Patty's Blog

It works for Righties or Lefties - DocuSign

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:21:44 -0600

You know the drill. Just sign here, here, here ...and initial here, here, here and here... and when your fingers are cramping and numb, we'll have ourselves a legal document.

The paperwork in a real estate transaction - from listing to closing - can be a real time-drain for all involved. On some deals, all those signatures and initials just might necessitate a physical therapy appointment.

DocuSign offers a legal, secure electronic signature service guaranteed to reduce the wear-and-tear on schedules and fine motor skills. Did you know that an electronic signature is enforceable and legal. (even in California!)

Better yet, DocuSign Lite is a free service anyone can use right from DocuSign's homepage! There's no paper, no account to set up, no cost or credit card number to provide. Simply upload the document that requires a signature and enter the email address of the recipient. Your recipient gets an email message from DocuSign notifying them of a document to be signed and you receive an emailed receipt confirming that the process is complete.

For more information, here is a link to the DocuSign blog. If you're a Mortgage professional, an REO Professional or a Real Estate Professional, take a moment to read through the section dedicated to the real estate industry.

Learn how DocuSign can speed up the process for everyone on both sides of a transaction. And if you're headed to NAR - you can check out their booth. Tell them AnotherME sent you!

So when you hear, "where do I sign?"... now you can tell your clients, just click here, here, here and here...

Playing the Voicemail Game?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:46:59 -0500

Do you feel like a pawn in the voice mail chess game? Call - Call Back? Message - Return Message? Check – Check Mate? Well, technology has come to our rescue!

SlyDial (www.slydial.com) is a free service for your land or mobile calls that allows you to connect immediately to your recipient's mobile voice mail without waiting for four to six rings, their outgoing message, inevitable prompts, blah, blah, blah. SlyDial lets you go directly to voice mail. Check Mate!

SlyDial is a real time-saver when when you need to share a bit of information and just don't have time for a full conversation. It's also a tool for discretion and consideration - ever disturb or distract someone when all you wanted to do was leave a quick voicemail? Like the times you remember that you need to return someone's call... at midnight! I hate it when that happens.

So here's how it works: to use Slydial from a land line or a cellular phone, dial 267-Sly-Dial (267-759-3425) to leave a message for your intended recipient. The service is free to users who don't mind listening to a little advertising, or you can pay a very modest subscription fee to avoid ads (look for the words "MYslydial Premium".)

You don't have to join the premium service to use SlyDial - just enter the 267-759-3425 number on your phone and you're in business. But if you want to use SlyDial apps for your iPhone (www.apple.com/iphone), BlackBerry (www.BlackBerry.com) and Windows Mobile Smartphones, you need to be a MYslydial Premium subscriber.

There's lots of great information (check out the FAQs) at the SlyDial website that clearly explains the value of this very simple, very convenient communication solution.

I'm always looking for ways to save time here or there and to become more efficient in my business. Slydial is a winning deal!

Wordless Wednesday - Hello Kitty?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:30:36 -0500

Wordless Wednesday - Hello Kitty World.

Not ONE, but TWO Hello Kitty Hotels at Uni-Resort Site in Taiwan!

Notice the scroll work over the entrance gate...

Can you imagine staying here with your little girl?

Take a peek inside... YIKES!

Check out the website for more photos!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Is your Laptop "Hot?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:33:14 -0500

Over the summer months, I've been using my laptop in the evenings to update my Facebook and Twitter accounts. And let me tell you, a laptop is hot!

Did you know heat is the probable a cause of some those annoying performance issues, like ‘lockups’. And it might even be the cause of permanent damage. Yikes! What I've learned is that with a laptop, heat issues can be even more of a concern. (now they tell us!) All those heat producing components are tightly arranged inside a small space...so there's not much room for a cooling system. (think tiny exhaust fan)

Use your laptop for an extended period of time and feel the bottom of it. Or feel your legs!

Well, I found a "COOL" solution for the "HOT" laptop! It's a laptop cooling pad! I had no clue there was a product like this.

One day browsing for a thumb drive at Office Depot, I ran across this little gem. It's a lightweight, thin "platform" that houses 2 cooling fans. (It’s the same footprint as a laptop) It plugs into your laptop and doesn’t create a big drain on the battery life either! Bottom line - less heat makes for a more efficient computer.

