Virtual Sprockets

Author: bcorcoran

When the Internet took off in the 1990s, many predicted it would end Realtors’ jobs. Ha! Not even close! In fact, the Internet has bolstered Realtors in many ways. One way is through the arrival of virtual assistants (VAs) — those who work off-site. Many specialize in helping Realtors.

And there’s a good reason VAs are flourishing: efficiency.

Sure, productivity is vital in business. But productivity without efficiency is a sure path to a slow and painful death in real estate – or in any other business. VAs help you put a laser-like focus on what you do best – sell real estate.

I practice what I preach: my director of technology lives in British Columbia. And he saves me a bundle every year. I don’t pay for his equipment, office space, insurance, vacation days, sick days, training or any other budget-draining items. I pay him only for what he does best – so I can do what I do best. Talk about synergy.

I like VAs because they go to the very heart of my business: developing and implementing systems that put real estate practices on autopilot so Realtors can enjoy more of their life.

So what do you need to do before you hire a virtual assistant?

- Research VAs. There’s an ocean of information about them on the Internet. Search on the words virtual assistant for literally thousands of results.

- Revisit your business plan. I’m a big proponent of business plans, especially ones that make service to your clients a top priority. And you’ll want a VA who understands your commitment to your clients. Beyond that, identify tasks best handled by VAs then turn those tasks into a job description. With systems, everyone on your team knows exactly what’s to be done. So diagram every task the VA will complete in a workflow, show deadlines and required results. You’ll end up with detailed checklists for every task so all future VAs will know precisely what’s to be done. (This goes for work on a ‘position’ versus ‘project’ basis – if the job requires ongoing work versus just a single undertaking.)

- Know what you’re willing to pay. One of the advantages of VAs is that you’re not limited by location. So you can shop around for VAs who live where wages are perhaps more reasonable. So don’t limit your search to just your community.

- Know your technology needs. Don’t fret too much about this; VAs are usually well versed in computer and software requirements. And costs are minimal. For example, a VA can access your computer files for as little as $20 a month using one of many different internet based applications that exist today.

So let me challenge you right now – today. Take a few minutes and assess your efficiency in your real estate practice. Are you as efficient with your time – day in and day out – as you can be? If not, you’re cheating yourself. Give virtual assistants a closer look and your success will be virtually assured! Good luck!

Author: mediamage

Have you ever wondered, “What exactly is that virtual assistant that you keep hearing so much about?” The answer is simple. A virtual assistant, or VA, is an administrative professional who provides immediate professional support, services, and skills to busy entrepreneurs and business managers via the Internet.

But “What can a virtual assistant do for me?” is a little more complicated. The ways in which a VA can help you and your business are as unique and diverse as the individual VAs are themselves. To help narrow down the possibilities, the virtual assistants at the Virtual Assistant Networking (VAN) forum were asked to list the top 10 things they could do for their clients. This is what they said.

1. A VA can assist you with marketing support, increasing you clientele and freeing up valuable time to service your customers. They also can handle all your marketing and publicity helping you to spread the word about your product or services.

2. Many virtual assistants specialize in web design and search engine optimization. Once you work with a VA, they know your business inside and out, who better to help you prepare your website.

3. A virtual assistant can make your next presentation shine by giving it that polished professional presentation which is sure to capture your audience and promote all your products and services.

4. A virtual assistant can be instrumental in proofing, editing, and typing all your correspondence, pleadings, manuscripts, etc., thus allowing a more professional edge to all your business communications.

5. A virtual assistant can take over all your bookkeeping, bills and accounts payable. Let them worry about payroll so you can worry about the important tasks of running your business.

6. A virtual assistant can plan your next company event or outing providing for an enjoyable and memorable time for all. Think how much more enjoyable it can be when the burden of planning is removed.

7. Because VAs work on an “as needed basis” and only when you have work, hiring a VA can save you money. Clients only pay for the work done, and don’t have to pay for benefits, equipment, or supplies. What a cost savings that can be.

8. A VA can save you space because s/he work from his/her office as an independent contractor.

9. Hiring a VA can save you time because you will not have to spend time hiring an employee or temporary help, as well as training the new staff.

10. A virtual assistant can schedule your appointments, manage your calendar, organize your desk, and make running a business that much smoother.

Tawnya Sutherland, founder VAN states, “By bringing “the best of the best” of virtual assistants to the VAN Community, we make it easy for clients to partner with successful VAs.”

Hiring a virtual assistant is a smart business choice. It leaves you time to focus on more important issues which in turn will help you take your business to the next level.

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