MI: Kathy, you
have an extensive administrative assistant
background. How has that helped you prepare for
being a virtual assistant?
KG: I have about 20
years of corporate world experience at both the
assistant and managerial level. During that
time, I received extensive training on a variety
of software programs. I apply that computer
training every day in my business. After I
finished college I became the office manager and
administrative assistant to several Deans of a
prestigious law school. Working for several
people helped me become more organized, manage
my time better and apply my people skills more
effectively.
MI: You are one
of the few VAs I have interviewed that completed
the extensive AssistU course. How comprehensive
was it and how has that training helped you?
KG: The intensive
19-week course really challenged my skills. By
the time I finished, I had nearly 250 hours of
training behind me. I learned how to be a power
internet user. I was also introduced to
technology that allows me to work and
collaborate with my clients more easily. The
AssistU group continues to be a source of
knowledge and support in my business.
MI: You
mentioned that you started out as a VA
“generalist” and found that was not a
particularly fruitful way to go. What made you
decide to become a real estate virtual
assistant?
KG: When I first
started as a VA, I provided assistance to a
variety of clients in different industries.
While that was fun, it felt like a shotgun
approach to me. I was learning about so many
businesses that it seemed like I could never
really focus on what I could do for my clients.
So I decided to "niche." I have about 7 years of
real estate experience and I decided to apply
those skills to support my clients. I continue
to take classes and training specifically for
the real estate industry which allows me to be an
expert in real estate support.
MI: What types
of real estate support services do you offer?
KG: Most REPs have
websites. These sites are great marketing tools
to attract listings; however, most Agents do not
know how to use their website to capture leads
and convert those leads to clients. I help
Agents capture those leads and use the
information they get to develop drip e-mail
campaigns. With a drip campaign, the REP can
slowly develop a relationship with potential
clients. I also create CMAs/BPOs, marketing
materials and virtual tours.
MI: You
indicated during a previous conversation that
you specialize in setting up and administrating
drip e-mail marketing programs for REALTORS®. If
an agent wants this done, what does the process
look like?
KG: I begin by
looking at the Realtor’s website. I check to see
how it is set up and if are there opportunities
for visitors to request reports or CMAs. Once we
have maximized the site to capture these leads,
we work on setting up a drip e-mail campaign. The
campaigns are customizable so we can set our own
time frames and write content that clearly
reflects the personality and individuality of
the Agent.
MI: What do you
like best about working with REALTORS®?
KG: I really enjoy
their motivation and commitment to their
clients. Their excitement is contagious and
motivates me as well. I also like being able to
focus on their goals and how we can move their
business to the next level. Technology is ever-evolving and it’s fun to learn about new
products and services that we can apply to their
businesses.
MI: When an
agent comes to you inquiring about your services
but does not have a clear idea on how they want
to get started, how do you counsel them?
KG: This happens all
the time. As I said, there is so much technology
available. Agents are not sure what they need
and how to move forward. Sometimes they have
already paid for a service or product and have
no idea how to use it. So we start with the
basics. We look at their website. Does it speak
to their target market? Do they have a target
market? Then we can move ahead with setting up a
drip e-mail campaign and begin to concentrate on
some of the other things we can accomplish. I
have been trained to handle their technology
needs and continue to pursue educational
opportunities.
MI: Do you have
any REALTOR® clients that also have onsite
assistants, and if so, how do you integrate your
services with theirs?
KG: Oh, yes. This
happens often. I have great relationships with
the onsite assistants and continue to learn from
them. But the jobs we do are completely
different and there is very little overlap. My
job is to help my clients to reach the next
level in business, and I am able to do this with
the help of their assistants.
MI: Last
Question: What advice do you have for REALTORS®
who are thinking about hiring a VA but haven’t
made that first step yet?
KG: Your time is
valuable. Your special training enables you to
cultivate and nurture relationships and you
capitalize on this experience by gaining clients
and making their home buying dreams come true.
My job is...Everything Else! Lead management and
e-mail campaigns, website maintenance, CMAs and BPOs...anything that takes valuable time away
from doing what makes you successful. This year, work smarter, not harder!
MI: Kathy, thank
you for sharing your insight, energy and
enthusiasm for supporting real estate
professionals to be the best they can be!
KG: Thank you for
this opportunity. I can’t tell you how exciting
it is to be a Real Estate Virtual Assistant in
this age of technology.
To learn more about Kathy and her services just
go to
www.iNetOfficeVA.com. You can contact her via
e-mail at
Kathy@InetOfficeVA.com or call her at
262-860-0068. 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!