In case you’re wondering, I purchased the Targus brand Chill Pad, but there are others on the market as well. After using this “Cool Tool” for the past few months - I am singing its praises. I'd recommend this $30 investment (average cost) for any real estate professional who uses a laptop.

It will improve your overall computer experience and extend the life of your laptop. While keeping you from heating up!

Outsourcing... Is it for Real Estate?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:24:16 -0500

My background is in corporate telecommunications/technology sales ...many moons ago! And outsourcing was the big buzz word - everyone was doing it! Outsourcing was used for management’s “pet projects”, for services we didn't offer and in some cases they outsourced an entire department to another company who could do it better for less! It made sense… and cents. Using the talents and resources of strategic partners to save on staffing, expenses and training. It was a way for my company to stay focused on it's core business.

Back then, I sold “services” for a video conferencing manufacturer. We offered everything from maintenance services, coordination of equipment installations – worldwide, bridging video calls ‘across the pond’ and around the country, plus designing and building custom video rooms for distance learning and corporate boardrooms.

There’s no way we could have staffed and managed all of those services – worldwide, while maintaining focus on our core business of building video conferencing equipment! We outsourced all or a portion of every service we offered; with no apologies!

Fast forward to Real Estate - How can YOU focus on providing the best service to your clients when you’re the one who does it all?

Do you have a “pet project” you need to get done? Do you need a Marketing Department or a Bookkeeping Department. Do you need a strategic partner to help you grow your business?

If you're not focused on your core business, then maybe it’s time to think about outsourcing! But, where do you go, who do you call?

Hit the easy button... the Virtual Assistant business is your vehicle for Outsourcing!

AnotherME Virtual Assistants offer Real Estate Outsourcing! Real Estate Support is our core business: listing coordination, closing coordination, marketing, database support, blogging, social media support, bookkeeping and expense management! We also offer mailing services, general admin and graphic design.

As a real estate professional (and a small business owner), we can learn a few lessons from our friends in the corporate world. Outsourcing is one of those lessons. It’s a business decision that makes sense …and cents!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Pruning

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:05:21 -0500

When I saw this photo, I laughed out loud!

I have no clue where this is, but I'd like to meet the folks who live there! What a great sense of humor!

Have a Happy Wednesday!

Compliments of www.plantamnesty.org Bad Pruning!

5 Personal Tasks You Can Delegate to your Virtual Assistant

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:29:33 -0500

A Virtual Assistant is a valuable resource in your Real Estate business for help with listings, contracts, marketing and general admin tasks. But, have you considered asking your VA to help out with some of your personal tasks as well. When you have a relationship and a trust with your VA, handling personal tasks is just one more way you can leverage your time and resources.

Being that your Assistant is "Virtual", she's not available to pick up the kids, drop off the dry cleaning or deliver cupcakes to the brownie troop. But she might be able to help you with any or all of the following!

Birthday Cards/Presents: With so many on-line programs that keep up with birthdays, a Virtual Assistant can easily log into your Plaxo, Facebook or SendOutCards accounts and send an E-Card or even a paper Birthday card to a contact in your database. Take a few minutes to create a custom/personal message for each of your groups: acquaintance friends, church friends, networking groups, neighbors, etc. and let your VA send the cards on your behalf. You can vary the message every few months or once a year. Ordering gifts, flowers or gift cards on-line is one of the easiest ways to delegate. "Please call X store and order X for my nephew. Address in my Top Producer database. Thanks!" That was Easy!

Research pricing and ordering: Are you the one who always volunteers to order or get pricing for a party, meeting or event? Flowers, invitations, decorations, awards, promotional items, catering, signs, flyers, printing... the list goes on and on. Of course you can call and get 3 quotes for a catering company along with their menus for your Rotary Club meeting the next day... but don't you have to meet clients, attend an inspection or negotiate a contract? Try handing it over to your VA. She can research, organize the info and quotes and then put all the information in a nice presentation format! You'll be the hero in your group.

Confirm/Reschedule appointments: If you're on the go with a car full of people or an out of town client, it's not easy to confirm or reschedule your personal appointments. Text your VA and have her call your Dentist, Nail Salon, Accountant or next client to let them know you're running late or need to reschedule.

