How to Make 2024 Your Best Year Ever

The start of a new year is a wonderful time. It’s filled with beginnings and exciting goals. It’s often also filled with hope: hope that this will be a better year, that your business will take off, and that you can finally quit your 9-5.

While I’m a believer in the power of hope, I’m an even bigger believer in making sure you have a solid foundation for your business so that it can grow.

Knowing what’s important in business isn’t always intuitive, so I’ll walk you through three things to shore up or put in place so you can take your business to new levels in 2024.

1. Create a dedicated workspace. Many new Virtual Assistants waste time setting up and moving their work to a new location each day. This is a mistake. Find a place in your home off the beaten path so you’re not constantly interrupted. Keep in mind your workspace doesn’t need to be an entire room.
   
   Make sure your desk is big enough to spread out your work easily. If you can swing it, I suggest multiple monitors to make your work more productive. Stock up on your favorite pens and have the supplies you need within reach. Keep your desk clear of clutter and your work area free from non-business-related to-dos that will distract you.
    
2. Create a routine. Starting and managing a thriving Virtual Assistant business requires time and attention. Block your schedule so that it includes time to eat, time to exercise, and time to work on your business. You must set boundaries around your routine and protect your time fiercely. Otherwise, you’ll be pulled by every distraction that comes your way and never make any progress. 
   
   It's okay to tell your friend or spouse you can help them with [fill in the blank] in an hour. Every phone call, text, or email does not need to be responded to immediately. They’ll get used to it. No one will die.
    
3. Get an accountability partner. Building a business alone is not easy, especially if those around you don’t understand your business or think being in business is a bad idea. Find a fellow Virtual Assistant and create an accountability partnership. Support each other by meeting regularly to share your goals and roadblocks and to set deadlines.
   
   This will help prevent getting discouraged and off track. It’s amazing how encouraging it can be to have someone who understands what you’re going through share their experiences and suggest solutions.

There is plenty of work available for you to have a thriving business as a Virtual Assistant in 2024 and beyond. Take time to prepare your environment, create a routine, and build the supportive relationships you need to make 2024 and your career as a Virtual Assistant bright.

If you’re not already a member of our Facebook Group, The Virtual Assistant Connection, and would like to join, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com