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Updated about 3 years ago, 11/02/2021
Virtual Assistant
Hello. I'm looking to automate certain aspects of my wholesaling business. I've familiarized myself with the options I have as far as hiring a virtual assistant, but am unsure of the exact tasks to train them on and what the expectations should be. I just want to optimize their role in my business while staying cost efficient. Any advice is appreciated.
Find out what you spend time on that isn't directly producing you revenue and outsource that
Agree with @Simen Gundersen. Which exact tasks do you do that you can outsource? Use camtasia or some screen recording software to show them how to find FSBO on CL or Zillow. Or show them how to post buyers / sellers ads on CL. Show them how to find comps or run numbers. Have them email you a list of subject properties for you to review each morning. Explain to them which ones are good and which ones are not, and why, so they can only send you good ones moving forward. Create a Word doc that outlines all this specifically.
As far as expectations, just remember they are working for you. Post jobs on fiverr.com, upwork.com or onlinejobs.ph. Interview them. Ask to see previous work that's comparable to what you're wanting them to do. Hire them for a one time job to evaluate how well they did. They work for five star reviews so they can get more clients, charge more, etc. So they will all work hard for you.
Best of luck!
Hi there!
I agree with you guys as well! You should certainly find out what tasks are taking you the most time, but also think about how easy it would be for a VA to complete those tasks with minimal to no supervision after training. I have been working in the virtual assistant business for quite some time, and I can tell you that it works quite welling you can provide some sort of checklist or template that your VA can work from.
Most real estate professionals that are looking for a VA typically outsource work that is not limited to but including: filling out paperwork and reports, sorting through emails, responding to emails, reviewing and reporting on data, customer service and much more. As far as expectations go, you should certainly expect that things get done exactly the way that you want. You should just be sure to have a phone conversation to ensure that your needs are understood clearly.
I see that another colleague recommended sites like fiverr.com and upwork.com, but the problem most of my clientele have found with these sites is that a lot of times there can turn out to be a communication barrier. And in turn, you end up spending more time than you should sending work back for edits. My clients love that we cater only to realty professionals and that we are 100% U.S. based because 9 times out of 10, we have dealt with the type of work that you need done, and communication is made easier.
If you have any additional questions, I am more than happy to answer them, happy searching!
Awesome. Thank you so much for everyone's input!
Hey Todd, I use upwork and just posted a blog article that might be helpful on how I find and train my VA's. Hope it helps!
https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/8468/51430-top-3-things-to-know-when-hiring-a-va?created=1
Refer to the book, Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris for info on this topic (I'm not sure if that's the exact title or author name but a Google search will make the book obvious). It will be worth it and it sounds like it could assist you in some of your "automation" tasks because the book is literally based on working for 4 hours, per week.
Just trying to help, not trying to sell the book...
-Ethan
80/20 Rule. Spend 80% of your time doing what your top 20% best skills are. Find and hire someone else to do the rest and be sure they are BETTER than you at it! Easier said than done. I know. I do some virtual work. Transaction coordination, customer relationship management (CRM) set up, drip campaigns (including content writing), web design/management, lead management, PPC (google and facebook), In Florida I also have access to MLS and can write contracts. Soon to be licensed also in Ca. I have a MS in IT Project Management from BU and build websites as well.
VAs can perform various back office tasks; from lead generation, FSBO, comps, cold calling prospects, social media managements and more. If you're interested to know more about how VAs work you can PM me..
@Alex Garcia hello would like know