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Nerrizza "Nerri" Nicor didn't picture herself as a leader. A self-described introvert with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Nerri found her niche as a virtual employee, working from the comfort of her home in the Philippines.
But when HireSmart Virtual Employees offered a leadership class, Nerri's perspective changed. "I was afraid," she admits, "but then I realized that as a virtual employee, I did not have five or 10 years of experience. I needed to have something more."
Nerri, a delinquency coordinator for a U.S. community association management agency, exemplifies the commitment to continuous improvement she shares with so many of her HireSmart teammates. She wants to invest in herself, and HireSmart is thrilled to invest in her and all of its VEs to help them shape a brighter future for themselves and their clients.
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That's why HireSmart co-founder Anne Lackey holds an annual leadership course for VEs, a way for them to gain the skills and confidence needed to grow into leadership positions.
From Hesitation to Empowerment
The leadership class covers a range of topics, from time management to goal setting, all tailored to the unique challenges faced by virtual employees. For Nerri, one of the most impactful aspects was hearing Anne's personal experiences building HireSmart.
"What resounded with me the most is that Anne mentioned there are a lot of opinions around her, but she would only listen to opinions that would actually reflect what she wants HireSmart to be in the future, or the opinions of people that actually propelled their careers or their businesses into success," said Nerri.
The HireSmart VE said Anne's course gave her a greater perspective on success while boosting her confidence.
"I have more confidence now," she said. "Sometimes I think successful people just got there overnight. But when Anne shared her experiences, it wasn't very easy from the beginning. There is actually a stairway that gets harder the more you go up. It was very humbling and also very inspiring at the same time."
This confidence translates into more effective work. Nerri feels more equipped to handle challenges and contribute meaningfully to her team. She also said it's a joy to work with her clients.
"Everyone on the accounting team has been very supportive," she says. "You just really need to know how to ask the right questions and when to ask them."
This ability to communicate effectively and take initiative is crucial in a virtual setting, where clear communication and self-motivation are paramount.
HireSmart's Comprehensive Support for Virtual Employees
While the leadership class is a standout feature of HireSmart's commitment to its VEs, it's just one part of a comprehensive support system.
HireSmart's investment in its VEs goes beyond the workplace. The company offers health and dental benefits, educational scholarships for VEs' children, and even financial support during times of crisis, such as when Typhoon Rai hit the Philippines in 2021. VEs also become part of a supportive community, with access to resources for personal and professional growth.
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This combination of professional opportunity, personal support, and community creates an environment where VEs can thrive, grow, and build long-term, fulfilling careers in the virtual employment space.
Nerri says HireSmart has improved her family's lives. She lives with her mom, Nathalie; father, Reyman; brother, Reyman Jr.; and grandfather, Nathaniel — and two dogs, Shine and Knight.
The avid reader and painter said her civil engineering degree didn't translate into the salary she needed.
"Civil engineering is a very competitive industry, even here in the Philippines, but the salaries, just wanting to be honest, the salary isn't competitive itself," she said. "It's not equivalent to the work that you've put in. And through my work, through the work from home (with HireSmart) the salary is very, very good, as well as the benefits."
Nerri found previous online employers to be "fishy." But she said HireSmart has been open and honest about everything.
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"That's why I'm very grateful for HireSmart because everything has been transparent," she said. "I'm joining a company that's already communicated everything they need in a person, what they expect from you, and what you should expect from them. So I was very happy to be able to join."
Creating Value for Clients Through Employee Growth
The benefits of this comprehensive support and leadership training are significant for clients partnering with HireSmart. They gain access to a workforce skilled in their specific roles and equipped with leadership capabilities and a growth mindset. This means virtual employees can take on more complex tasks, show greater initiative, and provide more strategic value to the businesses they support.
As Nerri puts it, "Unless you try and push yourself to learn, you don't know what the future holds. So just keep trying." This willingness to take on new challenges is precisely what many businesses look for in their team members, whether in-house or virtual.
HireSmart's investment in its VEs is all about building an environment for success for all involved. Virtual employees like Nerri gain valuable skills, confidence, and a supportive work environment, enhancing their career prospects and job satisfaction. Clients, in turn, benefit from working with more capable, motivated, and proactive virtual team members.
By empowering virtual employees to grow professionally, HireSmart is not just filling positions — it's building careers and enhancing the overall quality of virtual workforce solutions.
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HireSmart's approach offers a compelling proposition for businesses considering virtual employment solutions: access to skilled and confident team members equipped with leadership skills and a commitment to excellence.
If this sounds like the right place for you, click here to apply to HireSmart Virtual Employees.