15 Down-to-Earth – & Usable! – Tips to Becoming a Real Estate (or a Regular) Virtual Assistant!

Before I even begin with the 15 tips, I have to tell you something that you absolutely, positively must have to be a successful virtual assistant...

Now, don’t stop reading already…thinking this profession is not for you. You don’t have to be Bill Gates by ANY stretch of the imagination. BUT, you DO need to be comfortable using a computer, various computer programs (basic Microsoft Office) and the Internet. And, if you’re not super comfortable with one aspect or another or feel a bit “out of touch,” you MUST be willing to educate yourself. Bottom line. [If you don’t think your computer skills are up-to-par, check out Brainbench (affordable – offer a HUGE variety of courses!).]

What can you do until you sharpen your computer skills? Bulk mailings! REALTORS® need help with this BADLY and ALL THE TIME!!!

So, let’s start with our checklist. Again, this is to help you evaluate if being a VA is really do-able for you and what you need to do to get started. I also need to tell you that my life mantra is: Simplify. Don’t make this process harder than it needs to be. Do your research, ask questions, etc., but keep it real and do-able.

Tip #1: Honestly evaluate your internal reality.

You must be honest with yourself (the success of your business truly depends on this one important aspect). It is imperative that you – and your spouse/partner – answer these questions truthfully:

• Do you have the “comfortable” computer skills it will take?
• Are you a self-motivated person?
• Do you have the discipline it will take to sit down – at home – and work everyday? (Think about all the distractions you’ll have…the t.v. shows, that “one more load” of laundry, the great book you’ve been reading, etc.)
• Do you have the discipline it will take to NOT work (i.e. check your e-mail or messages all evening and all weekend)? Trust me…I’ve learned this personally… “just one more e-mail” turns into two more hours of work and an evening of family time lost. Will you be able to shut the door (and lock it if you have to!) to take time to spend with your family? After all, isn’t that one of the main reasons you wanted to work from home in the first place…to be with, and there for, your family? [NOTE: The start-up phase of your business may be the exception to this one.]
• Do you have your family’s support behind you? Your husband and children must truly understand what this will be like (especially at first). Paychecks will probably not be regular and you will probably be putting in long hours. Is everyone willing to sacrifice for the long-term payoff?
• Are you organized? Can you multi-task and be flexible while still getting things done?
• Do you understand that you will be isolated? No more chats at the copy machine or a co-worker popping into your office for a heart-to-heart…you’re alone – in your office – at your house.
• Are you an honest, trustworthy and conscientious person? The success of your business will depend on the fact that you are…if you’re not, you’re a goner. Don’t even get started.
• Are you willing to work really hard during the start-up phase? Sometimes 14 hours a day and weekends?
• Do you enjoy helping people? And, can you deal with various personalities?
• Are you always willing to learn more and continue improving your professional skills?
• Do you realize that you will be doing your work during your children’s naptimes, early in the morning or late at night, or while your children are at school or a Mother’s Day Out program? This is not a way to get a free ride to stay at home…it takes work!