On Working Virtually – Differentiate Yourself
We can work from anywhere. And do. We’re gearing up for our annual camping extravaganza, so working virtually gets very tricky. We wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Confession. We’ve both had jobs (more than one) that we’ve 1) had no passion for and 2) had no real talent or natural strengths for. We’re smart guys, though, so – like many, many people – we whipped out our “grin-and-bear-it” abilities and performed well despite the duties, if only to go home at night dreading the next day.
Friday evening’s were heaven; Sunday evenings were hell. It felt crappy.
That’s all changed now that we’ve leaned into a mega-dose of uncertainty in order to pursue our version of a NVR life. For us, it’s all about making tracks, making a difference and making a living. As we addressed in a post about pursuing work that employs your strengths, the “making a living” part of the equation initially proved quite challenging. We knew we wanted fulfilling work, and we knew we wanted to do it on our terms.
People regularly ask us about finding that sweet spot – where work (or the way you make money) feels in sync with the rest of your life. So, we continually tell people that it starts with finding work that utilizes your natural talents. Ideally, it will also involve something that you have a passion for. We’re big fans of passion – heck, even fanaticism. It’s amazing how, without it, many people go through life jumping from one uninspiring job/activity to another.
OK, so we’ve made the case for strengths and passion. What’s next?
Because we’re location independent and do HR consulting, we have to not only do great work but also make ourselves the most compelling choice for potential clients. After we’ve had the strengths and passion discussions with working virtually wannabes, the next question is usually: “How do you get business?” You have to differentiate yourself.
After getting a handle on your strengths and passion, determine where you are a star – where what you offer is different – better – than the competition. Yes, it’s a rough economy – you’ll only be mind-blowingly good at what you do if you have the authentic strengths and passion for it. More than that, though, you have to know what sets you apart from others with the same strengths/passion.
Tough? Yes. But you can do it.
From our perspective, it starts with valuing quality work – work that is worth quality compensation. Be a part of the crowd that’s raising the bar and not looking to make a quick buck. We’re inspired by people who recognize the importance of doing some heavy lifting – pursuing education and experiences that set them apart. We work hard for every client and every project. We chase excellence and differentiation and refuse to take an approach that dilutes our offerings or our profession.
We meet a lot of people who get stuck in frustration looking at all of the people with no talent who are making money. In our corner of the virtual work world, we have a lot of solid competition. We also have a lot of skill-free competition. Many of these people make money by offering to do work for very little (or nothing!). Last week, this e-mail, from a start-up, was in the in-box…
I was referred to you by XXX. I’d like to get a quote on a project. We don’t have much money, but I wanted to give you a chance before sending it overseas for a bid.
You’d be surprised how often things like this come up. The real message being: Please provide a quote that is embarrassingly cheap or I’ll find someone who will. This is because a lot of people will call themselves a lot of things in order to make money. They will get clients. Of course, there are flashes of talent in that pool, but we can tell you – after several years of doing this – that pool sees competition come and go very quickly. Very few endure.
So, no, we don’t play that game and we don’t get mad that these (mostly) unqualified low-ballers exist. We’ve worked in competitive consulting field long enough to say “that ship has sailed.” You can’t fight what people are going to call themselves – design guru, writing expert, technical wizard. We tend to agree with those who believe that we can all call ourselves whatever we want and If someone wants to “buy it,” who are we to get in the way. There’s plenty of room for everyone and, in the end, quality of work will determine ultimate trajectory.
The truth is that the perfect equation is out there for you. Don’t chase money, or your mother’s dream. Whether you want to work virtually or not, do the heavy lifting and commit to work towards a career that employs your natural strengths, radiates your passion and differentiates you. If not, you’ll likely feel out of sync and unfulfilled.
Become an expert in exactly what you’re supposed to be an expert in and don’t engage in the white noise. If you can do that, you’ll likely be able to secure an income however you’d like. Even virtually.
What’s your situation? Are things humming in your world of work, or do you need to make a change?
My job is a job but it pays the bills. I would be sad if I was still doing it 20 years from now. However, I love the blogging and writing that I do. For many years, I have always thought about what I wanted to do. What I am learning is that I am still discovering who I am (this is way deeper than I can share here) but I do understand your motto to basically do what you love.
I admire you guys for being able to do it. I am still on the journey to figure out what that is for me.
