The highest level of
assistance with the most impact on your business
is that from an "executive assistant". This is
someone who actually helps manage you instead
of the other way around.
MI:
What sort of background experience did you have to
prepare you for this career?
CG:
I received an Associate Degree as a legal
assistant in 1993. After graduation, I worked as
an Executive Assistant for 6 years. I was lucky
enough to work for a very technically advanced
company that allowed me to attain considerable
education in new technology/web. I then moved on
to become a Webmaster for 2 years at a design
company.
MI:
What made you decide to become an independent
Virtual Assistant?
CG:
I love meeting and forming business relationships
with new people. Being a VA and working for
yourself in general requires a lot of networking.
I've met and worked with so many wonderful people
from all over the world. You don't get that with
the 9-5 job!
MI:
What advantages can a VA like yourself offer over
that of an onsite assistant?
CG:
The biggest reason would my availability (24/7).
There is also a significant cost benefit. If a
company hired an assistant with my skills, they
would probably have to pay a pretty hefty salary
and they may not even need this type of expertise
everyday from 9-5. When they hire me, they only
pay for the work when they need it.
(MI:
Great answer —and very true!)
MI:
I noticed in your profile on
StaffCentrix.com that you are an "Executive
Assistant" to several high-powered business
people. What does that mean and how is it
different from other VA functions you perform?
CG:
An Executive Assistant is a manager in a sense.
They manage all aspects of the employer's business
life, from planning business dinners, to travel
arrangements, etc. Other VA functions can be as
simple as creating a mailing or a letter. This is
a very diverse field!
MI:
Your site lists an extensive array of
services for REALTORS. What do you feel really
sets you apart from other VAs with respect to
serving the real estate community?
CG:
I feel that my secretarial experience, education
and drive set me above the rest. My VA company is
my career. I take it VERY seriously. I have my own
office complete with all the latest technology
(scanner, digital camera, business phone, fax,
copier, computer, etc) that allows me to do a
professional job EVERY time! I am dedicated to
exceeding my client’s expectations!
MI:
What minimum requisites / qualities do you look
for in a potential REALTOR before you agree to
work with them?
CG:
The minimum requirement is simple. They must have
a way of communicating with me. Whether it is by
phone, fax, email, etc. As long as we can
effectively communicate, I am more than happy to
provide any type of service!
MI:
At what point do you discuss what is most
important for them to accomplish within the
REALTOR / VA relationship?
CG:
This type of discussion is important to have
within the first few points of contact. I always
tell my clients that in order for me to make their
day easier, they need to unload everything that I
can do to make it so. At that point, I can
formulate their thoughts into action items.
MI:
What special tools or infrastructure do you use to
facilitate your work with clients?
CG:
One of the most efficient tools I utilize is a
client Intranet site. This allows us to post
documents online, view and manage the same
calendar, create a task list, and view/post
invoices. My clients can even view their personal
Intranet site using their web enabled cell phones
as well as synchronize the Intranet calendar with
their local outlook.
MI:
What are the most important qualities a REALTOR
should look for when looking for a VA?
CG:
They should make sure that the VA has a real
office and all the equipment needed to run an
office. Especially high speed internet access.
MI:
Last question —What words of advice do you have
for REALTORS who are considering using a VA?
CG:
Don't be afraid to try a VA service. Change is
somewhat scary, but you have nothing to lose and
everything to gain!
MI:
Thanks Carrie for sharing your great thoughts and
ideas on what it takes to get the most value from
using a VA!
CG:
Thank you!
You can check Carrie's rather
extensive Web site out at
http://www.electronic-assistant.com, contact
her via e-mail at
carrie@electronic-assistant.com or by phone at
847-705-1655. Always remember to do a thorough
due-diligence before hiring any kind of assistant.
This interview is part of an ongoing series of VA
profiles designed to help you find that perfect VA
that will launch you to the top quicker and with
less effort than you ever thought possible!
