November :: 2011 :: REVStaffing

Archive for November 2011

A Special Tuesday Note to YOU from Our Social Media Division

November 29th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Regular readers of our REVStaffing blog know that we focus a lot of time and energy on getting our clients successfully ramped up and firmly positioned in their use of social media. And while the needs differ from one client to the next, but the bottom line is always the same: We work hard to make you THE local expert.

If you’ve been holding off on getting started with social media, here’s our advice: Don’t wait any longer. Social media isn’t going away – it’s getting bigger. And it can be one of YOUR greatest marketing assets as you head into 2012…if you make it work for you.

The best part? Social media is, for the most part, free. Yes, there are fees associated with some things…and they’re things for which you’ll probably want to pay a small monthly fee (like a public Active Rain account). But you don’t have to pay to use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and they’ve been proven time and time again to be among the best (free) marketing tools at your disposal.

There are a lot of myths surrounding the use of social media. These include the idea that social media is overwhelming, and you have to spend hours and hours every week keeping things up to date. Or you may have heard that it’s a waste of time, and doesn’t really generate results. A lot of people think that there’s no way of gauging your success.

We get it. Myths are generated when people are uncomfortable with something, and need excuses for not dispelling their discomfort by learning about the thing they fear. REVStaffing wants you to know that there’s nothing to fear in the prudent use of social media! The savvy and timely use of social media isn’t hard, especially with REVStaffing’s crew in your corner. You are in total control of when, where and how you use it. We do it all for you, and you reap the rewards.

REVStaffing is beginning a series of monthly FREE open webinars focused on social media. We’re starting on Wednesday, December 1, and we’d love to have you join us! We’ll begin with the nuts ‘n bolts; here are the details (including a sign-up link):

Title: Getting Started with Social Media
Location: gotowebinar
Link out: Click here
Description: Join Deb Rose, REVStaffing’s Advanced Social Media & Blogging manager, for a fun and fast-paced introduction to social media.
Start Time: 1:00pm CST
Date: 2011-11-30 (tomorrow – the best working hour of your week!)
End Time: 2:00pm CST

Whether you’re already a REVStaffing client or considering becoming one, you know that we’re 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.

Bookmark this page to return for regular 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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Happy Thanksgiving from the REVStaffing Family to You and Yours

November 23rd, 2011 by REVStaffing

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with loved ones, give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives, eat insanely large amounts of food, and watch some football. As those of us living in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, REVStaffing would like to encourage all of us—no matter where we live—to take time this week to reflect on the many things for which we should be thankful.

Life can be full of worries and concerns that bombard each of us every day, and no one knows this better than real estate professionals. But if we take the time to “be still” and truly think about the many things in life for which we’re grateful, we realize that we do, indeed, receive daily gifts beyond measure.

Here at REVStaffing, we’re a team – a kind of family, if you will – comprised of wonderfully unique individuals. Today, the bulk of our blog is comprised of some of our teammates’ observations of the things for which they are grateful. As a group, we are thankful for not only our clients, but for one another, and the daily gifts we receive from both groups. Sit back, relax, and read about the things for which we’re individually grateful. As a whole, REVStaffing sincerely wishes you and yours a truly blessed Thanksgiving.

Lee Beynon says, “I am thankful for my precious daughters and their families. I’m thankful for my extended family—especially my Mom, who is turning 90 on Sunday. I am thankful for my country…for my health and for my lifestyle, my friends and my work. I am deeply thankful to be a Christian.”

Mercedes Castillo is thankful to have a healthy family, furry loved ones included. She further says, “I am thankful to be able to work on a laptop outside, feeling the warm sun on a frigid day on my face. And I am forever thankful to Miss Brewster, my 3rd grade teacher, for instilling a love of books.”

The theme of gratitude for family can also be found in Tasha White’s comments: “I am so incredibly thankful for my family, especially my three healthy, smart and beautiful children! I am thankful for the most supportive husband on the planet. I am so thankful that I can work from home and watch my baby grow up, and be home when my kids get home from school. I am thankful for my health and that God allowed me to see another day. I am thankful for the amazing friends that lift me up and inspire me on a daily basis. I am thankful for coffee, eggnog, pancakes, cupcakes, pizza and LIFE!”

