"Virtual Assistant "
The qustions shouldn't be "What can a Virtual Assistant do for me", it should be "What CAN'T a Virtual Assistant do for me?" Yes, it's a little cliche, but, oh so true.
Virtual Assistants (V.A.'s) have been around since the early 1990's and are gaining popularity in successful North American businesses daily. Used by large firms down to one-man shows, the usefulness of a V.A. becomes clear almost instantaneously. A V.A. can be used for a vast amount of different projects and industries, and for the time only you need, which makes them highly valuable and an affordable way to get the job done (which is often jobs that you don't personally want to do!).
One of the more popular industries that many V.A.'s work within successfully is Real Estate. One V.A., Suzanne Roy, from Jensen Beach, FL, has been working for both top producing and fresh out of the can Realtors since 2001. Within this time, she has become an expert in her field, specializing in advertising, lead management and website maintenance for her long-term clients throughout North America.
Before becoming a V.A., Suzanne was an executive assistant for 17 years in many different industries (irronically, none of which were Real Estate). In 2000 she had had her second son and was finding that the cost to put her children into daycare almost ate up her entire paycheck. She had just moved to Florida and found that Real Estate was the place to be. So within a few months, Suzanne gained inside knowledge on how Real Estate "worked" from a Real Estate Agent friend, who soon became her first client. From there Suzanne gained her Certified Real Estate Support Specialist (CRESS) certification, among passing other V.A. courses, and quickly took on new clients around North America. Now she can not only stay at home and be there for her growing children, but she can make a living doing something that she loves.
If you would like to learn more about V.A.'s and how they can help you virtually make a valuable difference to your business, please contact Suzanne Roy at 941-720-4707 or via email at vawork@vawork.com.
Suzanne Roy
Direct Phone: 941-720-4707
Facsimile: 772-225-6020
It would be interesting to hear some success stories from real estate agents. I've just hired another assistant and have considered something like this. There's something about not being in front of your employees that still doesn't sit well with me. I'll stop back to hopefully read some opinions...
Posted by: Cecilia Sherrard | May 05, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Hi Cecelia, This is Suzanne and I am the author of the above blog. I hear your concern about not having the co-worker right in front of you on occasion and would love to have you speak to a few of my long-time clients to get their opinion of my virtual work for them. Nothing like getting it from the horses mouth, as they say! Please email me at vawork@vawork.com and I will forward you a couple of references for you to speak to and gain some ease about how we can do everything (but filing, phew!) from "virtually" anywhere. Thanks, Suzanne Roy.
Posted by: Suzanne Roy | May 07, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Hi Suzanne!
From one real estate virtual assistant to another, you are absolutely right on the money! I also think that one of the best benefits VAs can be to agents, is that in a market shift, or even seasonal shift, a VA is much more affordable on the budget than an employee....great article!
Posted by: Laura Monroe | May 07, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Suzanne,
Wonderful article! As a fellow real estate VA I totally agree 100%! The services we can offer agents allow them to keep more $$ in their pockets and more time on their hands! It is a win-win situation for all of us!
Posted by: Jeri Winkler | May 10, 2007 at 07:05 PM
I’ve taken a quick look at your postings, which are very interesting. Lots of material and ideas! Congrats on being so focused!
http://www.Johnbeckssuccessstories.com/
Posted by: Richard | May 17, 2007 at 02:36 AM
Great article, I would like to know more. I own a real estate company in Bangkok and it would be great to be able to outsource work to more knowledgeable American workers.
Posted by: Chris Heath | June 22, 2007 at 02:06 AM
if you go to wahm.com (stands for work at home moms) there is a forum with a board especially pertaining to virtual assistance. I'd check that out if you are interested in learning more
Posted by: Lilah | June 25, 2007 at 01:23 AM
Great article. There has been so much press recently on the VA industry and how beneficial the services are, and not just for the real estate agent. From small businesses to large, there are extensive VA solutions to assist in many aspects of someone's personal and professional life, enabling a healthy work life balance and business support.
Best,
Susan
Ace Concierge, LLC - New Hampshire
Posted by: Ace Concierge, LLC | July 02, 2007 at 12:52 PM
I completely agree that VAs save time AND money by working efficiently and effectively. It is often the case that tasks that could be handed off to a VA are handed to others within the company - but many times they are busy with their own work and in the end, takes a lot longer to accomplish simple tasks. VAs are trained to make the most of our time and pass on the value to our customers. Thank you Suzanne for expanding to others what VAs can do and how we can help professionals in every industry.
Sincerely,
Pattie Cordova
Time Defenders
http://www.TimeDefenders.com
Posted by: Pattie Cordova | July 16, 2007 at 01:19 PM