Kayla Sloan is a full-time freelance writer and virtual assistant, specializing in personal finance and small business. She has been featured in Time Magazine, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and more.
1) How did you get started working from home?
I first started my business as a side hustle when I was still working a full-time job as a credit analyst. I began freelance writing and VA work after someone approached me on my blog. I started my blog as a hobby and never dreamt that it could lead to money-making opportunities. 12 months later, I had built my freelance writing and VA business up enough to quit my job and take it full-time.
2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
To be honest, I kind of fell into it. I love writing and am naturally very organized with a high attention to detail, so it was a natural fit.
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
I started my own blog and my first client approached me because of it. Since then, I’ve used cold pitched and referrals from current clients to find more, new clients.
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
A fellow blogger noticed me after I left a comment on her website. She started reading my blog and said she enjoyed my voice. We ended up working together for 2 years!
5) How do you market your business?
I don’t spend too much time on marketing because I get so many referrals. But, my main form of marketing is social media. I don’t even do much in the way of ads. I have run a few Facebook ads, but mostly I get my clients organically.
6) What does your usual day look like?
I get up at 6:30 and workout. Afterward, I shower and eat breakfast before starting work at 9. I work on my own brand/website for about an hour or so before diving into client work. I take a lunch break at noon everyday to eat with friends or family. Then I usually work until 6 or 7 pm.
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
You have to set boundaries with clients from Day 1! I was so worried about pleasing my clients that I would respond to emails late into the night and on the weekends on my phone. Now I’m trying hard to have a better work-life balance, so I’ve had to go back and “train” my clients to know that I will respond to them when I’m back in the office unless is very urgent. I wish I hadn’t started off with responding so much outside of work hours because it was a hard habit to break!
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Create a dedicated work space. Having a home office is very helpful because now when I leave the office I try to leave all thoughts of work behind. I’m not always 100% successful with that (I still think about work sometimes), but it’s a good practice. Even if you don’t have the space for a home office to be an entire room, try to work at a desk in your living room or where ever and make that space ONLY for working.
Find Her Online:
Website: Kayla Sloan
Twitter: @kaylarsloan
Facebook: Kayla R. Sloan