Barbara Gifford notes that she’s tremendously thankful for her amazing daughters and husband, and for her “Loving dog, Scamp. I’m so grateful for all of the blessings that have been given to us all, and that we have the extra time to enjoy them…all provided by the privilege of my work-from-home position with REVStaffing!”

Nadine Lloyd is “Thankful for my loving and truly wonderful children – even with their challenges, they can make me laugh! They show such love…they are truly a Godsend. I am also thankful for the many awesome friends that embrace me, and for the great opportunity to work with such supportive people.”

Claire Norvell notes that, “I’m thankful to God for giving me such a sweet life and for living in a country with the freedom to worship God. I’m thankful for my so-totally-opposite husband, and that we love each others’ good AND bad characteristics. I’m thankful for my two children, whose personalities are so different; they make laugh and make me a better Mom (and person) every day. I’m thankful for my extended family who are so supportive, and our Church family who enrich our lives. My husband and I are both blessed to be able to work, him at a Christian school building young lives, and me with a great company allowing me to be at home and help financially support our family.” Claire shared a great saying from a friend:

“Imagine what you would have,

if you didn’t have tomorrow what you didn’t thank God for today.”

In shorter – but equally meaningful – form, Maritza Collins says, “I am thankful that God is good all the time. I am thankful for family, friends, love, hope and second chances. I thank God for this gift of life.”

Lisa Prikryl says, “I am thankful for the beautiful bunch I call my family: beginning with my wonderful (and oh so handsome) husband, who keeps me laughing and makes the stresses of every day life survivable. My three beautiful and spirited daughters keep me on my toes and because of their spirit-ness, I sometimes feel very young (and other times very old!). Our loyal and protective dog makes each and every one of us feel special and important. I am thankful for the opportunity to start my day with purpose, as I get the family out the door and head to my office, to work with an amazing group of people while we virtually support real estate consultants throughout the world. All of that in the comfort of my home…and then to be here to greet the family when they return from school and work!”

Shirley Anderson is “Thankful to be able to work from home, so that I can spend time with my family. I have the freedom to help my daughter with my grandchildren, and go to school programs. I get to work with a fantastic group of people, and for great clients.”

Debi Heuser says, “I am thankful for the opportunity to be with my family, have the ability to attend our daughter’s sporting events, and work from home for a great company. I am thankful for the wonderful clients that I support, and have grown to have friendships with over the years, as well as the incredible friendships I have made with other VAs with REVStaffing. I am also thankful to have the opportunities to raise money for the homeless in our church’s community.”

Finally, company founder and CEO Deborah Steuer says, “I am thankful for the great clients that have made our company strong and stuck with us for so many years. I’m grateful for the team members who support those clients as if they are an In-Office part of the clients team. And I’m thankful that throughout the downturned real estate market of the past few years, we have continued to grow. I sincerely appreciate all the people REVStaffing works with as clients, team members, vendors, and trainers, all of whom make the experience richer and more satisfying than any JOB could ever be.

She continues, “On a personal note, I believe that giving thanks means nothing without identifying who you give thanks to. You see, I’m not just giving thanks like a child makes a wish upon a star. I give thanks to God for all He has given to me professionally and personally – whether that is a ‘mountain’ or a ‘valley’ – because it strengthens me and makes me the person I’m supposed to be. I thank God for my husband (who I don’t praise in front of other women, because they might feel bad about their own husbands – or want mine LOL!) I thank God for my two sons, for my grandson and granddaughter, and for all my extended family, because after God, my family is most important in my life; they’re why I do all the rest of it. I thank God for having friends for decades that I can count on and lean on and laugh with. And for the new friends I haven’t met yet, but I know are coming with life. Certainly not last or least on my list, I am so very blessed by and grateful to every man and woman who answered the call to service in our military for giving me rights and freedoms that no citizen of any other country has guaranteed to them as we do. I am blessed and I am thankful.”

