Would love to collect some comments about how any of you use virtual (or non-virtual) assistants. I think I could use one, but don't understand the scope of their work. for instance, do they generally work in the actual office you occupy? Do the brokers in your office have to agree? Is there insurance involved? What is a typical hourly rate? (in Calif. would be most useful). Are there any great stories about how VA's are utilized in a powerful way?
M
Hi Maggie,
Virtual assistants are a wonderful addition to any real estate office. They can do anything a "non-virtual" assistant can do, except that which requires physical locality. Virtual assistants can answer phones, follow up with your leads, do transaction coordination, fill out forms, make flyers, arrange closings, coordinate open houses etc. A virtual assistant can do anything any unlicensed assistant can do for you - virtual or non-virtual. Virtual assistants are independent contractors, so insurance or other employee taxes and benefits are not a factor. I can't say what your broker would do, but many brokers not only support their agents having virtual assistants, they are hiring them also! Check us out at http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/real_estate_agent.html
I also have a blog at http://teamdoubleclick.com/blogs/Palmatier/
I'd love to talk to you! Plus, I'm a former Sonoman - I know, why would I ever leave! I kick myself all the time. ; )
Ruthie Palmatier
Virtual Staffing Consultant
Owner, Boise Idaho Sales Office
888-827-9129 ext. 87
Hello:
I am a Virtual Assistant and have been for several years. It's impossible to answer all of your questions in this forum, but you can find a handy little e-book at www.vasecrets.com
This is wirtten by a "real-life" team of VA (me) and Coach (my client). We tell you how working with a VA works, how to interview them, what questions to ask, where to find a VA, what you should know before hiring a VA, what costs to expect and how you save money by having a VA. We've interviewed the president of one of the leading VA Certification schools in the country. She really tells all!
I hope you find it very informative for you and your colleagues. I highly recommend that you get the inside scoop before hiring your VA.
Kathy
Hi Maggie,
I didn't think we were supposed to promote our services on this forum, but since the other 2 have, I'll put in my own plug. I've been a REALTOR for many years, and now am a Virtual Assistant, so bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to this profession. Check out http://www.virtualbusinessolutions.com/. My web site provides a Needs Assessment and answers a lot of questions about what a VA does and how you need to organize your business to use one most effectively.
Here is a list of 80 duties a VA can accomplish, and I'm sure others can add to it:
1. Confirm client appointments
2. Reminders of client appointments
3. Directions to appointments
4. Keep online calendar updated
5. Complete daily paperwork
6. File backup
7. Coordinate travel arrangements
8. Thank you cards, gifts
9. Holiday greetings
10. Order office supplies
11. Purchase supplies
12. Note transcription
13. Prepare presentations, proposals, seminars
14. Prepare and mail letters
15. Database management
16. Database creation
17. Direct mail
18. Fax broadcast
19. email campaign
20. Mail merge
21. Upload database from other software
22. Create brochure
23. Create business cards
24. Create price list, product list
25. Create flyer
26. Create listing presentation
27. Create ebooks
28. Create enewsletter, print newsletter/blog
29. Create web site copy
30. Create/edit training manuals
31. Set up voice mail system
32. Respond to voice mail
33. Respond to eFax
34. Respond to email
35. Create autoresponders
36. Internet research
37. CD duplication
38. CD distribution
39. Manage lead generation submissions
40. Manage client appointments
41. Manage subscription list
42. Organize newsletter/blog articles
43. Research newsletter/blog articles
44. Link exchange
45. List blog, newsletters on web sites
46. Post blog, keep up to date
47. Post business in onine directories
48. Market ebooks
49. Web site maintenance
50. Create web site
51. Promote web sites
52. Article marketing for promotion
53. SEO using keywords and local content
54. Monitor web site statistics
55. Monitor web links
56. Monitor ad program
57. Write ads
58. Place ads
59. Track ad results
60. Handle customer requests
61. Create and place press releases
62. Follow up customer satisfaction
63. Background checks for employees
64. Write help-wanted ads
65. Track Performance Reviews
66. Sort resumes
67. Prepare and send welcome package
68. Event planning
69. Organize client list, responses, touches
70. Listing presentations
71. Create Home Book
72. Market Analysis
73. List home on MLS, web sites
74. Transaction management
75. Marketing campaigns
76. Put local content into web sites
77. Create database of FSBOs, expireds
78. Create campaigns for FSBOs, expireds
79. Make showing appointments
80. Get feedback on showing appointments
When you get used to an assistant, you'll wonder why you ever tried to do business without one!
Barbara Erskine, Real Estate Virtual Assistant
Virtual Business Solutions
barbara@virtualbusinessolutions.com
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