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Archive for December 2011

Smart Ideas: Start Getting Ready for 2012

December 30th, 2011 by REVStaffing

As 2011 draws to a close, your REVStaffing virtual assistants want you to know that we’re fully prepared to help make 2012 your best year ever!

We’ve been thinking about how valuable your time is, which led to thoughts of all of the distressed properties currently on the market. Wouldn’t it be great if every home you were scheduled to show looked, smelled and just “felt” like it was ready to jump off the market? Too often, our clients find themselves using crucial time doing lots of prep work just to get a property ready to show. Dust, dirt, and grime have a way of showcasing themselves at the worst possible time, especially if a home has been unoccupied for any length of time.

But even if you’re lucky, and the home you’re showing looks good, there are a few small things you can do to make the environment even more attractive. Put yourself in a different mindset, and consider these possibilities:

Bring along a package of soft cookies from the grocery. Open the package and microwave it for about a minute on HIGH, then open the oven door. The smell of “fresh-baked” cookies will permeate the air.
Grab an inexpensive vase and a small bunch of fresh flowers to place in plain sight on a counter or tabletop. The visual appeal is undeniable, and the sight of fresh flowers has been shown to be a positive lift!
Back to the microwave (this also works on the stove top with a small and inconspicuous saucepan). Dump a mound of cinnamon into the bowl or pan and fill ¾ of the way with tap water – no stirring necessary. If you’re using the microwave, nuke the combination for about 3 minutes; if you’re using a saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil then drop to a simmer. Either route makes the air throughout the home smell as though something unidentifiable but wonderful has been (or is) baking.
Carry a soft-pack of window wipes and a “magic eraser” sponge. Any unsightly smudges can be quickly and easily removed within seconds.

We here at REV Staffing wish each and every one of you a fantastic New Year’s weekend!Even if you’re thinking, “Great ideas! But I don’t have time to do this stuff; my schedule is crammed as it is!,”start your new year right – send us an email or give us a call for a free needs analysis. We’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique residential and commercial real estate business needs; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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.

2011 REVStaffing^©

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

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SEO: Are Your Links Any Good?

December 30th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Face it; it’s hard to get people to click the links you share. Bit.ly did a study of link life, and came to the conclusion that what matters more than where you posted your links was the content to which the link was pointing. This is affirmation of the fact that good content is very relevant.

To get the initial rush to your posts, place links in all the usual social media outlets; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. But to get follow up interest, try resubmitting a newly worded link using a URL shortener to the same social media outlets. There are several that can be used, such as Bit.ly, Goo.gl, Tinyurl, Ow.ly by posting each link with a different shortener, you can garner more interest for a longer period of time.

Although great advice, the link shorteners won’t help if your content is not well written and informative. Carve out a niche for yourself, and represent yourself as the local expert for your area. As we learned in the REVStaffing social media webinar last month, provide seekers of information in your area with one local resource: YOU!

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

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Relax a Little Before You Get Organized for 2012

December 26th, 2011 by REVStaffing

It’s hard for our REVStaffing virtual assistants to believe that Christmas is over, and New Year’s Eve is less than a week away! We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: this time of year is stressful for everyone. A simple trip to the grocery store can easily become an hour-long ordeal. Tempers are short, despite what we want to believe about holiday cheer.

Add the work of getting ready for the new year in a less-than-optimal real estate market, and a lot of people find themselves coming up with 101 reasons for not thinking about what they can do to make the new year spectacular.

We’ll do everything we can to help make the transition to 2012 as wonderfully smooth as possible, and we’ll be addressing some ways to do that in upcoming blogs. For now, here are a couple of tips for getting through the next week…

First, work on keeping your perspective. So what if all of the gifts didn’t arrive before the holiday? It’ll be that much MORE fun having something fun to give (or receive) on an average, ordinary day! Maybe (like one of our seasoned virtual assistants, who definitely knew better) you forgot to take that little plastic bag out of the turkey before you roasted it. Like her, you’ll have a funny story to tell for many years about how the assembled guests ended up starting a new Christmas tradition of spaghetti and meatballs!

Then, make a conscious decision to let things go. No one expects you to be perfect; don’t expect it of yourself. Superheroes are for comic books and movies! Wouldn’t you rather be around someone who can laugh at themselves and all of their little foibles, than someone who’s miserable and intentionally taking it out on everyone they encounter? Of course you would!

