Tip #2: Write down the marketable skills you have that you can use to start, build & run a successful VA business.

What I did (and this is exactly what I tell people who contact me with questions about getting into this business) was…I sat down and wrote out a list of what I could do – job-wise.

I’m a former elementary school and computer class teacher (I also worked as an education director at a professional organization). So, I thought about all the things I had ever done throughout my various jobs that made me marketable...training I had, things I was proficient doing…things that maybe other people couldn’t do very well. That’s what I used to form my list of services. That’s what you need to do, too, so you can see if you have enough to offer. I’ll bet the farm that you’ll have a TON of things on your list…

Here are some categories/ideas to help you get YOUR list of services started…

• Data entry
• Answer phones – Customer service (client can forward phones to you)
• Message management (voicemail and e-mail)
• Reminder services (daily task lists or “To Do” lists)
• Scheduling (managing client’s calendar; coordinating and confirming appointments)
• Bookkeeping
• Bill paying
• Bulk mailing
• Order supplies (can all be done online and delivered)
• Newsletter distribution (hard copy and online)
• Event planning
• Marketing (from creation to printing –see my VA Toolbox for printing services that do it all online and deliver!)
• Concierge services
• Outsourcing specialist (finding VAs to do variety of projects for the client)
• Spreadsheet/database creation (using Excel, ACT, etc.)
• Spreadsheet/database upkeep
• Database management
• Word processing (using Word, etc.)
• Creating simple flyers and brochures (using Word, Publisher, etc.)
• Graphic design (using PageMaker, InDesign, etc.)
• Desktop publishing
• Research (traditional or online)
• Proofing
• Editing
• Writing (ghostwriting, technical writing, creative, etc.)
• Website upkeep/maintenance
• Website design
• Medical transcription
• Legal transcription

So, from those ideas, you could create a very basic list of services (like the one below) and have a whiz-bang VA business:

Sample List of General Services:

Administrative Services:

Database Services:

E-Mail Services:

Check, sort, respond to (when appropriate) and discuss/summarize client’s e-mails with him/her (using GoToMyPC)

Desktop Publishing Services:

Event Services:

Marketing Services:

Personal Services:

Telephone Services:

Real Estate-Specific Services – include ALL of the items listed above (except medical and legal transcription), PLUS!…(see what I mean about “ripe for the pickin’”!!!):

• Schedule appointments and showings for the agent
• Database creation/management (many agents use Top Producer…become familiar with that…gold mine for your business!!!)
• Coordinate/follow-up on feedback from showings the agents do or from those showings on the properties they have listed
• Create listing presentations (using PowerPoint, etc.)
• Create and place advertisements in newspapers, magazines and other real estate-related publications on a regular schedule; Also, TRACK the ads for the agent so they know what’s working/what’s not!
• MLS input and upkeep (changes) on agent’s listings (create CMAs – comparative market analysis; do MLS searches – Multiple Listing Service)

  ***For this one you need to be aware of local/state rules and laws regarding doing these tasks. The agent you’re working with will know whether or not you need a license to help her with these things*** Just ask what unlicensed assistants are able to do. Or, you could do what I did…I got my real estate license so I could offer more services to my clients (who were located in Texas).

• Upkeep their website(s) (i.e. listing information on houses they have listed; enhance their listings on Realtor.com – this means add more features…easy to do and is all done online; Add/enhance virtual tours (easy to do)
• Marketing (I’ve read/seen great things about the RAINMAKER E-CENTRAL® by Gooder Group; They offer a training course for VAs on their great automated drip e-mail marketing system and bring clients to you through their website)
• Create marketing pieces: “Just Listed” or “Just Sold” postcards; Other marketing pieces to be sent out to what they call their “farm area” (i.e. all their contacts) for lead generation; Newsletters; FSBO (For Sale By Owner) pieces; Expired listing letters/packages
• Create online marketing pieces: birthday/anniversary cards; e-mail newsletters; webmercials; e-zines
• Send out mailings to their “farm area” (announcements, promotions, neighborhood notices, thank you notes, etc.)
• Send out birthday and/or anniversary cards
• Prepare materials for agent’s open houses
• Prepare relocation packages
• Create CD tours of the homes they have listed (using virtual tours they hire to have done)
• Listing Coordination (HUGE!):

  ~ Clerical duties from the time the agent gets the listing until that property goes under contract (things like: communicate with sellers by e-mail or phone – whatever they prefer – regarding showings, feedback from showings, etc.; get sellers what they need – like your agents listing plan,etc.)***Each agent has things he/she does for his/her sellers…you just do it for the agent!

