Grow, Leverage and Streamline Your Business Through a Virtual Assistant
Six months ago we made one of the most important decisions in 2009 and that was teaming up with Anne Marie Malfi as our virtual assistant. Many of you might already know Anne Marie as she is one of top bloggers in the Active Rain Community. I met Anne Marie at the Real Estate Bar Camp Philadelphia and already "knew her" from interacting with her on her blog. So when the time came to look into working with a virtual assistant, I already knew Anne Marie was the person to call !
Since working with Anne Marie, our client base has grown, we are able to leverage more of our time and our business has become more streamlined. We are thrilled as the benefits have exceeded our expectations. Each of these items are huge benefits to raise the bar of your business and take it to the next level.
1. Grow - When you get the to the point where you need to do something because you cannot keep up with it all no 
matter what you do, you know it is time to grow your business. This can be growing a team, hiring a licensed assistant or working with a virtual assistant. In our case, the virtual assistant made a lot of sense because her work helps not just Stephanie and I, but our entire team. Further, much of her work that she does for us she can do much quicker than both of us combined ! She is amazing, as most good virtual assistants are !
2. Leverage - One of the biggest benefits for us is that our time is freed up to do what we do best which is do more listing appointments, show more properties to clients, have more time to negotiate and manage a deal and so forth. By having Anne Marie, we have more time to do the activities that enable us to maximize not only our production, but client service as well. Or it simply might allow that much more time with your family or to be able to make it to the gym a couple of times a week.
3. Streamline - Often times if you get behind on something, you have fear or anxiety that something will not get done or it will slip through the cracks. This causes a lot of worry ! Having a virtual assistant ensures that many of those tasks and action steps are done and alleviates all the worry. Further, they get done in a way where it maximizes client service due to the consistency and presentation.
When I first joined Active Rain, I really did not know what a virtual assistant was or what they did. It is amazing what you learn here in the Rain and the people you meet. Also, if I did not join, I would not have come across Anne Marie's blog. In addition, if I did not go to the Real Estate Bar Camp Philadelphia, I would not have met her in person. My point is that Active Rain is a great place to learn and to network in addition to blogging. And definitely take advantage of those meet-ups and networking opportunities when they come up in your area. The rewards they can bring to you for your business are numerous ! And if you are interested more about what a virtual assistant can do for you, simply go to and subscribe to Anne Marie's blog ! You will be glad that you did !
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I think more people would use a virtual assistant if hey wern't worried that the assistant was doing the same old thing for each person...
I will check this concept out. I need help with freeing time to do what I do best. This may be exactly what I need. Thanks.
Michael - The use of a virtual assistant will be different for each person. The specific work that would be done would be tailored to match the needs of that agent. However, an experienced virtual assistant would already be super proficient with whatever the agent needed which is fantastic so there is not a learning curve or training time.
Thanks for sharing. Have a most successful New Year!
Dave - You are welcome ! It took us awhile to make the decision to work with a virtual assistant. It was only a week when we knew it was a very wise choice. Leveraging your time to do what you do best is "priceless".
Roy - Same to you !! It should be a great one !
I could not begin to function as I do with the number of hours in the day without my VA.
Best buy in town.
Lenn - That is a great testimonial ! It is hard I think to make the decision to spend additonal funds, especially during tough times, but necessary to take your business to the next level as well. I agree as my wife Stephanie has been so happy with this decision as it has freed up her time and cut down on worry, stress and anxiety in terms of things not getting done. "Best buy in town" is a good way to put it ! ~ Chris
Chirstopher & Stephanie.... not sure who wrote this one.... ;o) But I could only imagine how this can help ones business as a realtor, especially when busy and don't want to have someone as staff 24/7. Especially someone that is extremely good as you mentioned, in Anne Marie Malfi. And as you have stated, it frees up your time for fun... I mean, to be able to get other things done... prospect, write blogs... and to define and work on your business plan... congrats on finding someone not only very good, but that you cna trust.
Great points about leveraging your time. Many people can only think of the dollar ahead and not the big picture benefits of outsourcing!
This is something I've been trying to decide on, and exactly what functions I need to outsource !!! IS the www.revanetwork.com still an active source ?
Michael Gerber says you can make money 2 ways - OPM and OPT other peoples money/ other peoples time. If you are doing assistant work, you are one. I have benn vrtual outsourcing with Carrie Gable in Chicago for 7 years and she is a part of our team.. I am glad you have found a good match too! Warm Rerads from chilly Ann Arbor, MI.
That is a good testament and I'm glad it worked for you.. .thanks for sharing it.
