Category: VA / Freelancer Content

  • Portfolio Without Projects? Here’s What You Can Show Instead

    Portfolio Without Projects? Here’s What You Can Show Instead

    When I first transitioned from the ESL industry and explored opportunities in freelancing, I found myself without a single client to reference. I had no testimonials, no past projects, and no clear way to “prove” my capabilities on paper. What I did have, however, was time, initiative, and a strong desire to grow. Like many others, I had to ask myself, how can I showcase what I can do, even if I haven’t been paid to do it yet?

    This is a familiar question among aspiring freelancers and virtual assistants, especially those just starting out. But the truth is, a strong portfolio doesn’t always begin with client work. Sometimes, it starts with creativity, consistency, and the ability to show up before anyone claps for you.

    Rethinking the “Empty” Portfolio

    There is a common misconception that without paid projects or client testimonials, one’s portfolio is empty. In reality, your portfolio is not a record of who paid you—it’s a reflection of what you can offer. For me, staying consistent with my online presence became the foundation of my credibility. I regularly shared what I was learning on LinkedIn, interacted with fellow professionals, and made sure I remained visible within relevant circles.

    This practice allowed me to stay connected to trends and conversations, especially with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into digital workspaces. Even when I didn’t have clients, I made sure I was still learning and contributing. That presence alone helped build trust.

    What You Can Include in Your Portfolio (Even Without Clients)

    Here are several meaningful ways you can build a compelling portfolio—even if you’re just starting out:

    1. Skill Demonstrations
    Rather than listing your skills, demonstrate them. Record short videos showing how you organize an inbox, create a Canva post, or manage a calendar. Use tools like Loom or any screen recorder. This not only showcases your ability but also your approach and attention to detail—qualities clients care about.

    2. Personal Projects
    Your first project doesn’t need to come from a client. Create your own brand and develop assets around it. Build a content calendar, a sample website, or design social media posts for an imaginary product. These projects show initiative, creativity, and the ability to follow through.

    3. Case Studies from Courses
    If you’ve recently completed a course or training program, document what you’ve learned. Share your final outputs, explain your process, and reflect on what you improved. Even if it was practice, it counts as progress.

    4. Templates and Systems
    Any systems you’ve created—trackers, SOPs, planners—are portfolio-worthy. These demonstrate not only your organizational skills but also your capacity to anticipate the needs of a client. In my case, I would often build tools for my own workflows, which I later shared during interviews.

    5. Before-and-After Practice Samples
    Try reworking poor design samples or outdated content you find online (with proper disclaimers or credit). Showing a side-by-side comparison communicates your eye for detail and your design sensibility.

    6. Mock Client Scenarios
    Write out hypothetical client requests and demonstrate how you’d respond. This showcases your communication skills, which are incredibly important in freelance work. Clear communication builds trust, and this exercise can help prove that you understand how to engage professionally.

    Showcasing Your Work Without a Website

    When I started, I didn’t have a portfolio website. But that didn’t stop me from compiling and presenting my work. You can do the same with a Notion portfolio, a simple Google Drive folder, or even a free Carrd or Canva-based site. What matters is not how flashy it looks, but how thoughtfully it’s arranged and how clearly it tells your story.

    Building Credibility Beyond Work Samples

    Credibility isn’t only built through deliverables. It’s also reflected in how you interact with others. During my early days, I prioritized upskilling and staying visible. I regularly posted insights, commented on relevant posts, and engaged with others in the space. These small actions built my network—and eventually led to opportunities.

    I also believe deeply in the value of soft skills. In freelancing, it’s not enough to know how to execute a task. The ability to communicate well, understand a client’s needs, and collaborate meaningfully are often what sustain long-term working relationships. Being able to connect—to genuinely understand and respond—is what turns one-time gigs into repeat work.

    A Final Note for Fellow Beginners

    If you’re at the beginning of your freelance journey, remember this: you are not behind. You are not “less than” for not having clients yet. Every freelancer you admire started with nothing but willingness, effort, and proof of learning.

    Don’t wait to be chosen. Choose to start.
    Build something small, document what you’re doing, and keep showing up.

    And if you ever need help reviewing your portfolio, brainstorming ideas, or simply talking through your next steps—I’m happy to help. You’re not alone in this.

