Florida VA Shane Bowlin has been described by her clients as being “efficient, smart, funny, and with a great deal of business savvy.” An intuitive sense of what’s needed to help a client’s business grow is one of the many talents that help make Shane invaluable as a VA. In addition to being an AssistU graduate, she is a founding member of Coachville. Read on for some real insight into what this highly experienced VA can bring to your business.

MI: Tell us something about your background and how you became a VA.

SB: I opened my Virtual Assistance Business in 1998. Prior to that I was the manager of a regional publishing company that was in the middle of being sold. It was the second time in 5 years that the company I worked for was sold. When I read an article in Entrepreneur Magazine about the new industry of Virtual Assistance I knew it was the perfect business for me.

New business owners need to take time to write a comprehensive business plan and do a lot of reading on operating a business. In 1997, I enrolled in and completed the virtual training program that AssistU.com offers and am a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant (CPVA). There are also a lot of really great VAs who have had no formal training. Since there are no industry wide certification standards, I feel certification is not important to the VAs or their clients. Currently each VA group or organization sets its own standards for certification.

MI: You’ve worked as a consultant to both clients and VAs. What elements do you feel are most important in establishing the VA-Client partnership?

SB: I feel the most important element is that the VA and Client have similar personalities. The VA is representing the client in the business world and the client needs to be comfortable with the image their assistant presents. It’s also important that both parties are honest and open with each other – even when it’s uncomfortable to do so.

MI: What is the most rewarding aspect of working as a VA?

SB: Making a real difference in my clients’ businesses and personal life. It’s very satisfying to know that the ideas I have and the work I do is making a difference and not getting lost in a corporate sea.

MI: If an agent is ready to begin working with a VA for the first time, how would you suggest they begin the process?

SB: An agent should start by making two lists. The first list should consist of the things they don’t like to do or don’t know how to do; the second list should be tasks the agent handles but doesn’t need to. The more administrative work an agent does, the less time they have for clients.

After composing the list, the agent should go through and highlight the skills their VA must have. This is different than the lists above. Here’s an example – the agent wants someone to keep their Web site updated. This doesn’t have to be a VA. It could be a Web designer and the VA can work with the designer to keep the site current. It’s difficult (if not impossible) to find someone who can do everything.

The next step is to find a VA. I recommend you go to one of the organizations for VAs like RevaNetwork.com, AssistU.com, or to ask other agents for a recommendation.

MI: As VA for the RealEstateCoach.com, you come into contact with many real estate professionals and the coaches and programs that support them. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the role of VAs in this industry in the past few years?

SB: The VAs in the Real Estate Industry are becoming much more tech savvy. There are a lot of great new programs available -- like online transaction trackers, video email, and call capture services. Agents are depending more and more on their VAs to use these tools to stay in touch with prospects and clients.

MI: Do you have any advice for VAs who would like to focus on a niche of working with real estate agents?

SB: Do an Internet search and find out everything you can about working with real estate agents. Read articles on how to assist agents, visit the virtual trade shows, and discover what type of help most agents need. Be sure to research what types of things you “can’t” do for agents. Depending upon the state the agent is located in, there are things a VA can’t do legally. (i.e. they will not be able to show property or attend closings).

MI: Thank you, Shane, for sharing your unique perspective on Virtual Assistance and the real estate profession with our readers!

SB: It was my pleasure, Michael.

To learn more about Shane Bowlin and her services just go to AskShane.com. You can contact her via e-mail at Shane@AskShane.com or call her at 954-571-9868. 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 the perfect VA or VA team to keep you organized, profitable, and in control of your business.