Working virtually: A definition

In recent years, 'working virtually' has come to describe the home-based worker. But not everyone understands the concept. For example when I tell people them I’m a Virtual Assistant, the typical response is ‘what’s that?’

I explain that it means being like a personal assistant, only virtual, briefly their face shows their unspoken question: how do we (VAs) receive the work or get it back to the client if we don’t see them face-to-face?

This is the same for any home-based worker who works virtually. Many in the corporate world or other regular jobs find it hard to understand the concept of working virtually. It seems like an 'out there’ concept.

When I started out working at home in pre-Internet days, I found the concept difficult to perceive. I couldn’t see how I could connect with a client in another state, let alone another country, in order to provide them a service.

However, my curiosity was piqued and I spent a Sunday afternoon in 1995 exploring this new thing called the Internet to find out what it was about. Within three months I had my very first meagre one-page website up. I already had a fairly full client base but I was curious how it would work.

What amazed me was that I didn’t initially get client enquiries but I did get phone calls and emails from women who wanted to do what I was doing – working at home and caring for my family. Almost before I knew what happened I became the founding leader of a brand new industry in Australia: a team of virtual workers providing support to clients all over the world.

How does working virtually work on a practical level?

You know how in a typical job you can be emailing your boss or other colleagues from one office to another? Well, we pretty much work the same way. Instead of files being shared by an intranet, or network drive, they’re shared via email, download and upload on the web, or files are delivered on CD by mail or courier. Often work can be faxed through or mailed, picked up or delivered; it really depends on what it is that needs doing.

I have many clients I’ve never met. Some actually picture me in a corporate office and are somewhat surprised when they find out I’m home-based.

I like being able to receive instructions by email, rather than by phone, and so encourage it. This is because I can print it off and re-read, and tick off items as I work through them. If I don’t clearly understand something I can reply to the email highlighting the thing I don’t understand. But having it written means I don’t misinterpret what may have been said on the phone.

When I’m handling registrations for events on behalf of a client, again, I encourage email or fax registrations and not by phone. Why? So I don’t misspell their names – having it there in print before me helps me to ensure that the names are correct.

Meetings can occur virtually too, either by teleconference, or the webinar which is now getting quite popular. These are online seminar or conference rooms where people can view the presentation on screen and hear the presenter speaking. Generally the audience can either text their questions or participate by voice if they have a headset connected to their computer.

I’ve presented at several international conferences via this method – without having to leave my home. The costs saved for running these events are enormous – no more airfare, putting up with traffic, finding parking, suitable accommodation and so on. It means more can be packed into people’s busy lives and attending a meeting in the middle of the day means only the meeting time and not the time taken to get there and getting back.

But, I do give a word of warning. Not everyone is cut out for working virtually and it does need to be carefully considered.

It is true that you won’t have to pay for costs in getting to work, or for extended childcare, and that you might get much more done because you are on your own. But there are some who just cannot handle being in an office alone.

If you’re not naturally self-motivated it will be easy to get distracted by the other things around the home, i.e. the ironing, the washing, cleaning up and the multitude of other things that need to be done. Family members and friends need to be trained into understanding that you are working – and that it’s not just a hobby or a fad; it’s serious business.

In my industry I get a number joining the team for a six month period and then drop out again. They can’t handle the isolation and need the face-to-face interaction – some just need to be able to separate work from home.

Personally, I love being on my own and 13 years in business has not changed that fact.

Kathie M. Thomas is the founder of A Clayton's Secretary, a Virtual Assistant Network with members in many countries. Dedicated to teaching others about business on the web, she is a multiple award winner, with 30 years' experience in her field.

12 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

I didn't realise there were so many people working from home. I just read the article "Does working in your bathrobe work for you". I've always worked in an office and after having my first baby a year ago am looking at other options. Once I get the childcare sorted this may be an area I look into. Nicole from Sydney, Australia
How true - in my 7th year of flying solo, I wouldn't have it any other way, but you sacrifice a lot of perks as well as a lot of social contact - it works fine for me, but I understand those for whom its too hard. My suggestion? Take a couple of weeks off work and stay home with as little social contact as possible - if that's too hard, then on the basis that its a lot harder when you're under pressure to bring the dollars in, stay with your job! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Thanks for the honest reflection on working 'virtually' Linda Anderson from Sydney | Read my articles
You're most welcome Linda. And Grant, that is so true. Some really cannot handle being totally alone and there is the danger of feeling isolated and depressed on bad days - we do have them! I find that making sure I go out and network with people on a weekly basis so I'm out of my home and office and mixing with people is a big help!
And Nicole, a large proportion of my team are mothers with a young family. Kathie M. Thomas, A Clayton's Secretary from Melbourne
Thank you so much for this article - it really does help to answer people's questions and fears. It is a great marketing tool to add to your presentation when persuing a new client. I am adding this to my website.
Thanks again. Tricia Kos, Owner/VA Quality Business Solutions LLC, http://www.qbs4u.com from Saint Peters, MO USA
Delighted Tricia! Thanks for letting me know. Kathie M. Thomas, A Clayton's Secretary from Melbourne

12 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

Add Your comments

Preview comment

Name

Website *

Town / city and country

Email (never sold, displayed or given away)

* This will link your name to your site. So please avoid self promotion elsewhere! We delete spam, disrespectful or off-topic comments.