Often times most online service providers focus only on developing technical skills to earn more but ignore the most important aspect, “soft skill” that helps you become successful in your business. As a freelancer, working remotely can provide a lot of flexibility and freedom. This is true, but it requires more to keep and work with clients long-term.
However, it also requires a certain set of skills to be successful. It’s not enough to be a good writer, programmer, content creator, or virtual assistant, it is also important to develop some soft skills to be able to stand out in your career, add a little extra to your job…
So, your next question would be, what skills do I need to stand out as a freelancer? Here are some important soft skills to consider when working remotely as a freelancer:
Communication: As a freelancer, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with your clients, stakeholders, colleagues, and team members. This includes being able to clearly articulate your ideas, ask questions, and provide updates on your work. This doesn’t mean just speaking regularly (although, that is one part of it). A good communicator should learn how to cut through the noise, ask the right questions and deliver precise and straightforward messages.
Time management: When working remotely, it is important to be able to manage your time effectively. This includes being able to prioritize tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines. Staying focused on the task at hand with minimal distractions is key to meeting deadlines and as a freelancer, mastering the art of time management is a key component to the success of your online business.
Self-motivation: As a freelancer, you are responsible for motivating yourself to get work done. It is important to be able to stay focused and motivated, even when you don’t have a manager or team to hold you accountable. You will be tempted often to work in bed or in your pj’s (I know I have lol!) but having a designated workspace will help you stay motivated through the workday.
Adaptability: The nature of freelance work is often unpredictable, and you may need to adapt to changing circumstances and client needs. It is important to be flexible and open to learning new things. You are required to be resourceful in new and difficult situations as you will be working with different clients that have different needs at time. You may not have all the software you need to do that task you’ve been given but, freelancers are self-starters and they always find a way.
Time management: When working remotely, it is important to be able to manage your time effectively. This includes being able to prioritize tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines. Staying focused on the task at hand with minimal distractions is key to meeting deadlines and as a freelancer, mastering the art of time management is a key component to the success of your online business.
Self-motivation: As a freelancer, you are responsible for motivating yourself to get work done. It is important to be able to stay focused and motivated, even when you don’t have a manager or team to hold you accountable. You will be tempted often to work in bed or in your pj’s (I know I have lol!) but having a designated workspace will help you stay motivated through the workday.
Adaptability: The nature of freelance work is often unpredictable, and you may need to adapt to changing circumstances and client needs. It is important to be flexible and open to learning new things. You are required to be resourceful in new and difficult situations as you will be working with different clients that have different needs at time. You may not have all the software you need to do that task you’ve been given but, freelancers are self-starters and they always find a way.
Problem-solving: Freelancers often encounter unexpected challenges and obstacles in their work. It is important to be able to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to problems. An online service provider needs a growth mindset to keep up with the continuous change in technology that might impact their business. People with a fixed mindset struggle with change and feel like they know everything they need. On the other hand, people with a growth mindset believe in constant change and improvement. Even when they are faced with challenges, they see them as an opportunity to grow.
Collaboration: Even though you may be working remotely, you may still need to collaborate with others on projects. This may be difficult for introverts as they may prefer to work alone but, it is important to be able to work well with others and be a team player. You should be aware of the impact everyone plays in achieving a common goal. It is not about you but the success of the business and projects you are working on.
Creativity: Freelancers often need to come up with new ideas and approaches to their work. It is important to be able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. Find the time of day and place that you are most creative (for me, it’s the early hours of the morning) and do most of your creative work then.
By developing and honing these soft skills, you can become a successful and effective freelancer, even when working remotely. Several clients have found me comfortable and easy to work with long-term because I have incorporated this skillset into my work habit and I’m honestly better off for it.
One of the easiest ways to get started working remotely from home is by picking up a virtual assistant job. It often requires skills you already have with the ones that I have mentioned above. I can help you get started on your journey today! Click HERE to get started.