Isn’t it time you experienced the REVStaffing “attitude of gratitude?” Let us show you our dedication 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! If you’re not currently using Top Producer, ask us how to get started! And be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs.

We urge you to 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, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Give the Gift of Time This Holiday Season

November 18th, 2011 by REVStaffing

The holidays are right around the corner, and many of us are counting our blessings—a solid year in business, that dream listing taken, or finally getting a handle on your database. Since the colder weather traditionally brings a “cooling off” in business, perhaps now is the time to think about how you can become more involved in your community, while at the same time helping others.

Most locales have food banks that are looking for donations or people to help stock shelves this time of year. We all want to help out during the holiday season, but food banks often wish people would remember that there is a need for food year ‘round. Consider sponsoring a food drive at your next Open House; it never hurts to give back while you’re working! To find a local food bank near you, please go to www.feedingamerica.org.

Many of us come home to furry friends to help relieve the stress of our day. If you love animals, consider donating time or food to a local animal charity. Because they are truly voiceless in their need, spending time with animals is sometimes more rewarding than time spend with humans! Check out www.aspca.org as a great place to start if you are looking for a furry good time.

Realtors are some of the busiest people on the planet! Being so busy, we actually have so much more to give. If you have the time, you should consider becoming a mentor to someone. We all recall the person who gave us our first break, who took time to shepherd us along; why not be that person for another? Try www.mentoring.org to find an opportunity that suits you.

REVStaffing knows that while real estate is essential to our lives, there are so many other things that make the world a better place. We are thoroughly dedicated to helping you to grow and nurture your successful business, and are willing to work harder so you can have time to spare—and time to spend giving back, if you like. 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.

©REVStaffing, 2011

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

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Fantastic New Upgrades to Top Producer – and More On the Way!

November 16th, 2011 by REVStaffing

During today’s REVStaffing monthly free webinar, participants were treated to a review of some exciting upgrades introduced by Top Producer on November 1. Even better, we heard about anticipated changes which will be rolled out in the upcoming months.

Top Producer’s Gurj Nijjar discussed what he referred to as the company’s biggest upgrade in ten years: the HTML5 interface. With it, savvy real estate professionals can access Top Producer from virtually any touch screen mobility device – and it’s as simple as typing in what you want to do!

You can now access records from your mobile iPad, smartphone – every mobility device with a touch screen. That’s a giant technological leap! But in this writer’s opinion, one of the best new Top Producer features is contextual coaching. After you’ve made a contact, you’re taken to a call wrap-up screen. You can indicate whether the contact was successful, set a followup, add notes – and when you’re finished, everything saves to My Business tab. Changes are live in real time, meaning that everything on the team can see what’s happening right now.

Just met a great potential client at the Rotary Club breakfast? No need to jot down and keep track of paper notes – add that new contact while you’re waiting for a coffee refill at breakfast.

Need to delegate work to your REVStaffing team? Do it as soon as you think of it; no more waiting to get back to your desktop or laptop computer.

Checking your email for new leads? The mobile sales pipeline includes a built-in timer for new leads, showing you the odds of qualifying a lead within a certain period of time. If you call from your smartphone to qualify them, you can immediately note the outcome of the call (as well as more of that great contextual coaching!).

Speaking of leads…Top Producer is partnered with more than 30 companies, allowing your leads to auto-feed into Top Producer – INCLUDING www.realtor.com! This means that if a consumer completes information in one of their many partner websites, it will automatically feed into Top Producer in real time! Top Producer also allows you to create web lead forms that can be placed on customized personal sites for lead capture. You can set up rules for your leads when they are received in Top Producer to auto add marketing plans. No waiting…or spending your valuable time processing leads.

Are you getting more actively involved in social media? Top Producer now includes integration with Facebook and Twitter – and they’re planning integration with LinkedIn in the near future.

Another exciting planned upgrade is a beta program for synchronization with Google’s Gmail and Microsoft Outlook. Call participants were urged to let REVStaffing know if they’d like to take part in this upcoming beta program. Send us your contact info and we will forward to Gurj.