Happy holidays from all of us at REVStaffing!Make your next step towards better organization to shoot us an email or give us a call for a free needs analysis. We’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique 2012 business needs; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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.

2011 REVStaffing^©

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

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Merry Christmas – and a Few Holiday Thoughts from REVStaffing

December 23rd, 2011 by REVStaffing

The holidays are here! REVStaffing virtual assistants know that it’s too late for online shopping; it’s time to get into gift wrapping, baking, and prepping for those unexpected visitors. While most of us are excited, we’re definitely looking forward to a little rest and relaxation when it’s all said and done.

As you’re enjoying a little down time, you might want to think about the new year ahead (we’ll be discussing this in MUCH more detail next week!). Here’s a thought: On the same piece of paper that you use to write your New Year’s resolutions, write your Top 5 Wish List for REVStaffing. What can we do to make your work/life balance better? Here are just a few suggestions:

How is your database? Do you have a database? If you’re working strictly from scraps of paper, your Outlook contacts or your iPhone feed, you don’t really have a viable database. Without a working database, you are duplicating your efforts, and minimizing your results. This is the perfect reason to have us help you ramp up your contacts, coalesce them into a database, and then help to manage it, with drip campaigns, rotating calls and marketing blasts.

Are you reading this blog post on Facebook? How’s your Facebook business page doing? Non-existent, you say? Let us help you to create one. Why not do an overall social media checkup? Make 2012 the year you give yourself the gift of the REVStaffing LIFT!

How much time are you spending putting procedures in place for your listings or closings? We will tailor a listing or closing plan to your needs, then go a step further by implementing those plans for you. We like helping you to bring structure to your life! REVStaffing virtual assistants can help to streamline your daily routines, making all facets of your life easier.

We here at REV Staffing truly wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday weekend.After you clean up all the gift wrap and unload the leftovers on that unsuspecting single neighbor, shoot us an email or give us a call for a free needs analysis. We’ll be happy to discuss ALL of your unique 2012 business needs; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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.

2011 REVStaffing^©

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

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What is a Local Expert? I Want to Become One!

December 20th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Does the word “expert” make you feel a little queasy? Did you just glance over your shoulder to see if we’re really talking to YOU? Your REVStaffing virtual assistants know something about you that even you may not yet know…you are an expert!

If you don’t believe that, come join us for a fun, fast-paced hour with us tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21 from 1-2pm CST. Deb Rose, REVStaffing’s manager for advanced social media and blogging, will explain how we know you’re an expert, and what you can do to position yourself head-and-shoulders above your competition in 2012. You won’t want to miss her three easy steps to becoming a local expert!

Learn how to maximize some of the little things that you’re already doing in order to become your real estate market’s go-to person.
Discover how defining yourself – by using just one word – is critical to successfully establishing yourself as the undisputed real estate professional of choice.
Find out how the advantageous use of two tools will completely change the way others perceive you – and the way you perceive yourself.

The real estate market is booming on social media networking sites. Agents and brokers like you are constantly posting their listings, their blogs, and recent market updates on all of these sites – and gaining new business every day because of those posts. Once you’ve established yourself as a local expert, you’ll find yourself expertly using everything at your disposal!

If you participated in our webinar last month, you’re probably well on your way to experiencing a LIFT in your entire business plan for 2012. We invite you, whether you are a seasoned agent or want to learn more about social media and how it can help your business grow to amazing levels, to join us tomorrow (Wednesday, December 21) for a Free Open Webinar on “What is a local expert – and how can I become one?” You won’t want to miss this opportunity!

REVStaffing’s virtual assistants can assist with closings, marketing, blogging, website creation, database cleanup, listing maintenance, transactions – “virtually” every aspect of your business! We can give you a great start into 2012, and free you up to establish yourself as a local expert. 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; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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.

2011 REVStaffing^©

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

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The Holidays Are Here With A Vengeance – How’s Your Stress Level?

December 16th, 2011 by REVStaffing

What were you doing before you took a break to read this? Shopping for that perfect gift? Wrapping presents? If you’re like a lot of our REVStaffing virtual assistants, you may feel as if you just can’t pull it all together for the holidays. You may be running yourself down, trying to not only keep track of your real estate business, but also to prepare for parties, bake goodies, and spend precious time with family and friends. Seriously – how is your stress level?

