MI: How long have you been a VA?
BK:
2.5 years on a part-time basis and full-time
since July of 2000.
MI: What sort of
experience did you have to prepare you for this
career?
BK:
Mostly administrative support in the real estate
field. When I began my career, I offered general
administrative services. Since then I have
tailored my services to the real estate
Industry.
MI: What advantages can a VA offer
over that of an onsite assistant?
BK:
Hiring a VA can open many doors of opportunity
for a busy professional. When working with an
on-site assistant you are limited to the
expertise that they bring in with them. With VAs you can find a wide range of experience and
complete support. You may even hire separate VAs to fit each of your individual needs.
MI: What do you feel is your most
unique and/or valuable talent you can offer to
real estate professionals?
BK:
My experience and drive within the real estate
industry. I have been in the real estate field
since the 1980's.
MI: What do you like most about
working with real estate professionals?
BK:
Their entrepreneurial spirit and drive!
MI: If you could "design" the ideal
client, what qualities would they possess?
BK:
They would have dedication, drive, high energy,
and a never ending spirit!
MI: What minimum requisites /
qualities do you look for in a potential REALTOR
before you agree to work with them?
BK:
None really! When I get a inquiry about my
services from a Realtor, I research them and
their company and I establish my relationship
with that Realtor based on what I find.
MI: What are some of the things you
do for your REALTOR clients?
BK:
I have created some customized items that are
used for CMAs, buyer presentations, marketing
ideas, printing services, transaction
coordinator, Web site maintenance, database
maintenance, and so much more!
MI: Are there any duties you don't
particularly like doing?
BK:
No! The difficulty is finding the time for
everything.
MI: Do you use VAs to help you
handle the load?
BK:
Yes!!!! —I have hired others to do my
administrative tasks!
MI: Do you manage your clients or do
they need to manage you —and which do you
prefer?
BK:
I would have to say that I manage my clients! I
think that is very important. If they have to
manage you, then they are using up their
valuable time are you are defeating the purpose
of using a VA.
MI: What are the most important
qualities a REALTOR should look for when looking
for a VA?
BK:
I think it should depend on what they are
looking for in a VA. But I have found that most
Realtors do not know what type of help they need
and they look toward the VA to tell them what
they can do for the Realtor.
MI: Good point! And now the last
question: What words of advice do you have for
REALTORS who are considering using a VA?
BK:
They should look for experience, as a VA and in
the work place. Take the time to write down the
tasks that you want a VA to handle for you. Be
as specific as you can and you can grow into
more after that!
MI: Thanks Bev, for sharing your time
and wisdom in this new and exciting field of
opportunity for real estate professionals
everywhere!
BK:
You are welcome!
You can reach Bev via e-mail
at
bev@globalvo.com or by phone at 877-768-9702.
Always remember to do a thorough due-diligence
before hiring any kind of assistant. This is the
first of what I hope to be an ongoing series of VA
profiles and interviews designed to help you find
that perfect VA that will help you work less and
earn more!
Beverly King (
