Problems with Realtors® and Virtual Delegation

Looking around your desk, and your emails, you are probably wondering how you can get through everything. Another question that might come to mind is, who can help you without having to go through a long and stressful interviewing process? One thing you may or may not have considered is virtual delegation. 

What exactly is virtual delegation? This is when you hire somebody to help you with your work, but they work from home. This has become very common in the world of business, and can be considered a business saver for some. 

Now if you are getting curious you can start brainstorming about what you can comfortably delegate. Start by considering what things are falling behind. As a Realtor®, you have many balls to juggle. Some of these to consider are database cleanup and follow up, marketing on social media, blogging, transactions coordination, website creation, and other marketing services. 

Sit down and make a list of everything that you handle on your own. Not a list of things you would LIKE to handle on your own, but what is actually getting done without assistance. Then write down everything that you don’t know how to do yourself. This can be your marketing items, blogging, website work, etc. Next focus on the things you just don’t have time to do, or don’t want to do, such as database work. 

Since your list will most likely be varied, you want to hire a company to handle your tasks. The reason is that if you hire a Virtual Assistant, they may or may not have the experience and ability to handle all of your tasks. They will most likely be proficient in one thing and you will have to hire multiple assistants to get your work done, which will then cause you more stress in the end. The best option is to hire a company who has multiple assistants who specialize in different things. Then you can keep everything under one roof, and eliminate the stress of finding multiple assistants or finding that their work is sub-par. 

Now to the problems with Realtors® and virtual delegation! Miscommunication can be the biggest problem. Because it is virtual, good communication is a must! If the Realtor® gets busy and cannot answer calls or emails from the virtual assistant, the work cannot get completed as expected. Communicating what exactly is expected or desired to the assistant is also vital. Without this, there will be confusion and work will need to be redone. Another problem that Realtors® tend to have is actually letting go. It is hard to trust your business to somebody else, but without actually releasing responsibility to the assistant, work will be spotty and unorganized. 

Are you ready to talk about your options for virtual delegation? Let us be your real estate consultant and help you organize your business-services. If you are interested in more information, or for a FREE Business Analysis, call us at 202-469-6774.

5 Biggest Mistakes Realtors® Make

As a Realtor® there are many mistakes that you may be making without even knowing it. A few reasons these mistakes happen are because of being overwhelmed, not having the help needed, and being too busy to handle everything. Being busy is not a bad thing, but it can be if mistakes are being made because of it, and you don’t have the help you need. Go down the list and see if you are making an of these mistakes.

1. Grabbing all that sparkles. When you see a program, or a website that looks like something you would use, you sign up and purchase whatever is needed for it. Then the site sits there doing nothing because it won’t do anything without you programing and telling it to. No matter how many programs or websites you sign up on, if you don’t have the time or knowledge to manage them, they will just be another thing you have a password for and are paying for. Not everything that sparkles is good!
2. Letting relationships go. If you are not following up with your friends, previous clients, and family, you are missing out on a huge network that WANTS to help you succeed! Keep you sphere close and let them know you are still good at what you do.
3. Not keeping current. Your database is the heart of your business. This goes with letting relationships go. Keeping your database current and updated is vital to the success of your business. Doing a little now will save you from doing a lot later. 
4. Where are you? Do you only market yourself when you think of it, or when you have spare time? Sporadic marketing can be as bad as not marketing at all. If you aren’t marketing frequently, you should be.
5. Who are you? When clients see your business do they see you, or your brokerage? Do you want your clients to know your name or do you want them to know who you work for? If you are not branded, or only branded partially, you may want to reconsider.  

Are you making these mistakes? Let us be your real estate consultant and help you organize your business-services. If you are interested in more information, or for a FREE Business Analysis, call us at 202-469-6774.

Halloween Safety

Halloween is quickly approaching. It is time to start thinking about safety for Halloween. On this holiday it will be dark, sometimes scary, and a lot of fun. It is important to be prepared.

