Working from home became increasingly popular during the Coronavirus lockdown because you can work how you like and set your own schedule.
Our friends and contributing authors at Search Remotely are passionate about connecting remote workers with employers from all over the world.
In this article, they list essential tools to starting a successful virtual career.
Keep reading to learn more.
AN EMAIL ADDRESS
One of the most important tools to have when starting a virtual career online is your own email address.
You need an email address for an obvious reason, to allow your clients to send you private messages. When you’re just starting out, use a free email service, such as Gmail.
Gmail is a very reliable platform that has more than 1 billion users. Once you have enough income, then you can buy your own domain name so your email looks more professional.
A BOOKING CALENDAR
Being a successful remote worker means you must be very efficient with your time. To help you organize your daily schedule, you need a calendar tool that will allow your clients to book a time with you.
A tool like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling will make your life easier when it comes to scheduling meetings with clients.
An online calendar will also make you look professional and that you value your time. Your clients will appreciate this, especially if you’re paid by the hour.
A VIRTUAL MEETING APPLICATION
This pandemic has made in-person business meetings impossible to conduct. It is important that you have the ability to host a virtual meeting with your clients whenever you need to discuss your work.
A free online tool like Zoom allows you to have a video conference as well as share your computer screen to show anything you’d like to clients.
A PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL
Your ability to manage and finish projects will impact your earnings as a remote worker. The more projects you can manage and finish, the more money you’re going to make.
As a result, project management is an essential skill to learn as a freelancer.
You can use free tools, such as Asana, Trello, or Slack to manage your projects and communicate with clients.
By utilizing these project management tools, you’ll be able to deliver your service more efficiently.
AN ACCOUNTING TOOL
It is important that you’re paid on time as a virtual worker, especially if it’s your full-time job.
Sometimes, clients are late in making payments, so you have to be careful and organized about your accounting.
An accounting tool like Freshbooks allows you to manage your accounting books almost automatically, so you can focus on making your clients happy.
A NOTE TAKING TOOL
As a freelancer, you’ll find yourself taking a lot of notes during your work hours. Having a note-taking application like Milanote can help you organize your projects even more.
You can use Milanote to write, create a storyboard, brainstorm, and much more.
CONCLUSION
Scaling your business as a remote worker needs hard work, dedication, organization, and customer service. The tools above are all created to make it easier for you to start your virtual career full-time.