I know you have learned a lot this year...I have too! Yes, it's overwhelming isn't it..? You have probably had to make some changes in your business to weather the market shift. You came to Active Rain not knowing what to expect and have probably made some great friends and learned about all sorts of technology like SEO tips, web design tips, new agent tips...I mean the information is endless.
You have been soaking it all up, making notes, wondering if you'll have time to go in and implement all you have learned to your online presence and to your business. I mean heck...You know your ahead of 99% of the agents out there who don't even know what a blog is! You are on the cutting edge of real estate trends, but with all that information you have now, you need something else...IMPLEMENTATION!
All the knowledge in the world will not help your business if you are not implementing it, and observing the ROI, to see what is working and what is not. Often times focusing on administrative and computer tasks takes time away from your lead generation, your time with your clients, and your organization...all of which can cost you money in the long run.
Meanwhile there is quiet group of professionals here on ActiveRain, that don't get a lot of mention and spotlight, and that is Real Estate Virtual Assistants. While you are busy learning about all these new concepts, we are already busy implementing them in the businesses of real estate agents nationwide. Whether you are ready to upsize or downsize in your business, the value of a qualified real estate VA can be one of the best investments you will make.
But make no mistake. A Virtual Assistant is not the same as a $10 an hour assistant that is here today and gone tomorrow. A qualified virtual assistant for real estate is a highly specialized administrative, creative, partner that can handle almost any aspect of your business that can be taken care of on the computer. We can be there for ongoing support, per project support, or for simple hourly tasks.
I've put together an AR Collection of information (ok, I'll admit, I wrote a lot of them, but hey, it's my blog;) on real estate virtual assistants, written by virtual assistants, so that you can get a clear idea of how a VA can implement new ideas for you, save you time on your administrative tasks, and free up income producing hours so you can take the time to focus on what you do best. Finding a VA is easy here in the Rain. We have a Real Estate Virtual Assistants Group, AND an a Group that you can Find a VA and place a Request For Proposal, from VAs here on AR. (Of course I'll remind you to check all references and do your due diligence when hiring a VA) There are a ton of other articles on AR, just do a search for virtual assistants.
The Basics:
Real Estate Virtual Assistants: The Ultimate Guide Part 1...What You NEED to Know About Professional VAs BEFORE you Take the Plunge! by Laura Monroe
Real Estate Virtual Assistants: The Ultimate Guide PART 2......Creating a Virtual Action Plan Before You Delegate! by Laura Monroe
The Hiring Path of the Millionaire Real Estate Agent...and the Real Estate Virtual Assistant by Laura Monroe
What's the single best thing you can do for your business? by Deb Salkeld
"Technology and You" Michelle Schoen
What to Consider:
Re-Shaping Your Game..Technology & the 3 "L's" by Laura Monroe
Focus on revenue-producing activities in 2008 by John Novak
Insource or Outsource? by Tony Marriott
Are You Using A Virtual Assistant Yet? Allen F. Hainge, CRS
What To Look For In A Real Estate Virtual Assistant Kim Hughes
The Invaluable Resource Ken Spencer
I Have Surrendered Roberta Murphy
I expect there to be big advances in real estate again next next year, and real estate virtual assistants will be right there learning the new technology with you, and getting themselves trained and ready to go. So I invite you to give us a call, brainstorm, and IMPLEMENT all of your ideas for 2008!!
I am the CEO of Creative Agent Solutions.com. My team and I assist real estate professionals in implementing online marketing strategies, Wordpress, social media, and business systems to catapult exposure and dominance in their marketplace, while focusing on productivity and the bottom line.
Copyright 2010 Laura Monroe | Real Estate Virtual Assistant
Creative Agent Solutions.com 916.343.3823
I also bookmarked it...I think you've got the VA smarts!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Hey
The powers that be had the good insight to feature this post. Now I can tell everyone that I have an important and well spoken friend in California.
Laura, when we started here there were about 25 virtual assistants. The number is now over 500. Real estate professionals can be assured there is someone out there that each can work with. When I was in real estate, our brokerage stressed that if a client or customer needed a different person or personality to work with, the entire brokerage was dedicated to that need, with no prima donnas there.