First thing is first: Costumes! I am sure you and your kids are searching for or designing the perfect costume! While you are doing this, consider a few things. Will you be able to see clearly through the mask if there is one? Does the costume have things sticking off of it that can be caught in trees or bushes? Are there parts of the costume dragging on the ground? Costumes can be dangerous if you don’t know what to look out for.

The next thing is your Trick-or-Treat route. Are you familiar with where you will be walking? Make sure that you know where the stop signs are and any busy roads. Going to an unknown neighborhood or area can be dangerous, so stick to where you know your way around.

While you are walking around it is vital to be alert to your surroundings. Stay off of your phone and keep your eyes on the sidewalk, road, and your children. It is very easy to lose track of your kids when they are very excited and running from house to house. Wear glow in the dark items and make sure your kids do too. This way you can find each other even if there aren’t any street lights on. Also watch the driveways for cars backing out. It is easier for you to spot the car than it is for the person driving the car to see kids dressed in dark costumes. 

If you will be driving during the hours where kids will be out and about on the roads, make sure to stay alert. As you should not be texting while driving at all, I cannot stress how important it is to avoid it during this time. Even talk-texting is a distraction. Keep your phone put away while you are driving. It only takes 1 second for a child to excitedly run into the road to go to the next house while you glance at your phone. Look around carefully before backing out of your driveway and before turning. Drive safely!

Please stay safe for Halloween! Do you have any tips to add? Our goal is to help you reach your goals while freeing up your time for things you really want to do. If you are interested in more information, or for a FREE Business Analysis, call us at 202-469-6774 or visit our website at www.bizebeeconsulting.com.

What Can a Virtual Assistant Do?

If you are reading this you probably know how much virtual assisting has grown over the recent years, and are wondering what exactly can a VA (virtual assistant) do? It really depends on what you need from a VA.

Every VA has a different skill set to bring to the table. There are general virtual assistants who can do basic computer work, scheduling, and even help you get organized with your computer files. They may even offer to do your email correspondence for you. This would be somebody who would have the same general tasks as an in-office assistant without actually being in office. 

You can hire a VA to do your graphic design, website, and digital marketing for you also. Graphic design, website creation and management, and digital marketing can get tricky. If this is something that is beyond you, why not hire somebody who knows what they are doing?

Another thing that you may not know how to do is SEO. This is Search Engine Optimization. This determines how many people see your website when they do a search on sites such as Google. There are ways to create a bigger online presence, and there are VAs who know how to do that. 

You may know how to use your social media sites, but it also may be something that you dread doing. A VA can use all of your social media sites for you, network for you, and get your more business in less time than you can. If this is their specialty, they can get your business thriving. Why do something you don’t enjoy? 

 A lot of virtual assistants also create great content for your website or blog. Some are great writers and can use SEO and topics to drive new customers to your site. Blogging weekly is a must in most businesses, so why not add that to your business plan and have a VA take it off of your plate?

No matter the business you are in, a virtual assistant can help you! Before hiring a virtual assistant determine which tasks you are looking to have done for you. This can help you decide if you should go with an individual with one skill set or a company like BizEBee who has a team of virtual assistants. If you need help, give us a call at 202-469-6774. You can also visit our website at http://www.bizebeerealestate.com. We can be your Business Professionals.

Boost Your Productivity!

The spring season is starting. That means that business will be picking up quickly, so you need to be prepared! You want to make sure that you are just as productive, with more clients. So how do you boost your productivity when you need it most?

The first thing to do is to look forward. Set goals for this month, the next 6 months, even the next couple of years. Goals keep you motivated and can help you organize what you really want in clear terms.

The second thing to do is prioritize your day, week, and even your month. Make lists and set the items to their level of priority. If you want to focus on your Internet presence, put that as a top priority. If you need help with some of your daily tasks, maybe it is time to get help. Virtual assistants are a great way to get the help you need, when you need it, without having to deal with interviewing an assistant to come in as you happen to need help with things.