I think this post will go a long way to helping introduce the concept of the virtual assistant to many agents who have long been mystified by the idea. My assistant sits right outside my door, and I can't imagine it any other way, but for many, virtual is the best way to go!
This is a great way to spend your time better on the most important aspects of real estate. I also use www.elance.com to post projects for bidders, as well as www.expresscopy.com for mailings.
Very cool! thanks for posting! All the best in 2010!
What specific items did you select for her to do for your real estate business and why those items?
Jeff - Thanks ! It is great to work with other professionals you can rely on and trust. I wrote this one : ) but it is Stephanie that really benefited the most from the work of Anne Marie as she was doing a lot of those items. And indirectly it benefits me to in that I know Stephanie has less worry on her plate about things not getting done or being overwhelmed. We are still overwhelmed at times but in a good way in terms of managing new clients, listings and so forth. I think the real rewards will come this year and beyond in terms of the leverage and streamlining benefits which is very exciting. Is good to see you as I have not seen you in a bit. Hope all is well on your end and happy new year ! Look forward to seeing you soon. ~ Chris
Melissa - You are so right. Many folks hunker down and are worried about making the investment as it costs money. Some say they can just do it themselves. Which is true up to a point as doing it all will eventually lead to burn-out or growth will be stagnated. The bottom line is that sometimes you need to make an investment... spend money to make money !
Trisha - Basically, a virtual assistant does many of your tasks through their own work environment as they do not need to be physically in the office. Now, getting a regular assistant provides the same benefits as well so both are excellent options.
Michael - It is exciting when you are thinking about it. I am not familiar with that network but it looks quite comprehensive.
I also met Anne Marie at the Philly RE Bar Camp. This is the year I will make use of a VA's services!
Chris and Stephaine everything you said about a Virtual Assistant is soo true. And Anne Marie Malfi writes very good blogs that get featured. Here is one of my favorites ones How to ensure your sites come up when customers are searching for real estate services. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on your Gold Star. Great post.
You all couldn't have picked a better one than Anne Marie. She is a very good one. Congrats on it helping the biz!! Happy New Year.
Chirstopher & Stephanie- I just started using Transaction Point, basically a virtual escrow coordinator and it seems to be working great. This might be a good addition to your virtual assistant.
Yes, I was contemplating this option as well, but then chose to hire my husband for most of those tasks. He works pretty cheap :)
Kathy- Glad you have found a good fit for you ! You make an excellent point regarding OPM and OPT !
Fernando - You are welcome !
Colleen - You are right as it can be mystifying per se. Both models work, the one right outside your door or a virtual assistant ! Either way, it is a good choice to get your business to the next level.
Joe - Thanks ! It really is amazing how many tools are out there. One of the great things about Active Rain is it has become a place for us to learn a lot about all these new tools and websites.
Stephen - Same to you as well !
Must read more about it! Being a bit of a control freak, not sure what I would be able to delegate!
I think the hardest part about the decision to hire a virtual assistant is finding the right one, deciding what they will do, and getting everything on the same page. The investment is relatively small if you have enough work to keep them busy, you should have enough revenue to pay for one. A VM is great when you're small but busy and want to grow, but eventually if you do grow substantially a live, on-site assistant is probably best.
Cheryl - It is a long list but primarily our virtual assistant posts all of our craigs list ads twice a week, helps monitor and keep our main website The Somers Team up-to-date, helps with new listings in terms of getting the listing through a multiple-point checklist, helps with some of our marketing campaigns, power-point presentations and much more. As an individual agent, one can identify their strengths and weaknesses to help what items and tasks are best turned over to your assistant, whether it be a live-assistant or a virtual assistant. The sky is the limit !
This is something that I have pondered, one of the things that I find attractive is that I would not have to be responsible for workmen's comp, and here in San Diego, Ca its not cheap.
Excellent choice Chris! If I was going to use the services of a VA Ann Marie would be my top choice.
We also have been conteplating a virtual assistant. It's encouraging to hear all of the positive testamonials.
Christopher and Stephanie:
I have been contemplating a VA for awhile now, the only problem I've discovered was that what they were offering did not align with what I needed done. I am now considering another partner. I am still open to the idea though.
Excellent advice. I have had a VA now for several months and it has allowed me to step up my business significantly. One of the best decisions I ever made.
Brian- Booyah ! It is good to be pumped up going into 2010 ! I think we met briefly as well at the Bar Camp ! Will look forward to the next one.
Lanre- Thanks ! Good to see you ! Yes, Anne Marie writes some terrific and informative blogs. She is one of our favorite bloggers here in the Rain ! At that was the case even before we started doing business with her.
Gary - Thank you ! Life is good when your business starts to become more streamlined, efficient and effective ! We still have a long ways to go !