Community, church or civic groups:

DataBase - Do you manage the database for your "group"? This is an ideal task to delegate to a Virtual Assistant. She can update the info, create a mailing list or labels, set up your database in an email program or do a search to find addresses for members.

Mailing - Just because your Assistant is "Virtual" doesn't mean she can't help with a mailing. It takes a little coordination - which is easy for a good VA - and she can handle it all. Printing, labels, stuffing, stamping and mailing!

So next time you are stressed out, wondering how you're going to get it all done - ask your VA for a little extra help.

Under Contract... Are your Clients Out of Sight and Out of Mind?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:22:12 -0500

Transaction Coordination, Contract to Close, Closing Coordination, Transaction Management… Whatever you call it, this is the one service you should consider adding to your business.

One of the challenges facing many agents today is keeping the paperwork and communications flowing during the closing process. When you’re out with new clients and can’t respond to calls or emails until the evening or the next day, the closing process for your Under Contract clients has been slowed down or sometimes derailed.

A Transaction Coordinator is on the job and working for you. She will be responding to those emails and phone calls during the day and making sure that everyone is “doing their job!” Then you can focus on new clients while still providing excellent service to your clients who are under contract.

Coaches and brokers recommend adding a Transaction Coordinator to your team when you are handling at least 20-24 sides per year. A Virtual Closing Coordinator just makes sense. Most Virtual Transaction Coordinators charge a flat fee per contract, paid at the closing. No overhead, no additional phones or computers to buy and no salary. Just pay as you produce!

Your Transaction Coordinator/Closing Coordinator is responsible for managing the process and deadlines, monitoring the progress, following up, communicating with all the parties in the transaction, and assisting your clients through the closing process. When you stop and think about it, there can be up to 12 parties involved in just one deal: buyers and sellers, co-op agents, escrow companies, title companies, closing attorneys, appraisers, inspectors and don’t forget the loan officers and processors. And with today's market, deals are taking longer and are a bit more complicated!

The bottom line... when you get to the closing table and everything has fallen into place, then you look good and your clients are happy! Happy clients equal more referrals!

A little 4th of July Fireworks Show!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:04:59 -0500

Wordless Wednesday - Fans!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:41:14 -0500

Ceiling Fans, Hand Fans, Window Fans, Cooling Fans; I think fans are Fantastic!

But I'm really talking about a different kind of fan... a Facebook Fan! Facebook Fan Pages are hot!

We need more fans for our Fan Page - AnotherME Virtual Assistants! On a mission to hit the magic number of 100 fans - to get our custom URL!

Takes 5 seconds! Click here: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/pages/AnotherME-Virtual-Assistants/106351018440

This is our Fan Page on Facebook - info on our VA's, services, products, tips and hints, events and more! Just click on the image below!

Want your own FaceBook Fan Page? We can help! Email me at patty@anotherme.com

DIY-ers ...Check out this great tutorial from CyberHomes! http://snurl.com/leb5g

Become a FAN today - AnotherME Virtual Assistants!

Are you LinkedIn... with the leading Social Networking site for Business?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:08:12 -0500

This week I had the opportunity to attend a class for real estate professionals on using LinkedIn and how to "data mine" for new business with this Social Networking site. I was surprised to see that out of 25+ agents in the class, only 7 or 8 had set up a profile!

The instructor was Richard Kirby, a recruiter who has developed a network of over 3500 connections! He has successfully used LinkedIn to meet new clients, make connections with Corporate HR contacts and develop his business!

Here are some eye-opening facts about LinkedIn:

* There are over 40 million business users on LinkedIn, including managers and executives at virtually all major employers.

*LinkedIn is the leading online Social Networking website for Business.

*LinkedIn is a giant database of members who are relatively open to networking and inquiries.

*Nearly 60% of the members have incomes over $93,000. (based on a study done by Anderson Analytics)

Are you on LinkedIn? It's easy to navigate and set up a profile. You'll get the most visibility on your profile when you complete each section: Photo, summary of current position, email address, website links, interests, previous jobs and work experience. Then start connecting with colleagues, old friends, new friends, past clients, etc.

Join a few groups: college alumni association, sorority/fraternity, special interests, employer groups, and of course, there are lots of real estate groups to join! Once you have made connections, ask for recommendations. Richard Kirby recommends getting 5-10! This will complete your profile and give you more visibility!

