Why I Want to be a Virtual CEO (Part 1 of 3)
by Chris C. Ducker
19. Jul, 2010 
43 Comments
Location: The Beach, Cebu – Reading / Viewing Time: 4mins
Last week I pulled my family out of the city and escaped to one of the many fantastic beach resorts we are blessed with, here in Cebu City, Philippines – getting a taste of the Virtual CEO life, shall we say! Whilst there, we stayed three nights and completely ‘let go’ of everything. I worked seamlessly (about 5 hours a day) throughout the trip – even to the point where one of my managers sent me an email to ask if ‘he could come to my office to discuss a few things when I had time’. He had no idea I wasn’t in the building! Now, THAT’S what I’m talking about!
As I’m at the half-way point on my quest to become a Full-Time Virtual CEO, a goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year, I thought it might be nice to shoot a little series of videos, whilst on this latest little getaway, to give you an insight as to the three main reasons that are spurring me on to accomplishing this year long mission!
This is the first of three clips I filmed when we were away, the second and third will be posted Wednesday and Friday, respectively. They are short and sweet, and to the point. You can subscribe to the RSS Feed if you like, or to the YouTube Channel to make sure you dont miss out on any of my videos / posts.
Hope you enjoy this little series of Virtual CEO videos, and I look forward to hearing from you on them, as always, in the comments below.
By the end of 2010, I want to be a Full-Time Virtual CEO. Take the journey with me, month-by-month to find out how I'm going to do it! I’m a 19-year sales, marketing and PR professional originally from the UK and an entrepreneur at heart. I’m also the CEO of the Live2Sell Group of Companies, a thriving total business outsourcing provider based in Cebu City, Philippines.
Wish you luck, man! Your blog is really inspirational!
Thanks for the comment… And kind words.
Hope you stick around for the other two reasons this week…
The last one is what its really all about.
Chris
Halfway through ? Nice !
The weather is looking a bit gray-ish in your video, but I’m sure it’s still nice !
It must be goood to escape the office life at least for a few days. Hah.
Soon it will be a major part of your life !
Exciting journey !
Hi Mars
Yep – I thought we were destined for rain that day – but, it held out. And the next day was awesome (as you’ll see in the 2nd video!).
Major part of my life………. Nice.
Chris
It’s always nice to be location independent and the fact that you can do that from anywhere in the world is amazing! Best wishes to you finishing the rest of the year off towards your goal. The time will fly by and you’ll be there in no time!
Anna
Hi Anna
A pleasure to hear from you, as always.
I tell you, the first 6 months have literall flown by. I expect nothing less from the 2nd half of the year.
Drop by for the 2nd and 3rd videos this week – you’ll enjoy them, I know it.
Cheers,
Chris
I’m following you closely Chris. My plan is to be the virtual CPA instead of CEO, but I am getting fantastic inspiration and great information from your blog.
Tyler
Its comments like this that keep me going, bud – thank you.
Sometimes, it can be hard. a year-long goal isn’t the easiest to follow and keep to, as most will appreciate. But, in my case, it was and IS necessary.
Thank you a) for the support, and b) for the equal amount of inspiration.
Much appreciated!
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thanks for sharing your “Whys”, the all important driver inside of the “What.”
Great video and a beautiful visual. Enjoy!
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Ryan
Thanks for the feedback – appreciated.
Trust me, the 2nd and more importantly, the 3rd video will give you a REAL insight.
I look forward to your additional comments on this series of clips.
Thanks again, bud.
Chris
Hello Chris!
You are looking splendid against the backdrop of your “beach office” surroundings! That’s fantastic!
I have great admiration that you paid close attention to how your priorities have shifted over time, and that you went into action creating a life that’s in alignment with what’s most important to you…present time.
Cheering you on as you continue on your path to manifesting the life you can feel good about, both personally and professionally.
Look forward to your trilogy of videos!
All the best,
Alicia
Hi Alicia
Thanks so much for your comment. Your first I believe (lots more to come, I hope).
Its interesting that you write ‘manifesting the life you can feel good about’. So often in life people DONT feel good about what they are doing. That, to me, is just mental…! You only live once. Better make it a great life, I say.
Thanks again for your kind words, and I am sure you’ll enjoy the next two videos this week.
All the best,
Chris
Hi Chris. Thanks for the video tips that are really inspiring a motivating me. It seem I’m slightly getting addicted. This business/lifestyle model really fits my shoes. Can’t wait till I give you video my feed baks sharing my experiences. Wish all the best. Keep rocking. Valerio
Valerio – Nice to see you commenting on the blog again, my friend.
I would love to see some video feedback from you – that would be awesome! Glad you’re enjoying the videos so much, too.
Say ‘hi’ to Rome from me!
Regards,
Chris
Agree with you Chris. It is really nice to be location independent. Going and working from wherever you want.
Good luck in achieving your goal to be a full time Virtual CEO. I’ll be staying tuned.
Abigail
HI Abigail
Nice to hear from you! And thanks for sticking around on my goal, too.
Yep – there’s nothing better than being able to stick your laptop in your bag and work from anywhere!
All the best,
Chris
While some people want to become virtual CEO, I want to become a virtual teacher. I know it is possible, but I do not have the right knowledge at the moment.
But, planning is have the fun. It’ll happen soon.
Thanks for the inspiration, Chris.
Hey John
Virtual Teacher – so doable, buddy. People learn things online all the time, everyday.
Go looking for the answers, I’m very positive you’ll find them.
Thanks for the comment.
