Today we’re joined by Tricia Sciortino, the CEO of BELAY, discussing top traits of the top 3% of applicants to this successful VA agency. What separates average freelancers from extraordinary freelancers? Join us as we outline the essential soft skills you need to embody so you can build the best possible freelance or virtual assistant business for yourself!  

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] Introduction to Tricia Sciortino and the topic of key traits that separate average from exceptional freelancers - Tricia tells the story of how she entered the remote workspace and what led her to become the CEO of BELAY.

[5:13] How remote work trends shaped Tricia’s business and what she’s seen happen during the pandemic - Tricia describes how it’s been a season of growth and education.

[9:32] How the VA industry has introduced a new life with new income opportunities and freedoms people have never tapped into before

[11:07] The onboarding process at BELAY - Tricia explains how recruitment works and how it focuses on the top 3% of applicants. 

[14:39] How a comprehensive vetting process can be valuable - Tricia reassures us that the vetting process allows for both VAs and clients to have a quality experience. 

[16:23] Common Traits of the Top 3% of Successful Freelancers and VAs

[17:25] #1 Resourcefulness - teaching yourself how to do tasks so you take the burden of proof from your client.

[18:18] #2 Proactivity - getting ahead and projecting what’s next so you can get ahead of your client.

[21:24] #3 Self-discipline - being intrinsically self-motivated and self-guided in how you schedule and keep yourself on task.

[23:35] Final tips for people who would like to join BELAY or be a successful freelancer - Tricia shares advice for traits and education to pursue.

[26:01] Next steps to take if you’d like to be a contractor with BELAY

[26:37] How to learn more about hard skills training at Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Freelance University  

Learn more about Tricia Sciortino:

Tricia’s book - Rise Up and Lead Well

The One Next Step podcast  

BELAY   

The BELAY Jobs page  

Inc. 5000 list

Google 

LinkedIn

One of the primary components of a long-term, enduring business is a strong support network. In short, “Never Freelance Alone.” Today I’ll unpack four circles of support vital to the health of your business, along with five strategies for building a supportive community in 2022. Get ready for your best year yet with fellow freelancers and virtual assistants by your side!

Podcast Outline:

[0:42] How to build a long-term, enduring business - the importance of incorporating the principle “Never Freelance Alone” into your freelance or virtual assistant business.

[3:36] “How is your support network?” - Craig explains the roles a support network can play in your business and life.

Four Circles of Support Required to Build a Healthy Community for Your Business

[5:05] #1 Your Business Champion - how this person can be your greatest support and a constant source of encouragement.

[6:05] #2 Close Family and Friends - how they may not understand what you do, but they support and encourage you.

[6:34] #3 A Coach or a Mentor - how you can learn from this person as they challenge you to get better and support you. 

[7:05] #4 Your Community - how you could learn from your peers in an online or offline group, build camaraderie, and receive support.

Five Strategies to Build a Supportive Community in 2022

[9:20] #1 Pick one or two online groups to actively participate in - how to choose them and regularly invest in relationships there.

[10:21] #2 Research and identify any events you can participate in locally - how they can help build your support network and client base.

[11:19] #3 Connect with some like-minded freelancers or VAs regularly - how to join a mastermind and receive constructive feedback from the group.

[12:22] #4 Recruit a mentor or coach - how these people can influence you in a powerful way and help you grow even faster.

[12:52] #5 Join Freelance University - how hundreds of people in our learning community actively support each other and benefit from training courses and resources.

[14:41] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Facebook Groups

Meetup Groups

LinkedIn Groups

Mighty Networks 

Circle Group

eWomenNetwork 

Netflix

How do you continue growing a thriving business when you’re interrupted by an illness or crisis in your life? Join us as Career/Business Coach Franklin Taggart shares strategies that helped him build his business during some of his greatest life challenges. His story will inspire and equip you to face the disruptions of life with hope and resilience!

Podcast Outline:

[1:03] Introduction to Franklin Taggart and the topic of building a thriving business while surviving the disruptions of life - Franklin tells his story and how it led him to what he’s doing today.

[11:00] How a defining moment can change the trajectory of your life - Craig shares how he and his wife, Kelly, continued to pursue their goals in the midst of health challenges.

