Katie Watts’ Post

What if the life-changing opportunity you’re waiting for is waiting for you to make the first move? Sometimes, we think that doing great work or simply existing is enough to draw opportunities and connections our way. But here’s the truth: opportunity often shows up when we step outside our comfort zone and actually look for it. It’s not about being pushy; it’s about being present, proactive, and kind. I used to hesitate, thinking, “If they need me, they’ll come.” But eventually, I realized that people are often busy, preoccupied, or simply unaware that I have something valuable to share. By reaching out first—whether it’s through a friendly introduction, volunteering to help, or sharing a useful resource—I learned that my network and possibilities grew tremendously. You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to step forward, branch out, and show the world who you are. 💫 #Networking #Proactive #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerJourney

The more I talk to employees, the more I realise what troubles them! And this is one common issue amongst new employees - How to make new friends? 💁🏻♀️ Yes, it is natural to feel lost in an organisation initially and find yourself amongst set groups. But don't let that fear make you feel all alone. Here are some ways you can approach new friends at work: 1. Be the one to take the first step! I know all that fear to approach first is intimidating but saying a 'hello' cannot be all that hard right? When you take the first step, the right ones take two steps more! 2. Put yourself out there MORE No, you don't come to work to stay hidden behind a screen. Join those volunteering activities, reading clubs, attend courses, and expose yourself to more people. 3. Make the effort to stay in touch! When you leave an organisation, don't leave your friendships. Take the initiative to keep in touch. While the friendship flows organically, good bonds also require effort. Keep your friends around :') Who's that one person you created a solid bond at work? Tag them below! #Relationships #Lifeatwork #Networking #Friendship

Making New Friends as an Adult: The Struggle is Real Let’s be honest—making new friends as an adult is like climbing a hill in slippers. Since I left paid employment six years ago, I’ve realized something: I haven’t made a single new real friend. Plenty of acquaintances, sure, but that ride-or-die, call-them-at-midnight type? Nope. Why? Because making friends now feels like a chore. I’ve developed a sixth sense for spotting fake people—those who smile in your face but talk behind your back, or only show up when they need something. I just don’t have the energy for that anymore. But let’s face it—life makes adult friendships harder. When you’re younger, friendships form naturally. School, work, and shared experiences build connections. But as an adult? Work, family, and life take over, and suddenly, making deep connections seems impossible. That said, I’ve learned it’s not impossible—it’s just different. Shared interests help. Joining a book club, attending workshops, or volunteering for causes you care about can bring like-minded people into your circle. But meaningful connections take effort—especially when trust doesn’t come easy. Is it worth it? Absolutely. One or two true friends can make all the difference. So how do you build meaningful connections outside your usual circle? Do you join groups, attend events, or let things happen naturally? I’d love to hear your tips! #AdultFriendships #BuildingConnections #PersonalGrowth #FriendshipStruggles #SocialLife #MeaningfulRelationships #LifeAfterWork #iamsolaokunkpolor

Today, let’s take a moment to reflect on Children’s Day by looking at how we, as adults, navigate our lives. Once upon a time, building sandcastles was our biggest concern, while now we’re busy constructing careers. Childhood dreams were often about being superheroes, whereas adult aspirations seem to revolve around climbing the corporate ladder. In our youth, playdates were our source of joy; today, networking events often replace them but can sometimes leave us feeling more isolated. The thrill of exchanging stickers has morphed into the pressure of exchanging business cards. Remember when making friends was as simple as sharing a toy? Today, forging connections feels like navigating a maze of social media algorithms and office politics. That same carefree spirit of collaboration we had on the playground often gets overshadowed by competition for promotions and recognition. This Children’s Day, let’s reclaim that simplicity and joy, even if just for a moment. Let’s reconnect with our youthful selves who found delight in the little things. After all, it's not every day we are reminded to find happiness beyond success and to cherish the playful aspects of life, no matter our age. Let’s celebrate that spirit today.

💡 Engaging with Your Community: A Path to Making a Difference and Growing Professionally As the weather warms and summer approaches, many of us are looking ahead to the exciting plans we have with our families and friends. Amid this excitement, I encourage you to also consider ways to give back to your community! Giving back not only helps those in your community, it is also a powerful driver of personal and professional development. By actively participating in community activities, you can expand your network, develop new skills, enhance your reputation, find fulfillment, and continuously learn and grow, all of which can significantly impact your career. 🤝 Expanding Your Network: Volunteering and participating in community events introduces you to a diverse group of people, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. 🎓 Developing New Skills: Community involvement often pushes you out of your comfort zone, helping you develop valuable skills like leadership, project management, and communication. 🌟 Enhancing Your Reputation: Consistent, meaningful engagement demonstrates your commitment, reliability, and empathy, which can enhance your professional reputation and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. ❤️ Finding Fulfillment: There's immense satisfaction in contributing to something greater than yourself. This sense of purpose can translate into greater motivation and productivity in your career. 🌱 Learning and Growing: Every interaction and experience within your community is a learning opportunity, offering fresh perspectives and ideas that can inspire innovation in your professional life. Remember, career growth isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder—it's also about cultivating relationships and contributing to the well-being of those around you. By investing in your community, you're not just enhancing your career; you're enriching your life and the lives of others. Comment below on how you are impacting your community this summer! Let's make a difference together! 🌍💼 #CommunityEngagement #CareerGrowth #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #GivingBack

