December 23rd, 2009 by Kristi Pavlik
Archive for December, 2009
December 23rd, 2009 by Pat Williams
I recently joined a networking group. I’ve attended a couple of meetings but my schedule won’t allow me to be more active until the end of January. I was very excited about this group because the limited members I know are fantastic people.
The past few days there have been rules flying around via email, “3 missed meeting and you’re out”. I was told I couldn’t promote my virtual assistant business because there are already a few people offering VA-type work. I began to think this group was not for me. I understand rules are important, I realize participation is key to the success of any group but not being able to talk about my business makes me feel like I can’t be myself. I wasn’t even asked what type of VA business I had so they don’t know what kind of work I do. How are they to know if the other VA businesses are similar? That’s like suggesting a divorce lawyer, a tax lawyer and a criminal lawyer all do the same job.
My business philosophy is collaboration not competition.
When I look at another virtual assistant, I consider how we may work together, I keep them in mind should I come across a client who is not a fit for my team but may work well with theirs.
Aside from skill differences, I also believe there has to be a personality, style and work-ethic fit. I only want to work with people who understand the value I bring to the transaction. I only have a limited number of hours in the day, I don’t want ALL the business, I only want the business that best fits my lifestyle. If you’re a potential client and you choose to work with someone else – I’m okay with that! I know I’m good at what I do, I’m very ethical, and I want to see you succeed. If my company is not what you’re looking for, then who am I to stand in your way?
Recently, when trying to follow a twitter account back, I was notified he had blocked me. Blocked ME? I’m not exactly a political or controversial tweeter! I checked my most recent tweet:
“I love when I get to work on SEO for my real estate clients”
He was in the business of search engine optimization. I can only assume he didn’t want me following him and learning all his secrets! What he doesn’t realize is he may have missed an opportunity to acquire more business. My time is limited and if I were to take on more clients needing this service in the future, I’d be looking for someone who is a thorough as I am. It could have been him.
Are you losing clients because you’re intimidated by competition rather than open to collaboration? Understand what makes you unique, offer quality services and you’ll never worry about competition again.
Photo Credit:
December 21st, 2009 by Nikita Devereaux
I spent the last 30 days traveling as much or more than I ever have in my life!
In less that a month, I spent 3 or more days in each of Raleigh, North Carolina, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Miami, Florida and Chicago, Illinois. traveled as much or more than I ever have in my life!
And believe me, the travel did NOT reduce the number of phone calls to return, e-mails to read and reply to, reports to compile, clients to connect with, articles to write or meetings to attend. I had to learn how to manage it all 'on the fly'.
December 10th, 2009 by Pat Williams
You know you should become involved with social media but before you do, consider your online profile first, because once you make a connection they’ll want to learn more about you before requesting your services.
Consider the following when creating your online biography:
Who are YOU?
Business cards are no longer enough. The tech savvy consumer wants to know more about you before they chance picking up the phone to call. Not only do they want to research homes online, they want to research service providers too. Even those who are new to the internet will follow a link to investigate you before deciding to make contact. Make research easy for them by having your information readily available.
Where are you?
In the past, when businesses advertised, they always offered a way for consumers to reach them by including a brick and mortar address. An online page serves the same purpose, except people don’t have to leave the comfort of their homes. Whether it’s a web site or blog bio, Google profile, or facebook fan page, the people you connect with need somewhere to learn about your services. Where this page resides will depend upon your online marketing strategy. (You do have an online strategy, don’t you?)
If your only online presence is a company sponsored template web site, use the bio page there. You’d be surprised how many websites serve blank or default profile pages! If you blog, pay special attention to the ‘about’ page. For advanced users who have multiple online portals to content, consider pointing a domain or sub domain name directly to a profile page with all your contact info consolidated. Include phone numbers and addresses for your physical office, email, web sites and active social media platforms. Increase your potential customer comfort levels by allowing them to choose how to contact you.
What are you?
Once you evaluate where the majority of your online efforts reside, turn your attention to creating a bio that represents YOUR personality. Consumers want to learn about you and the skills you bring to the negotiating table; this is your opportunity to set yourself apart. So many biographies are professional – but boring. You are more memorable if you explain why you’ve developed a love of cars and how that hobby has enhanced your career over the years.
Why you?
Make the profile compelling. Do it in a way that reflects your personality. Humor or story telling can be used to engage the reader. If you’re not a great writer, hire one! A well written bio can make the difference between a casual consumer using your services – or not. Allow potential clients to find a common interest, at the very least they will remember you! It’s your opportunity to stand out in a sea of sameness.
How are you different?
Whatever you do, don’t plagiarize someone else. Understand there are many who perform the same job, but we are all unique with a different combination of strengths and skills. Capitalize on those differences. By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard you should choose a marketing niche, the same can be said for your bio. Understand what makes your skills and services different and you will attract the clients who are looking for YOU.
When to contact?
Make it easy for consumers to get to know you by adding your online address to all your literature, emails, and your social media profiles. Provide opportunities for them to give you their contact information. If you’ve done a good job making your information available, they’ll approach you when in need of your services.
December 8th, 2009 by Kristi Pavlik
The Professional Coaches Association of MI (PCAM) is doing a coach-blitz similiar to what we did with Biggby locations across MI. Stop by your local Biggby location tomorrow, get free coaching, donate to a great cause, and a great cup of joe! Continue Reading »
December 3rd, 2009 by Pat Williams
The following statistics were taken from the 2008 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile.
- 14% of REALTORS® use at LEAST one personal assistant
- 51% of personal assistants are unlicensed
- 50% of personal assistants are employed part-time
- 53% of personal assistants work exclusively for one REALTOR®
If you are a Real Estate Agent looking for an assistant, determine what your basic needs are:
- Licensed, unlicensed
- Full time, part time
- In office or virtual
- Generalist or specialist
- Experience required and renumeration
- Determine tasks to be completed
Then begin your search either locally or virtually. Online sources for assistants can include:
- Referral from trusted sources
- REVA Network
- MIVA Association
- Virtual Assistant Forums
- AssistU
This is just a starting point in the decision making process. If you need clarification or assistance with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to call, I’d be happy to help and guide you in the right direction. Skype: 248-419-4898
There are many more online sources for VA’s – please add any you’ve had success using in the comment section.
December 1st, 2009 by Pat Marshall
We all need to be reminded that our businesses are more than a service or product.
- First and foremost our reputation is the one most important factor.
- The quality of our service or product.
- Marketing and networking; get your name out there.
- Partner with other businesses that sell your related services or products.
- Advertise wisely.
- Use the internet; get a website.
- Join local Chamber of Commerce and other groups.
- Join social media links, and post blogs that link to your website; contribute to news and discussions on sites.
- Offer a free newsletter sign-up on your site and ask visitors to leave a comment or ask for more information.
It takes time to build relationships and expand your potential client base. It is critical as entrepreneurs to recognize the importance of networking to move forward. You will never know that next potential client sitting in your office or waiting for the phone to ring.
