5 Tips For Introverted VAs

5 Tips For Introverted VAs

Sometimes it feels like being introverted and less outgoing than others is a flaw, and that you need to force yourself to be more communicative. However, this character trait is genetic, and there’s very little you can do about changing your introverted personality.?

Studies have shown that about 25% to 40% of all people are introverted, and that does not mean they’re worse at doing their job. There are numerous successful people out there who prefer to be more standoffish when it comes to expressing themselves.

But if you’re introverted and shy, is there a way to overcome it and excel at being a Virtual Assistant without forcing yourself to be extremely uncomfortable? Read on to find out about tips on how to be a great virtual assistant even if you’re an introvert!

Organize your time

Make sure you let your client know you need unbothered time to complete certain tasks that may require deeper research or concentration. It can be hard to fulfill daily responsibilities while constantly having to be in meetings, responding to emails, or logging new tasks.

Talk to your client, coworkers, or, if you work from home, the people you live with, and explain your situation. This way everyone in your team and around you will know you need quiet time to do the tasks entrusted to you. Having the time and space to efficiently complete your daily responsibilities will help you be more productive without having to change your mindset.

Prepare

When it comes to regular meetings with your client, coworkers, or any other external partners, it can be rather nerve-wracking to prepare for speaking out about any issues or suggestions you may have. For many introverts, public speaking is a hard trait to learn.

To avoid extra anxiety, make sure you prepare for each check-in message with your client - research the scheduled topics and make a bullet point list of what you need to speak to them about. If you’re having a meeting with a bigger party where you have to speak about certain matters, create talking points or even write down what you have to say to the full extent.

Take breaks

Don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted from doing non-stop work to take a break. We always feel like we can do “just one more thing” before taking a break whether it would be a 5-minute break to rest our eyes, or taking a full no-distractions lunch break.??

Make sure you take your breaks regularly. It doesn’t have to be long, just enough to step away from the computer, stretch, or get another cup of coffee.

It is important to also step away from your workspace while having lunch. Change your environment for your meal break so you don’t keep staring at the work you have left to do, or count how many emails fall into your inbox while on break. Set boundaries that will help you achieve higher levels of productivity at the end of the day.

Take care of yourself

As mentioned before, introverts need to set aside quiet time for themselves. Even if you work from home and have set boundaries with your family or roommates about not bothering you during work hours, you should set some time aside to wind off after your shift is over as well.?

Having some time for yourself after closing the workday will allow you to recharge and ready yourself for whatever responsibilities you have at home. Having that quiet time just for yourself is very important, and it can help you achieve a better work-life balance as well.?

Talk to other VAs

Sometimes getting together with like-minded people is the best solution to figure out how to beat the anxiety at work when you’re an introvert.

Reach out to other Virtual Assistants you know, and chat with them about how they are managing their day, their conversations with clients and coworkers, and how to tackle any uncomfortable situations.

Bottom Line

Everyone is different, and even introverted people differ in their levels of outgoingness. Take time, explore what works best for you, and try to figure out how to tackle the things that come to you with more difficulty.

And don’t forget to communicate any issues with your clients and coworkers so they, too, can understand your situation and help you deal with any hardships.

For more information on the latest Virtual Assistant tips and tricks, keep checking back in with our blog, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube!

If you are interested in becoming a virtual assistant, fill out this form and submit your resume. We offer paid training, paid time off, HMO benefits, client matching, operational support, and other benefits to our pool of virtual assistants. You’ll also receive advice from our coaches and get access to our client profile.

We are currently hiring for the Executive Virtual Assistant (EVA) and Inside Sales Associate (ISA) roles. Previous virtual assistant experience is not required, but at least six months of call center experience is required.