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Archive for October 2011

“I See Dead People” – Dia de los Muertos

October 28th, 2011 by REVStaffing

The holiday season is nearly upon us! Today, we again hand the blogging reins to REVStaffing’s Mercedes Castillo, for her take on a tradition whose roots lie across multiple cultures – Dia de los Muertos…

There are few holidays more misunderstood than Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Its modern-day calendar placement on November 1 is juxtaposed with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). In Mexico, November 1 is Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels), honoring children and infants; November 2 honors deceased adults. Situated on the calendar so close to the holiday of Halloween, the two are often confused, although the true meaning of All Hallow’s Eve comes closer to the Day of the Dead than any current commercialization of Halloween ever could.

Some aspects of this Mexican holiday (which is believed to be based on an Aztec festival dating back hundreds of years) don’t translate well into an American society where death is feared, and talking with the deceased is likely to earn one a 72-hour hold in an institution. In other cultures, though, talking to and taking comfort from the dead is no laughing matter. Many Asian cultures practice varying forms of ancestor worship, and African cultures often look to the past as a way to guide them in the future. In Mexico, this conglomeration of beliefs is manifested in the Day of the Dead.

There is no costume donning, no candy given, and surely no attempts to scare anyone. Instead, altars are made inside homes, and graves are visited. Sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods of the departed are all used to honor the deceased; they’re often taken as gifts during graveyard visitations. All of this is done with reverence and joy, and only a touch of sadness. It is believed that on this day, the dead can visit with the living – truly visit and communicate. A family holiday, Dia de los Muertos is similar to our American Thanksgiving celebration, in that a large meal is enjoyed by all (although as mentioned, some food is often left for the dearly departed).

Not Mexican, but Latina in origin, I incorporate aspects of this holiday into life with my daughter. We have little altar where she will place dog treats for her beloved Doberman who lives in Heaven, and we talk about how much we miss her and loved her. As her loved ones leave this world, our altar will grow. I hope that she will appreciate that leaving this earthly place does not mean you are gone forever, just moved to a different, non-visible place.

REVStaffing’s clients and staff proudly encompass and embrace a rich variety of ethnic and cultural traditions. We are dedicated to helping you to grow and nurture your successful business. We encourage you to give us a call for a free needs analysis; we’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique business needs! And be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs.

You can bookmark this page to return for updates. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact us by email at info@revstaffing.com or phone at 855-738-7821, extension 703.

©REVStaffing, 2011

Categories : Digital Assistant, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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REVStaffing Client Karen King – A TRULY Good Neighbor

October 26th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Here at REVStaffing, we occasionally spotlight the “good works” done by our virtual assistants; we take our company goal of serving with a servant’s heart seriously. Today, we’re delighted to spotlight one of our clients – Massachusetts Realtor Karen Christiansen King – for the fantastic community work she’s been doing in her area since a tornado ripped through the town of Monson several months ago. Recently, Karen received the Massachusetts Association of Realtors’ Good Neighbor Award – as well as $1,500.00 for the Monson Tornado Volunteer Effort.

So, how did this wonderful effort come about? In the wake of the tornado, Karen’s group of “street angels” (so called because one resident dubbed Karen “an angel” for her early efforts), began meeting on weekends at a local park. They spearheaded and coordinated volunteer efforts to help those whose homes – and lives – were ravaged by the tornado.

Karen says, “Everybody needs a hug. Everybody needs to tell their story. We tell them there’s hope.”

The volunteers worked tirelessly to determine the needs of those hit, as well as to keep their neighbors informed about upcoming events. Sometimes, all the residents want to do is to share their story, to talk about how the tornado affected them, so the angels provided listening ears.

Karen quickly became one of the go-to people in town after the tornado. She worked tirelessly, helping displaced people find new housing, participating in the volunteer effort at the First Church of Monson, and starting the angels. Using a street list from the assessor’s office, the angels were able to locate every tornado-damaged home in Monson.