  ~ All support activities (phone calls, computer work, etc. – specific to that agent) throughout the listing period

• Transaction Coordination (HUGE, HUGE, HUGE!):

  ~ Check out SettlementRoom (this service maintains an online “file” regarding process of the transaction so everyone can log in and see what’s going on, what’s still needed, etc.)

  ~ Clerical support and services from the time the house goes under contact until the house closes (i.e. “the papers are signed and the house is officially SOLD!). Things like: computer work, phone calls to seller, setting up appointments with inspectors, repair people, etc.)

  ~ Follow-up and communication with title company, mortgage company, other agent involved in the transaction, sellers/buyers, etc.…everything that needs to be done to keep things moving forward and get the property closed!

REALTORS® always have ideas on what they SHOULD BE doing marketing-wise and otherwise. But they just never have the time to do it because they’re out listing and selling houses. That’s why they need YOU! So they can keep doing what they’re good at and what has a good ROI (return on investment) for them…and you’ll take care of the rest!

What do you WANT to do?

Maybe some of the things you listed (that you are able to do) are not things you WANT to do. Maybe you HATE working with databases (i.e. ACT, Excel, etc.). Well then, cross that off. Don’t do database creation, upkeep, etc. ***Unless, you want to list that as a skill as you are trying to start and build your business. That’s what I did…I did things, at first, that were not my favorite because I wanted to start bringing in money and getting clients (which leads to word-of-mouth).

Then, build…build your abilities, build your client list, build your business.

Then, fine-tune. Is there something that maybe you don’t enjoy or don’t want to offer anymore…then don’t offer it. Now you have the padding to pick and choose and be more selective. After all, you are your own boss. Don’t do things you dread. Simplify.

Research/find your niche (your TARGET market):

Why is it important to figure out your target market NOW? Because you need to start thinking like your perspective clients – as my coach says, “You have to enter the conversation your prospect is already having in his or her mind.” That way you can address his needs, his doubts…you can be the answer he’s been looking for! Your marketing – from day one – must answer any need, doubt, question, concern he has.

As I’ve told you, when I first entered the VA world, my niche was real estate. As you can see above, there are a WIDE VARIETY of things you can do.

As you’re writing your list, you need to remember this…the most common industries that are currently using VAs the most are…

Start thinking about how you can apply your knowledge and skills to help business owners in these fields (or another field you might have a lead in). Do some research…read up…maybe even get some training! For research on real estate VA work, visit places like www.ePowerNews.com, www.IVAA.org, www.REVANetwork.com.

Feeling a little overwhelmed and “down”?…PLEASE don’t! You might just need a little bit of training to help you “get a handle” on some of this. Also, when I became a VA, I got into it gradually. I kept my full-time job, but nights and weekends I did my research, my start-up activities and even started helping one or two clients until I felt comfortable giving up my steady paycheck.

How ‘bout some training alternatives? (I’m not recommending one over the other here, but am simply providing information…):

Real Estate-Specific Training Courses:

CyberStarVA
I am familiar with the people who run this program. Allen Hainge and Kim Hughes are very well-respected. I have no doubt this is an excellent and thorough program.

REVA Network (Real Estate Virtual Assistant Network)
They offer discovery sessions for VAs, teleconferences, forums…and even a directory you can list yourself in

Gooder Group
You can be trained on Gooder Group’s outstanding RAINMAKER E-CENTRAL® plug-in online marketing system. This marketing/lead generation system is very popular among REALTORS®. Gooder Group also promotes you – on their site and elsewhere – as one of their Rainmaker-trained VAs!

General VA Training/Coaching:

Virtual Assistance U
They offer all kinds of training, coaching and referrals. Less expensive and I’ve heard they’re good.

Virtual Assistance U is offering the following Real Estate Class: Introduction to RE Virtual Assistance: Come and learn the skill set required and the resources available as a REVA. Learn to attract the top producing REALTORS® to your VA practice. Time: 3 hours ~ Cost - $30

Once you complete this training program, you receive the GVA (Graduate Virtual Assistants) certification.

AssistU
They offer training, coaching and refer you to clients. It’s expensive, but I’ve heard & read they’re really good!

Assist U offers the CMVA (Certified Master Virtual Assistant) or the CPVA (Certified Professional Virtual Assistant) certifications after successful completion of their training programs.

VA Certification or Accreditation Programs:

IVAA
(Offer the CVA – Certified Virtual Assistant certification)

VA Certification
(Offer the PVA – Professional Virtual Assistant or the MVA – Master Virtual Assistant certifications)

Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection
(Offer the CCVA – Certified Canadian Virtual Assistant certification)