Lessons Franklin learned as he was battling the difficult disruption in his life  

[13:59] #1 Don’t let your insurance lapse - the importance of maintaining this support no matter how hard business gets for you.

[14:18] #2 Don’t wait until something is critical before you take action - the importance of paying attention to symptoms and seeking care.

[14:54] #3 Have contingency plans - examples of things to put in place to prepare for certain situations.

How adversity can be a great teacher and make us better entrepreneurs

[19:57] #1 Don’t get lost in the deep emotions of adversity - how to acknowledge their importance while focusing on emerging opportunities.

[21:14] #2 Prevention is better than a cure - how it’s important to take care of yourself.

[22:31] #3 No matter how difficult it gets, it’s not going to last forever - how it’s important not to create catastrophes in your head.

[23:22] How adversity increases your capacity to deal with future problems and sometimes creates opportunity - Craig shares an emotional and powerful story from a FreeU student. 

[27:23] Ways freelancers can get prepared for disruptions in their life and their business - the importance of staying connected and being engaged in a community.

[31:05] How to learn more about Franklin

[32:52] How to learn more about the Freelance University community and its next intake

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Franklin Taggart:

Podcast: Your Own Best Company

Facebook Group: Your Own Best Company

Free 1-Hour Best Next Step Call

Facebook Groups

Zoom 

Today we're focusing on mindset — a topic that is critical to the success of your freelance business. Join us as Business Coach Amanda Kolbye shares key strategies and steps to cultivating a healthier mindset. These practices will help you navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship while maintaining day-to-day happiness and stability within your business!

Podcast Outline:

[0:40] Introduction to Amanda Kolbye and the topic of developing the right mindset to run a thriving business - Amanda tells her story and highlights how mindset comes into play in your business. 

[4:39] How COVID-19 has been a wake-up call urging people to do what they want to do - Amanda explains how you want what you want for a reason.

[6:18] The importance of mindset in any business - Amanda outlines two ways mindset contributes to your success.

[8:25] The three traits of a successful freelancer - how these traits relate to the idea of mindset, especially grit and unstoppability.

[10:16] Enemies to a healthy mindset that creep up and cause people to go back to self-doubt or self-deprecation - Amanda gives examples of how we assign meaning to certain situations and suggests how to recognize and combat it. 

[14:00] How freelancers sometimes feel like they don’t know enough when they launch a new service - Amanda and Craig give helpful tips to shift your perspective. 

Three Steps to Cultivating a Healthier Mindset

[18:11] #1 Take time to question things and uncover your core beliefs and what narratives are fueling your subconscious thinking - how you can’t shift things if you aren’t aware of why and what’s happening.

[20:00] #2 Make it a practice, not an end goal - how mindset needs to be a daily or weekly practice like exercise to fuel the thoughts and beliefs you want to be apparent in your life.

[20:40] #3 Do the uncomfortable work - how entrepreneurship is 20% business and 80% personal development or mindset.

[21:23] The cognitive triangle - how this applies to freelance business activities like charging what you’re worth.

[24:47] How Amanda handles setbacks and adversity - some helpful and effective strategies that tie into mindset.

[29:15] How community is at the heart of what Freelance University does and is one of the ingredients that make you unstoppable

[30:52] The importance of having highs and lows while maintaining consistency - how you must figure out how to maintain your day-to-day happiness and stability within your business.

[32:37] How to learn more about Amanda

[33:34] How to learn more about Freelance University to level up your skills and become part of a community that will lift you up and help you accomplish your goals.

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Amanda Kolbye: 

Website: AmandaKolbye.com  

On Instagram

The Three Key Traits of Every Successful Freelancer

Instagram 

Facebook 

Are you passionate about systems? Well, today we’re discussing the wonderful world of systems — how you can use them to support your business and your clients’ success as well! Join us as Alexis Fortier, Operations Consultant and OBM, explains how to systematize and streamline your freelance business so you can get more done and achieve better results. You’ll also learn how you can become a systems expert for your clients and serve an ongoing role in automating their businesses.

