Follow Directions; it's important.

It's something we've been taught since we were tiny humans. As kids, our parents teach us to follow directions and when we start school our teachers instill the same principle into our make-up. Follow directions they say, it's important.

As adults, we read directions for many things. How to cook, bake, operate appliances and gadgets. We normally read instructions and directions, unless we think we already know what to do. How simple of a concept but how great an impact it can have on your life without even realizing it at the time.

Are you one to read the instructions for new purchases you make? I will read them even if I think I already know, because you never know when you might miss a step and screw something up or break it before you can even use it. I feel it is important to know everything I can about an object before I operate it; that's just how my brain works.

Little did I know that following one simple direction would impact my life the way it has. A couple years ago I decided to start my own business as a Virtual Assistant. I needed something to do from home that would allow me to be here for my kids and my family but still make an income using my education and skill set I had worked so hard to build. I did a ton of research and set out to find my first client. I joined Facebook groups dedicated to matching businesses with Virtual Assistants and spent a lot of time browsing through opportunities.

Finally, I came across one that really struck a cord with me. The job description was very vague but something about the post intrigued me. It said, "Virtual Assistant Needed. Please email us and tell us how you like to make a difference." I found this very intriguing as most of the postings I had come across mentioned what the job was and all of the different skills needed to apply. This one didn't. This one just wanted to know what I did to make a difference. I replied. I emailed and answered the only question they asked. I told them that I liked to make a difference by empowering and supporting women close to me and in my community.

Not long after I sent my email I received a reply. It said to please read the job description that was attached and reply if I thought I would be a good fit. I opened the attachment and read the description. They also had some questions listed at the very bottom of the description that I needed to answer when I replied. I followed all of the steps and directions they asked me to and after a couple phone interviews they decided I was a good fit and offered me the position. They told me that I was the only one who answered their first question and also read the entire job description to find the questions at the end.

I was astonished that no one else paid attention and noticed what I had. Would it have been easier to just email and ask what the job description was and not follow the directions they laid out? Of course, but was it really that hard for me to take time to read and pay attention? No, it wasn't. Had I not followed the directions and read with great detail I would have missed out on one of the best opportunities I have ever come across. I would have also never had the chance to work with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I've been working with this awesome group of people for almost 2 years now and it's been one of the best experiences I have had in my professional and personal life.

So, take your time, read the directions, and pay attention to those details. You never know when one simple instruction could change the whole direction of your life.

xoxo - sarah