What I’ve learned as a virtual assistant about digital marketing
When you work as a virtual assistant, your inbox can become your entire workday if you let it. Between client requests, follow-ups, approvals, files, meeting invites, and random “quick questions,” it’s easy to spend more time organizing your work than actually doing it. After working with multiple clients at once, my simple philosophy is: my inbox is my to-do list. Here’s how I make that work.
Kimichi
This homemade kimchi is made with Napa cabbage, gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder), garlic, onion, and green onions, then left to ferment until it develops that tangy, spicy flavor kimchi is known for. I’ve also included the YouTube video I originally followed so you can watch the process as you make it yourself.
Best Portland Coffee Shops to Work From: Downtown Portland
One of my favorite parts about working remotely is that “working from home” doesn’t actually have to mean working from home. As a freelance virtual assistant based in Portland, Oregon, I spend a lot of time behind my laptop. Sometimes I love working from home. Other days, I need to put on a cute outfit, get out of my apartment and work somewhere with a little more life around me.
How to Find Your First Virtual Assistant Client
One of the biggest questions I hear from aspiring virtual assistants is: “How do I actually find a client?” You can create a website, update your LinkedIn, make a list of services, and tell everyone you’re officially a virtual assistant, but at some point, you need someone to actually hire you. My biggest tip is to start by asking yourself: What would I be willing to do for free?
Virtual Assistant Tools: Squarespace
If you’re interested in working from home as a freelance virtual assistant, one tool I recommend becoming familiar and comfortable with is Squarespace. Website support is a valuable skill to offer as a virtual assistant, especially for clients who need help making updates, adding new content, or keeping their site organized.
How to Find Virtual Assistant Clients as a Beginner
Finding your first virtual assistant client can be one of the hardest parts of getting started. You may not have testimonials or years of VA experience yet, but you probably already have transferable skills like customer service, scheduling, organization, research, and communication. Here are a few ways to start finding clients.
Virtual Assistant Tools: Canva
If you’re interested in working from home as a freelance virtual assistant, one of the tools that I recommend you become familiar and comfortable with is Canva.
I use Canva to create graphics for clients, design presentations and flyers, edit short videos.
Here is my collection of tutorials that you can watch on Youtube to help you get started.
Mayak Eggs (Korean Marinated Eggs)
Mayak Eggs (or Korean marinated eggs) are soft-boiled eggs soaked in a savory soy sauce marinade with garlic, green onions, and chili peppers. Their rich, jammy yolks and bold umami flavor make them the perfect topping for rice, ramen, congee, and noodle dishes. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these addictive eggs are a popular Korean side dish you'll want to make again and again.
Keni’s Chicken Congee
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, Keni’s Chicken Congee is an easy homemade rice porridge made with chicken thighs, ginger, green onions, and rich chicken bone broth. This cozy one-pot recipe comes together with simple ingredients and is perfect for cold days, meal prep, or whenever you need a nourishing bowl of comfort food. Top with soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, green onions, and a soft boiled egg for the ultimate savory congee experience.
How to Become a Freelance Virtual Assistant
Interested in becoming a freelance virtual assistant? Whether you’re looking for a flexible side hustle or to build a business where you’re in control of your schedule, I created a free course to help you get started. How to Become a Freelance Virtual Assistant covers the business side of freelancing, including finding your niche, setting boundaries, contracts and invoicing, taxes, and clients.
How to Manage Multiple Inboxes
As a virtual assistant, I manage multiple email inboxes, and one of the easiest ways I stay organized is by treating each inbox like a to-do list. If an email doesn’t require a response, follow-up, or task completed, I archive it. There are also a few Gmail features I turn on or use regularly.
Looking for Virtual Assistant Clients? Try LinkedIn
If you’re interested in working from home as a freelance virtual assistant, I recommend refreshing your your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a popular networking tool for recruiters and clients, and it’s a great place to showcase your complete work history, skills, and experience.
Visa-Free Travel with U.S. Passport
Traveling with a U.S. passport opens the door to much of the world.
This list includes countries and territories where U.S. citizens can visit visa-free, with an eVisa, or with a visa on arrival for short stays.
It’s meant as a quick reference for travelers, digital nomads, and long-term planners who want to understand where they can go easily without applying for a visa in advance.
Visa-Free Travel with South Korean Passport
The South Korean passport is one of the world’s most powerful, allowing entry to over 190 destinations without a pre-arranged visa.
This list highlights countries and territories where Republic of Korea (ROK) citizens can travel visa-free, with an eVisa, or with a visa on arrival for tourism or short stays.
It’s intended as a personal reference for travelers and expats who want to quickly confirm destinations that welcome Korean visitors without a long visa process.
Chilaquiles
Kickstart your morning with these vibrant and flavorful chilaquiles! Crispy tortilla wedges are tossed in zesty red enchilada sauce and topped with fried eggs, creamy queso fresco, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a hint of red onion. A hearty, satisfying dish that's perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Dense Bean Garden Salad
The Dense Bean Garden Salad is a satisfying, protein-rich blend of chickpeas, white beans, fresh vegetables, creamy bocconcini, and optional turkey breast. Tossed in a flavorful homemade vinaigrette and sprinkled with hemp seeds, this no-cook salad is perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a wholesome side dish bursting with garden-fresh goodness.
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean bean salad is packed with protein and flavor, featuring chickpeas, navy beans, crisp veggies, Kalamata olives, and feta. Tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette with a touch of maple and Dijon, it's a refreshing, plant-based dish perfect for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches. Naturally gluten-free.
Lazy Lasagna
This easy baked pasta casserole combines tender noodles, hearty ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese filling made with ricotta, cottage cheese, and parmesan. Topped with melty mozzarella and fresh basil, it's the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner or meal prep favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes.
French Onion Soup
Learn how to make delicious homemade French onion soup with this easy recipe! Caramelize onions to perfection, simmer in a rich broth, and top with melted Swiss cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish. Serve with bread and salad for a complete meal!
Chicken Enchiladas
Make delicious and easy homemade chicken enchiladas with this simple recipe! Featuring tender shredded chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melty cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, these enchiladas are customizable with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Whether using corn or flour tortillas, this baked enchilada recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!