“What a phony!”
Is this the small voice you hear whispering to you? You’re not alone. I have that same voice whispering that I don’t know what I’m doing—and everyone else knows it! Hearing this self-doubt is not exactly confidence-building. As a new virtual assistant, I’d like to share some things I’m learning to silence that voice and become more confident in our abilities.
Building Confidence
Understanding the Virtual Assistant World
I’ve seen those Pinterest and Facebook posts claiming you can become a virtual assistant even if you think you have no experience. Being a bit older, it’s like trying to teach an old dog new tricks. I’m in the process of acquiring new skills and knowledge, trying to transfer them to the online world. You might be of a similar age, or perhaps you’re younger and already tech-savvy. Just know that I’m starting from a blank canvas, and I’d like to share some things that have helped me build confidence.
Start with the Vocabulary
The virtual assistant world is full of words and acronyms. When I started watching short video clips and YouTube tutorials, it sounded like these folks were speaking an alien language. Through research and more videos, I created an old-fashioned glossary of terms. Understanding these words and acronyms helped me feel like I could navigate this new world.
Why would learning a bunch of words help me? Knowing the phrases and terms allowed me to join virtual assistant groups, ask the questions I had, and start developing the skills I wanted to hone. It was simple, but it helped. I’m not an expert, but I’ve also changed the vocabulary I use when talking and thinking about myself. I use the words I want clients or potential clients to associate with me.
Find a Mentor or Internship
Another thing that has shifted my mindset was applying for an internship. Believe me, I tried to talk myself out of it, but I took the leap and applied with three people whose styles and projects interested me. It took three tries before someone gave me a chance, and it’s been an incredible boost to my confidence.
First, I’m gaining incredible insight into a niche I didn’t know a virtual assistant could explore. Second, it’s been a tremendous learning experience with lots of hands-on opportunities to develop my skills and learn new ones. I know not everyone will be able to find an internship so look for a mentor or see if you can shadow a virtual assistant in a field you want to serve. Also, find an accountability partner to share with and encourage you.
Commit to Continuous Learning
Continue to learn every chance you get. This doesn’t have to cost you, either. There are so many resources offering free and low-cost skill-building courses, webinars, blogs—you name it. Whether you’re already a virtual assistant or just starting out, learning new skills and updating existing ones helps you stay ahead of the curve. It not only keeps you informed as an expert in your field but also allows you to confidently provide the best and most up-to-date services, products, and skills to your clients.
Dress for Success
I know we’ve all heard it before, but it does help give you a boost when you’re wearing the right outfit. It doesn’t mean going out and buying an executive suit but creating a uniform that, when you put it on, signals to you and those around you that you’re ready for business. It’s tempting to think, “I work at home, so who cares what I wear? I only need to look put together for a Zoom meeting or client interview.” But I’m here to tell you it does matter. Dressing for the success of your own business will help build your confidence; you will feel it, and so will your clients.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Those of us starting out probably don’t have a dedicated office space. If you’re one of the lucky ones, that’s wonderful. If you’re like me, you’re probably trying to find a quiet corner to call an office. My office currently is in a corner of our spare room. Whether temporary or permanent, I’m setting up this area as a professional space that allows me to work to the best of my ability. Having a space set aside to do the things I need for my business has helped me feel more confident and professional.
Adopt a Personal Motto
One final thought I’d like to share that has boosted my confidence is adopting a motto. I’m a huge history buff and have spent many years researching various periods. One thing that fascinates me is mottos—families, queens, and kings often had mottos as guiding forces in their lives. You might just have a plaque with an inspirational quote, a Bible verse, or a saying from someone you admire. It might be something permanent or something you change frequently.
I have a little board with changeable letters that I place where I see it often. My current motto is from Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII: “To be useful in all that I do.” Simple, yet it has helped me stay focused and motivated.
Key Takeaways for Building Confidence
As I close, I’d like to highlight the key ideas about building confidence as a new virtual assistant:
- Find a Mentor: Someone who can help and encourage you to strengthen your existing skills or guide you in learning new ones. Having a go-to person can provide support and motivation.
- Stay Updated on the Lingo: With the ever-changing technology world, staying informed helps you remain knowledgeable and confident in your field.
- Dress for Success and Work in a Dedicated Area: When you work from home, it’s easy for others and yourself not to take work seriously. Dressing professionally and having a dedicated workspace help establish boundaries and boost confidence.
- Adopt a Motto or Inspirational Quote: Something that keeps you motivated and reinforces your goals can be a powerful tool in building confidence.
Remember, building confidence takes time and effort. Embrace the journey of learning and growing. By taking these steps, you’ll not only silence that nagging voice of self-doubt but also pave the way for a successful career as a virtual assistant.
Let’s continue this journey together. If you have experiences or tips that have helped you build confidence, I’d love to hear about them. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s support each other in becoming the best virtual assistants we can be!
Jana Green lives in Virginia with her husband, two cats, and a thriving beekeeping hobby. With a deep passion for organization, creativity, and nurturing, she now offers virtual assistant services specializing in content writing, course creation, social media management, and freelance writing.