Besides the groups for VAs at AR, many VAs who wish to work with real estate professionals belong to specific groups such as VA-Network (VANA) or International Real Estate Assistant Association (IREAA) to extend our network for solution finding.
The VAs are constantly trying to extend their skill level with new technology, services and tools. These skills save time and money for the real estate professional. I want to be part of a successful team. My goal with any client is to contribute to that team success--I tend to get on a mission! I don't think I am unusual in the virtual assistant field
Laura...
I have to go a little off topic. Okay? Thought so :)
I just wanted to say that I will always remember 2007 as the year I became ...
"The Lovely Geek" ... I owe everything I have learned this year to all of you here on AR.
Geesh...If it weren't for you I would know nothing about widgets and I especially would not have learned the fine art of breaking them :)
TLW...ROAR!
Christina~ I'm so glad to hear that having a VA works for you. I think you're right that the real estate professional is in control of tailoring the VA to their business..its a very flexible solution. Good luck in 2008!
TLW~ You are too funny! Without you my dear, my days on the computer would definitely be majorily short of some great laughs! Even when you do break my widgets;)
Hey George! ohhh that's a hard one...I'll let you handle that stuff;)Thanks for commenting;)
Laura - I needed an assistant and considered a virtual one, but I went with a real one and am quite satisfied. There still may be a role for a virtual one for those of us who have real assistants as very few assistants can excel in all areas. A virtual assistant can fill the gaps so that you don't have to find the perfect all around real assistant.
Hi Joan~ There is a lot of info in the articles, and even more if you choose to read up. I have found that with the market change we have seen, teams and brokers who have had to downsize have turned to VAs for the benefit of not having the obligation to use us all the time or keep us "employed". Being self-employed means that clients can use us only when they need us...which is great for market shifts.
Catherine~ You and me will be best buds in 2008, mark my words...even if its just a lunch or two;) Thanks for everything~
Gail~ You are right in considering a VA to assist you and YOUR assistant. Sometimes in-house assistants can get very busy with the hands on activites, but may be too busy to handle the online tasks as they happen.
Brad~ I'm at NAR next week, but let's shoot for the week after to chat..? Thanks for commenting, and a featured post on the weekend is cool!
Laura,
Awesome article! You're the Bomb! I'm looking forward to meeting you in Vegas!
Patty Keller, AnotherME
Hey, great stuff Laura! Was good summarizing your collection of posts with the others. I've read a few and like your style. (my fave was #5 from http://activerain.com/blogsview/23982/Real-Estate-Virtual-Assistants)
We're not really a VA company but we are V and we do A, so that seemed like the best fit here. However, we're getting calls now for "real" VAs so ring me when you have time as I would be glad to send leads your way.
Patty~ Right back atcha! See you in Vegas! Thanks~
Al~ Your welcome!
Hi E Kasey~ Well thanks;) I'm going over to check you out now!
I think virtual assistants are the missing link to much needed TMS adoption.
Do you have a favorite TMS platform? Do you require clients to use that platform?
Frank
I have heard of VA's but was unsure where to get specific details. As soon as I saw your Feature, I bookmarked it! Thank you for the post!
Laura, good post. Now I can read all of your stuff in one post. Thanks. After getting to know you, I would always keep your name in mind first if I needed a good VA. I've been through a few, but ignorantly so. :-)
Laura - Thanks for the mention. Outsource is the clear winner. Hope all is well - Happy Turkey Day!
Hi Laura,
Excellent post! I have book-marked it and will be contacting you soon. Is it okay to start off small and expand as revenue increases? Thanks and have a great weekend!
Laura
WOW! I just learned something I never even considered a VA, I must be way behind the times, I will book mark this so I can come back and read the other articles.dalison
Hi Denise~ ABSOLUTELY! In fact I recommend starting small. The hardest thing to do is DELEGATE by letting go of your business to someone you hardly know. Start small and build that trust, you will be so relieved that you did. And if by chance it doesn't work out, you haven't broken the bank!
Hi Gary! Virtual Assistants in real estate are busier than ever! Check us out!