With the coronavirus outbreak, working remotely is starting to become a normal trend. In fact, I'd say it's moved the timeline up by 5 years or more until we see a lot more remote workers. However, not all virtual workers are from first world countries where being able to work remotely is considered a perk. Instead, they reside in countries where they might be in the middle of long term economic crisis. They have learned how to become virtual assistants or VA's so that they can bring in money than they'd get paid in their home country.To help those folks, today's guest, John Miles, and his partners at iWorker and Optimate, have built a network of VA's around the globe. These aren't just any VA's, though. They are VA's who actually are usually more than capable to handle what us solopreneurs would throw at them. In fact, a lot of them have degrees in the work that they do.In this interview with John, we find out why he and his partners felt they needed to start down this path and who might benefit from hiring from those in the network.Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

What's John's history in business and as an entrepreneur before starting iWorker and Optimate? 9:48What are some questions people need to consider before they bring on a VA or hire locally? 23:22Due to what his various brands do as social enterprises, has John considering making them B-Corp's? 31:19Which countries are iWorker and Optimate targeting in finding VAs to work with? 35:44How can people support what John and his co-founders are up to without hiring a VA? 38:09Is there anything exciting for John coming up in 2020? 43:30Who are three influencers he follows regularly? 44:48Who would be someone John would get starstruck by interviewing? 47:19What new habit has recently improved his life? 47:40What costs less than $100 that has changed John's life? 48:39Is there something he believed when he was 18 but doesn't today? 49:14What's a tip for traveling John has? 50:01How can someone be a difference maker in their community? 50:40

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

John Online: Optimate, iWorker, LinkedInCohost: Veronica KirinAoL Interview with local virtual assistant, Emily KellyWilmer Valderrama on Lewis HowesAoL Interview Chris Schwab Tim Ferris - 4 Hour Work WeekCharles Duhigg - The Power of HabitNeil PatelRamit SethiRichard Dawkins

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SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Chris Ducker on Hiring a VA

Chris on Why VAs aren't a Magic Pill

John on the High-Octane Mechanics Show

John's interviewed by Yaro Starak

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