Let’s get this out of the way quickly before I start: I am assuming that “aspiring remote workers” are those who want to look for opportunities online to apply themselves as freelancers, contractors or full time employees with the skills that they possess and not necessarily migrate to a remote mode of working with their current employer.
When I started working online in 2014, I didn’t even realise that I was getting myself into a whole different world of work. I had been working in IT for a bank for just over three years before I decided I wanted to become a Virtual Assistant (VA) supporting small business owners around the world. Working in tech, from our very limited access IT office, I woke up every day with work to do, business users clamouring at our door and in our IT Helpdesk inbox. I’m not going to lie – I really thought that it wouldn’t be any different after I announced that I wanted to be a VA and was ready to serve.
I got the surprise of my life!
I think this was the first reality check I had as I was starting out, and each time I speak to aspiring remote workers, I want to start with getting their mind right about what they are about to get themselves into. If you are reading this and are looking to dive into remote work in 2025, this message is especially for you. I am speaking directly to you.
Working remotely requires that you make some significant shifts in how you view and approach your work because, oftentimes, the mindset, culture and systems required for you to succeed are not necessarily the same as if you were working on-site or in-person. It’s easier now to have this conversation given what the entire world had to go through with the pandemic back in 2020. Some people had never used Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet until Covid-19 happened. We got to a point where this was now normalised.
However, for many, this did not feel normal. They still felt like something was missing or struggled with achieving positive outcomes whilst working remotely, and it was actually a relief for them having to return to the office and do work “normally” again.
So how do you prepare your mind for a career working remotely?
1. Your Personal Brand is Now Your Full-Time Job
Your personal brand is what sets you apart in a crowded online market. When you work remotely, potential employers or clients don’t get the chance to meet you in person. Your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, social media presence, and even the tone of your emails are your first impression. You need to be intentional about how you present yourself and what story you’re telling about your skills, experience, and values.
Consistency is key. Make sure your profiles align and clearly communicate what you do. Invest in a professional headshot, write a compelling bio, and showcase your work in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to navigate. Your online presence should make people say, “This is someone I want to work with.”
Personally, I did not even know the first thing about this when I was starting out and because I didn’t know about it, I missed out of the potential value of having it in place in the beginning. I struggled with landing my first clients because I could not convince business owners I could do what I said I could so. They just couldn’t take my word for it.
It was only a few years later I started appreciating that whatever activities I chose to engage in online, would speak for me 24/7 even during times when I was not actively selling my services and help build trust with my audience. I learnt the value of talking about what I do and the value I bring to business owners and their teams and with time it became easier to convince business owners to work with me.
If you seriously considering building a career working remotely and positioning yourself for opportunities, you need to take your personal brand seriously and understand that it’s not just good looking headshots. It’s also what you say, the work you do and how you engage with others online.
2. Self-Motivation and Discipline Are Non-Negotiable
Once you’ve nailed your personal brand, the next step is learning to motivate yourself because no one else will. Working remotely means no one is physically there to watch over your shoulder or remind you of deadlines. You’ll need to be proactive about managing your time and tasks. This shift can be challenging, especially if you’re used to the structure of an office environment.
When I was starting out, I used to work from home and my mum would casually say stuff like, “Wanna go to Westgate and get some doughnuts?” I would love to lie to you right now and say I would tell her, “No mhamha. Ndiri pabasa!” (Translation: No mum. I’m working). I would not do that. Instead, I would just drop my work and join her to the mall, then come back and continue 2 or so hours later having lost my train of thought.
This went on for the rest of that first year but I realised that I was not going to win behaving like that. I was lying to myself that this was the freedom I had signed up for, but was it, really? It definitely wasn’t. I then moved to my dad’s office the following year. It was better, because everyone there was in work-mode but because there was high traffic of clients coming in and out, it was so easy to get distracted. The following year, I moved again to a co-working space and for a number of years that followed I actually work in shared office spaces and that worked much better than working from home.
Today, I work from home – 99% of the time. I guess because it’s my own space and I set the rules, it’s easier for me to set up the vibe I want but even if I was going to be at my mum’s, I have better discipline than I had then and if I am in work mode, I’m in work mode and my mum now understands that it is not the time to lead me into temptation with fresh cream doughnuts.
I highly recommend that you start by creating a dedicated workspace. You don’t need to break the bank doing this. I have a small desk in my bedroom from where I work. You could choose a section of your dining room table. Set daily goals, and use tools like task managers or calendars to stay organised. I use Toggl Time Tracking to track the time I spend working on different projects – even non-client work. Learn to block out distractions and create boundaries, especially if you’re working from home where personal and professional lines can blur.
