Working 100% virtually comes with learning to use online tools and resources to achieve things you normally did in-person. To be ahead of the game as a virtual worker take the Working Virtual Checkpoint Test and see if you have the base knowledge and skills to transition to working virtually with ease.
Working Virtual Checkpoint Test
1. Can you use Google and Bing like a pro
___ Y ___ N
2. Knows how to convert files to other formats
___ Y ___ N
3. Knows when to upload and when to download
___ Y ___ N
4. Knows how to transfer large data files
___ Y ___ N
5. Knows which file types are compatible across various software and operating systems
___ Y ___ N
6. Can decipher online lingo
___ Y ___ N
7. Embraces and likes change
___ Y ___ N
8. Is a continual learner
___ Y ___ N
9. Possesses at least 1 genuine skill others will pay to have performed
___ Y ___ N
How did you do? If you have more Yes answers than you have the base knowledge and skills to navigate in the digital world. More No answers, well, you have a ready-made checklist of areas to learn. No worries though because anything can be learned. Remember the adage, “Hire for character, train for skills.”
Looking Closer at How It All Happens
File transfers happen electronically via email or uploading (adding) the file to a secure storage site for retrieval. Sending large data files can occur through services such as SendThisFile.com. Or you may finding working directly from shared files in Google Docs or Dropbox to be the answer. The file is stored in the cloud and you never need to transfer it anywhere because each person working on the document accesses it from its secure online storage site.
Working in file formats of varying types and varying versions of the same software can be a common occurrence. A client may have a Word document and need it converted to a PDF or an image for use on their website or in their newsletter. Having some core software on your computer and knowing to get a Word document to an image can be accomplished by a two-step conversion: 1) doc to PDF and 2) PDF to JPEG, GIF, or PNG format will meet this need.
Knowing that one of your clients is operating a different version of Microsoft Word aids you in knowing that your newer version freshly created document may not be opened easily on the client’s computer unless you save the document in different file version. Be sure to ask questions about the various software and operating systems that your clients use. Or having a client using Open Office Writer (a free open source word processing software) and you using Microsoft Word will work if the client saves the file with this in mind. It’s an easy file type change but can create a stumbling block when forgotten.
PC users and Mac users can work and view the same documents with a few bits of software in place to make the transition between computers smooth. Get familiar with using Google and researching what’s compatible. Keep a reference sheet bookmarked or in your files until this becomes second nature.
In fact, Google will become one of your best resources and friend when it comes to boosting your learning. Chances are that anything you need to know or desire to learn will come up in a search. There’s probably existing articles, You Tube videos, available courses, books, website tutorials, or seminars available somewhere.
What types of transitions are you unsure of? Leave a comment and get some answers.