With a grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the angels, in collaboration with the First Church, paid for rental equipment and machinery for the clean-up effort. Karen says the angels were “just neighbors helping other neighbors … if they had questions, they gave us a call.”

Karen says that the angels will continue going out, and continue helping, for as long as there is a need.

“Next to being a parent, this is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Karen says.

Watch future blogs for updates on our REVStaffing clients’ “extracurricular” activities. We are professionals, dedicated to helping you to grow and nurture your successful business. We encourage you to give us a call for a free needs analysis; we’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique business needs! And be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs.

You can bookmark this page to return for updates. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact us by email at info@revstaffing.com or phone at 855-738-7821, extension 703.

©REVStaffing, 2011

Categories : Digital Assistant, Real Estate Assistant, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Be Where You Are

October 21st, 2011 by REVStaffing

Once you’ve established yourself as a “neighborhood” Realtor, you must tell people about all of the local gems you have discovered. You cannot keep the small artisan cheese shop a secret (although you may want to), nor can you let that indie band go unnoticed a minute longer. The conglomerate of art galleries could really use a bit more attention, especially if they are going to rival those in a bigger city. Your question at this point is two-fold: How to spread the word AND how to increase your market share? The answer is simple: social media in general and, more specifically, blogging.

The truth about a lot of real estate blogs is that they are drier than my garden has been this summer. There is only so much life that one can breathe into short sale statistics and refinancing options. Real estate blogs centered on the housing market and its changing economics are obviously a necessary part of the overall equation but, for most members of your audience, they are hardly a riveting read.

The solution? Inject your blog with a shot of hometown culture. Feature a link to that local cheese shop, or embed a tune from that local band. Your blog will gather a bigger fan base because your clients will be able to see the “real” you. And your fans may also learn something about their town they did not know before they read about it in your blog.

If you aren’t blogging now, it’s time to consider the benefits. You will see the difference in your hits, as well as in your view of the world. Like all good things in life, knowledge of local goodies is better shared. And REVStaffing is experienced and skilled in creating the very best blogs around; let us help you spread the word about YOUR business!

REVStaffing‘s virtual assistants are professionally dedicated to providing you with unparalleled customer service. We encourage you to give us a call for a free needs analysis; we’ll be happy to discuss your unique business needs! Be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs

Please bookmark this page, and return for updates. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact us by email at info@revstaffing.com or phone at 855-738-7821, extension 703.

©REVStaffing, 2011

Categories : Digital Assistant, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Buy Fresh, Buy Local

October 19th, 2011 by REVStaffing

If you’ve wandered past (or through) a farmer’s market lately, you know that the move toward buying local food items has gained much ground as the economy continues to flouder. With slogans like “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” and “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food,” emphasis is being placed on both our food sources, and the means by which it comes into our hands. People are selecting their Realtors® in much the same way.

In an age when we can have global products shipped overnight, there is still something to be said for selecting a Realtor® close to home. The truth of real estate often boils down to a personal connection between the client and ourselves. Whether that stems from working out at the local gym together or frequenting the local library at the same times, people want to feel that they really know the person they are trusting with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Perhaps more importantly, they need to trust the fact that the person they choose knows the local market.

Being “plugged into” a community takes time, although if you are a newer agent, it’s certainly not impossible. Are you abreast of the proposed school zoning changes? Are you in touch with the platforms of your local political candidates? Are there environmental factors, such as animal habitat considerations, that matter to the neighborhood? What does that mean for sales in a new development around the corner from the challenged site? These are just a few of the broad issues that Realtors® should consider when they’re interacting in their community.

Much lip service has been paid to the benefits of being involved in one’s community, including a sense of investment in the streets we travel. For Realtors®, there could be an even more tangible benefit: a new, happy client. The next time you are spending your hard earned money, spend it closer to home and talk to your neighbors—it may be the wisest marketing decision you ever make!

