Stay updated on industry trends, continue learning new skills, and look for ways to improve your services.

Set Up a Professional Home Office: As a virtual assistant, you'll be working primarily from home. Ensure you have a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on your work. A reliable internet connection, a good computer, and necessary software are also crucial.

Define Your Business Policies: Outline your working hours, communication preferences, payment terms, and other business policies. Communicate these clearly to your clients to avoid misunderstandings down the line.

Manage Your Time Effectively: As a virtual assistant, you might be juggling multiple clients and tasks. Good time management and organization skills are key to keeping on top of your workload without becoming overwhelmed.

If you'd like to know more, I am hosting an event on May 30th, where I will be covering this info more in depth. Tickets are available here. Just know that there are better options out there. Working for myself has been the difference between laying on the floor crying, and thriving, and I think we all deserve that.