I have been replacing myself in my business by outsourcing work to the Philippines for over 10 years now. I also teach these principles to other business owners, showing how they can live the 17-hour workweek by having Filipinos work for them.
In my visit to the Philippines and my frequent emails with my Filipino staff, I have learned a lot about them. These qualities are the reason I have had a lot of success working with Filipino online specialists.
1. Filipinos are humble
If you’ve
- read any of my blog posts,
- listened to or watched any of my webinars/interviews, or
- know anything at all about the Replace Yourself and One VA Away system I teach,
you know that I emphasize training. It’s absolutely essential. Getting your Filipino VA off on the right foot begins with proper training.
As you search for a Filipino online specialist, you’ll no doubt come across people who have experience and skill in the areas you’re looking for. But they don’t know your business. So you have to teach them what to do and how to do.
Filipinos are excited, eager and willing to learn. Even if they’re experts in their field, they’re always learning. Experts can come off as arrogant and hard to work with. Not Filipinos. You won’t see that in people without humility.
Filipinos are easy to work with because they will listen. They want to understand your business. This makes the training and onboarding process easier and faster.
2. Filipinos have close family ties
For Filipinos, family is everything.
Filipinos value family relationships so much that even after they marry, it’s not uncommon for the newlyweds to live with their parents. Many Filipinos live with or near extended family members and relatives.
Because being with family is their top priority, working for an American business owner as a virtual assistant is a dream come true. This allows the Filipino to earn a good, steady income working from home.
No long commutes. No time away from loved ones. It’s the perfect situation.
I have found that this commitment to family is what fuels a Filipino’s work ethic. If they work for you, they’ll always do their best. They know hard work equals continued employment and a good life for their family.
3. Filipinos have a positive outlook
Imagine for a moment that you lived in a place where you experience 20 hurricanes a year. Pretty frightening thought, right? How do you repeatedly protect yourself from the massive storms? Where do you find the strength to rebuild homes, communities, and cities time after time?
This is exactly what Filipinos do. Every year roughly 20 typhoons (the equivalent of a hurricane in the Pacific Northwest) hits the islands.
These typhoons, sometimes called tropical cyclones, can bring winds in excess of 220 miles per hour. Years ago, a powerful typhoon known as Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines and claimed the lives of 6,300 people and injured nearly 29,000. In some cases, 90 percent of the affected cities were destroyed. The typhoon resulted in more than $2 billion (U.S. dollars) in damages.
Despite experiencing devastating typhoons year after year, the Filipino people move forward with resolve, resilience, and an optimistic attitude. They pick up the pieces and they get to work. I have seen it myself.
Once my Filipino VA contacted me, apologizing for being unable to work because a typhoon has wiped out their town. We’ve seen stories of Filipino workers who left behind all their possessions except their laptops. They are concerned about saving their work and just wanted to get back to work (and back to normal) as soon as possible.
These people don’t wallow in self-pity or despair. They take the time need to get back on their feet, then they get back to work. It’s an incredible example of commitment and resilience.
I’ve learned many valuable lessons observing how Filipinos respond to these disasters. If any group of people has reason to complain and be pessimists, it’s the Filipinos. But they’re not. And you can see it in their work.
4. Filipinos have a “Yes Attitude”
People often ask me, “Why don’t you outsource to India? Why the Philippines?”
Some large corporations outsource their work to India, but this isn’t the most effective approach for you as a business owner. Why? One of the biggest reasons is that with workers in India, the word “yes” doesn’t always mean what you think it means.
When I first began considering the idea of outsourcing my business needs, I spoke with John Bresee, co-founder of Backcountry.com, the online specialty retailer. He advised me to outsource to the Philippines instead of to India. I asked why. He said that in India, if you were to give an assignment, they’d usually say “yes”. But it’s not necessarily a “Yes, I understood what you said.” More like it’s a “Yes, I heard something come out of your mouth but I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”
They’re just saying “yes” to please you or get you to shut up. It doesn’t mean they understood what you said or understood the work they need to do.