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a post by the incredible Damilola Aremu. She said something that struck a chord (in the way I understood it): "When you’re in between clients or looking to grow, volunteering can be a powerful way to keep your skills sharp." So, I took a leap and offered to volunteer as a Virtual Assistant for a company I admired. The director texted back saying she wasn’t looking for a VA right now but appreciated my enthusiasm. I smiled, told myself it was worth trying, and went on with life. Fast forward two (or three—I’ve lost count because life is busy) weeks later, she emailed me. She said, "Lucy, I’d love to have you onboard, I received so many emails, but you stood out because of your endearing spirit and how smart and enthusiastic you sounded." Lesson learned: enthusiasm + action = opportunities. Volunteering isn’t just about keeping your skills fresh; it’s about creating connections and showing the world what you’re capable of, even when no one’s hiring yet. So if you’re in between clients or waiting for that next big break, don’t just sit around refreshing your inbox. Find a project or cause that excites you, and volunteer. The skills you gain and the connections you build might just be the bridge to your next role. Thank you, Damilola Aremu, for inspiring this leap. To my fellow professionals: what’s one way you’ve creatively kept your skills sharp during transitions? Let’s share and learn. #VirtualAssistant #CareerGrowth #Volunteering #ProfessionalDevelopment #FreelancerLife #Opportunities #KeepLearning #DamilolaAremuInspo #VAJourney #CareerTips

Since stepping back from a full-time role at the end of August, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what I love most, where I bring the most value, and how I can shape the next steps in my career to thrive both personally and professionally. As I’ve reviewed my LinkedIn posts, resume, talked with friends and colleagues, and increased my community volunteering, a few key themes have emerged: ✨ I’m passionate about people. I love building relationships and finding ways to create connections. Even when a partnership seems challenging, by understanding the people involved, I’ve been able to create meaningful programs and events that have grown and thrived over the years. ✨ I value tradition, history, and meaning. In college, I served as my sorority’s ritual chair, where I embraced the values behind our traditions. Later, as I helped organize events for the President’s Office at Grand Valley State University, I learned the art of etiquette. As a military spouse, I’ve come to cherish the pomp, circumstance, and traditions of military service, mastering protocol to ensure our high-profile guests feel confident and comfortable at every event. ✨ I love a great party! Looking back at two decades of professional experience, I’ve helped plan and execute some incredible events! Events are powerful tools to tell an organization’s story and foster new relationships. ✨ Working for a cause inspires me to work harder. When I’m passionate about a cause—whether it’s Girl Scouts of the USA, military families, voting access, or Girls on the Run International—it fuels my creativity and dedication. I love sharing the stories of why these organizations matter and working to amplify their impact. Now comes the next step: How do I channel these passions into a fulfilling career that brings value to individuals, businesses, and organizations?

It's the end of the month! May has been amazing - I've been exploring, learning, and developing myself on my career path. One of the highlights of this month for me was volunteering with the Young Foundation Line for Social Development. Taking on a volunteer role can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, providing both a sense of purpose and various benefits. Some of the benefits are; *Gaining new skills and experiences Building connections and networking opportunities *Enhancing your resume and career prospects *Developing a sense of empathy and understanding for others *Contributing to a cause you're passionate about *Improving mental and physical health through social interaction and activity Learning about different industries and sectors *Building confidence and self-esteem Creating meaningful relationships and friendships *Making a positive impact on your community and the world. Volunteering is a wonderful way to contribute, learn, and develop – both personally and professionally. So, embrace volunteer opportunities and explore the benefits they offer! #Youthfoundationlineforsocialdevelopment #digitalwitchsupportcommunity #virtualassistance #inboundandoutbound #customersupport #telemarketing #emailmarketing

𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐭? As for me. I like to think of myself as a behind-the-scenes '𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍' who keeps everything running smoothly. When people hear '𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭' they often think of someone just typing away at a computer. But the truth? It’s so much more than that. Here is how I would describe what I do: 📍 𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐮. 📍 𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞. 📍𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨. 📍 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫. But here’s the fun part. I don’t just “𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭.” I help businesses "𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞" by removing the overwhelming part and letting my clients focus on what they do best. Today is 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘 and it is the perfect day to share a bit more about what we do behind the scenes. It is also a reminder that our work is valuable, impactful and worth celebrating. Now it’s your turn. What’s the one thing about your job that people 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 seem to understand? 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘!🎉 You already know how we do it, party is in the comments section. P.S: Describe yourself and what you 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐃𝐎 in your job. P.P.S: Don't forget to connect, network and also engage with other people🤗 #30dayslinkedingrowthchallenge #49daysvalinkedinbootcampwithtma #day32ofvalinkedinbootcamp #SocialSaturday #VirtualAssistantLife #WorkBehindTheScenes #CommunityBuilding #VAservices #ProfessionalGrowth

Are You Hitting a Wall in Your Career? Remember the early days of your career? The energy, the excitement, the hustle. You networked at every event, raised your hand for volunteer opportunities, showed up to happy hours, and connected with anyone who might open a door to your future. You invested in relationships and built bridges. But then life happened. Promotions came, responsibilities grew, and time became a luxury. Slowly, the networking dwindled. Happy hours became fewer and further between. Volunteering was put on the back burner. You stayed focused, doing your job exceptionally well and climbing the ladder. Then, one day, you hit the wall—that point where growth feels stagnant, opportunities seem scarce, and you’re wondering what’s next. Here’s the truth: that wall isn’t the end; it’s a challenge. And the key to breaking through? Rekindling the energy you had when your career began. It’s time to reconnect, reengage, and reignite your passion. ✔️ Start networking like it’s your first day on the job. ✔️ Get back into the habit of volunteering—it opens doors and hearts. ✔️ Revisit those happy hours or coffee chats—they’re more than social; they’re strategic. Your next breakthrough isn’t out of reach; it just takes a little spark to get the momentum rolling. So, I ask you: What’s one thing you’ll do this week to reignite your career drive? Need guidance on how to get started? Let’s connect. Together, we can shatter that wall and create a path toward your next level. #CareerGrowth #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #BreakThroughTheWall