Start today using LinkedIn to find and develop new clients, connect with clients who aren't on Facebook or MySpace, share updates, and establish yourself online!

And while you're there - connect with me!

What's in your Mailbox?

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:43:35 -0500

Sending a birthday card; is it Social Networking - IRL? (in real life)

When was the last time you sent someone a real card in the mail? Did you get any actual "Paper" cards on your last Birthday?

Remembering someone's birthday is an easy, personal way to stay in touch with your past clients. Everyone loves getting a card on their birthday. Recently, I had a client call and thank me for sending her a Birthday Card! And just last week, a friend at church came up to me and thanked me for her card! Imagine that...A simple little card!

Today's technology has made it so convenient to post a short birthday message to clients and friends on Facebook or send an e-Card via email. Now, I'm not knocking those methods... they're great and more than most folks do!

However, a card sent through the mail clearly demonstrates that you took the time to be thoughtful and shows how much you care. When you remember your clients, they will be more inclined to remember you... when it comes to referring your name to their friends and associates!

But, I don't have my client's birthdays, you say? Here are 3 tips for building your birthday database.

1) For those who attend closings, ask the closing attorney or title company for a copy of your clients driver's license for your closing file. Closing attorneys and title companies always get a copy of the driver's license!

2) Use Facebook to find friends birthdays! Depending on how many friends/clients you have, you just might need a Virtual Assistant to help you with this project. It's on-going, so remember to go back each month to find "recently added" friends.

3) Have your Seller's and Buyer's fill out a New Client Information Form that includes a section for birthdays. Add children's birthdays and pets, too... Talk about making a good impression!

Whatever method you use to build your Birthday Database - Start sending Birthday Cards and see what kind of reaction you get!

P.S. Send me your birthday and address, I'll send you a card!

Wordless Wednesday - Meditation Garden at Memorial Dr Homeless Shelter

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:58:29 -0500

My husband and I helped prepare and serve dinner at one of downtown Atlanta's homeless shelters. It was a humbling experience. There were 4 families residing there while trying to get back on their feet. Behind the main building some of the residents and volunteers had built a small meditation garden and planted flowers. It's a quiet place in an urban jungle.

We just heard last week ...the shelter is closing.

Wordless Wednesday... Summer Gardens

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:07 -0500

I think it's so much easier to eat your "5 a Day" Veggies and Fruits during the summer! Especially when you have your own Summer Garden!

Butternut Squash

CORN!

Blurry Blueberries! (oops!)

Vine Ripening Tomatoes

Whether you like it or not... Sellers love their Listing Flyers!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:53:37 -0500

If you take the time to create a flyer, then make it work for you. How do you get a bigger bang for your buck (and your time) with a Listing Flyer? Think outside the box, (the front lawn box) or the Kitchen counter display!

Start by using these 6 quick marketing tricks!

1) First - Save it as a JPG. Creating a JPG image of your flyer will open up a vast array of online tools for marketing your listing. Save an 'image' of your flyer and e-mail it to area agents from Top Producer or Outlook.

2) Use that JPG image as one of your 25 photos on Realtor.com. Instant visibility to hundreds of potential buyers!

3) Put your listing flyer on the internet. After you've e-mailed that JPG image, upload the listing to Postlets and Craigslist. Both are great sites for listings - And they're FREE! Postlets creates an attractive flyer automatically - it can't get much easier than that! Add it to your personal website as well.

4) Facebook. Of course, Facebook or MySpace! Upload your flyer image or the Postlets flyer! With thousands of members you can take advantage of the huge pyramid of friends who will view your listing.

5) TwitPic -Share it with your Twitter friends using the free TwitPic tool.

6) Hyperlinks! And boost the impact of your flyers by creating a PDF version and adding hyperlinks to area websites like neighborhoods, community and your own website. Potential buyers can then visit these sites to learn more about the area and you. Email the PDF as an attachment to out of town buyers or let your sellers email it to their friends and colleagues.

Listing Flyers can be a fabulous tool for boosting visibility. Make your flyers work for you, by using them everywhere, for all to see!

(Special thanks to Pam Sherlock - Listing Coordinator - for assisting with the information in this blog post)

Wise words from Jimmy Buffet!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:28:51 -0500

"If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane." What a great line!