For many of us, the holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year. While you’re celebrating and trying to feel festive, you’re also trying to run a successful business, close a sale, take on a new listing perhaps. Everything comes together to spell STRESS. In scientific terms, stress results from situations that are perceived as unpredictable, uncontrollable, new and unknown or threatening. When we’re in these situations, our body releases chemicals as a sort of “stress message” to warn us of potential danger.

Throughout the holiday season, it’s important for us to incorporate some de-stressing techniques into our lives. Try any of the following techniques to ensure that you’re better prepared to handle unexpected and uncontrollable situations and minimize the “stress messages” sent to your brain. You’re sure to find the holidays much more enjoyable!

Exercise puts us in a more relaxed and positive mood. If you’re more relaxed and more positive, you’re less likely to see a situation as uncontrollable and hopeless.

Sleep deprivation can negatively affect your ability to learn and remember things. As a result, you may be more likely to perceive a situation as stressful. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Social support includes regular contact with supportive friends, family or healthcare professionals. These people provide emotional support or information on how to manage stressful situations. Having a social support network helps with mood and mental health.

As little as 30 minutes a day can help your holidays go from stressful memory lapses to efficient multitasking festivities!

REVStaffing’s virtual assistants can help you organize all of your real estate tasks not only for the holidays – but for the future, as well. We can assist with closings, marketing, blogging, website creation, database cleanup, listing maintenance, transactions – “virtually” every aspect of your business! We can give you a great start into 2012, and keep you free to spend more time with your family and friends.

Take a moment now to consider your stress level. Then, 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; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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.

2011 REVStaffing^©

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

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Things For Real Estate Agents (and Brokers) To Consider Doing During the Winter Holidays

December 14th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Our REVStaffing virtual assistants know that traditionally, the winter holidays are slow for the real estate industry. Buyers and sellers are in short supply; dealing with property isn’t a priority when there are precious opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family. Add the recent downturn in the marketplace, and things may be really slow for you.

Not a problem! We’ve written previously about the value of spending time with your loved ones. Additionally, the holidays are a perfect time for a realtor to focus on various aspects of their real estate career. We scoured the Web, and came up with these great ideas for things YOU might want to consider doing during the winter holidays. We hope they’re helpful…

Why not get to know your colleagues?This is a great time to learn more about the real estate agents and brokers in your area, and in the process have them learn more about you. You’ll be doing business with these people, and it’s very beneficial to have a good rapport.

Network at social events.You never know where your next listing will come from. The key to success in the real estate industry is to network, network, network. Luckily, there is no better time for a realtor to do this than during the holidays. From Christmas parties to neighborhood festivities to lighting the Chanukah candles, there are endless gatherings happening…spots where you can meet your next client. Don’t leave home without your business card!

Plan your goals for 2012.There’s no better time to reflect on your career as a real estate agent ,and to think about your goals for the coming year. Ask yourself these questions, and make your answers brutally honest:

Did I meet my expectations from last year (sales, listings, or other goals)?
Did I meet my corporate expectations?
How can I specifically improve?

Now is the time to write down your long term goals and expectations. Putting them in writing allows you to revisit them next year.

Take real estate license continuing education classes for credits.What better time to satisfy your state’s continuing education requirements than while the market is quiet? You can take accredited courses online, or in a traditional classroom environment.

Spruce up your website.The Internet has become one of the most important tools in a real estate agent’s arsenal. Tell the world what you have to offer. Work on your website to not only make it more aesthetically pleasing, but also to add more useful tools (as well as optimize it for search engines). Consider adding a blog if you don’t have one yet!

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; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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.

2011 REVStaffing^©

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

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Clients (and Your Colleagues)

December 12th, 2011 by REVStaffing

If you ask any REVStaffing virtual assistant, they’ll tell you that the holidays bring fun, food, family, and friends together. They’ll also tell you that the season is also a great opportunity to stay at the top of your clients’ minds. You’re probably already thinking about sending holiday cards, or looking for that perfect gift that will bring smiles to all your clients. But let’s face it, money is tighter than ever, and different clients appreciate different gifts. That’s not to say that you need to purchase individual gifts for all your clients. However, you can apply the same “relevancy” factor that you bring to your online content to your offline gifts.

We (with a little help from MyTechOpinion) have put together some ideas that may let you relax a little during this hectic season.

Holiday cards – Admit it, nobody can wait for the mail to arrive during the holidays! Everyone loves receiving holidays cards and letters…especially if there are recent photos included! So don’t forget to showcase your softer side and include your clients in your holiday card mailings.