Bookmark this page to return for updates. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact us by email at info@revstaffing.com or phone at 855-738-7821, extension 703.

image: bellemontefarms.com

©REVStaffing, 2011

Categories : Digital Assistant, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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TREK Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

October 14th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Bob's Bicycle - Mary Esther, Florida

REVStaffing‘s professional virtual assistants are a diverse and eclectic group of fascinating individuals. Our commitment to our company’s mission, “Serving with a servant’s heart,” is often seen to extend well beyond our exemplary working standard.

This past Saturday, October 8th, our Executive Supervising Manager Cheryl Pace participated in a 25-mile bicycle ride to support breast cancer awareness. The ride started at 10am, and wound its way along the neighborhood streets of Fort Walton Beach.

Things got exciting when the wind picked up during the ride, and presented riders with some difficulty when riding into the east. Cheryl had one brief spill but she reported that otherwise, the ride was great. Cheryl was able to keep up with the forward part of the pack, and pulled back into Bob’s Bicycle exactly two hours after starting the ride.

Cheryl’s ride is a Trek Pilot 2.0 WSD (Women’s Specific Design) road bike. It differs a bit from traditional road bikes in that the front handle bars are set at a higher profile.

Next up for Cheryl is a 40-mile ride in Milton, Florida, the Fenner McConnell / Matt Wantz Memorial Bike Ride on October 22. It’s another charity ride to benefit her local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.

Cheryl encourages all of our clients and her coworkers who are into cycling to, “Get out and ride!”

Watch future blogs for updates on our REVStaffing virtual assistants “extracurricular” activities. We are professionals, dedicated to helping you to grow and nurture your successful business. We encourage you to give us a call for a free needs analysis; we’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique business needs! And be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs.

You can bookmark this page to return for updates. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact us by email at info@revstaffing.com or phone at 855-738-7821, extension 703.

Categories : Digital Assistant, Real Estate Assistant, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Make Your Facebook Page Stand Apart From the Crowd

October 12th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Here at REVStaffing, we focus a lot of time and energy on helping our clients create and maintain the best possible websites and Facebook pages. We’ve blogged in the past – and will continue in the future – about Facebook, because it’s one of the very best free marketing tools available in the world.

Did you know that it’s possible to customize your Facebook page? There are certainly limits to the page design available to you, but your ability to create a unique page within those parameters – one that lets you stand out as THE local expert – is really limited to your own imagination (and branding guidelines).

One of the smartest things you can do is to create a custom Welcome page for your visitors. This page should grab their attention, and make them automatically click “Like” at the top of the page. The Welcome page is the “front door” to your Facebook site (we encourage our clients to think of Facebook as a website unto itself); once a visitor clicks that “Like” button, they’re able to see the rest of your content. Your Welcome page can be set up in two ways. One way allows fans and non-fans to see the same content; the second way allows you to set both “non-fan” and “fan” content.

Keep in mind the fact that once someone “Likes” you, everything you post will show up in the feed on their page. REVStaffing makes it easy; we structure our client’s Facebook pages so that the Welcome page is the first page visitors land on when they come to your page. We even customize the page to match the branding on your website for consistency!

Your Facebook page should be professional, and easy for future clients to find (and share!). REVStaffing will help you to create an effective vanity URL for your business page by incorporating your company name. The only restriction on vanity URLs is Facebook’s requirement that you have 25 fans prior to creating the custom address.

In upcoming blogs, we’ll share some fun, creative and easy ways to substantially increase your fans’ and visitors’ interactivity on your Facebook business page. REVStaffing’s virtual assistants are professionals, dedicated to helping you to create and maintain the absolute best Facebook page. We encourage you to give us a call for a free needs analysis; we’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique business needs! And be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs

You can bookmark this page to return for updates. If you need assistance in the meantime, please contact us by email at info@revstaffing.com or phone at 855-738-7821, extension 703.

Categories : Digital Assistant, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Archive for October 2011

“I See Dead People” – Dia de los Muertos

REVStaffing Client Karen King – A TRULY Good Neighbor

Be Where You Are

Buy Fresh, Buy Local

TREK Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

Make Your Facebook Page Stand Apart From the Crowd

Call Us Today! (855) REVSVA1 or (855) 738-7821