If you are a newcomer in the Online Outsourcing Industry, working as a Virtual Professional at home, either as an Online Freelancer or a Remote Employee, is not as easy what you are thinking. This Industry can also embrace what was mentioned in Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Are you planning to build a Digital Career and start working as a Virtual Professional? Check my five (5) tips for today!
Here are the five (5) investments you need to consider first in building a strong foundation of your digital career.
When we speak of the word investment, the first impression that will be generated in our minds is to pull-out money from our pockets to pay for a specific product or service.
Well, your first impression might be correct! In building a successful business, the first capital to consider is financial. But even though you will spend money on these investments, these can be used to generate profit. These are your assets and not your liabilities.
If you are planning to build a strong foundation of your digital career, consider the following checklist:
1.TECHNOLOGY
In building a home-based digital career, the first investment that you need to consider is investing in a computer unit – a desktop or a laptop. If you are planning to buy a computer, the recommended specifications for Administrative Services is Core i3.
But working at home does not only include a computer. You also need to invest for your productivity tools like a mouse where your grip is comfortable, a video camera with higher megapixels for a more precise resolution (for desktop computer), and a noise-canceling headset, especially during interviews and meetings.
2. CONNECTIVITY
After investing in a functional computer unit, second on the list is to invest in faster Internet connectivity. The upload speed and download speed are critical in delivering quality services. If your connectivity is weak, your productivity will also be affected.
If you are connected to copper wire connections (like DSL), the download speed must be at least 2 Mbps, and the upload speed must be 1 Mbps. If you are connected to a fiber wire connection (like Fiber Optics), both the download and the upload speed must be 10 Mbps.
3. COMPETENCY
A lot of people will say that as long as you have a computer and an Internet at home, you can now start working online. The mindset is still insufficient. Your computer and the Internet are useless if you do not have the skills to offer.
If you are a newcomer in the industry, you need to invest in your knowledge and skills competencies. These are what you are going to sell to your clients. In building a successful digital career, this is what we called as investing in your intellectual capital.
If you already started working as a Virtual Professional, you still need to invest in enhancing your competencies. Remember the Hierarchy of Virtual Professionals? You need to evolve, increase your level of skills competencies, and rate yourself higher than the standard.
4. TOOLKIT
The Freelancer Toolkit, as we called it, is considered as your “bullets” going to the war. If you want to survive the war, you need to bring as many bullets as possible. It is not yet a guarantee that after participating in training programs (paid or free) can lead you to land a client. You need to prepare first yourself.
Before engaging in client hunting, you need to ask yourself this question first – are my resources ready to be forwarded for clients as my business partners? If not yet, then invest your time and effort in building first these resources – resume, proposal letter, video resume, online portfolio, and global payment service accounts.
5. CLIENT ACQUISITION
After investing in the right technology, for the fastest connectivity, for the level of skills competency, and for the toolkit you need to prepare, then it is time to invest time, effort, and money for acquiring your clients. Yes! Successful client acquisition is also an investment.
In acquiring clients, you can consider the following strategies:
1.Creating Profiles in Online Freelancing Sites
2.Creating Profiles in Gig Economy Sites
3.Submitting Resume to Recruitment Process Outsourcing
4. Building Online Stores as Independent Contractors
Based on the five (5) checklist presented, where are you currently situated?
Always remember that you need to have the right attitude, investing in knowledge, and practice more for skills proficiency. The Online Outsourcing Industry is promising, but you need to make efforts – work smarter, be passionate, and follow your drive.