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.

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.

The post Should You Hire a Real Estate Virtual Assistant or Full-Time Employee? appeared first on Second Self Virtual Assistance.