Digital greetings – Oops…suppose you waited too long to send out those holiday cards. No worries! Rock your sphere with an online greeting. Animoto and JibJab offer solutions that will bring smiles and keep your clients “rockin’ around the Christmas tree.” You can email these, or share via Facebook and Twitter!

Go hyperlocal – Since you’re in the business of knowing the local market you work in, why not support that community by “gifting local style”? Figure out what’s unique to your area (bakeries, candy stores, and wineries are just a few ideas) and select small local gifts that will be deeply appreciated by your clients.

Gift it forward! - Sometimes the best gift is a donation of time or money for those who are in need. There are plenty of local and national causes that need our help this year, more than ever. Consider making a donation in your client’s name. Create a card to send out to your sphere letting them know how together, you helped the local food bank, or perhaps brought clean drinking water to a village in Malawi. Your “gift it forward” spirit may be contagious, and your clients may want more information about the charity or cause. So, include a QR code (and/or URL address) inside the card to direct your clients to your blog.

Recipe for success! – Lastly, if you happen to have one of those recipes that just knocks folks’ socks off…share it! Or better yet, make it! People love edible gifts (be sure to include the recipe as part of the gift).

The holidays are a great time to be thankful for the relationships we’ve cultivated throughout the year. Don’t miss this opportunity to reach out and connect with clients old and new! It may bring more than just good cheer; perhaps it’ll bring some new business your way in the coming year.

We know you have your own favorite gift ideas, so feel free to add your ideas to the comments below! We’d love to hear how you make your clients smile during the holiday season!

Let us share the gift of 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; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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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Beside Every Great Woman…Stands ANOTHER Great Woman!

December 9th, 2011 by REVStaffing

We occasionally spotlight members of the REVStaffing virtual assistant team, and today, we decided to work with the old saying that “behind every great person, there is an even greater one.” Our REVStaffing virtual assistants like to say that beside our CEO, Deborah Steuer, is Barbara Gifford – her stealth weapon. Barbara is an asset in so many ways that they’re practically innumerable!

Barbara provides support and direction to all REVStaffing virtual assistants as the company’s Executive Supervising Manager. She is an experienced Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant (PREVA), as well as a talented webmaster and graphic artist. Barbara handles the majority of our custom website work, social media marketing, SEO work and she leads our newsletter development. She is REVStaffing’s most successful virtual assistant, with clients clamoring for her support.

Previous to joining REVStaffing in 2007, Barbara ran a successful marketing consulting venture. After deciding that the ever-changing world of real estate was for her, Barbara segued at full speed, acting as Deborah’s right hand by overseeing the entire team, and helping to grow the business by staying focused on the big picture.

Like many of our team members, her role as a mother is her primary personal focus. Her position with REVStaffing allows her the time and flexibility to fully immerse herself in that role, while still whipping up delicious meals (she’s a mean cook!), and helping her husband stay sane while raising their daughters.

A self-professed goofball at heart, Barbara lives in the best of both worlds: driven to make REVStaffing flourish by serving as a sounding board to Deborah, then unwinding by having dance parties with her daughters. Our staff knows her to be a fair judge of performance, as well as an objective ear to improve client projects. Every member of our team is vital, but would truly be lost without Barbara Gifford.

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; ask how we can give your business a LIFT! 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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What is a “Local Expert” – and How Can I Become One?

December 8th, 2011 by REVStaffing

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn – what do these social media websites mean to you? For our REVStaffing virtual assistants, they represent a world of opportunity. If you look at these social media portals and automatically think of keeping up with friends and family, it’s time to think again!

The real estate market is booming on social media networking sites like Facebook. Agents and brokers like you are constantly posting their listings, their blogs, and recent market updates on all of these sites – and gaining new business every day because of those posts. It is essential in the real estate business to “make your mark” as the local expert, by keeping your readers informed of everything new and exciting that’s happening in your office.

Building and maintaining your position as a local expert is easier than you think. By using a few simple tools on a consistent basis, you can quickly establish yourself as the one-stop real estate “go to” person in your market.

We invite you, whether you are a seasoned agent or want to learn more about social media and how it can help your business grow to amazing levels, to join us on Wednesday, December 21 for a Free Open Webinar on “What is a local expert – and how can I become one?” from 1:00 until 2:00 pm CST. We’ll cover all of the basics on how social media can make you a local expert in YOUR market, and bring you more traffic in 2012. Please join us, and we’ll look forward to seeing you!

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

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Archive for December 2011

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