I heard a statistic the other day that surprised me. (maybe I'm an eternal optimist, but it surprised me) Did you know that 87% of everything we are exposed to is negative? Whoa... 87%! That's a lotta negative! No wonder we feel overwhelmed, frustrated or feel like our world is going insane!

Take lesson from Jimmy Buffet and laugh a little! Come on, there's always something to laugh about! Or, at the very least, muster up a little chuckle! Having a postive attitude and an attitude of gratitude is good for the soul! And if you need some liquid encouragement, have a Margarita!

So sing a long with me!!

Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes

It's these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of our running and all of our cunning
If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane

If we weren't all crazy we would go insane!

Jimmy Buffet

Thank a nurse today!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:34:59 -0500

There has been much discussion about healthcare reform and the rising costs of healthcare, over the past few days and months. And there's much to be reformed! But before you get all riled up about the big Pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and Medicare ... lmaybe we should take a moment to recognize the "people"who are the healthcare industry. The people who are day in and day out actually caring for our health!

Did you know that today is International Nurses Day? Nurses... I believe that nurses are the true heart and the real backbone of our healthcare system.

The International Council of Nurses has been celebrating Nurses Day since 1965. However, May12th -which is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth - was established as International Nurses Day and now it is celebrated around the world.

When my mom was battling cancer, she had some of the most wonderful nurses. They not only cared for her, but they cared about her. From the nurses in the doctor's office, the hospital nurses, the home health nurses, to the Hospice nurses; each one was a special person who cared about their patient - my mother.

As you go about your day, remember the nurses who have cared for you, your family, your children, your friends. If you personally know a nurse, make sure you thank them and recognize their efforts. The long shifts, the emotional and physical strain, the red tape and paperwork. It's not an easy job and often a thankless job.

So, thank a nurse today... we'll argue and debate healthcare reform tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday - First Signs of Spring

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:29:27 -0500

Wordless Wednesday

First Signs of Spring in Georgia. Taken at a friends house south of Atlanta a few weeks ago.

First photo - Hellebore's... Second photo - Sedum... Third photo - multi-trunked Red Bud tree

Taxes!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:01:59 -0500

A friend sent this to me and I coudn't resist sharing it. I know some taxes are for good things like roads, schools, etc. But this puts it in perspective... we pay lots of taxes!

   Tax his land,
   Tax his bed,
   Tax the table
   At which he's fed.

   Tax his tractor,
   Tax his mule,
   Teach him taxes
     Are the rule.

   Tax his work,
   Tax his pay,
   He works for peanuts Anyway!

     Tax his cow,
     Tax his goat,
     Tax his pants,
     Tax his coat.

     Tax his ties,
     Tax his shirt,
     Tax his work,
     Tax his dirt.

     Tax his tobacco,
     Tax his drink,
     Tax him if he
     Tries to think.

     Tax his cigars,
     Tax his beers,
     If he cries
     Tax his tears.

     Tax all he has
     Then let him know
     That you won't be done
     Till he has no dough.

     When he screams and hollers,
   Then tax him some more,
     Tax him till
     He's good and sore.

     Then tax his coffin,
     Tax his grave,
     Tax the sod in
     Which he's laid.

     Put these words
     upon his tomb,
     ' Taxes drove me to my doom...'

     When he's gone,
     Do not relax,
     Its time to apply
     The inheritance tax.

Here's the list of Taxes:

    Accounts Receivable Tax
    Building Permit Tax
    CDL license Tax
    Cigarette Tax
    Corporate Income Tax
    Dog License Tax
    Excise Taxes

    Federal Income Tax
    Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
    Fishing License Tax
    Food License Tax
    Fuel Permit Tax
    Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
    Gross Receipts Tax
    Hunting License Tax
    Inheritance Tax
    Inventory Tax
    IRS Interest Charges

    IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
    Liquor Tax
    Luxury Taxes
    Marriage License Tax
    Medicare Tax
    Personal Property Tax
    Property Tax
    Real Estate Tax
    Service Charge Tax
    Social Security Tax
    Road Usage Tax
    Sales Tax
    Recreational Vehicle Tax
    School Tax
    State Income Tax
    State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
    Telephone Federal Excise Tax
    Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax
    Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
    Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge tax
    Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
    Telephone State and Local Tax
    Telephone Usage Charge Tax
    Utility Taxes
    Vehicle License Registration Tax
    Vehicle Sales Tax
    Watercraft Registration Tax
    Well Permit Tax
    Workers Compensation Tax

