From Doubt to Confidence: Rifka’s Story of Becoming a Virtual Assistant

From Doubt to Confidence: Rifka’s Story of Becoming a Virtual Assistant Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA November 19, 2024 Category Who would have thought that behind every seemingly simple decision, there’s a huge opportunity waiting to be discovered? That’s exactly what Rifka experienced when she decided to become a Virtual Assistant (VA). From feeling uncertain to finding comfort in a job she never imagined doing, Rifka shares her inspiring journey of how she took the leap into the digital world. Her story could be just the motivation you need to take your own first step! In this article… From Uncertainty to a Bold Decision Rifka started her journey with a lot of doubts. After spending 4-5 years as a stay-at-home mom, selling dresses, kids’ toys, and other items online to help support her family, Rifka felt unsure about returning to the workforce full-time. Her life had shifted to a more flexible schedule, and she wasn’t sure if she could step back into a full-time career. But everything changed when she first heard about becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA). At first, she was intrigued by the idea of being a VA, but also felt there were many barriers in her way. One of her biggest concerns was her English. “English was always a huge hurdle for me. I didn’t feel confident,” Rifka recalled, reflecting on her early days. But everything changed when she attended the SGB VA webinar. That’s when things started to click for her. “Tania said, ‘You don’t need to be great to start, but you need to start to be great.’ That really stuck with me,” Rifka said. It was the encouragement she needed to begin her journey, even though she didn’t feel perfect. Overcoming Fears and Gaining Confidence One of the biggest roadblocks for Rifka was her fear of English. However, after participating in the webinar, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that she could follow along just fine. “I could understand what they were saying. Turns out, my English was good enough to get started,” she recalls. Rifka realized that all along, she’d been letting her fear of not being fluent hold her back, when in reality, with practice and continued learning, she could improve over time. “Once you start, you learn as you go. Most of the barriers are all in our heads, and once we take the first step, things start to make sense,” she said. Another thing Rifka had to get over was the belief that she needed a specific academic background to become a VA. But in the SGB VA webinar, she discovered that having a specific degree wasn’t necessary. “As long as you’re willing to learn and develop your skills, you’re good to go,” she addeds. This was a huge relief for her. She realized that anyone with the right mindset and determination could become a successful VA. Starting at the Right Time A pivotal moment in Rifka’s decision-making process was when she realized the digital world was moving quickly. “I was living with my parents, my kids were still young, and I still had savings,” she explaineds. This moment felt like the perfect opportunity to act. If she didn’t start now, she worried it might become even harder to make the leap later. “If I keep putting it off, the world is going to keep moving faster, and I’ll be left behind,” she said. When she thought about the VA world, Rifka saw it as a growing field that could offer a stable future. “This is a fast-growing industry, and if I don’t jump in now, I’ll miss out. I can’t let that happen,” she explained. Choosing to Focus on Social Media Management (SMM) Initially, Rifka thought she would start as a VA doing administrative work since it seemed like the easiest entry point. However, after taking the SGBVA course, she discovered that there was one area in high demand that she felt more comfortable with: Social Media Management (SMM). “Why SMM? Because it’s in high demand. Almost every online business needs a presence on social media,” she said. Rifka also felt more at ease with social media because she had already spent a lot of time using platforms like Instagram. She had a basic understanding of the patterns and strategies behind it. “I already knew how to create engaging posts, write captions, and edit videos. It felt like the perfect fit for me,” she beamed. Rifka’s decision to focus on SMM turned out to be spot-on. The online business world relies heavily on social media to build brand presence and reach customers, and Rifka knew she could offer valuable support in this area. She was confident that this was a niche where she could make a real impact. Rifka’s First Client Rifka’s very first client wasn’t from a far-off country—it was actually someone she knew from her university days! Her university senior, whom she had kept in touch with, became her first client. This was a huge confidence boost for Rifka.  That first client gave her a sense of validation. It proved that with the right approach and determination, opportunities could come from the most unexpected places.  However, Rifka’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. Her next opportunity was with a potential client from the UK, and this one didn’t land quite as easily as she hoped. “I thought I was bothering them too much by asking about payment and the contract. I was so worried that I was being too pushy,” she admitted. But that’s when Rifka realized she had to change her mindset. Instead of focusing on the business side of things first, she decided to approach the situation from a place of service. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m here to help. My goal is to solve their problems, not just to make a sale.’” Once she shifted her focus to genuinely helping her clients and offering value first, everything started to fall into place. Soon after this mindset shift, Rifka successfully landed the