REVStaffing is a certified Top Producer company, as well as a Top Producer affiliate. Let us show you our dedication 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! If you’re not currently using Top Producer, ask us how to get started! And be sure to visit our website, and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RevstaffingVAs.

We urge you to 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, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Up, Up and Away – Launch Your Next Level of Success with REVStaffing!

November 14th, 2011 by REVStaffing

When companies or individuals make the decision to become a client of REVStaffing, they begin the process of having their project started, or launched. During the launch process, a virtual assistant (or a team of professional virtual assistants, depending upon the client’s needs) is selected, and a Plan of Action is designed. The Plan of Action provides the foundation for ongoing work. All of these details fall under the realm of our Launch Manager, Casey Wilson.

It’s absolutely essential for both our new client and for REVStaffing that this process incorporate the best qualities of both parties. We create an environment in which our clients can be completely honest in their expectations. We are equally forthright as to what our responsibilities will be. Establishing open communication is the cornerstone to a long, mutually beneficial relationship between our professional virtual assistants and our clients.

Casey Wilson has been with REVStaffing for over three years, and is an all-around team player. She is warm, engaging and committed, always willing to go “above and beyond” in every task. Detailing Casey’s daily activities would involve writing a novella, rather than a blog! Trusted implicitly by our clients and well loved by her fellow VAs, Casey is tireless in her efforts to make sure that every job gets done correctly, on time, and on budget. In addition to client launches, Casey manages a handful of clients, as well as serving as a virtual assistant for several others.

REVStaffing’s current clients and staff appreciate the efforts of our Client Launch division. We are thoroughly 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, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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A Sincere Thank You – On Veterans Day, and EVERY Day

November 11th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Today, the United States – and REVStaffing – takes the opportunity to offer a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to the men and women who have in the past and are currently serving in our nation’s armed forces. As we observe Veterans Day, we are so grateful to those individuals who have sacrificed (in some cases, making the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives) so that we can enjoy the freedoms that each and every one of us, as Americans, enjoy.

There is virtually no one in this country who hasn’t had direct contact – no matter how extensive – with someone serving in the armed forces. Our client Kerry Veach of Destin, Florida retired from the United States Coast Guard after 20 years of service; we know that a number of our clients and their families’ lives have been touched by various branches of the armed services.

Here at REVStaffing, administrative manager/virtual assistant Michele Edling was raised a “Navy brat,” and she’s married to an individual currently on active duty. This writer (Deb Rose, social media manager) was born in Pensacola, Florida to a naval avionics engineer, and was married for many years to a naval cartographer.

Our company founder and CEO, Deborah Steuer, is the daughter of two World War II Navy veterans; her brother in law is a career member of the Navy, and her niece is currently serving therein. Deborah’s husband is retired from the Army National Guard.

Cheryl Pace’s (our supervising manager) dad entered the Navy at 17, and served until his retirement in 1978. His illustrious career, which spanned training in Pensacola, service in Vietnam and Manila, tours in Albany, Georgia and Virginia Beach, ended when he retired from his position as an air traffic controller supervisor in Maryland. Cheryl’s daughter has served in the Coast Guard for over 10 years. And her son-in-law serves in the US Air Force; he has done multiple tours in Afghanistan, and is currently assigned to the color guard.

Regardless of when you’re reading this, take a moment to reflect on how very different your life could conceivably be if it weren’t for those sacrifices – made willingly and unconditionally – by the members of all of the United States’ armed services. REVStaffing’s current clients and staff deeply appreciate all of those who have served and are serving to keep us free.

We are thoroughly 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, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Tech Notes: Convert Files Without Downloading Software

November 9th, 2011 by REVStaffing

If you’re anything like our crew of REVStafffing virtual assistants, you often need to convert files – all kinds of files – without the hassle of downloading and installing special software. Sound familiar?

We occasionally like to bring really cool technical tools to the attention of our readers; the more tools you have at your disposal, the easier your job (and our job!) becomes. Today, let’s take a look at Zamzar. Zamzar is a nifty (and FREE) way to convert files quickly and easily.