The next thing to help you boost productivity is to get some fresh air. If you have been cooped up inside all day and find that you are going in circles, it is time to clear your head.

Have you heard about waking up early so you have time to yourself before you start your day? It is the same idea with getting into the office early. Get there before anybody else and you will get more done right away because there won’t be any distractions.

Stick to one thing at a time. If you are working on your social media posts, stick to it until you are done. If you have to switch tasks midway, make sure you are at a good stopping point and you go back and finish the job. Some think that multi-tasking saves time and boosts productivity, but in reality it is just distracting. It is better to completely finish one thing before you start the next.

And last but not least, eat and drink right! You might be thinking this has nothing to do with productivity, but if you are hungry, or dehydrated, you won’t be able to concentrate well. Drink water and eat healthy foods if you want to be productive during the day.

If you sit down to write out your priorities and realize you need help, we are here! Our goal is to help you reach your goals while freeing up your time for things you really want to do. If you are interested in more information, or for a FREE Business Analysis, call us at 202-469-6774.

Is Your Database Functional?

If you are new to real estate, or have been in it awhile, you have heard about managing your database. It is also called a CRM (Customer Relationship Management). So the real question is, are you managing your customer relationships how you should be?

For most agents, this is one spot that falls short due to lack of time and know-how. It isn’t that you don’t want to do it, but it is hard to keep up with it all and make sure you are doing it right.

First of all, what database are you using to keep it all organized? Some recommend using the system that comes with the company you work for. Some say getting an alternative is a good idea. Whichever you choose, you can always export your contacts to move them to a new location.

Having a functional database can be a marketing source, a lead capturing system, listing and transaction tracking system, and sometimes a dialer to manage your calling also! Cleaning up your database, coding your contacts, and syncing your new leads with email campaigns can give you an edge you don’t have yet.

It isn’t just the set up that is important. It is also the management of the leads that is vital to the success of your CRM. If you are ready to get your contacts organized and start creating a lasting relationship with them, call us for more information on how we can help!

Sometimes reaching out to those who can help is the best, and easiest answer! Our goal is to help you reach your goals while freeing up your time for things you really want to do. If you are interested in more information, or for a FREE Business Analysis, call us at 202-469-6774.

Pushing Forward

Each time your business grows you may experience growing pains or situations arise due to the business growth. These situations were always present within your business, but the business growth made the situations clear. You are faced with the choice of adapting your business and pushing forward or retreating back to your previous business level. If you are not equipped, unable to adapt, or ignore the situation your business will revert back to the previous level.

Pushing forward requires you to perform a business analysis, review your options, and adapt in the best way that preserves your business mission, goals, and values. The changes in your business could be small or large depending on the level of business growth and your future business goals. Taking each factor into consideration is key to the success of your business.

Many times it is beneficial to bring in a fresh set of eyes to review the situation and perform the business analysis. Business Consultants and Business Coaches are a great resource for an unbiased audit of your business. Both of these professionals have the ability to audit your business, review your business’s mission, values, and goals, and assist in developing the plan to overcome the situation. Another benefit that Business Consultants can provide is the ability to exam your current business level compared to your business goals to show you areas that may have growing pains before they happen. This helps your business become more efficient with fewer unexpected growing pains.

BizEBee Virtual Assistants has Business Consultants and Business Coaches available to assist you and your business. Contact BizEBee Virtual Assistants, 202-469-6774 or admin@mybizebee.com for a free business consultation.        

Cost Vs Quality

As a business manager or business owner the decision of who performs the work or tasks is yours. You review your options and make the decision based on several factors. Two of the factors that play a leading role are cost and quality. Your business must show a return of investments or ROI, so this may have your leaning to the cheapest option. Understanding the investment and planning for the business’s future could have you considering the option with the highest level of performance and quality.