It’s different in the Philippines. In my experience, when a Filipino says “yes,” it means “I understand, and I will do it.”
This “can-do, will-do” attitude will give you a huge advantage in your business. You know exactly what you’re getting. It gives you the opportunity to assign more challenging projects.
5. Filipinos have a need to please
Filipinos are happy people. They want everybody around them to be happy as well. It’s in their nature. This mindset carries over into their work.
Filipinos who work for you will value the job. They are grateful for the chance to be employed and want to remain employed for as long as possible. They’ll do their best to meet your expectations. And when they know that you’re happy with the results, it makes them happy as well.
This positive energy, it’s really infectious. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of hiring Filipino VAs.
The beauty of outsourcing to the Philippines is that both my Filipino VAs and I have benefitted from it tremendously. We’re all living our dream lives. We all get to spend most of our time with our families. We all get to provide for them comfortably. And I get to work with a wonderful team who are just as invested in my business and my well being as I am with theirs.
We’re different but we all want what’s best for each other. We’re all family.
About John Jonas
John Jonas is a long-time outsourcing expert and the creator of OnlineJobs.ph.
Since 2005, John has taught hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs how to profitably delegate to VAs in the Philippines (and get their lives back in the process).
With help from his own VAs based in the Philippines, John has created an outsourcing empire that allows him to work 17 hours/week and to spend most of his time with his wife and 5 kids.
Find John at JohnJonas.com and Facebook.
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Hi John I’ve been reading your blogs and that makes me proud and inspired for being Filipino, appreciate!!. I created a profile in onlinejobs.ph and hopefully find a right employer in the future.
Good luck on your job hunt!
How do I know how much to pay a filipeeno worker for part time internet research work?
Is there a going rate?
We have this guide that might be helpful: http://www.onlinejobs.ph/blog/comprehensive-guide-to-virtual-assistant-salaries-in-the-philippines
How to get Work and salary here
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
pwede ba mag apply non voice mam? interesado po ako thank you
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
Just read your notes. Totally agree with you, a truly amazing nation and people.
Just posted my opening for Architectural Designer-s look forward to suitable response.
That’s awesome Ivan! Good luck!
I have been on onlinejobs.ph for nearly 3 weeks with not much luck. my experience has been that most of the people I’ve hired are very unreliable. I am just giving them one task at a time.
@Kate – I’m sorry to hear you haven’t had success.
I don’t think you’re going to like to hear this, but usually when I find someone hiring multiple people and none of them are working out, it’s usually not the Filipino workers who are causing the failure.
Filipinos, are very reliable.
They REALLY want the job you just hired them to do.
Usually, when they become “unreliable” or when they disappear/don’t communicate, it’s because they don’t understand what you’re asking them to do or you’re asking them to do something which they don’t know how to do. Even though your instructions might seem clear to you, most of the time when I look at the instructions given in these situations, they’re not clear and I understand why the Filipino didn’t do the work.
Before letting your next worker go, you might consider what you’re asking them to do and if it’s reasonable.
Also, here are a couple things you might want to read:
http://www.onlinejobs.ph/blog/7-secrets-of-finding-and-recruiting-great-filipino-vas
http://www.onlinejobs.ph/blog/day-1-filipino-va
http://www.onlinejobs.ph/blog/hiring-checklist-the-essentials-to-starting-your-va-off-on-the-right-foot
If you still struggle, let us know. We’ll help as best we can.
Yes I redy to apply
Hi, please let me know via email how this works. I am willing to try. Thanks for the opportunity.
Hi, please send me an email on how this works. Im interested to apply. Thank you!
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
I want to apply on this job I’m Ronnie Adriano 34yrs old Colleges Graduate i hope im Hired thank you and Godbless.
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
HI I want to apply as a call center agent outbound, Though this is my first time but I will do my very best to serve this company. I have already experience in selling products and I made a lot of sales.I can communicate english well since I took up Bachelor of Arts major in English.. And I am willing to be trained. Thank you.!
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
yes i m ready apply the job.