Laila’s Story: Dared Herself to Leave Her 9-to-5 Job to Having 5 Clients

How Laila Left Her 9-to-5 for a Flexible Career as a Virtual Assistant Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA November 13, 2024 Alumni Stories Have you ever felt exhausted by your daily routine? Waking up early, stuck in traffic, getting home late, and having all your energy drained before you even start working? That’s exactly how Laila Rahma, a 29-year-old woman from Bandung, Indonesia, felt before making the bold decision to quit her 9-to-5 job and become a Virtual Assistant (VA). In this article… A Life-Changing Decision Laila had been working at a well-known skincare company in Indonesia, with her last position as Creative Supervisor. Her salary was enough to cover daily expenses and save for the future, and she had great colleagues at work. But after six years working across three different companies, Laila felt it was time to leave the 9-to-5 grind behind. “There wasn’t a specific moment that made me think, ‘I need to quit now.’ It was more about feeling exhausted every day from spending hours in traffic. By the time I get to the office, all my energy is drained, and when I get home, I just want to rest—but there’s still so much to do,” Laila shared to SGB VA. Quitting wasn’t an easy choice. She wrestled with thoughts like, “If I don’t work at an office, what will I do? Where will my income come from?” and “What if I miss working in an office again?” But with the full support of her husband, Laila finally took the leap and left her job. “The decision was more about finding peace of mind. I didn’t want to rush through life anymore. I wanted time for myself and my family,” she explained. Also read: 10 Job Boards for Remote Work Online in 2024 Discovering the Virtual Assistant Opportunities After resigning, Laila knew she still needed to work, just not in the traditional office setting. She began looking into how she could work remotely and stumbled upon a course for Virtual Assistants that promised to teach her how to become a remote worker offering various services. At first, Laila was skeptical. “I thought, ‘What if this is just another scam?‘” But after doing some research—checking out the course’s owner, testimonials from former students, and alumni—she felt confident enough to give it a shot. The course lasted for six weeks, and during that time, Laila didn’t just gain knowledge, but also built a network of like-minded people. “Besides learning, I made new friends and connections. After finishing the course, even though I was feeling insecure, just two weeks later, I landed two clients at once,” she said with excitement. Also read: What Does a Virtual Assistant Do: Duties, Skills, Qualifications Achieving the Dream of Remote Work Today, Laila is living her dream of remote work. As a successful VA, she offers a variety of services, including social media management, content creation, and even voice-over work. Interestingly, many of these skills were already part of her job when she worked in the office, so transitioning to a remote career wasn’t as daunting as she initially feared. The real change was in how she could now apply those skills in a more flexible and fulfilling way. “I used to work in a 9-to-5 office job, where I had to follow strict schedules and routines,” Laila shares. “Now, I can work from anywhere—even while tidying up the house or cooking for my husband. I’m no longer tied to an office desk or commuting. I get to design my day and have time for the things that matter most to me. This is truly my dream,” she beamed with pride. But the benefits go beyond just the ability to work from home. Laila has also achieved something that many professionals struggle with: work-life balance. Before, she was constantly running between the office and home, barely having time to relax or spend with family. Now, she has the flexibility to manage both her work and personal life in a way that feels fulfilling. Her husband had once given her a challenge: Could she earn an income comparable to her office job while working from home? At first, Laila wasn’t sure, but she was determined to make it work. Today, she’s not only meeting that challenge—she’s surpassing it. “I’m actually earning more than I did before, and what’s even better is that I have control over my time. I’m able to prioritize my health, family, and personal interests, which is something I could never do in a traditional office setting,” she explained. And it’s not just about the income. Laila has now successfully built her remote business to the point where she’s managing five clients—an impressive achievement for someone who was once uncertain about working independently.  Also read: 11 Companies That Hire Remote Workers and Virtual Assistant Advice for Those Hesitant About Remote Work Laila has some important advice for anyone who’s still unsure about jumping into the world of remote work, especially if they’re worried about scams or struggling to find clients. “Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to try! Always have the desire to upgrade yourself so you can increase your value and attract the right clients,” she encouraged. Additionally, she suggests that if you’re thinking about making the switch to remote work, it’s important to have clients lined up before you quit. Laila herself only made the decision to resign after she had already secured three clients, which gave her the confidence and security to move forward. “The key is preparation. I wouldn’t recommend rushing into it because that can lead to unnecessary anxiety,” Laila advised. Also read: 11 Free Virtual Assistant Resources Tools Guide to For Your VA Biz Dreaming of a Career Like Laila’s? If you’re feeling stuck in the same old 9-to-5 routine and wondering if it’s time to make a change, Laila hopes her story inspires you to take the leap. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and most importantly, make sure you’re

