VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS IN REAL ESTATE?
Virtual assistants have been around since the 1970s when stay at home moms decided to use their college education to gain a broader sense of independence, even if they continued to run the household if not an actual businesses. But the practice didn't really enter the real estate industry with any impact until the mid-90s, when improved Internet services allowed more entrepreneurs to work from home or from remote locations. Most recently, as highly trained, skilled professionals became affected by the failing economy, virtual assistants in the real estate industry have become more prolific (and more valuable).
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?
The state of the economy has forced many college educated, highly skilled professionals to look for alternative ways to earn income. I am NOT talking about foreign, offshore firms seeking to take advantage of Americans needing to cut costs. (Though a word of caution - these companies DO exist and WILL exploit the opportunity if afforded them.) The professionals finding themselves looking for alternative income are right here in the United States. They have seen their salaries dwindle due to cut backs, have been laid off, or have been put out of business by larger companies with deeper pockets.
American professionals are enterprising by nature. If one has skills to market, they WILL be marketed. Members of a community who earn steady wages stimulate their local economy. Families with both spouses working are far more likely to take advantage of what we all agree is a buyer's market. Employed families buy houses! Moreover...
Work-hungry, highly skilled professionals work hard for continued business, providing the best value on the market!
WHAT IS A "VIRTUAL ASSISTANT" ANYWAY?
The A4VBs definition of a virtual assistant is "an independent entrepreneur providing professional administrative, creative, managerial, technical, business office and/or personal support services.
They use the most advanced means of communication, and the newest and most efficient and time-saving office products and work delivery, regardless of geographic boundaries. Virtual Assistants work from their own offices, on a contractual basis, and abide by an established Code of Ethics requiring integrity, honesty and due diligence."
Branches PSP redefines the term "virtual assistant" as " Professional Service Provider".This shift in common nomenclature reflects the abilities of the professionals providing services. It also reflects the increasing popularity of utilizing this type of professional not only for "Gal Friday" or tedious secretarial tasks, but for projects requiring expert skills like marketing campaigns, home staging, lead generation, event planning, accounting, etc.
Service Providers have met or exceeded quality and professionalism standards before being secured for any project, no matter the scope of the tasks required.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
A full 270-page report about the services, prices, and demographics of virtual assistants is available at Brenner Books. If you're curious about the advantages a virtual assistant could provide your business, a comprehensive list of services are available at Branches Professional Services Provider.
AND SO I SAY TO YOU:
Real estate professionals can reap the benefits of virtual assistants' skills with little investment or commitment, and only when needed. Virtual assistants in real estate work by the hour or by the project. If you are lucky enough to find one who will work on retainer, snatch the opportunity for it is rare! Why? Because, not only is it good for your business, but hiring a virtual assistant is good for our economy!
I believe that if you expect a community to support you, you must in turn support your community. Think of all the excellent talent out there just begging to be put to work, and I think you will agree...
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