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:51:13 -0500

How To Have A Successful Yard Sale

Spring is the perfect time to clean out the garage, the attic and the closets (even under the kid's beds) and have a garage sale! We've heard that listing agents are encouraging their sellers to have garage sales to help drive traffic and awareness! Better yet, organize a neighborhood-wide garage sale! Offer to help out your sellers with signs, balloons, post on your website, or make some lemonade! Here are a few tips to share.

PREPARATION

Preparing for a yard sale is hard work. Ideally, you should start working on your yard sale 3 weeks prior to the event. However, if you work hard, you can have it ready in 2 weeks. Well prepared yard sales can profit upwards of $800.00 or more.

Week 1: Spring Cleaning - choose one or two rooms a day and begin collecting items in the basement or garage.

Week 2 & 3: Organizing - sort, clean and price your items.

ADVERTISING

Place an adin the local paper and any online garage sale sites. Craigslist, www.gslar.com are some to consider. Large signs or banners placed at all the entrances to the neighborhood and directional signs throughout the neighborhood will bring in the customers and keep them shopping. Also balloons on mailboxes are always helpful to confirm you are open and not just cleaning your garage.

PRICING

Put a price tag on everything and ALWAYS be willing to negotiate.

Overpricing is the next hurdle...yard sales are for liquidation. Quality items should be priced less than half off the original price you paid. Overpricing can turn everyone away before they get to the garage.

DISPLAY/SETUP

What you have to sell and how much you have to sell are important factors as well. If you don't have much to sell, then partnering with a neighbor is a good idea. Put everything in one driveway...you need "The Draw". Walk the sale, re-organize items, always talk to the customers. Some people are too shy to ask for a price or to negotiate...being friendly can make a sale.

As the day progresses and tables get sparse. Consolidate items so that tables are always full.

THE DRAW

"The Draw" is very important. Although you should always advertise your sale in local papers and online, you still have to get customers to come to YOUR house.

Perception is everything. Bring some large items or "hooks" (furniture, play, exercise and lawn equipment, etc.) out onto the driveway. Your goal is to gain their interest. You can also put items out that you have no intention of selling, just to get customers in the garage. Yes, that's right, you may have some items that you are on the fence about and you are not ready to part with at yard sale prices. Just don't put a price on it, or, price it higher, you never know, it may sell.

Sell popcorn, lemonade, cookies, water...these are other ways to get people to your house.

(posted by Suzanne Geddes, Marketing/Graphic Designer for AnotherME)

Reflections on attending REtechSouth 09

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:55:42 -0500

What's the best investment you can make? Is it Real Estate? Is it in the Stock Market or Bonds? (not today, that's for sure!) Nope - it's an investment in Yourself! You will always get the highest return when you make an investment in your business and YOU!

That's exactly what I did last Friday (and Thursday evening) when I made the investment of time and money in attending REtechSouth 09! It was priceless!

A one day event with great speakers(Jeff Turner- RESpres, Dave Jenks) fantastic classes(Social Media 101, Twitter, LinkedIn, SEO) an opportunity to network with some of the best in the industry (Missy Caulk, Jim Crawford, Debe Maxwell, Connie Harvey, Lane Bailey), and learning about some great new technology companies! (RealtyVid, ViewThisHome)

Let me tell you...this was not your regular real estate conference. It wasn't a sales pitch, or a big rah-rah event! It was all about sharing technology, sharing information. Matt Fagioli and Brad Nix did a phenomenal job of creating an environment where learning was fun... and real!

Lots of Ah-Ha moments, ideas and technologies that I can start using in my Virtual Assistantbusiness, today! (I'm updating my website and profiles this week!) And I have some cool ideas that I can share with my clients to help them incorporate these new technologies into their real estate business! Who knew that Flickr was a Social Network? And it's free! (Jeff Turner, I guess!)

Start investing wisely... Make an investment in yourself! The dividends are high and the payoff is endless! Attend REtechSouth next year! See you there!

