MI:
You have a rather unusual background that includes
being a key executive in four successful startups.
Tell us a bit about that and how you transitioned
from there to being a VA...
PJ:
I'm a start-up addict! The first was my technology
training center and there I became addicted to the
technology. Since then I have started four
companies for other people. I thought it was time
to do my own business again. I enjoy helping other
entrepreneurs "get started".
MI:
What do you feel is your most unique and/or
valuable talent you can offer to real estate
professionals?
PJ:
I understand what customer service really means. I
provide excellent service and can help the real
estate professional grow their business and meet
the demands of a crazy schedule. I can provide
support and recommendations on new marketing ideas
to help grow their business.
MI:
Can you give some specifics?
PJ:
One idea that I worked on was creating a list of
"ideas" for places to visit in the city that the
real estate agent had the majority of her
customers. We created a "family field trip" with a
list of places that new or potential home buyers
could visit. We also created a tear off return and
they could enter a drawing for tickets to a local
event that was being held that month. The response
was great!
(MI: That is a great idea!)
MI:
What are your likes and dislikes about working
with real estate professionals?
PJ:
My likes: real estate professionals are always in
start-up mode! To be a successful real estate
professional you always have to market, market,
market. Creating new ideas and ways to help your
customer can make the difference in closing the
business.
The one area that I don't care too much for is the
bookkeeping end of real estate business. They keep
their receipts in boxes and hand them in at the
end of the year! (MI:
That's interesting you would bring that up —a
recent article in ePOWER! NEWS showed how an
enterprising REALTOR hired a VA to do just that!)
MI:
The concept of Virtual Assistant is still new for
most REALTORS. How would you "coach" one to start
using your services?
PJ:
The first place to start when working with a
potential realtor is to find out what they don't
like to do - that's what I will take on as my
first project. After that they feel good
about the relationship and start to feel like they
have a partner in the business with them - one
that is willing to work with them on meeting their
needs. Someone that is interested in helping them
be successful.
MI:
"Letting go" is a big problem for many REALTORS,
how do you get your clients to identify the
"high-leverage" items that will make a big
difference in their business if done by a
competent VA?
PJ:
If we can discuss what is taking up a "chunk" of
their time, but not bringing in the customers or
the business I can get them to see that it is not
a good use of their valuable time. Sometimes it
takes letting go a little at a time to eventually
partner on the bigger things that eat up time with
no return on their investment.
(MI:
Good point)
MI:
What minimum requisites / qualities do you look
for in a potential REALTOR before you agree to
work with them?
PJ:
In order to create a successful partnership, they
have to be ready to accept the idea that just
"maybe" there is a bigger, faster, better way to
do it —and that just might involve "sharing" some
of the responsibilities of growing the business.
MI:
What special tools or infrastructure do you use to
facilitate your work with clients?
PJ:
In addition to the telephone and fax, a computer
with standard office software, Internet access and
an e-mail account is what we need to get going
efficiently and effectively.
MI:
What are the most important qualities a REALTOR
should look for when looking for a VA?
PJ:
Passion for their customers and the skills and
experience to back it up. It's not as important
that they have worked in real estate, but more
important "can they take care of my customer and
my business?" Make sure that when you talk with
them on the telephone that you can answer "YES,
this is someone that I want talking with my
customers." If you are confident of their skills
and there is a "click" with your personality —it
will work!
MI:
Last question —What words of advice do you have
for REALTORS who are considering using a VA?
PJ:
It is important when creating any new partnership
that you select your partners based on both skills
and personality. Take the time to get to know your
potential VA by e-mail and telephone - it will be
a great investment of your time and a partnership
that can help make your business even more
successful.
MI:
PJ, thank you very much for sharing your great
ideas, insights, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm!
PJ:
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your
online community...
You can check out PJ's array
of VA services at
http://www.baebs.com, contact
her via e-mail at
pjbabcock@baebs.com or by phone at
925-398-6220. 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!
Imagine having a Virtual Assistant that has the
experience of being a key executive in four
successful startup companies! That's just part of the
high-powered package you get with this month's featured
VA —San Francisco Bay Area based PJ Babcock (