From Home to Hustle: Intan’s Journey of Reviving Her Dreams

From Home to Hustle: Intan’s Journey of Reviving Her Dreams Athika Rahma SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA October 28, 2024 Category Meet Intan Munawwaroh, a mother, a housewife, and now a successful Virtual Assistant (VA) working with clients from around the globe. Her journey is an inspiring story of growth, learning, and self-actualization. From running a local shop and managing her household to becoming a remote worker who collaborates with international clients, Intan’s path is proof that anyone can change their career trajectory with determination and the right opportunities. But how did it all begin? Let’s dive into her story! In this article… Before Finding the SGB VA Course Before becoming a VA, Intan lived what she described as a “regular” life as a housewife and shop owner. She was busy managing her household and taking care of her children. Her days revolved around the responsibilities of motherhood, the daily grind of running her shop, and maintaining her family’s needs. “I was living a simple life. It was just my husband, my kids, and the shop’s customers,” she shared. While Intan was grateful for the life she had, she always felt a longing for something more. “I wasn’t ungrateful, but deep down, I felt like I could do more. I wanted to feel alive, to do something that gave me purpose outside of just being a mom and a shop owner,” she added. Like many mothers, Intan felt torn between the joy of taking care of her family and the need to fulfill her personal ambitions. However, she didn’t know where to start, especially with limited time and no previous experience in the digital world. How Intan Discovered the SGB VA Program Intan’s breakthrough moment came from a friend, who happened to be a fellow alumnus of the SGB VA course. This friend recognized Intan’s potential and suggested she try the course, which turned out to be a life-changing recommendation. “A friend of mine, who was also an SGB VA alum, connected me with my first client from Singapore. That’s when it all started,” Intan recalls with excitement. As someone who wasn’t even active on social media before, stepping into the world of virtual assistance felt intimidating. “I didn’t even know much about social media, let alone think I’d be managing it for clients,” she admits. However, she saw this as an opportunity to learn new skills and start something fresh. The SGB VA course became the perfect stepping stone for Intan. The structured guidance, practical lessons, and support system provided her with the foundation she needed to navigate the VA world. The program not only introduced her to essential tools but also gave her the confidence to pursue her new career. “Through the SGB VA course, I learned everything—from how to manage content to using collaborative tools like Google Workspace,” she said. Intan was particularly thankful for the community and the student advisors who kept her motivated throughout the course. “The advisors were amazing. They reminded me about lessons, deadlines, and always made sure I stayed on track,” she adds. Launching into Success After completing the SGB VA course, Intan launched her VA business and started offering her services as a Social Media Manager. She built her business from the ground up, handling everything herself—from content planning and creation to designing, copywriting, and even scheduling posts. “At first, I did everything manually. But with the tools I learned from the course, like social media scheduling features, it became more organized,” Intan explains. Her attention to detail and structured approach to managing social media accounts helped her stand out, making it easier for her to secure clients. Her first big break came when she connected with a client from Singapore—thanks to the recommendation from her alum friend. “That client in Singapore really set things in motion for me,” Intan recalls. From there, her network grew. She even connected with a friend who was living in Qatar, further expanding her reach as a remote worker that earns dollar. Although Intan admits that being a virtual assistant is not without its challenges, she appreciates the flexibility it offers. “What other job allows you to work while taking care of your kids, running a shop, or even lounging at home?” she says with a smile. The ability to balance her responsibilities at home with a professional career has been one of the greatest rewards of her VA journey. Today, Intan manages clients from across the globe and earns an income comparable to what she made in her previous job in Jakarta—all without the stress of commuting or adhering to rigid work hours. “I no longer have to deal with traffic or rush to catch a bus. I can attend meetings in my pajamas if I want to,” she says jokingly. For Intan, this journey has been more than just about earning money. It has been about personal fulfillment. “I didn’t become a VA just for the income. It’s about actualizing myself, doing something meaningful, and feeling like I’m contributing to the world,” she says. Ready to Follow in Intan’s Footsteps? Kickstart your VA journey with the SGB VA course! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our course provides a clear roadmap to help you build a successful VA career. At SGB VA, we’ll walk you through everything—from assessing your skills to offering practical lessons and ongoing support until you land your first client. By the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate and gain access to our exclusive Telegram group for job support, so you’ll never feel alone on your journey. Curious to learn more? Start by joining our FREE WEBINAR with our expert mentor, Tania Gromenko. She’ll explain how to get started as a VA and how we can help you reach your goals. Click the link below to sign up! Kickstart Your VA Career Together with our mentor, Tania Gromeko, you will be guided to start a career as a virtual assistant. Click

