Sarah Aviram has held Human Resources and Talent Development leadership roles within Fortune 500 consumer product organizations as well as in smaller, high-growth technology companies. She has worked remotely from 12 different countries and wrote the book “Remotivation: The Remote Worker's Ultimate Guide to Life-Changing Fulfillment”. She now has her own business empowering remote workers to stop the inertia of their unfulfilling lives and build ones full of the freedom, authenticity, and intention they desire (www.sarahaviram.com). Sarah holds a BA in Communications Studies from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Leadership and Change Management from New York University Stern School of Business.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I’ve spent most of my career in human resources and talent development leadership roles. These roles have taught me a lot about what motivates people to perform at their best and be fulfilled in their careers. From these experiences, my MBA in leadership and change management, and extensive personal research, I’ve created programs and processes that have helped thousands of people (including myself) have more fulfilling careers.

What inspired you to start your business?

In 2019, I worked remotely (for a company based in New York) while living in 12 countries in 12 months. The more time I spent with other remote workers, the more I realized that they still felt stuck and unfulfilled even with the freedom and flexibility of their lifestyle. Working remotely was only a band-aid solution for a deeper challenge - they didn’t find their work fulfilling. I leveraged my knowledge and experiences in Human Resources and Talent Development to write a book and build a business that would empower remote workers to create more fulfilling careers and lives.

Where is your business based?

My business is location independent. Currently, I’m in New York but my business is completely virtual and is wherever I am in the world at the moment.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I started by writing a book. I quickly realized that I could build a business based on the concepts from my book by conducting workshops and training for both organizations and individual remote workers.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The best way to raise awareness for my business has been to tap into my own professional network - people I’ve worked within the past that know the quality of my work and my character. They have helped me to spread the word about my new venture.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge has been in marketing.  It is a skill I never needed to develop in my previous corporate roles.  So learning how to write good marketing copy and how to best promote my business on different social media platforms has been challenging.  I’ve overcome this by taking a copywriting class and taking advantage of various online resources to help small business owners with marketing.

How do you stay focused?

I’m a big fan of the Pomodoro method - I set a timer on my phone for 25 minutes and I focus on one task for those 25 minutes.  If I need more time when the timer goes off, I simply set it again.  It’s a simple and effective method to stay productive.

 How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

There are tons of resources out there on how to become a remote worker but there aren’t a lot of resources to help you find more professional fulfillment once you’re already working remotely.  My book and business help remote workers have the freedom and flexibility they desire while not having to sacrifice their fulfilling careers.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Offering a free 42-page workbook at sarahaviram.com/book that includes all the exercises from my book, Remotivation: The Remote Worker’s Ultimate Guide to Life-Changing Fulfillment.  This gives people an opportunity to see what they can learn from reading the book to gain more context and what they will learn from signing up for my courses or hiring me to speak to their organizations.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

You can start making a name for yourself before you have any products or services on the market.  Establishing yourself as a thought leader now will put you in a great position once you start your business. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram posts or blogs are a great way to start.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s about what makes successful people successful. And it is full of interesting anecdotes, eye-opening stories, and inspirational messages.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I use the Self-Journal every day to organize my daily to-do list, write down my lessons learned, wins, and three pieces of gratitude every day.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Marie Forleo.  She has started the kind of 100% virtual business that I would like to have.  She also injects her authentic self and unique personality into every resource and service she provides without sacrificing her credibility and professionalism.

How do you balance work and life?

I schedule everything into my calendar - exercise, calls with friends, meals, etc.  It keeps me organized and focused on my priorities.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I meditate for 20 minutes each day - it’s the best way to reduce stress, rest the mind and body, and feel refreshed.

 What do you have planned for the next six months?

I’m planning to launch an 8-week transformational online course for remote workers to help them feel more fulfilled in their careers and beyond. 

 How can our readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me via email at sarah@sarahaviram.com or Instagram @sarahaviram