Paul - Yes, those are some good systems too as it allows you to stay on top of the deal/transaction.
Catherine- LOL LOL ! I hear you ! Is great that your husband is the person that helps out, certainly more "low-cost" and "keeping it within the family". Seriously though, I know that works out very well with many husband and wife teams : )
That is such wonderful news on how much help Ann Marie provided for you and your business. I'm not at all surprised she's done an excellent job for you and I can imagine it takes some stress off trying to get everything done yourself. Thank you for letting us know, those of us who can't keep up just might want to hire her as well!
I've not used one but have thought about at times. I think it could be good if you get the right one!
Patricia/Seacoast NH
I've not used one but have thought about at times. I think it could be good if you get the right one!
Patricia/Seacoast NH
Hello Christopher & Stephanie,
Thank you for the information and advice about Virtual Assistants. I'm glad that you found Anne Marie Malfi and hiring a VA is working out great for you. I can see where it frees up a lot of time to work on listings, appointments, etc. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
Rita
Hi Christopher~ So glad you are busy enough to need to hire a Virtual Assistant! You couldn't have pciked a better one. Anne Marie is awesome!
Just what I was thinking about for 2010! It will be a little time until I get it together, but I'd love to try it.
Anne Marie is great, but I didn't realize she is a virtual assistant and didn't really know what that was until your post. Can they cross state lines as all the paperwork is different?
Sounds like a very interesting concept...i will look it to it further...it might be perfect for me gaining more time for client needs!
I think I am going to look into this - I also don't have enough time in each day to accomplish everything I need to do. This may help - thanks for the post!
Great Post--We a;; need to sept back and understand where we should spend our time. If we are any good at our craft, we should be ablke to delegate certain tasks to others.
Elliott Topkins
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. Alena http://smallbusinessgrant.info
I have a virtual assistant and I love her to pieces! It is great to know things are taken care of.
This sounds like a great opportunity to grow ones business. I have wondered how a VA would benefilt my business. I think this is something to look into in 2010.
Lori - It is good to let go once in awhile ! Delegation is one of the keys to maximizing production.
Aaron - They are both great, and both stepping stones to grow your business. As far as finding one, I would just ask around for referrals and references or doing some web searches. We found Anne Marie pretty easily, right here in the Rain !
Lorraine - Sounds like it is worth looking into for you !
Bill - I hear you. We are thrilled !
That is a great endorsement! Glad to hear it was a good decision
Best in 2010
your friend in Charlottesville!
Christopher and Stephanie,
Great post and important for everyone reading to think about adding a virtual assistant into their marketing mix. A VA can be paid with the money you are saving from not doing direct mail and expensive newspaper ads... I see it as moving the marketing dollars.
Now of the control issue as Lori mentioned in comment #27 I think the entire practice of having a VA is an evolution journey... so just start slowly... with different projects.. a good post might be.. what are some things a VA can help you with in your business... Perfect time of year to start implementing this new help system!
Chris and Stephanie, I am truly touched by your words and compliments about our partnership and believe me when I tell you that I am still pinching myself and so happy that I joined AR, that you started reading my blog and that we officially met at REBARCAMP Philly - to this day one of the best decisions I've ever made. You did an amazing job highlighting the benefits of working with and teaming up with a Virtual Assistant and for those of you considering that as part of your marketing and business plan for 2010 and beyond, the Somers have identified the ideal way to work with a VA. By figuring out where you need help and where you should focus your efforts you can have your VA fill in the gaps, take it to new levels and do it all consistently so that you are truly creating opportunity and a name for your business. Six months after meeting the Somers Team I find myself beyond thrilled that I get the opportunity to work, assist, advise and help them find ways to market their listings and provide exceptional customer service to their clients.
Chris and Stephanie - You are both amazing Realtors but more importantly people who care about your clients and team and it shows in everything you do! I am honored to be even a small part of your formula for success and love being on your team! Consumers looking to purchase or sell their home in the Philadelphia market owe it to themselves to have the best team looking out for their best interests and you are certainly that and more! Here's to a great 2010! ~Anne Marie
P.S. Thank you to all of you that left such nice remarks and compliments about me, my services and my blog - I am truly blessed to know all of you and be a part of the great ActiveRain community!
I learned so many years ago that having an assistant isn't "auto-productivity" - I wasted so much money and time. Having said that, I haven't had one for years and greatly look forward to when I again produce enough to require one. I would be game for a virtual assistent. Especially since I often work form the home office, ha!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Lucy
http://dataentryjob-s.com
Chris ~ It sounds like you and Stephanie definitely made a wise decision why you hired Anne Marie as your VA! Joining ActiveRain was not such a bad decision either.