At the end of 2023, I will be working remotely now for 7 years. What I didn’t realize until I took a deep dive into the world of remote work is that I could have started my virtual side hustle, which is now my six-figure agency, a heck of a lot sooner if I had identified the skills and services I could already offer. Before you take the leap into getting a remote job, learn from my mistake and identify your skills and services at the very beginning of your journey so it can pave the way for your success.
Before we dive in, if you’re looking for resources on the different types of remote work, you can check out: The 5 most common types of remote workers.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of discovering your unique skill set and aligning it with the demands of remote work. By understanding your strengths and finding the right fit, you can unlock the door to endless opportunities in the remote workspace!
Okay, grab a pen and paper, or snag the free journal below to take notes on, and let’s get into it!
Self-Reflection and Skills Assessment
Yeah, I know… Who would have thought a skills assessment and self-reflection would be the starting point to finding out more about your own abilities, right!? But, honestly.. No one else knows you and your capabilities better than you know yourself, and by reflecting on both your personal experiences and professional journey, you can uncover the skills you’ve developed over time.
Some of the skills might be technical, like coding, design, or writing, as well as soft, like communication, problem-solving, or leadership. But really, try to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses so you can get a clear understanding of where your skills lie.
Now, answer this question…
- What skills do you have?
Identify Your Passions and Interests
“Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it.” – Katharine Whitehorn
If you want to check out some other quotes that will inspire you to do what you love, check out this Inc article
I wasted so much time working my way up the corporate ladder for my co-leaders to finally give me the chance to let me do something I was passionate about, but I ended up becoming irreplaceable in my current role, and then I got stuck. When I started my virtual side hustle, I only went off of what I had on my resume from my work experience in corporate, not my actual passions and interests. I truly value the experience that I had with the companies I worked with in the early days, but honestly, they didn’t really align with my passions and interests. I didn’t realize it at the time that doing work that absolutely lights you up really makes a difference. Why not start doing what you want and find work that you love, right from the beginning?
One of the great things about remote work is it allows you to merge your professional interests and your personal passions. So think about your hobbies, interests, and areas where you find joy and fulfillment. Which activities energize you? Are there any topics or industries that excite your curiosity? Identifying your passions is going to help you align your skills with work that brings you satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
Now, think about…
- What are you actually passionate about?
- What seriously lights you up inside when you think about it?
After you’ve given it some thought, answer this:
- What is something that you know how to do and are extremely passionate about, and want to continue to do?
Research the Remote Job Market
Once you have identified your skills and interests, it’s time to figure out the demand for your specific abilities by researching the remote job market. We’re going to look for job boards like Remote.co, freelance platforms like Upwork, social media platforms like LinkedIn, and even networking groups, both online and in-person. Identify industries or niches that are actively seeking remote professionals. Doing this research is going to help you validate the market demand for your skills and services.
Need some extra help researching the market? Here’s over 100 websites to help you land your own remote job Get that virtual freedom, baby!
Now it’s time to do the work…
- What is the demand for these skills? Write it down.
- How many people need work done with the skills you already have? Write it down.
- Is there a particular area or industry you see a higher demand for?
- Or is there something you see a need for that you would like to focus on?
Define Your Niche
Once you have researched and identified the in-demand skills you want to offer, the next step is to narrow down your focus to a specific industry or topic that aligns with your particular skill set, aka “defining your niche” or “niching down”. It’s really not as complicated as you might think. By narrowing down your target audience, you’re going to select a specific group that you want to focus on when you offer your services. This is going to help you position yourself as an expert in that area and cater to the needs of that specific audience, so you can tailor your services and messaging to address their unique challenges and aspirations.
Some things to consider:
- Who do you want to help?
- Consider the type of people you want to serve and assist. Are they students, professionals, parents, or a specific age group? Visualize the characteristics of the people you want to work with.
- What are their common interests or needs?
- Look for shared interests, problems, or needs among your target audience. What challenges do they face, and how can you provide a solution or support? This helps you align your offerings with their specific requirements.
- How can you help them in a more specific way?
- Think about how you can address their specific concerns and provide value that resonates with them.
This focus will allow you to build stronger connections, stand out from competitors, and deliver more impactful results to the audience you serve.
Test and Refine
Once you have identified your skills and defined your niche, it’s time to put your abilities to the test. Start by taking on small projects or offering your services on a freelance basis or as a side hustle. This will help you gain practical experience, receive valuable feedback, and refine your offerings based on client preferences.
Congratulations, you’ve made it through the incredible process of identifying your unique set of skills and services that are going to help you so much in the beginning stages of finding a remote job. Honestly, there are so many benefits to working remotely, like flexibility and being able to work from anywhere in the world. But my favorite part is being able to create a lifestyle that aligns with my personal and professional goals. I no longer have to be Tiffany the corporate work-horse, I also get to be… mom.
While I will always aim to overachieve because that is who I am as a person, being known as the dependable mom who is always present. Whether you’re looking to escape the daily commute, spend more time with loved ones, or explore new horizons, remote work can be a transformative path that brings both fulfillment and success, and I’m here to help support you along the way.
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