Good call, Jeremy – Discovering who you are is a big (long term) step. We’re both surprised by what we learn about ourselves – and each other – every day. It always informs the decisions we make going forward.
Jeremy – Pete and I are exactly the same way. Both trained in business, but know now that it definitely isn’t our passion. But, what to do? What to do? That is the question…
We’re figuring it out too. Slowly. Someday…
I think a lot of us are in this same boat. We get jobs after college/school and believe that making more money is the goal to happiness. Well, at least that is what I have always been told by my elders.
Well, after a 4 month “vacation” I am looking to go back into the working/business world because, well, I need the money. But I am okay with it, because I really don’t know what that “doing what you love” thing is for me. I also have a mortgage and car to pay for, as well as a family to contribute to.
Thanks again to the NVR guys for the post, and glad to hear that the consulting business is treating you well.
It has taken me a long time to get to the perfect job and I’m still working on becoming an expert at travel writing.It’s funny that after years of considering all the virtues of a hotel or resort before booking, now my first question is always “Do they have wi-fi?”
That’s our first question!
Sage advice, guys. Ages ago, I heard a quote: “Chase your passion, not your pension”. Sounds like that’s what you’re doing
Yes, and since most pensions are now moneyless, it makes especially good sense
Super information guys and a very motivating post. I like your idea of raising the bar rather than making a buck. It is difficult when money gets tight, but we find ourselves turning down advertisers when they low ball as well. We can’t justify giving away our hard work for peanuts even though so many people are doing it. But as you said, they are flashes of talent and probably won’t endure. Sticking it out for the long haul is the key and when your passionate about it, it is easier to do.
I had a mini-midlife crisis last year. I’d been working on my career (reality television) for about fifteen years when I suddenly realized that I really didn’t want to be doing this when I’m 40, 45, 50 years old. That’s when I realized that my true passion is traveling and seeing the world….that’s part of the reason I started my own travel blog. I’m also taking language classes (Portuguese) and some classes at the local community college to learn more about potential careers in the travel industry too. I guess I still am trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!
Wow, Michael – that’s really cool. Nice to hear you are taking steps to move forward. Just yesterday, we were on a walk with a friend talking about how/why it’s so tough for people to change and why even small steps forward can seem monumentally difficult.
You are absolutely right, loving what you do, being passionate about it and utilizing your talents are key in creating work you treasure. I’m finding new ways to put my talents and passions together to travel and write internationally.
Very true, enjoying your work is crucial. I’m currently at that post-beginner freelancing stage where I need to accept most assignments that come my way to make ends meet (although I understand the importance of not underselling yourself.) But things keep improving, so as long as the trajectory is in the upward direction, I’m happy.
Great outlook, Scott and, yea, you need to be realistic. I would be embarrassed to share how little we did our very first HR consulting gig for. BUT… we gained a lot of credibility and it led to many great things.
Love this and I couldn’t agree more! As you might know right now, I make my living as an architect but I’m also working to generate a location independent lifestyle. I love architecture and I’m passionate about it, but I also have other passions that would love to experiment and even mix and match with it.
I also believe in doing the heavy lifting first to get the rewards later. I’m really picky and anal with the type of work I do, whether it is in my blog or with a building design, so I put attention to detail to make either a client or a reader happy. In the end, good word of mouth is worth more than a few quick bucks.
That’s probably why you have a flood of good karma coming your way, Norbert.
Great advice. Now, I just need to find someone who’d pay me to do shitty MS Paint drawings!
I like your MS Paint drawings! Sorry though…I can’t pay you for them.
They are not shitty.
Guys – I LOVE this post. The idea that some clients will seek out quality is so true, and if you bow to the cheap demands, then you undervalue what you can bring to the table.
Such a great post guys. Once again you nailed it- of course you are living it. I think passion is absolute key, and I love how you say don’t chase the money. We did this for a couple of years and guess what the money kept running faster than us.
You’ve got to have a lot of patience and determination to stick with your dreams and goals. Far easier when you love what you do. Thanks for the inspiration once again
Love reading about people following their passions. The beginning of the article about grinning and bearing it type jobs is way too familiar! Still working on making it following my own dreams, but it’s a thousand times happier than the life I left! This is a great message to spread, glad I stumbled over this on twitter!
since quitting the corporate bullshit last month, i think jeff will use our 3 months on the road and sailing the san juans to re evaluate his interests. as a tekkie, it may involve wiring jobs on boats. or not. hopefully we’ll get ideas from others on the road, but YOU TWO have had a HUGE impact on our choice to take that risk. thanks again!