Story of Ebi: From 8+ Years as a Nurse to Social Media Manager in the Medical Field

Story of Ebi: From 8+ Years as a Nurse to Social Media Manager in the Medical Field Esra Erika Social Media Specialist, Copywriter, Content Writer August 13, 2024 | Alumni Stories If you’ve left your 9-to-5 job to become a stay-at-home mom and feel the need to contribute to your family’s finances while being present for your child, you’re not alone. Many of our alumni have shared this concern and decided to give it a try. One of them is Ebi. She transitioned from being a nurse to a social media manager—sounds surprising, right?  Let’s dive into the inspiring journey of Ebi, SGBVA Batch 18, who made this amazing shift. Table of Contents: Introducing Ni Kadek G. Pebriantari! You can call her Ebi! Ebi’s journey started with 8 fulfilling years as a nurse. When she was pregnant with her precious son, she made the decision to resign and follow her husband’s move from Bali to Bandung. After three years as a stay-at-home mom, she began thinking about her family’s future, including retirement savings, her son’s education, and family health expenses. “I want to help my husband financially, give my son a good education, and save for early retirement,” Ebi said. Beyond that, Ebi wanted to be a blessing to others while staying home to care for her son. “I wanted to make a positive impact, but I wasn’t sure where to start,” she shared. That’s why she started looking for ways to contribute to the household finances and began exploring remote jobs and relevant courses. A friend recommended the SGBVA course, suggesting it was a great fit for learning new skills for remote work. Ebi decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be the start of a new chapter for her. Now, as a social media manager working with two clients in the medical field, she’s thrilled to be helping others while staying at home with her child. Her Experience in SGB VA Before SGB VA, Ebi explored several courses, but none offered the depth and support she found with SGBVA. The program’s strong community and structured approach made a big difference. ‘I thrive in a structured environment, and SGBVA’s clear SOPs, deadlines, and penalties kept me on track. It was definitely worth the investment,’ she shared. After joining SGB VA, she realized she could do more than just nursing. The course equipped her with essential skills like social media and calendar management, giving her the confidence to start a new career. For the first time, she felt part of a truly supportive community where she wasn’t judged. ‘Here, everyone helps each other. This support really boosted my confidence,’ she said. Despite facing challenges with time management and balancing responsibilities, Ebi adapted quickly. Tasks that once took her 5 hours now take just 1-2 hours. With her husband’s invaluable support during busy times, she improved her time management and learned to handle her responsibilities more effectively. How did Ebi find her clients? How Ebi got her first client Surprisingly, Ebi landed her first client in the third week of the course. The doctor, an old friend, reached out after seeing her Instagram story about becoming a remote worker. “Can you help me manage my social media?” the doctor asked. “Yes, I’ll send you my rates. Do they work for you?” Ebi replied. “Yes, I don’t see any problem,” the doctor answered. “When are you available for a discovery call?” Ebi asked. And just like that, they started working together. The job involved boosting the doctor’s social media, which aligned well with Ebi’s background in medical subjects. After that, Ebi also secured another client by sending an elevator pitch via Instagram DM to five potential clients. One of them accepted. She has been working with these two clients ever since. Unpopular Opinion: Nurses can shine as Social Media Managers in the medical field “Nurses can greatly assist doctors with managing their social media because they understand medical terminology. As a social media manager, I can lighten the load for doctors by handling their social media with my medical knowledge. They only need to provide content ideas, and I’ll take care of the rest. Many doctors aspire to become influencers but don’t know where to start. With strong personal branding, they can enhance their visibility, build trust, and attract potential patients on Instagram. In this high-demand field, nurses who transition to social media management can make a significant impact,” Ebi said. Life changing moment of Ebi The biggest change in my life isn’t just about money but also about personal growth. I’ve started working on my own terms and have now found my true passion,” Ebi shared. Previously, she worked long hours, sometimes up to 18 a day. Now, she enjoys a flexible schedule—working just 2 hours a day or taking 4 days on followed by 3 days off. Most importantly, she can work while caring for her child at home.  She once thought nursing was her only path, but now she’s exploring new areas. She’s learned graphic design, social media management, and copywriting, opening up exciting possibilities for her future. After landing clients, Ebi is happy that she can help others through the educational content she creates. She’s able to share insights on medical conditions, treatments, and health tips, providing valuable information and making a meaningful impact on those who read it. This is how she discovered her passion for social media management. From Ebi to stay-at-home moms who wants to work To all the moms out there, if you ever feel that inner voice telling you, “You need to work,” it’s okay to listen to it. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant or exploring another remote opportunity, learning high-demand skills won’t be in vain and can open many new doors you never imagined. Balancing remote work with motherhood has been incredibly fulfilling for me, and it could be just what you need too. Are you ready to start your remote career? Kickstart Your