Podcast Outline:

[0:48] Introduction to Alexis Fortier and the topic of business systems - Alexis explains how she got into the online business management space and what she does now.

[3:56] Symptoms of a business without systems - how a lack of systems profoundly affects clients and their business.

[6:29] The definition of a system and how it benefits a business - Alexis and Craig give some examples of a system and how it goes hand in hand with Standard Operating Procedures.

[9:04] The importance of documenting a system and analyzing it so you can determine how to make things easier

[9:32] The top two systems Alexis creates for clients right now - Alexis and Craig discuss the intricacies of managing systems when a client has a team.

[11:45] How to manage clients who don’t realize their systems are antiquated and their business operations aren’t sustainable - Alexis and Craig share some tips for approaching clients who push back or disagree. 

Steps to Help Systematize a Client’s Business

[13:50] #1 Complete an audit - the importance of blocking out time to list and prioritize what the client is doing in their business.

[14:55] #2 List how things are currently being done, step by step - some examples of how to list steps and decide what to automate and delegate.

[15:36] The ongoing role an OBM plays after the systems are fine-tuned - Alexis describes the important tasks that clients continue to require.

[17:03] Alexis’ favorite tools to manage systems in her role as an OBM - she explains the benefits and uses of different categories of tools. 

[19:52] How to connect with Alexis

[20:27] How to learn more about sharpening your skills and growing your business with Freelance University’s 80+ courses

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Alexis Fortier:

Website: AlexisFortier.com

On Instagram @AlexisMFortier 

Project Management

Asana 

ClickUp 

Client Management

Dubsado

HoneyBook

Course/Membership Site Management

Kartra

Kajabi

ConvertKit 

WordPress

Zapier 

What strategies can you put in place to grow your business over the next year? Join us as Virtual Assistant Trainer Lisa Wells provides practical advice on how to grow your revenues and profits by diversifying your freelance or VA business. Growth is an area we all struggle with, so today’s class is about feeling your fear and doing it anyways!

Podcast Outline:

[0:36] Introduction to Lisa Wells and the topic of business growth - Lisa tells her story and explains how she’s serving the VA/freelance community.

[4:55] How growth is an area we all struggle with - Lisa describes some common barriers to growth for a virtual assistant or freelancer.

Practical ways to scale your business and profits, based on Lisa’s experience

[7:01] #1 Make more money per client by selling packages rather than charging hourly.

[7:17] #2 Look for ways to create multiple streams of income - how it allows you to pivot more easily in your business.

[9:18] #3 Deepen your existing client relationships - how it’s important to have a relationship progression and a proactive follow-up system to address clients’ emerging needs.

[15:27] How Lisa made a mental shift to diversifying her services and income - Lisa shares advice she learned from her experiences.

[18:32] The purpose of fear and how you need to feel it and do it anyways - Craig explains how opportunities exist to take your craft and package it into other products and services.

[20:00] Final words for people who are ready to grow but still have fears - Lisa shares valuable ways you can position yourself and your business.

[21:11] How to learn more about Lisa’s products, templates, and programs

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Lisa Wells:

VirtualAssistantTrainer.com

• Blog tab - “Simple Systems for Virtual Assistants”

• Free Training Tab - on-demand training presentations

• Shop Tab - VA Business Builder Boutique 

Multiple Streams of Income by Andrea J Lee

Infusionsoft (now known as Keap)

Udemy 

How do you optimize your workspace so that you can maximize your productivity and reduce your overwhelm? Join us as Business Strategist and Productivity Coach Brittany Dixon outlines the four-step Road to Scalability Method to help you get to the root of any problems with your processes. It’ll help you create a freelance digital workspace without all the digital clutter!

Podcast Outline:

[0:45] Introduction to Brittany Dixon - Brittany shares her background in organization/wedding planning and how it led to her freelance business offerings.

[3:46] Creating a digital workspace without the digital clutter - Brittany discusses the trends taking shape now that the world understands how to work in a digital remote space.

[7:11] How to define a digital workspace - what it is and a number of issues that can cause wasted time and lack of productivity

[9:48] How to overcome the challenges of Shiny Object Syndrome - how it’s not the tool...it’s the system within the tool. Brittany gives advice for selecting tools in a way that prevents lost productivity.

How to Create a Workspace without the Clutter: The Road to Scalability Method (Recognize, Optimize, Automate, Document and Delegate)

[13:43] #1 Recognize - auditing which tools you’re using and whether you need them, figuring out what’s working and not working before optimizing the systems in the tools.

[15:39] #2 Optimize - the biggest step, making sure your system, checklists, and use of tools is streamlined.

[18:34] #3 Automate - how it’s important not to automate broken processes and systems and how you must implement the big-picture strategy.

[20:30] #4 Document and Delegate - the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), making checklists and training videos so you can pass them off to a VA.

[22:15] Recap of the Road to Scalability Method - how you can put anything into this system and get to the root of the problem with your calendar and other processes.

[22:56] How you can deepen your relationships with clients by pitching this system to them and building a package to serve your clients well

[23:24] A few technology tools that can help you thrive in the digital workspace as a freelancer - Brittany lists some recommendations and highlights her favorites.

[25:19] How to learn more about Brittany

[26:37] How to learn more about Freelance University

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about Brittany Dixon:

The Process for Profit Show https://processforprofit.co/podcast/ 

The Productivity Pod Community hustletoflow.co/community (redirects to https://hustletoflow.mn.co/) 

Zoom https://zoom.us/ 

Note-taking Tools

GoodNotes https://www.goodnotes.com/ 

reMarkable https://remarkable.com/ 

Google Chrome Workspace 

Google Drive https://www.google.com/intl/en_ca/drive/ 

Google Calendar https://www.google.com/calendar

Gmail https://www.google.com/gmail/

Automation Tool

Zapier https://zapier.com/ 

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ 

Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/formedia/solutions/facebook-live 

Appointment Scheduling

Acuity https://acuityscheduling.com/ 

Password Management Tools

LastPass https://www.lastpass.com/ 

DashLane https://www.dashlane.com/ 

Work Management Tools

Trello https://trello.com/en 

Asana https://asana.com/ 

ClickUp https://clickup.com/ 

Monday.com https://monday.com/ 

Course Creation Tools

Thinkific https://www.thinkific.com/ 

Kajabi https://kajabi.com/ 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools

Streak https://www.streak.com/ 

Client Onboarding Tools

PandaDoc https://www.pandadoc.com/ 

Dubsado https://www.dubsado.com/ 

HoneyBook https://www.honeybook.com/ 

Online Marketing Tools

Kartra https://home.kartra.com/ 

ConvertKit https://convertkit.com/ 

MailerLite https://www.mailerlite.com/ 

Ontraport https://ontraport.com/

As the remote work boom takes root, more and more businesses are hiring freelancers and virtual assistants. So, how do you make yourself more memorable, unique, and distinct when you’re applying for remote work in this competitive industry? Join us as Lesley Pyle from HireMyMom.com shares key strategies you need to put in place in order to stand out from the crowd!

Podcast Outline:

[0:46] Introduction to Lesley Pyle and the topic of standing out when you’re applying for remote work - Lesley shares her story and what led her to embark on her freelance journey.

[8:20] How COVID-19 has impacted Lesley’s work and what trends she sees taking shape as a result of COVID-19 - Lesley describes how the remote work boom has taken root, providing savings for businesses and flexibility for parents.

[11:19] How the trend of hiring freelancers and remote professionals (and creating remote work offices) will continue to evolve

[12:54] How to motivate and inspire a remote work staff - the importance of learning to work with a team that’s not in a physical office.

[13:59] Common in-demand skill areas - Lesley and Craig describe the types of roles that are growing in demand.

Tips for Standing Out When Applying for Remote Work with a Business Owner

[16:52] #1 Show some personality - ideas for using Canva to personalize your resume.

[18:05] #2 Sell yourself - how to talk about what you’ve done for a company.

[18:26] #3 Read the job description thoroughly - the importance of following instructions and learning about the company, industry, and business owner.

[19:59] #4 Don’t waste your time, and don’t waste theirs - how to determine whether you have enough skills to apply for a job.

[22:17] #5 Apply quickly and respond quickly - the importance of making a good impression by showing how responsive you are.