Patty Keller, AnotherME Virtual Assistants

Wordless Wednesday

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:48:59 -0600

Camouflage Kitty!

Not a porcupine, but my favorite kitten playing in the dormant bermuda grass.

Free Shipping Day!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:56:13 -0600

If you are an internet shopper and have waited till the last minute for your Christmas/Hanukkah shopping, you are in luck! Today is "Free Shipping Day"! Check out FreeShippingDay.com.

What a great idea! Last year I waited till the last minute to ship my sister's gifts and spent a whopping $40 at the UPS Store!

With over 250 retailers participating, you're likely to find the gifts you need! All the traditional stores like Macys, Bloomingdales, Target and Kohls, and all the familiar specialty stores, as well. Gardeners Supply, Wine Enthusiast, 1-800 Flowers.com, Crate & Barrel and Harry and David.

In looking through the store logos on the website, I couldn't resist clicking on some of the brands that were unfamiliar or "interesting". Talk about specialty stores or finding something for those "hard to shop for" folks on your list - check these out! Jakes Dog House, BigFoot (snow shoes!), Havaianas (fancy flip flops), Bigger Bras, Choice Hangers (luxury hangers), Pacific Pillows and Swell (for surfers!). Who knew?!?

Happy Shopping everyone! And Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwannza and Season's Greetings!

Giving and Appreciation - The Pop By!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:10:07 -0600

The holidays are almost here! What a great time to "Pop By" your A-list clients and prospects in your database with some holiday cheer and good tidings! According to Brian Buffini, a small token of appreciation or "item of value" can go a long way in building strong relationships and generating referrals. Just remember - appreciation wins out over self promotion every time!

Here are some simple, cost effective gift ideas:

Holiday Ornaments: you can purchase plain glass balls in bulk at CostCo or Sam's Club, tie it up with some lovely ribbon add a simple card and you have a great gift!
Something that will last all year long - A household tool or measuring tape is useful and most people keep them in the "catch all drawer" in the kitchen where it's handy.
Small magnetic calendars that you can personalize with your business card. These are very inexpensive and everyone can use a 2009 calendar!
What about a set of holiday return address labels for your client. A sheet of printed labels costs about 50 cents. (And we can help you format, design and print them! Yes, it's a shameless plug for our services)
Coupons. Negotiate with a neighborhood store or restaurant for a free appetizer or dessert or a 10% discount on certain items. Most businesses are agreeable to offering joint coupons, because you are giving them free advertising!
Candles are always a great idea - as a decoration or when/if the power goes out! Check out the deals at the Dollar Store and stock up.
If you are somewhat capable in the kitchen, there are some great recipes for homemade Spiced Tea, Hot Chocolate and easy Candy recipes! Just wrap them up in some green or red plastic wrap or a small mason jar with a pretty bow! (I have all of those recipes if you need them!)

And don't forget to include a simple note with your name and number.

No matter what "item of value" you choose for your "Pop By" this season, remember the purpose - to build and cultivate client relationships that will last throughout the year!

Tax Time Is Right Around the Corner!

Patty Keller Virtual Assistant (AnotherME, LLC) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:27:35 -0600

As a real estate professional, did you realize you are operating a small business? There are many tax deductions that small business owners overlook - it's the little things that can add up and save you MONEY!

Here are some ideas for items used for business purposes only:

Advertising and printing
Entertainment and gifts, provided they meet IRS criteria
Equipment and furnishings: Depreciation on equipment; Office supplies; Software costs; Telephone (cell phones), Internet, television and other communication tools
Insurance premiums
Costs of business books, periodicals or newspapers
Dues or membership costs to professional organizations
Education costs for self or employees
Office moving expenses
Fees and penalties--Relating to CDs, business checking, savings or money-market accounts; Associated with retirement accounts for self and employees; For credit bureaus, Better Business Bureaus, local associations, etc.; Paid to employment agencies
Interest payments on business loans
Janitorial, landscaping and maintenance costs
Losses due to fire, windstorm, hail, flood or other natural disasters; also losses due to theft may be deductible
Self-employed tax deductions. Individuals can deduct a percentage of their health insurance premiums paid during the year for themselves and their dependents; May deduct one-half of their self-employment tax
Tax preparation fees as well as accounting, attorney, insurance, consultation fees, etc.
Travel expenses
Utilities for business facilities