You Can Have Both Freedom and Flexibility in Your Life

They say you must choose between freedom or flexibility.

You either have the career of your dreams and make a lot of money, or you have a flexible job that leaves you enough time for everything else. But as it turns out, it isn't always the case.

Arianna Vernier is a teacher-turned-entrepreneur, just like me, who built her own VA coaching business to help mothers and teachers like herself quit their full-time jobs to step into a life of more freedom and flexibility.

Arianna discovered the VA job after she had her first child. After realizing how she could make the same (and more) of the income she made as a full-time teacher by working at the comfort of her home as a VA (and half the hours), she decided to venture into it full-time. And in just a short period, she had replaced her teaching income completely.

In today's episode, she speaks with me about the exact journey that took her from a full-time employee to a financially independent entrepreneur.

A striking point of my conversation with Arianna is how teachers can make excellent VAs. Not something most of us would have thought about.

You're equipped to learn things quicker, better, and more thoroughly than perhaps any other person as a teacher. So, if you're considering a VA business, we have much to offer you in this discussion, including the kind of tasks you will have to do and how to get started.

Also, if you're considering hiring VAs for your business, we have advice for you too!

In short, you'll learn:

● How to find clients as a VA

● How to find a VA for your business

● How to use time-blocking to set dedicated time aside for your work and kids

● Why you don't need an experienced VA, just someone who vibes with you

● How to break your larger goals into smaller pieces

Here's a quick look into the episode. Jump to these sections if you'd like to hear them first:

[03:31] From teacher to a virtual assistant to now an entrepreneur: How Arianna's journey had her hop jobs and gather experiences. She also shares what she feels about being an entrepreneur.

[06:32] The best part about freelancing, according to Arianna – being able to spend enough time with her children

[07:42] Arianna talks about how she discovered the job of freelancing VAs pre-pandemic in 2019

[08:37] How Arianna helps moms and teachers build their VA business – the details of her business. She talks about the free workshop offered to raise awareness among teachers and mothers about virtual assistant jobs, her podcast, and the official classes available on her website.

[09:39] The kind of work a VA does, including administration, managing and scheduling meetings, managing social media and clients.

[10:32] Advice for people who want to find a VA for themselves –

1. Join a Facebook group that's in your business niche. People there will be able to recommend you to someone they've personally worked with – referrals are an excellent way to go.

2. You needn't necessarily look for people who are experienced; you just have to find someone who vibes with you, understands you, and fully believes in the mission behind your business.

3. Teachers make excellent VAs because they learn on their feet quickly.

[12:39] Why Arianna doesn't recommend working with third-party websites for finding VAs – you don't always get what you want

[13:23] Handling different things as an entrepreneur –

1. Break your day into chunks and incorporate your kids however you can.

2. Use time-blocking.

3. Be flexible with your time – When your kids get used to your workflow, they won't be disturbed too.

[16:47] The first steps for listeners getting into this – Start backwards, design your goal, break it into bite-sized pieces.

[18:10] Why you need to get into Facebook groups and interact with people if you're looking to get into the VA business

[18:55] Book recommendations by Arianna – Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels

[19:50] Where to connect with Arianna

About Arianna

Arianna Vernier is a teacher-turned-VA-turned- entrepreneur. She helps mothers and teachers quit their nine-to-five by showing them the opportunities in the VA industry and offering online classes and free resources. Her podcast, Ditch the Classroom, offers business strategies, tactical tips, and free resources you can implement into your business and life today so that you can finally replace your income while working from home.