Your dreams may not have a life of their own, but they do live within you.This is why it’s so important to not get too entrenched in your comfort zone – your dreams will literally die there.

• Your Dreams Get Demoted to the Background
• When you get caught up in your comfort zone, you get stuck in your daily routines. Following your dreams will require you to do tasks that will take you out of your comfort zone and will change familiar routine.
• It’s easier to remain in your comfort zone and wait until you’ve got the time to explore and experiment. In short, your dreams get demoted to the background. Chances are it may never resurface again.

• Your Knowledge Becomes Stagnant
• Pursuing your goals mean you often need to learn new things and new skills. You can’t do this when you don’t want to risk leaving your comfort zone behind.
• You’ll need to learn things that will ultimately get you out of your comfort zone!

• You Won’t Know Your True Potential
• No matter how talented you are, if you don’t get out of your comfort zone, you’re going to be left behind.
• Why? Because people will ever know your true potential.

• Your Dreams will Never Become Reality
• Time, technology, and business practices pass quickly. Don’t let it be too late.

We all have dreams for our future. Now is the time to get out of your comfort zone and learn new things.

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Realtor® Edition

A Realtor’s Christmas Poem
(Poetic License Definitely Taken)

‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, only Realtors were stirring. And, of course, a mouse.

The contracts were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that the closings soon would be there.

The buyers were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of homeownership danced in their heads.

Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap were settling our brains for a long winter nap.

When out of my cell phone there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to my office I flew like a flash, tore open my computer and looked at the cache.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear but an email saying my closing was near.

The loan was closed so easy and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

Who else would create such joy in this game, and I whistled and shouted and called out by name.

Now, buyer! Now, seller! Now escrow and loan! On, inspector! On, broker! I let out a groan.

I spoke not a word but went straight to work. My buyers count on me. I’m not a jerk!

I filled in the blanks and gave a shout. Hot dang! We’re closing! Over and out.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

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Quality outsourcing (Virtual Assistance) can be a tricky issue.  While some Realtors® have embraced this service, others remain unconvinced. Some agents are more comfortable with using domestic resources than sending their work overseas.  It’s a concern whether an overseas company will provide the same quality of work as domestic services.  There’s also an issue about whether English is their first language.

To help you make an informed decision, this post will take a look at outsourcing and examine when quality may and may not be compromised.

What Exactly is Outsourcing (Virtual Assistance)? 

Way back in 2008, Inc. Magazine wrote an article about Virtual Assistants in which they said,

Real estate professionals are among the professionals who should consider hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) to handle certain tasks so they can devote more time to other aspects of their business.

Basically, outsourcing can be described as hiring an individual outside of the company to perform specific tasks. This can be done per project, hourly or on an ongoing basis.

Call it outsourcing, virtual assistant services or independent contracting.  These people have made a conscious decision to work independently rather than in a corporate environment. They are highly skilled and qualified people who are very capable of producing a high standard of work.  Many continue their education so they can continue to compete in their chosen market.

When Does Outsourcing Compromise Quality? The simplest answer is when the price is the sole factor determining a Virtual Professional. US professionals are not able to compete with the price of skilled overseas workers.  However, when only domestic candidates are being considered, price often becomes the biggest determining factor.  This is unfortunate. It’s very rare that the most qualified VA has the lowest rates.

Quality can be compromised when companies select the lowest bidder without regard for qualifications. This can be a very costly mistake in the long run. Your Virtual Professional is representing you and your business. Only high-quality work should be acceptable.

When Does Outsourcing NOT Compromise Quality? In most cases, hiring a virtual assistance company is the most affordable option. It also provides a large pool of qualified resources. To avoid getting burned, take the hiring process as seriously with a VA that you would if you were hiring an in-house employee.  Screening a must. Using due diligence in your selection process will not only result in the right candidate, but it will also ensure a quality product.

