Agents are hearing all about how they should utilize Virtual Assistants but no concrete information about how to go about doing that.  So here's a series that will give you all you need to know about actually using a VA!

How on Earth do you get started??

Good question!  The first thing is to do some soul-searching.  What tasks do you currently handle that you would forego all the tea in China not to have to complete yourself?  What tasks do you currently handle that you feel just sap all the day out of your day?  Do you have any tasks that you would love to implement but just don't have the time to complete?  Guess what?!  This is the information you need to decide what type of VA you need to contract with.

Not all VAs provide the same services and I would strongly encourage you to stay away from a VA that seems to be a "jack-of-all-trades".  Good Virtual Assistants, just like good realtors, have focused on a niche market.  Some of these markets include:

• lead management
• listing coordination
• transaction management
• closing coorination
• website design and maintenance
• internet marketing

As you can see, you may need several VAs to accomplish all of your objectives.  Here's a hint: Some VAs specialize in a specific niche but will be able to bring on team members to provide the services you require that may be outside of their area of expertise.  This is a two-fold plus for you.

1. You only have to deal with one person - your primary VA.
2. You have experienced professionals dealing with every area of your business.

After choosing a few VAs who are qualified in the primary area you need assistance, either contact those you already know who provide those services or visit one of the many websites where you can request a proposal from qualified VAs.  Here are two places where you can request proposals:

• Active Rain - VA Request for Proposals Group 
• IREAA - International Real Estate Assistants Association

Once you've found a few qualified candidates, arrange a telephone conversation with them.  Ask pointed questions such as "how do you go about managing leads," or "what specific marketing activities do you handle for your clients' listings"?  Then, choose from all the great VAs the one who best fits your style and needs.

The hardest part will be in actually letting go of tasks.  But, if you start from the beginning, highlighting tasks you would like to have someone other than you take care of, you're well on your way.  When we take on a new client, the first thing we do is have a conference call that highlights specifically which tasks we will start off handling.  We also talk about long-term goals - things that the client would like to see implemented but are not critical to start immediately.  Then, we start with the tasks that the agent has highlighted.  If it is lead management, we begin a plan to notify us when leads come in and set up the drip campaigns we will work for the client.  Regardless of what tasks you highlight to outsource, there is an actual process to start and your VA will outline exactly how that process will work.

Have any other questions about getting started using a Virtual Assistant?  If so, feel free to post them here.  I will either answer them here or in a future blog post.

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Marketing 4 Realtors provides lead management and listing coordination services for Realtors(c) who are new agents all the way through to Top Producers.  We'd love to speak with you about how we can help you achieve your 2008 goals!  Just contact us today for a no-commitment conversation!