Business

6 Tips To Master Being Self-Employed

Published

3 years ago

December 9, 2021

One of the biggest dreams many people have in their careers is becoming self-employed. For those that have made the transition, you already know how difficult it can actually be. The initial career transition from your regular nine-to-five job into the world of becoming self-employed can seem overwhelming.

Thankfully, there are options for you to seek help with career transition assistance. They provide interview coaches and job search specialists to help you get the job you want.

To start preparing yourself, here are six tips to help you master the art of being self-employed.

Create a Professional Website

The first thing you’ll want to do is to create a professional website. This will act as your portfolio for all of your work, share your resume, and highlight some of your best work. It’s an opportunity to begin branding yourself in your field of expertise.

Some of the key steps to building a great website include:

Keep it simple and easy to navigate.
Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly.
Provide clear contact information.
Add client or previous employer testimonials.
Create a blog with regular content relevant to your industry.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Once you’ve developed a digital portfolio, you can start connecting through various social media platforms and building your network. LinkedIn is the most optimal social network to help not only find new freelance work but also to connect with other influential people within your industry. It can also help set you apart from other self-employed workers who are in search of freelance jobs.

Your LinkedIn profile should be updated with the same types of content as your website. This would include your portfolio of work, resume, and can provide you with additional credentials through skill tests. This will show potential companies that your skills are suitable for their needs and give you a leg up on your competition.

Work On Self-Discipline

On a soft skill level, self-discipline is one of the most crucial elements to becoming self-employed. Since you won’t have a manager hovering over your shoulder, you have to be your own boss. You are in charge of your schedule and meeting deadlines.

Build a Scheduled Routine

Maybe you don’t want the typical Monday through Friday work schedule. Regardless, you’ll want to ensure that you are designating certain days and times to be for work only. It can be easy to slack off or, on the flip side, work too much. Choose your start and stop times, along with any breaks you take throughout the day, just as you would if you were in the office.

Set Up An Appropriate Work Station

In order to stay productive, you need to have an environment that is conducive to your work style. It’s more than simply setting up your computer. Maybe you’ll need a whiteboard to jot down ideas or greenery around your workstation to keep you feeling energized throughout the day.

Find what works for you and make it your designated spot. That way, when you aren’t working at a local coffee shop, you have a space within your home to get down to business.

Get Situated With Your Finances

Being self-employed means you will need to manage your finances. Oftentimes, you will not be receiving a typical W-2 form where taxes and other costs will be taken out. Because of this, you are now in charge of paying your own taxes every year.

Start by putting at least 30% of every paycheck into your savings account. From there, you will want to start keeping regular track of all your work expenses. You’ll want to save your receipts and keep an inventory of any write-offs you may have. If you aren’t sure where to start, we highly recommend you work with a professional accountant.

The most important thing to do when you are looking to transition into becoming self-employed is to remember that you are your own boss. You are the one in charge of finances, your website, branding, and all of your deadlines. And of course, having the necessary self-discipline will get you to where you want to be.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.