Verify that everything your Virtual Partner is telling you about their qualifications is true.  Request relevant work experiences and an explanation of their qualifications. Ask for business references. Question the references about the candidate’s work ethic and personal integrity.

Trust and communication are huge factors in a sustainable virtual relationship. A little legwork at the beginning of your search will result in a qualified Virtual Assistant relationship. You may even sleep better at night!

The post Are You Sacrificing Quality When You Outsource? appeared first on Second Self Virtual Assistance.

Bill Gates once said, “Content is king”.  Many Realtors® have said, “Creating content is a pain”.

Content marketing, also known as digital marketing, is the best way to get information to your clients.  It gains trust and demonstrates your expertise.

Choose the most effective type of digital content and present it in an interesting manner. Here are five tips to get you started.

Top Ten Lists – Everyone appreciates a list of the “10 Most Common Mistakes When XYZ”.  They want to know the “10 Things You Want to Do When XYZ”, etc.  Itemize the solutions for their pain points.  People who are relocating to your area will be interested in the “Top 10 Places You Don’t Want to Miss in (your city)”.

“Secrets” – You’ve seen the “Secrets XYZ Doesn’t Want You to Know”.  These “secrets” help people feel you’re giving them some insider information.  For easy reading, format your secrets in bullet-format.  Make it easy for them to scan the information and easily find the secret they’re interested in.

Organization Tips – Create plans and calendars for getting organized.  Offer”Tips for Moving With Children”.  Create a schedule of things that need to be done prior to close.  Think of things that make it easier for your target market.  Create a packet and offer it as a lead generator.

Answer Burning Questions – Think about the questions you’re asked on a daily basis.  Jot them down and provide your expert answers.  It helps people feel that you understand and care about them.

Reports – Offer reports on the latest trends in your market.  Keep them informed about changes and updates in your company and the industry at large.  Monthly, quarterly and annual real estate reports are good, too.

Marketing digital content is all about providing your clients with useful information.  Responding to them in a resourceful way shows that you understand their needs.  Be “THE” person they think of when they have questions or need your services.

Writing and marketing digital content is time-consuming.  This is especially true when old content needs to be updated and refreshed.   NAR and other real estate-related companies offer great content for Realtors®.  Be careful about copyright infringement laws.  Be certain you have permission to use someone else’s content as your own.

When you find yourself out of time, don’t put your digital marketing on the back burner.  Hire someone to write and promote your digital content for you.  Or, sign up for my “Simple Strategies for Increasing Engagement with Your List of Subscribers” email series.

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This is a question likely asked by many Realtors® during their career.  You want to make the best decision for your business.  Should you hire a Real Estate Virtual Assistant or a full-time employee?  A Real Estate Virtual Assistant can actually save you a lot of your hard-earned dollars.

Let’s break it down…

A Virtual Assistant will cost you more per hour but you are not paying them for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year.  According to your needs, your Virtual Assistant will work on your account for a predetermined number of hours each month.  No overtime going out of your pocket.

An employee will only have access to your office during normal business hours.  With a Virtual Assistant, your projects will be done in a timely manner whether it’s at 9:00 am or midnight.  You are free to do what you do best…sell real estate.

With an employee, you have taxes, insurance and vacation and sick days.  A Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor who pays her own taxes and insurance.  She also has everything she needs to complete your projects; computers, office equipment, supplies, etc.  As an employer, it would be your responsibility to provide these necessities to your employee.

No time-consuming training needed!  A Real Estate Virtual Assistant is trained to complete the projects you need.  She continues to sharpen her skills through ongoing education.   Almost every program needed to complete a project is done online.

Whether you’re hiring an employee or an independent contractor, the interview process is important.  Be sure they have the skills and experience they need to help you in your business.  Check their references.

A Real Estate Virtual Assistant is an important asset to your business.  Weigh your options and decide whether an employee or a contractor works best for you.

If you have any questions about hiring a Virtual Assistant, please feel free to contact me.  I’m happy to help.

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