As a remote worker, you know that identifying industry trends is important for making yourself appealing to employers. Since trends change often especially in certain industries, keeping up may be exhausting but worthwhile. It’s tempting to stick to what’s tried-and-true but integrating the latest innovations makes you competitive.

Staying relevant in your industry as a remote worker

Market trends change because the needs and preferences of consumers change as time passes. There are several reasons as to why this occurs, but the fact that it does happen is enough to convince you to stay updated. Your performance drives your success so ensure you’re in line with what clients require.

There’s no way for a virtual assistant to stay relevant or exist without knowing how or where people are spending their money. When your employer adjusts their strategy according to the trends, you’re unable to keep up and contribute to their efforts when you have no clue about such updates.

Besides that, knowing what’s new lets you identify areas for growth and experience. You make decisions in a more informed manner when you identify key changes and new technologies in your industry. You’ll also be able to spot and avoid threats earlier on to prevent bigger problems.

Tips for staying on top of industry trends when working from home

Being able to gather so much data enables you to create a dynamic plan for moving up the career ladder. Your peers will also trust and respect your expertise more. Plus, more doors within your industry will open, giving you additional options when you want to shift careers.

While we’re still in the first month of 2023, start keeping up with industry trends while doing home-based work through these suggestions.

1. Maximise your social media

One of the most convenient tools for researching the top VA jobs and other topics is social networks. When there are major shifts in supply and/or demand, there is usually heavy discussion on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Consider looking at websites like Reddit, YouTube, and Instagram as well.

2. Consume more reading materials

When you want to learn about the best work from home jobs and related topics, you obviously look online and not on physical newspapers or books. Read all that you’re able about your industry by signing up for newsletters or following thought leaders. The Remote Workmate blog is an excellent source on home-based work.

3. Exchange ideas with your team

You’ll know that you’re part of a good team since they also have their eyes and ears on the ground. Suggest having a company-wide email thread where everyone may share interesting videos and articles about your field. A group chat on Slack is useful for sharing this kind of information too.

4. Participate in any industry events

Sign up for training, attend conventions, and join online communities about home-based professions and your industry in particular. When you have the opportunity and budget for it, take part in events physically to maximise the benefits of these gatherings.

5. Check interviews with thought leaders

Another great way to stay up-to-date with industry news is by reading or listening to interviews with leaders. These types of resources are more common than you think and are often found on related websites. Even a quick search on YouTube yields you with plenty of video interviews on remote VA jobs for work-life balance.

6. Try SEO research techniques

When a lot of people are searching for something on Google, chances are that it’s trending. This is why you must pay attention to the hottest keywords through tools like Google Trends. This method is also useful when researching virtual assistant jobs online for a career shift.

7. Branch out your networks

Get to know people who are in the same field as you whenever you have the chance. Regularly contact colleagues, partners, and clients about trends in their organisations for fresh ideas. Join Facebook Groups or Reddit forums about topics you’re interested in as it’s also effective for finding the best remote assistant jobs.

8. Keep watch on the competition

Other VAs are your rivals, especially when you’re looking for a virtual assistant hiring at the same time. This doesn’t mean you must stay away from them. Rather, look at what skills they’re honing or topics they’re researching to have an idea where you must grow too.

9. Engage with your employer’s customers

This doesn’t mean you must contact them directly using your employer’s social media accounts. Instead, it means soliciting feedback through surveys or polls with express permission from your client. Customer insight lets you forecast what target markets may want in the next few months.

10. Think more about the future

Remember that trends are different from fads, which are what’s hot at the moment but quickly fade away. For example, fidget spinners were popular but are no longer marketable at present. If you’re applying for a home-based job hiring, avoid suggesting the client give these away to VIP customers.

Find home-based online jobs in the Philippines

Since you have a better idea about the significance of industry trend research while working remotely, take a look at your career at the moment. Are you content with where you’re at now or do you desire to switch to virtual assistant jobs in the Philippines?

We at Remote Workmate are an offshore staffing agency specialising in connecting online professionals to global employers. Our openings vary according to the needs of our clients, from home-based day shift non voice roles to night-shift accounting voice positions.