Here’s a good example. In it’s release of Office 2007, Microsoft incorporated a new file format: docx. Suppose your digital assistant wants to work on the document in the older .doc format? Easy! They can convert it from docx to doc format, make their changes, then reconvert it and send it back to you in docx format. Even better, either of you can convert the file to a pdf file! It’s really just that simple.

Are you using Google’s WebP format to compress images without losing quality? Use Zamzar to convert bmp (Windows bitmap), emf (Windows Enhanced Metafile), gif (Compuserve graphics interchange), jpg (JPEG compliant image), pcx (PC Paintbrush Bitmap Graphic), png (Portable Network Graphic), tga (Truevision Targa Graphic), tiff (Tagged image file format) or wbmp (Wireless Bitmap File Format) both to and from WebP formats.

Got an iPad? You can use Zamzar to convert videos from almost any video format into an optimized MP4 format especially designed for the iPad. And if you’re using iWork on a Mac (Pages, Keynotes and Numbers), you can easily upload those documents and convert them to a variety of formats – including Microsoft Office. This means that even if you or your digital assistant is using a Mac, both parties can view and work with documents with ease.

REVStaffing’s professional virtual assistants find and use new and cutting edge tools every day. We are thoroughly 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.

Bookmark this page now so that you can 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: technotips.org

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

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We Care – We REALLY Care

November 4th, 2011 by REVStaffing

In REVStaffing’s ongoing and expanding effort to ensure that we are regularly in touch with each of our clients, we have started a Client Care division. We want our clients to feel as truly valued and appreciated as they are, and we want to develop a long-lasting relationship which can develop for open communication and honesty. In striving to be the best, we realize that we are not without flaws, and we are happy to work with our clients to improve our efforts.

At no charge to our clients, our Client Care manager, Mercedes Castillo, will be in touch quarterly to re-evaluate the Plan of Action in place. We also understand that as with any other dynamic relationship, there may be tweaks needed in the virtual assistant assignment, which we are happy to accommodate. Additionally, with new services and technologies arriving on the market every day, we provide a an opportunity for implementing a new direction or service.

For those clients who have interacted with Mercedes, you know that she’s a perfect fit for this position. Open-minded, with a “never say die” attitude, she has proven to be an invaluable asset as a link between our clients and our staff, helping to translate client wishes into easily-executable tasks for VAs. Additionally, her quirky personality is a hit with our extremely busy and hard-to-pin-down clientele. If you have not spoken with Mercedes yet, you can expect a call from her very soon. She is certainly looking forward to hearing from and working with you.

REVStaffing’s current clients and staff appreciate the efforts of our Client Care division. We are thoroughly 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, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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The Skies are ALWAYS Sunny…Somewhere

November 1st, 2011 by REVStaffing

In the aftermath of the terrible storms that recently ripped through the Northeast, our hearts go out to all the families and businesses affected by Mother Nature showing who is really boss. With winter around the corner, it seems that while snow is wonderful to ski in, it is not delightful when it wreaks havoc on entire swatches of the United States. REVStaffing’s digital assistants work virtually, so while it may be raining buckets in your backyard, in our world it is always sunny somewhere.

A perk of using a virtual assistant in a different weather zone is that while you may not be able to make it to the office due to lack of power, downed trees, or icy roads, we are always able to report for work. In an emergency situation, even if your VA is affected, another one is always able to step in to make sure your work, your clients and your business never misses a beat. Heck, we’ve just hired a VA in that dream paradise, Hawaii!

The flip side is also true. If you are just plain tired of work, of weather, and you need an escape, we are happy to work while you vacation! Let us work indoors while it pours outside—go relax poolside! REVStaffing has you covered.

REVStaffing’s clients and staff are located all over North America. We are dedicated to helping you to grow and nurture your successful business- wherever you are! 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, FAQs, Real Estate Assistant, Real Estate Tools, REVStaffing, Uncategorized, Virtual Assistant

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Archive for November 2011

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