Hello, my name is Michael and I live in California USA.. My dream is to relocate to the Philippines, live and work there, I love it there. I’m Hispanic and speak fluent English and Spanish, English being my first language. I have 25 years experience in Retail Management and Operations. After taking the proper steps, would hiring a person like myself be a possibility?
Thank you for your time and consideration
Michael Moreno
Sure Michael!
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
Hi, do your VA’s work for companies all over the world? For example a company in Nigeria, or is it just the USA?
They work for companies all over the world.
Hi
How many job I applying i can receive any notifications but Ibeleive someday I find my employeer thru your help. Thanks
We have a resources here that might be helpful:
http://www.onlinejobs.ph/blog/category/jobseeker-tips
Me too! I’ve been applying on jobs but haven’t hired yet. It’s been 4 years since I registered here but got no jobs yet. Please help!
Hi Marj!
We have a resources here that might be helpful:
http://www.onlinejobs.ph/blog/category/jobseeker-tips
Hello.. i want to apply my work experience in saudi arabia. My contuct # 0534147605
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
Your website is not working again. I can not search for VA’s…it just keeps routing me over and over again to a message telling me that there isn’t anybody. I have sent 2 emails to get this situation resolved b/c I already paid for a membership.
We apologize for the inconvenience Brent. We came across some technical problems over the weekend. We assure you that the website is now back in good working condition and you can resume your search.
Please kindly screen your posting also, so insulting about how much they offering for a graphic design. Please promote us with dignified compensation. imagine, they offering a 2dollars for a logo designs. 2 dollars is only for 250ml soda drinks.
Hello sir,
Very well written article, as a freelancer, can relate to the facts that we posses those attitudes and characteristics you’ve mentioned. I really appreciate your effort writing this. Freelancing has been my life for the past 6 years and onlinejobs.ph helps me a lot! I mean A LOT! Thank you for everything, from earning a 4 digit monthly up to 6 digit helps a lot to my family. Thank you to the onlinejobs.ph for serving as a bridge to opportunities.
Very inspiring! This is my first time in onlinejobs.ph. After 1 week of job hunting thru this website someone message for an interview this coming Wednesday, March 23, 2016. I am very thankful I found this amazing online jobs for Filipinos Sir John Jonas. Wish me luck for my interview. God bless and more power!
I’m just quite newbie on this site and I finally hired as a part-time job with a great client from australia but hoping to find an employer who can offer me a full time and long term basis :)) hopefully! Anyway, thank you for this site this really helped me a lot and to all filipino workers outhere!
I’m quite happy I found the right track how to find good job opportunities online..I am newly registered recently last year and suddenly had a great job from an American accounting firm..Thank you very much for this site… And i’m still willing to have an additional one..
Hi!
I was so inspired by the blog. By the way, I just signed up just last 5 days ago I think, and after 2 days, somebody posted for a job, honestly, I’m doing such job in reality not virtually.. I am so hopeful to get that job, I’m on the second level of the application process and I am very nervous. I admit, though I went to a lot of work experiences, but this is quite challenging..I hope I can make it. I am so excited for this new world.Praying here.:)
Good luck on your job hunt Mary!
HI, Please send on my email the reply thanks
Dear Sir Jonas:
Your appreciation of Filipinos as a virtual assistant left me teary eyed. Thank you for having such a generous heart for us Filipinos.
I am a 57-year old woman, married and unemployed. I have worked as a bookkeeper and as a government employee before but at present I am a stay-at-home housewife.
I already register with your online company and also took the English Test but not the IQ and the DISC test yet. I got a C2 level result for this. I already sent the screenshot copy of this result to testing@onlinejobs.ph.
I also tried applying for a bookkeeper position and also downloaded the Xero Accounting apps. I have no knowledge yet of how to use the Xero Accounting & the Gusto payroll system.
Hoping someone will be interested in hiring me as a stay-at-home virtual assistant.
Thank you so much for trusting us, Filipinos. God bless!
Sincerely,
Ruby B. Sales