Imagine having the services of a Virtual Assistant who at one time was the Director of Education for a major regional NAR association. Read on to see how Jenny Claggett of JWC Consulting can bring her unique blend of industry experience and insight to help your real estate sales business run like a top.

MI: Jenny, as the former Director of Education for a major real estate association, you have a unique perspective on real estate professionals that most VAs will never know. How do you see that experience helping you provide VA services to REALTORS®?

JC: Yes, I do have a unique perspective because of my experience. I realize the demands that are put upon REALTORS® by their customers and clients. I understand how the cliché “Time is money” truly applies to those involved in this business. I also know how time-consuming just one listing, one buyer or even one phone call can be for a REALTOR®. And then we have all of the legal and educational requirements put upon REALTORS®! Wow! Because I realize and understand the items above and this business in general, I feel this makes me a well-rounded real estate VA.

MI: What caused you to switch from a high-profile Director of Education job to being a real estate VA?

JC: One thing that I always envied of REALTORS® was the fact that they were independent/self-employed—they were “in control!” That can be both wonderful and scary at the same time! I thoroughly enjoyed my job at the association, but I wanted more control of my life. Being a VA gives me the independence and control that I was looking for.

MI: I understand that you are also currently doing some work as an on-site assistant for a prominent farm & ranch real estate team. How are your duties for them going to change as you "move offsite" and assist them from a distance?

JC: Yes, I have had the honor of working for Brian & Leslie Rouda Smith of Ellen Terry, REALTORS® (www.countryconnection.net). Unbelievable as this may be to some, as I transition to being their virtual assistant, my duties are not going to change that dramatically. Most of the work I do for them relates to the upkeep of their website, to their e-mail database, to advertising, to closing coordinator activities, etc…all of which can truly be done virtually!

MI: What do you feel is your most unique and/or valuable talent you can offer to real estate professionals?

JC: I feel that one of my strengths is my conscientious nature and my strong work ethic. Combine this with my background as described above…I’m truly a unique VA who understands the daily life of working in real estate!

MI: What do you like most about working with real estate professionals?

JC: What an amazing group of people! I can honestly say that during my years of work with REALTORS® that I have met some of the most caring individuals. And boy do they like to have fun and enjoy life! You have to respect a group of people who work so very hard but yet enjoy life and their own time as well. That’s why I’m here—to help them enjoy their own time even more!

MI: In past years you have seen the full spectrum of real estate professionals. Based on that experience how would you describe the ideal REALTOR® as a VA client?

JC: Yes, you might say that I’ve seen it all! I believe the ideal REALTOR® client is one who respects my contributions and appreciates what I have to offer them from my experience.

MI: What minimum requisites / qualities do you look for in a potential REALTOR® before you agree to work with them?

JC: It is truly amazing what you can learn about someone’s personality simply by reading an e-mail they send you. Think about it the next time you read your messages! As I receive e-mails from possible clients, I look for someone who can communicate. They don’t have to have a Master’s degree in Linguistics, but they need to be able to let me know what they need. I also find it exciting to work with REALTORS® who are willing to “take a chance” and try new things. It’s also important to work with someone who is willing to brainstorm.

MI: With your management background it would seem a natural for you to provide virtual administrative / strategic assistance to some of your clients where you actually manage them. Is this something you would like to specialize in, and if so, how would you prepare your clients to be "managed"?

JC: What a great idea! Actually, that is something I have considered. As someone prepares to be “managed,” he/she must realize this does not mean that they are not “in control.” It simply means that they have someone helping them stay in control!

MI: Given your background in education, what do you think is the most important thing a REALTOR® needs to learn to start and maintain a successful VA relationship?

JC: Communication is the key in a good VA relationship--as in any relationship one has. Remember to be very clear in your expectations…educate the VA/VC on what you need and want from them. Set realistic expectations from the start and the VA will do the same with you.

MI: What do you think are the most important qualities a REALTOR® should look for when looking for a VA?

JC: I feel it is essential for a REALTOR® to work with a VA who is comfortable with the real estate industry. I also recommend someone who is prompt, organized and forward-thinking. And, bottom-line, the REALTOR® needs to feel comfortable with and confident in that person.

MI: Last question: What words of advice do you have for REALTORS® who are considering using a VA?

JC: I have two simple words for them…LET GO! When a REALTOR® finds the VA/VC they are looking for…let that VA do his/her job. It will truly save the REALTOR® time and money to just let it go and let the VA handle it!

MI: Jenny, thank you for sharing your perspective as a new VA having a unique and deep background in real estate education and administration!

JC: Thank you, Michael, for allowing me to share my perspective and thoughts. I truly respect and believe in you and your crusade! Take care!

EDITOR'S NOTE: My staff and I have personally known Jenny for several years and have found her to be one of the most effective, enthusiastic, and hard working Education Directors with whom we have ever had the privilege of working. In fact, when we found out that she was available as a VA, we snapped her up! Jenny is now part of my company’s virtual team as our Marketing And Event Coordinator (see, I do walk my talk!)

You can learn more about Jenny Claggett and her VA services by contacting her via e-mail at jclaggett@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 469-222-6808. 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!

(NOTE: Mr. Internet, his company and staff receive no compensation whatsoever from any third party vendors or service providers. Also any virtual assistant or consultant profile found in this publication is not to be construed as an endorsement of their services by Mr. Internet or his company.)