Today we’re joined by Tricia Sciortino, the CEO of BELAY, discussing top traits of the top 3% of applicants to this successful VA agency. What separates average freelancers from extraordinary freelancers? Join us as we outline the essential soft skills you need to embody so you can build the best possible freelance or virtual assistant business for yourself!   Podcast Outline: [0:42] Introduction to Tricia Sciortino and the topic of key traits that separate average from exceptional freelancers - Tricia tells the story of how she entered the remote workspace and what led her to become the CEO of BELAY. [5:13] How remote work trends shaped Tricia’s business and what she’s seen happen during the pandemic - Tricia describes how it’s been a season of growth and education. [9:32] How the VA industry has introduced a new life with new income opportunities and freedoms people have never tapped into before [11:07] The onboarding process at BELAY - Tricia explains how recruitment works and how it focuses on the top 3% of applicants.  [14:39] How a comprehensive vetting process can be valuable - Tricia reassures us that the vetting process allows for both VAs and clients to have a quality experience.    [16:23] Common Traits of the Top 3% of Successful Freelancers and VAs [17:25] #1 Resourcefulness - teaching yourself how to do tasks so you take the burden of proof from your client. [18:18] #2 Proactivity - getting ahead and projecting what’s next so you can get ahead of your client. [21:24] #3 Self-discipline - being intrinsically self-motivated and self-guided in how you schedule and keep yourself on task. [23:35] Final tips for people who would like to join BELAY or be a successful freelancer - Tricia shares advice for traits and education to pursue. [26:01] Next steps to take if you’d like to be a contractor with BELAY [26:37] How to learn more about hard skills training at Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University     Learn more about Tricia Sciortino: Tricia’s book - Rise Up and Lead Well The One Next Step podcast   BELAY    The BELAY Jobs page   Inc. 5000 list Google  LinkedIn