3. Communication is Everything
In a remote work setting, clear and effective communication is vital. Unlike an office environment where you can pop over to someone’s desk, you rely heavily on tools like email, chat, and video calls. Miscommunication can lead to delays, frustration, and even lost opportunities.
Learn to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly, both in writing and during virtual meetings. Always follow up on conversations to ensure mutual understanding. Over-communicate if necessary, and never assume everyone is on the same page. Building strong communication skills will set you apart and help you establish trust with your team or clients.
One area I have tried to be intentional with throughout my professional career is communication. I think I have a phobia of being misunderstood hence I try to explain myself as best as I possibly can. It hasn’t always been my area of strength but I am always trying to improve by putting myself in the shoes of the receipient of my messages and also watching how people I view as good communicators do it. I have learnt over the years to ask questions to gain clarity and also reiterate messages to ensure I have understood them correctly.
Communication is a vital soft skill that can be learnt and mastered through practice. If this is an area that you are currently struggling with, I highly recommended you consider the taking a course online to help you improve. You will realise that when you know how to communicate better, even your sale pitches and presentations will also improve.
4. Be Comfortable with Uncertainty
Remote work often comes with flexibility, but it can also bring uncertainty. As a freelancer or contractor, you might not have a steady paycheck. Even in remote full-time roles, organisational changes can feel more detached and abrupt.
I remember in my first year of working remotely, I was getting income from clients in the last 6 months or so of that year and then, it went quiet. I panicked and around that time I was busy panicking, I was headhunted for a full time IT Manager role in a local bank. I even went for two interviews I think. In my mind I was thinking, maybe this working online thing is not for me and this is my escape. Fortunately that role did not materialise because I would have just signed out of a thrilling adventure that was lying ahead.
Today, I understand how uncertain things can get when working remotely and have learnt to prepare my mind for anything. Clients downsize, close shop or just decide to let you go. It happens and you need to prepare yourself for such. It’s not the time to take it all personally, mop and whine.
Adopt a growth mindset and prepare yourself for the ups and downs in your remote working journey. Build a financial safety net, diversify your skills, and stay open to learning new tools or platforms. I have found that the best way to navigate the uncertainties presented by remote work is staying resilient.
5. Networking & Relationship Building is Still Critical
Many aspiring remote workers assume that networking becomes less important when you’re not physically attending events or working in an office. At least this was my disposition when I was starting out. I did not like talking to people – at all! I found it immensely draining. And I thought that now that I worked from home, I didn’t need to just be conversing. I could just keep my head down and do my work which would come through emails or platforms like Fiverr.
I was wrong.
The truth is, networking and building relationships is even more critical when you’re working remotely because the competition is fierce! If you have ever heard the statement, “Your network is your net worth,” I’m here to reiterate the truth in it. Networking will allow you to build relationships with potential clients who may pay you in the future or with fellow remote workers who you can invite you to collaborate on projects. No man is an island. This has probably been the most humbling lesson I have learnt over the past 10 years or so. Those who know how to work their network do not sweat for opportunities. Most of the time, opportunities will come knocking on their doors.
By (eventually) embracing networking and learning how to build and nurture relationships, I have benefited from referrals, exciting collaborations, trainings, coaching sessions, products and services discounts and above all amazing friendships. I always share how I can attribute over 70% of my all-time revenue to referrals and networking. I don’t take for granted any relationship that comes my way whilst I’m on this journey so I try to ensure that anyone I come across has a positive working experience with me.
As you set to work remotely, leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. Join online communities, forums, or remote work groups where you can share insights and opportunities. Attend virtual events or webinars, and don’t shy away from reaching out to people whose work you admire. Normalise applauding others when they do well in their work and share honest and respectable feedback to help others improve. Networking remotely is about building genuine relationships over time, even if you’re miles apart.
Now, to wrap this up, let me remind you that transitioning to remote work isn’t just about changing your physical location. It’s about changing your mindset. Embrace these shifts, and you’ll not only adapt to remote work but thrive in it. Remember, the key to success lies in your ability to remain proactive, adaptable, and intentional about your remote career. Good luck on your journey!
P.S. If you’re an aspiring remote worker and need help navigating this space, I have opened up one-on-one coaching slots where I can hold your hand as you navigate these mindset shifts and start preparing to land your first remote role. If there is anything you may want to ask or get clarity on, send me an email on hello@tariro.co and I will get back to you.
The bit about needing to network and talking to people really got me. Hope I can do this.
Hi Patience,
I know the feeling. I really hated the idea of it but with guidance and practice and also understanding that it did not mean me pretending to be somebody I am not, I actually enjoy opportunities to meet new people and work on building relationships. It definitely can be learnt so please don’t ever write yourself off.