| You've reached that point in your real estate | | | | software programs you need your assistant to |
| business where you are spending more time doing | | | | know or be prepared to learn. This will save you |
| administrative tasks than you are making sales | | | | time because you won't have to field responses |
| calls. You don't really want to hire someone on a | | | | from virtual assistants who aren't well versed in |
| full time basis but you do recognize that you need | | | | the software that you use the most. |
| an assistant. What can you do to solve this | | | | 4. How much are you willing to pay? |
| problem? Well you could partner with a virtual | | | | You must consider your budget before you |
| assistant. Here are some things you should | | | | contact potential virtual assistants. Prices generally |
| consider before you work with a virtual assistant. | | | | vary, but you won't get a GOOD virtual assistant |
| 1. What tasks do you want the virtual assistant to | | | | for under $25.00/hr. Period. Virtual assistants are |
| do? | | | | business owners, too and they must make |
| Nothing is more confusing to a virtual assistant | | | | enough money to cover their expenses and |
| than having a client who does not have a clue | | | | make a profit. If you're not prepared to at least |
| what needs to be done. It is really challenging to | | | | pay that much, you should wait a while before |
| please the customer when the customer doesn't | | | | you solicit the services of a virtual assistant. |
| know what he or she wants. Take some time to | | | | 5. How much control do you need to have over |
| outline the tasks that you want to hand over | | | | the virtual assistant's work? |
| before you contact potential virtual assistants. | | | | This is also important. If you must pore over |
| This will make life easier for the both of you. | | | | every detail of the virtual assistant's work, then |
| 2. What hours does the virtual assistant have to | | | | you might not be ready for a virtual assistant. |
| be available? | | | | The whole idea of hiring a virtual assistant is to |
| This is extremely important as well. It isn't going | | | | free you up to focus on income producing |
| to help you if you need your assistant during | | | | activities. If you are a control freak type, then a |
| normal business hours and she can't be available | | | | virtual assistant relationship might not be ideal for |
| due to other responsibilities. Stop and think about | | | | you. You might be better off with an on site |
| when your biggest needs are and be sure to | | | | employee. |
| indicate this in your RFP. | | | | Using a virtual assistant can save you both time |
| 3. What computer software do you expect the | | | | and money. Follow these suggestions and you |
| virtual assistant to know? | | | | should be able to establish a smooth relationship |
| This is also important. You should specify which | | | | with a virtual assistant. |