  • How to Work Ethically for Foreign Clients (Without Losing Your Soul or the Gig)

    How to Work Ethically for Foreign Clients (Without Losing Your Soul or the Gig)

    If you’ve been freelancing online for any amount of time—especially if you’re working with clients from abroad—you’ve probably realized two things:

    1. Yes, the opportunities are massive.
    2. No, getting the job isn’t the hard part. Keeping it is.

    And keeping it, frankly, isn’t about luck, charm, or being a “yes” person. It’s about ethics. Not just in the moral sense (though that’s part of it), but in how you present yourself, how you communicate, and how you operate as a professional. Because whether you’re a VA, a designer, a developer, or a generalist, how you work matters just as much—if not more—than what you can do.

    I’ve been on both sides of the table. I’ve hired. I’ve been hired. I’ve worked with clients in the U.S., Australia, Germany, and beyond. And I’ve seen how easily trust can be earned—or lost. So here’s my take on how to work ethically for foreign clients in a way that’s sustainable, smart, and built to last.

    1. Start With What You Actually Know—Not What You Wish You Knew

    Look, there’s no shame in being a beginner. But there is a problem when someone pretends to be an expert and can’t deliver.

    Clients aren’t just paying for a task to be done—they’re paying for peace of mind. They want to trust that when you say, “I can handle this,” you mean it.

    💡 Pro tip:
    If you’re applying for a job and you’re still learning a key skill, say so. “I’m confident with X, still learning Y, but I’m a fast learner and transparent in how I work.” That kind of honesty stands out more than you’d think.

    2. Set Expectations—Then Actually Meet Them

    Here’s where most breakdowns happen: communication.

    Whether it’s missed deadlines, silence after a task, or timezone drama, most clients don’t leave because the work was bad. They leave because they felt left in the dark.

    If you want to stand out: over-communicate.

    • Give status updates without being asked.
    • Flag issues early.
    • Set realistic deadlines (and meet them).
    • Let them know when you’re online—and more importantly, when you’re not.

    You don’t need to be awake at 3AM to be professional. But you do need to manage expectations around your availability.

    3. Price Like a Pro, Not Like You’re Desperate

    A lot of freelancers undervalue themselves—especially here in the Philippines. And I get it. You see listings that say “$2/hour” and you think that’s the norm.

    Here’s the truth: you don’t get better clients by charging less. You get better clients by charging appropriately—and backing it up with reliability, clarity, and results.

    That doesn’t mean you overcharge. But it does mean you stop lowballing yourself just to land a gig that won’t feed your future.

    🎯 Rule of thumb:
    Charge what’s fair for the value you bring, not just the time you spend.

    4. Don’t Just Do the Task—Be Part of the Solution

    The best freelancers don’t just “follow instructions.” They solve problems. They think a step ahead. They point out when something could be done better or faster.

    This doesn’t mean you overstep. It means you care.

    When a client sees that you’re invested—not just executing—they’re more likely to keep you on long-term, refer you, and treat you as part of the team (not just another expense).

    It’s also what separates a $3/hour worker from someone commanding $25/hour or more.

    5. Build Trust, Brick by Brick

    Trust is your most valuable currency as a freelancer. You earn it through consistency, clarity, and showing up even when things go sideways.

    And yes, sometimes clients ghost. Sometimes they flake. But that doesn’t mean you lower your standards. You set your bar—and keep it high.

    That means:

    • No disappearing acts.
    • No shortcut work with ChatGPT unless you disclose it (yes, seriously).
    • No passing tasks to someone else behind the scenes.

    Work in a way that you’d be proud of if the client read every Slack message, every line of code, or every spreadsheet formula.

    Because sometimes, they do.

    Final Word: Freelancing Isn’t a Side Hustle—It’s a Practice

    Working with foreign clients is a privilege. But more than that, it’s a responsibility. You represent not just yourself—but often the entire impression that client has of working with Filipino freelancers.

    And when we mess it up? We don’t just lose the gig—we lose trust for everyone else coming after us.

    So let’s raise the bar. Not just for ourselves, but for the industry.

    Work ethically. Communicate clearly. Price fairly. Stay curious. And always—always—deliver.

    That’s how you don’t just survive in this space.

    That’s how you lead in it.

    Got any questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments!