| It stands to reason that in order for companies | | | | clients will benefit from a greater focus and |
| to move from traditional corporate structures to | | | | dedication to quality work. Also, be clear on what |
| a partial or full virtual workforce, there needs to | | | | the benefits are to your potential clients - both |
| be qualified, professional virtual workers available | | | | for the services you offer and the method of |
| to fill this growing demand. I believe the next | | | | delivery. |
| generation of virtual workers (Generation V?) will | | | | #2 - Establish your business model - make a plan |
| be found in our Generation Z graduates, | | | | for how you are going to provide those services. |
| innovative entrepreneurs representing Generations | | | | Decide when and where you can work - it may |
| X & Y, and Baby Boomers not yet ready to fully | | | | be set days and times or it may be completely |
| retire. | | | | flexible and strictly deadline driven. Choose how |
| The economic struggles that began in 2009 and | | | | you're going to be paid - cheque, PayPal, bank |
| continue into 2010 are driving entrepreneurial | | | | transfer - and if you're going to work strictly |
| desires to new heights. However, traditional | | | | pre-paid or on deposit. I recommend getting at |
| entrepreneurial ventures usually involve moderate | | | | least some payment before starting any |
| to high capital start up costs, inventory, | | | | work...just my 'two bits' worth from experience. |
| aggressive (and expensive) advertising to establish | | | | #3 - Join relevant associations - some associations |
| a foothold and may require leasing a store front, | | | | are free to join (or at least have free |
| office or industrial space. One of the benefits | | | | membership levels) and others have yearly rates |
| about the virtual workforce industry is the | | | | as a low as $35/year. My personal |
| generally low cost and risk involved in getting | | | | recommendations are: the Canadian Virtual |
| started. | | | | Assistant Connection, the Canadian Virtual |
| Another benefit for those currently employed is | | | | Assistant Network and the VA Networking |
| that becoming a virtual worker doesn't have to | | | | Association. These associations give you access |
| be an 'all or nothing' venture. Gradual transition | | | | to: valuable industry information; membership |
| from a job into the virtual workforce industry is | | | | forums and lists for phenomenal peer support; |
| easily accommodated. However, I strongly caution | | | | business templates (contracts, invoices, etc.); |
| virtual workers to keep their new venture outside | | | | discounted group insurance; training; and a long list |
| of the office. Sending and replying to emails or | | | | of special offers. |
| competing on RFPs while working for your current | | | | #4 -Offer your services as a sub-contractor - |
| employer would be highly unethical and could cost | | | | you'll earn a lower rate than you would if you |
| you your job along with your reputation. Solid | | | | provided your services directly to a client, but as |
| time management skills are also necessary to | | | | a sub-contractor you can build experience while |
| balance the multiple demands on your time; these | | | | having work delegated to you from a reputable |
| often include family and other non-work related | | | | company. |
| commitments. If you're transitioning gradually to | | | | #5 - Remember that you are a business - check |
| this industry, you're going to find yourself with | | | | into the regulations for your own region or |
| limited 'free' time until you're ready to make the | | | | country about self-employment, taxes and other |
| final leap to full time virtual work. | | | | related guidelines. Find out whether you can |
| In my previous post titled, Class of 2010 - Where | | | | operate as a sole proprietorship and if you need |
| Did All the Jobs Go? I addressed the growing | | | | to register a company name. You likely need a |
| challenge facing college and university graduates | | | | business license to operate out of your home or |
| to find jobs. One comment asked how | | | | dorm room. As a new business owner, it is your |
| educated--but inexperienced--graduates (both | | | | responsibility to check into your local regulations |
| young and seasoned) can break into this industry. | | | | and adhere to them. |
| So, for students paying their way through school, | | | | So, if you're ready to enter the virtual workforce |
| those graduating with little to no work experience, | | | | industry, set your goals, make your plan and put |
| or anyone else interested in this challenging | | | | it in action. Good luck and have fun! |
| industry, I've compiled a list of five important | | | | "I have no secret. There are no rules to follow in |
| considerations. | | | | business. I just work hard and, as I always have |
| Top 5 Tips to Become a Virtual Worker: | | | | done, believe I can do it. Most of all, though, I try |
| #1 - Determine the services you can offer - my | | | | to have fun." ~Richard Branson |
| advice is to choose business services in which you | | | | Contact us to book a seminar presentation at |
| excel and that you L-O-V-E to do; you'll find that | | | | your high school, college or university about The |
| your work enjoyment will increase and your | | | | Virtual Workforce Industry. |