With main offices in Chicago, and associates in London,
Manila, and New York, VA Bryan Yambao of
ROOM500.com and his group offers an international
sophistication not found with many strictly U.S. based
Virtual Assistants. Join in to see how this VA can get
you organized and on top in style!
MI: Bryan, your
Web site, range of services, and large
geographical reach appear to set you apart from
the "traditional" virtual assistant. How do you
see this as an advantage to your clients?
BY: Diversification.
I have a large range of talent, and I am capable
of handling a wide variety of tasks. I am
multinational indeed, since I have "partners"
overseas. How is it advantageous? It's simple.
I'd like to be the "one-stop" shop for my
client's requirements.
MI: Currently
your client base does not include anyone from the
real estate industry. Which of your VA services
do you feel would fit best with the needs of a
real estate professional?
BY: That is correct,
Michael. In fact, most of my clients are in the
coaching, financial, fashion and music
industries. However, the real estate industry is
just the same as any other industry. I
strongly believe all businesses need to have
some form of an internet presence. Hence, my
website and graphic design services would come
into place.
MI: Your group
seems to have a fairly heavy emphasis on
"concierge" support. I can see how these skills
might be useful for arranging client gifts for
when transactions close. What are your thoughts
on that?
BY: Yes indeed.
People these days are willing to pay more for
"personalized" services... service with a
personal touch. In fact, most of our clients
don't have the time and the energy to handle
these tasks, that's when we come in to the
picture... whether it's organizing a business
dinner, or arranging gifts. These things
usually take up time —and time is luxury.
MI: What do you
look for in a client / VA relationship? What
kind of minimum standards do you expect from the
client?
BY: Several things,
Michael. We expect an honest and forthwith
relationship, with realistic expectations on
both sides, as well as realistic targets.
Minimum standards? Trust is one thing, and a
good line of communication is another.
Respect and professionalism also play a vital
role in a client/VA relationship.
MI: What do you
see as the most frequent reason a client / VA
relationship doesn't work out?
BY: It has to be
lack of communication and lack of trust. If a
client and/or VA can't communicate their ideas,
visions and concerns to the other side, then the
partnership would start to feel like a ship
without a rudder.
MI: What would
cause you to say "no" to a real estate
professional who inquired about using your
services?
BY: Two things -
unreasonable requests and lack of direction.
MI: Last
question: What words of advice do you have for
REALTORS who are considering using a VA?
BY: Like any other
relationship, a Realtor needs someone who sees
his/her vision; someone who will work toward
their goals; someone who is as passionate about
selling as you are... and someone who has the
skills to bring your visions to light.
MI: Bryan, thank
you! I am sure many of our readers will be
excited to explore the possibilities of working
with you and your group.
BY: Thanks, Michael!
(EDITOR'S NOTE: some of Bryan's work is
highlighted in this month's
VA CORNER article)