Thanks, Jules – Once you start sailing the San Juans, you won’t want to leave.
I so hear you, around Sunday afternoon I would start to feel anxiety and then Sunday evening it was full on dread. I could never go back to that.
This is a great inspirational post! I will be passing this along to my husband who is struggling with some of these issues. Its hard to follow your dreams especially when it doesn’t bring in money to eat but in the end I think you’ll be a happier person for doing so. Everything usually works out in the end.
great post, as per usual. it seems like common sense that you will be more motivated / do better work on something that you actually care for.
we have both recently been taking steps to do what we are passionate about. hopefully it all comes off one day!
it does kind of make me feel queazy that i spent 4 years at uni getting good at something that i didnt care for.
What did you study at university?
Very inspiring words. I’m going to bookmark this post and re-read it later. I’ve been working diligently towards building a business based on my passions and just recently I’ve started putting my feelers out there to also find some sort of location independent job where I can also use my skills. Dream big, right?!
I didn’t know you guys did HR consulting. It’s nice to learn a little more about you two.
Very insightful post guys. I’ve continually struggled with where I want to be – self employed with financial uncertainty or employed with freedom uncertainty. Balance is critical, but hard to achieve if the measuring sticks are not clearly defined.
A very timely post for me – I’m at a crossroads myself, having finally embraced my ambition to write and yet recognising how hopelessly uncommercial my writing is…
The next year is intimidatingly important for me, and hearing a message like this is medicine…
Excellent post! Couldn’t have said it better: Friday evening’s were heaven; Sunday evenings were hell. I hated working in an office, and although I am still doing some of the same work I did then (actually similar to what you guys do!) I am so much happier working in places I choose, at times that I choose, without anyone monitoring me all day long. We love our location independent life!
So true! It’s all about your quality of work; if you have high expectations for yourself and consistently do a fantastic job, then that reflects through and you’ll find yourself on the path to success!
Which sounds so cheesy as I’m reading back over it, but whatevs. I stand behind my cheesiness.
We had a client years ago that was obsessed with whether or not we thought we were “Ruby Rockstars” (ruby being the programming language we used). That cracked us up so much! “Uh, sure, we’ll tell you we’re rockstars so you’ll think we’re legit (I guess..), but you do realize those are just words, right?!”
Now that this former career counselor is back home, I find myself wondering how I design a flexible, and hopefully a location independent, lifestyle. I am used to helping college students ponder “what’s next” and now it’s my turn. Glad I have folks like you guys to look to…I don’t want to give up on the idea but need to start making money sooner rather than later
I think one of the challenges of virtual working that’s not so often spoken about is that it does tend to spill into places where it’s not supposed to be. How do you separate the work and the personal when you don’t have the office boundaries?
I find that this is my problem, too! Without office boundaries, the office basically never ends. It becomes very hard to stop ‘work time’ when the office goes wherever I go!
It IS a challenge. We’ve gotten better and better with the separation, but at times it’s tough. We have set “no work” times with more and more success lately. On the other hand, we are happy to do what we need to in order to make a living doing what we love.
Gosh, I just really like this post a lot.
Thanks, David – it’s great to hear that.
It’s ironic I come across this post at my point in life. Where I graduated in May 2010, and couldn’t find a job .. and I remember thinking, what the hell is wrong with me, that no employers would want me? And this dragged on for a year. But during that year, I tried traveling on a budget & creatively (All You Can Jet – with JetBlue & winning flight tickets). And then that’s when I knew, one thing I loved is TRAVELING!
… I also later found out that I love surfing & working with functional fashion as well.
Fast forward to Sept 2011 to Jan 2012, I had worked a 6 month corporate job for first time, believed I’d have some career, but didn’t realize “managers” could be quite evil. And now, here I am in Feb 2012, unsure of what to do with my life … but I’ve never had the greater sense of relief and peace … of just having the option to figure out what I want to do. So I’m looking forward to heading of to Central America in 2 days!
Thanks for this awesome post … for reminding me and for affirming that it’s quality of work that counts.
Ah, what a great story because – despite the lows – it sounds like you’ve got a lot of things figured out in terms of living a fulfilling life. Enjoy Central America. (And, yes, managers can be evil!)