Work from Home but Earn Dollars: Ardin’s Success Story in Getting 9 Clients

Work from Home but Earn Dollars: Ardin’s Success Story in Getting 9 Clients Oni Lestari Virtual Assistant, Copywriter, SEO Expert August 13, 2024 | Alumni Stories Do you want to work from home and set your own work hours? Or, do you want to switch careers so you can have more time with your family? Then you need to know the story of Ardin, a mother of two who decided to become a virtual assistant for business owners and leave her office job. Now she can work from home, set her own hours, and spend more time with her family. Through this article, Ardin will share her journey to becoming a virtual assistant and answer questions about:  How to become a virtual assistant and get 9 foreign clients? How to manage time between work and family? How to face the challenges of being a remote worker? To find out the answers, let’s read it together! Table of Contents: Meet Ardin I am Ardin, alumni of SGB VA Batch 4, who graduated in August 2022. I used to work in an office. Like most people, I went to work at 8 am and came home at 5 pm. In 2022, I was pregnant with my second child and I did have a plan to stop working in the office. So, in the middle of my pregnancy, I prepared a business, so that even if I resigned later and became a stay-at-home mom, I would still have activities and income.   But it turned out that the business went bankrupt. So, after giving birth, there was nothing else to do but to be with the children. And because I used to work before, I wanted to have activities when the children were sleeping, and I was confused, how can I work from home?   Then I met an ad for SGB VA, which made me want to dive deeper into what a virtual assistant is. It turns out that virtual assistants are also businesses and can be flexible. Finally, I am now a virtual assistant. What is Ardin’s view on Virtual Assistant? At first, I thought virtual assistants were just ordinary freelancers, but it turns out there is a mindset that we need to form in order to be consistent as virtual assistants. That is, the mindset that we are business service providers, meaning that we are also business owners, which means that we must be proactive in looking for clients. So, when I was doing it, I felt “Wow, we are running a business, even though we work from home”. Virtual Assistants are very prospective because from year to year, business owners continue to grow. Many people want to become business owners, build businesses, build brands, and they need a team. Virtual Assistants are one of the options for business owners to have a team with efficient costs. They say that Virtual Assistants’ Income is Uncertain, is that True? For most people, virtual assistants are considered freelancers whose income is uncertain. But why is their income uncertain? Because we are business service providers. We are business owners, so when we approach potential clients, we are on the same level. We are partners, we are not their subordinates. That’s why virtual assistants can set their own hours. We can convey to the client, for example, “We are available 4 hours a day, and we respond quickly when contacted from this hour to that hour.” We have boundaries with clients. SGB VA equips me with the knowledge to thrive in a work-from-home environment. And because we set the time, we also set the income. About Niche and Service My niche is business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s still quite general actually. Many other friends are more focused, some focus on partnering with fashion businesses, or with FnB businesses, and there are also art businesses. For services, when I first became a virtual assistant, my services were admin and project management. Because I feel that I have to be a specialist if I want to be a virtual assistant. But when I went through it, I realized that it turns out that we can offer the service we like. And it turns out that with my journey as a virtual assistant, I have come to know what I like. So, my service now is virtual marketing assistant. Marketing is quite broad in scope. I’m still not that specific. Many people lean towards a specific service. Like content marketing, and social media marketing. And for me, it’s broad but the area is still marketing. How does Ardin approach potential clients? At SGB VA, we are taught to research potential clients’ businesses first. One example of research is to look at their website, Google reviews, and social media. This is how we can get insights. So, when I approach clients or even during discovery calls, I don’t just talk about “me” and my services, but I also provide value. I provide insights from my perspective as an outsider to their business. This can also show my abilities and what I can help with. I initially couldn’t imagine approaching clients through Instagram or LinkedIn. But eventually, I was able to get clients from there. To successfully approach potential clients, research is really important. And it does take time. But we must be sincere in wanting to help business owners grow their businesses. This is also what Tania teaches. For that, we need to find ways to improve their business. How does Ardin submit proposals to potential clients? For proposals, we can do some research about their business first. For example, I once approached a medical clinic. I looked at their Google reviews, and the reviews were good, up to 4.9/5 from 200 reviewers. However, it turned out that their Instagram and Facebook were not managed. Wow, that’s a shame. Their reviews and customers are that good, but their social media isn’t handled. Especially if it is managed, it will definitely be even better. So, we have to be smart in