[23:50] Recommendations for an online presence for people who are starting out in the freelance space - how to optimize your LinkedIn profile photo and ensure your online presence is appropriate for a future client to see.

[28:11] Other sites where you can find remote jobs worldwide

[29:46] How to learn more about HireMyMom.com

[30:48] How to learn more about Freelance University training

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Learn more about HireMyMom.com:

Website: HireMyMom.com

On LinkedIn 

On Instagram @hiremymom

On Pinterest

On Facebook: @HireMyMom

Resources on HireMyMom blog 

FlexJobs

Upwork 

Fiverr

Tonya Sutherland, VA Networking

Freelance University job postings

Google

Canva

LinkedIn 

Instagram

Facebook

Zoom

Freelance University course listings  ​​

How do you future-proof your business? Today I share a five-step strategy, the 5C Formula, that will set you up for success heading into next year. Understanding this strategy could have a transformative impact on your freelance success moving into the future!

Podcast Outline:

[0:32] Introduction to the 5C formula for future-proofing your business - how it could have a transformative impact on your freelance success moving into the future. Craig explains how four C’s equal the fifth C.

[2:04] First C is Clarity - how you need a clear road map or plan for what you’re going to do to build your business. Craig describes how Freelance University builds clarity through in-demand core learning pathways. 

[3:53] Second C is Currency - how it’s important you have up-to-date, current, cutting-edge skills that clients need right now. Craig stresses that since learning is part of your success journey, Freelance University provides courses that develop current skills that will lead to income.

[5:34] Third C is Confidence - how it can make or break an entrepreneur. Craig shares how skills breed confidence that will help you in your business.

[7:28] Fourth C is Community - how it takes a village to raise a great entrepreneur or freelancer. Craig describes how community is the key to building a great business and how Freelance University is all about connecting with instructors, peers, and mentors to gain support.

[9:03] Fifth C is Clients - how the first four C’s help you land more clients and opportunities. 

[10:21] How the Five C’s make up the heart of why Freelance University exists 

[11:16] How to learn more about registering for Freelance University’s final intake of 2021

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

Register for Freelance University’s final intake of 2021

YouTube 

WordPress

Facebook Groups

Meetup Groups 

How do you avoid burnout and minimize stress while growing a freelance business from home? Whether you feel fully burnt out, are recovering from burnout, or are on the verge of burning out, it’s important to recognize the signs so you can stay healthy and productive in your career and life. Join us as Toni Frana from FlexJobs shares simple strategies that alert you to potential signs of burnout so you can prevent it from happening in your business!

Podcast Outline:

[0:56] Introduction to Toni Frana and the topic of avoiding burnout and minimizing stress while growing your business from home - Toni describes her journey and how she got involved in the remote workspace.

[4:46] How FlexJobs champions the remote work movement - the rise of remote job listings and people wanting to work remotely.

[8:05] Warning signs that a freelancer or remote work employee may be experiencing burnout - how it’s important to recognize the signs so you can continue to be productive and healthy in your career and life.

How to Avoid Burnout

[14:48] #1 Mindset: Think positively and know your WHY - how you can return to those reasons when things become off balance.

[16:05] #2 Structure: Provide direction and focus - how it allows you to be productive, minimizing stress and therefore burnout.

[18:05] #3 Disconnect: Turn off notifications, close computers - how disconnecting and taking breaks helps prevent burnout.

[21:14] Examples of breaktime activities - how they allow you to escape completely and engage in something totally different.

Action Steps for People Who Have Experience Burnout

[23:35] #1 Incorporate personal activities - how to come up with a system and step back.

[24:49] #2 Change the environment - how this can rejuvenate you.

[29:22] Final points on dealing with stress in general - how communication is key. 

[31:59] How to connect with FlexJobs

Resources and tools discussed in this episode:

How to connect with FlexJobs:

FlexJobs.com https://www.flexjobs.com/ 

Freelance sites for freelance workers https://www.flexjobs.com/guide-freelance-gig-job-platforms/tasks 

Top categories for finding freelance work https://www.flexjobs.com/jobs 

Job Search Resources https://www.flexjobs.com/career-advice-tips-resources 

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/