Chris
Great video Chris.
I’ve read that the Philippines, particularly Cebu City has lots of white sandy beaches. How true is that? I guess that’s a perfect place to come and find my own VAs, so I can also be like you.
Thanks,
Chloe
Hi Chloe
Lovely name, my daughters name, in fact!
Yes, the Philippines has some great beaches and the scuba / snorkeling is awesome! You should visit sometime soon.
Plenty of VAs here, we’ll help you find one, dont worry.
Best,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thank you for sharing this video clip. I am looking forward to watching part 2 and 3 this week.
Cheers,
Alicia
Hey Alicia
I’m also looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the next couple of clips, too.
This one has got some nice attention, so hopefully it will follow suit.
Thanks for the comment and for dropping by.
All the best,
Chris
Hi Chris
I’m quite reluctant of taking my eyes off my business full time, however the idea of not going into the office everyday is very attractive.
There is just a lot of things to consider. However, after reading your post, I’m actually going to look into it a little more.
Its great that I’ve found your blog, Chris. Thanks for putting such a great info portal together.
I am Hoping all the best for you.
Gary
Hi Gary
I hear ya man, really, I do.
But, the bottom line is that I simple cannot get to launching my other projects and expanding my business empire (there’s a hint on the second video which goes live tomorrow!) if I am stationed in an office everyday.
I’m glad that the post has made you ’see the light’ a little.
Stay tuned, my man – more to come!
Chris
Can’t wait for the next two videos Chris! I am really excited to see how your story goes. I really like the way you’re so motivated on this one goal and look forward to geting more inspiration from you soon.
Thanks a lot Man!
Gabriel
Hi Gabriel
The ’story’ (seems weird saying that!) is going to continue until the end of the year I assure you, it is a plan in progress.
Motivation is the one thing I’ve never really had issues with – nor is passion or the ability to execute. The one issue now is TIME. Too many plans, not enough time… It will come though, and when it does… Boy oh boy, I’m off to the races, I tell ya!
Thanks for the nice comment, I appreciate it.
Chris
Hey Chris, your idea to take advantage of a local resort to test drive your virtual work plans is absolutely brilliant. It enables you to shake out any potential problems while still being able to intervene and recover if anything goes severely off track.
And for those who haven’t been there, if you’re considering a visit to the Philippines, I highly recommend it. The resort that I visited in Cebu was very nice indeed. Too bad I got a wicked sunburn while scaring my nieces and nephews to death on a jetski
Note to self: don’t forget sunscreen next time.
Hi Mike
Yes, this is the thing – test and test again. So far, so good.
I hear you on the sunburn side of things. I am the same – gotta wear a cap or plenty of sunscreen. Especially on the forehead! Jet-Skiing is awesome fun. Thoroughly love it.
Thanks for dropping by, buddy.
Chris
> Thanks for dropping by, buddy.
I always enjoy dropping by. Hopefully I’ll be dropping by in person one of these days
The final details for my Manila (well actually Fort Bonifacio Global City) expat gig are getting worked out. I should be starting sometime within the next couple months depending on how long the work permit process takes.
Hey – on the work permit thing, in case your employers dont know…
As long as the permit application has been submitted and all fees paid in full, you can actually be here and start working. I’ve done it myself many moons ago. Speak with them, its not a ‘well known’ fact, to be honest.
Chris, thanks for the tip.
My HR rep copied somebody else from her department who specializes in that part of the process. The specialist said the same thing you did – they will process the work permit after I actually start work. According to the current plan we’ll be flying to MNL on 8/25.
Good stuff, Mike.
Look forward to meeting you in Manila in the future.
Congratulations again.
Chris
Hey Chris,
Glad to hear your plans are moving forward my friend – long live The Anywhere Office and the Virtual Business Lifestyle. Love watching your videos of you working from such exotic locations – you are the most relaxed looking CEO I know!
Looking forward to the other videos in the series – and I haven’t forgotten about that other blog post I owe you!
Keep chilling . . .
Phil
Hi Phil
Its all FAKE, buddy! I’m not that relaxed, trust me!!!!!!!!!! Lol.
Chilling, I dont have a problem with – look forward to hearing what you have to say on the next two videos. The next one goes public in around 8 hours, I believe.
Cheers, buddy.
Chris
Wow! That’s office of your looks a bit drafty mate.
I think with all the tools at our disposal into internet driven society there is no reason for anyone to be location dependant if they don’t want to be. You’re a testament to how to do it Chris and can’t wait to see you nail this goal in the new year!
Ben
I’m looking forward to hitting it. I have visions of shooting a video or something of my packing up my office into cardboard boxes!!!
Hey, hang on – sounds like an idea for a great post!
Hope all is good in blighty.
Chris
Nice video – location looks great!
I really admire what you’re trying to do here which is very similar to my own goals.
Hi Matthew
Thanks, mate – appreciate it.
And everyone, I have a guest post on Matt’s blog tomorrow, so swing over and check it out…!
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Chris!
It’s my first time to visit your site and it feels good to hear how you’ve been enjoying your stay in Cebu. I am also based in Cebu and have been working as a VA for over two years now after spending 3 years in the call center. I’m really glad that aside from John Jonas and you and other people who have recognized the value of outsourcing, you have also chosen the Philippines as your preferred destination.
Thank you!
Florante
Hi Florante
Thanks for the comment. Indeed, the Philippines is certainly my personal destination of outsourcing choice, thats for sure.
Nice to hear from someone else in Cebu, too.
All the best,
Chris