The old saying is true that you get what you pay for and when you select the more economical or cheaper source to perform the tasks you might be surprised to learn who is performing the work. The lower the cost per hour typically results in a less experienced, skilled, or trained person performing the work. Always keep in mind experts and experience in a field will require a higher cost per hour. Paying more per hour may result in a higher cost per hour, but could have the potential to generate more revenue justifying the higher cost per hour.

The quality level of the work performed is a direct reflection of your business and can grow your business or send customers to your competition. When you are selecting who will perform the work, select the candidate that provides you with professional grade quality and takes your business forward. Poor quality work is negative for branding, reputation, and referrals. Making the investment in a professional that provides high quality work will build your business.

Cost and quality are two factors that you must consider when hiring the company or person that will work as an extension of your business. Understand how each impacts your current and future business, so that you are able to make the best decision. Consider a Free Business Analysis from BizEBee Virtual Assistants to assist you with your decision. Our Assistants are experienced, skilled, and certified with a passion for administration and helping businesses to succeed. Contact BizEBee, 202-469-6774 or admin@mybizebee.com.     

Delegate Which Tasks?

You hired an assistant to delegate work and help you have more time to focus on growing your business, but now you are not sure what tasks to delegate. Many business owners hire an assistant and then have fear or concern over what tasks to trust the assistant to perform. Trusting someone else with your business is hard, but understanding what tasks to delegate will help you delegate tasks easier.

First, take an inventory or make a list of each task you currently perform daily, weekly, or monthly for your business to function. Make sure to include all tasks even the small ones to your list as this will help you to view your full workload. From this list mark off any tasks that requires your direct interaction such as meeting with clients.

Second, with the remaining tasks that does not require your direct interaction ask this question, “Does the task generate revenue?” If the tasks generate revenue highlight the task in green to represent money producing task. The remaining tasks on your list will be administrative or maintenance and these should be the first tasks to delegate to your assistant. Once your assistant is performing the non-revenue tasks, it is time to review the money producing tasks that your perform.

Third, from the list of money or revenue producing tasks review and categorize the tasks into two categories. The first category is long term or future revenue tasks such as potential or future customers. The second category is revenue or money producing tasks that generate current revenue such as current business orders or current customers. Start delegating the long term or future revenue tasks to your assistant. This will provide you with more time to focus on your current customers or business deals.

Following these simple steps allow you to delegate tasks to your assistant and build more time in your schedule to grow your business by increasing revenue potential. If you are looking for an assistant or would like a free business analysis to discover more ways to improve your business contact, BizEBee Virtual Assistants, 202-469-6774 or admin@mybizebee.com and put our experience and knowledge to work for you. 

Virtual Assistant - Extension of Your Business?

As a business owner you are always looking for ways to grow and reach your business goals. One way that you can achieve both is hiring a Virtual Assistant that specializes in your business industry. An experienced Virtual Assistant will work as an extension of your business.

Business Consulting- Virtual Assistants put their skills, experience, and knowledge to work to complete tasks that you assign the virtual assistant and consult with you about other areas or services that can strengthen and build your business.

Professional Level Quality- When a Virtual Assistant is specialized in your area of business the quality of work that is completed for your business is higher and reflects well on your business. This ensures that your business has the edge over the competition.

Relate to Market- Your customer base and market is as unique as your business. The Virtual Assistant that you hire should have the ability to recognize who your customer is, what your customer expects, and how to build your business to expand your market or customer base. Knowledgeable Virtual Assistants invest time to fully understand your business market and customer base.

Business Goals- Virtual Assistants are dedicated to the success of your business. This is achieved by the virtual assistant helping you to reach your business goals and experienced virtual assistants setting goals for their work to take your business to the next level.

When you select the right Virtual Assistant you have the ability to expand and grow your business. If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant that will be an extension of your business contact BizEBee Virtual Assistants, 202-469-6774 or admin@mybizebee.com.