A virtual assistant is an employee who supports various business operations from a remote location. Startups can use VAs to help with inbox management, social media content, online customer support, and basically any task that doesn’t require them to show up in person.

Some VAs specialize in a specific task or industry. For example, there are VAs that focus specifically on marketing, and others that work only in the tech industry. More specialized VAs often cost a bit more since they offer a more focused skillset. However, there are also general VAs who can handle a variety of tasks and work with businesses in a wide array of industries.

Virtual assistants have been around since the 1980’s, when organizations like ABSSI and Home Secretaries popped up to support moms looking for work-from-home jobs. However, the niche really took off when home internet usage became more ubiquitous around the world.

And it’s still growing today. In fact, Gartner, Inc. predicts that about a quarter of digital workers will use a VA on a daily basis by 2021. If your small business has yet to jump into this growing trend, here are some of the main reasons why it may be time to reconsider.

They Put Processes in Place

Inefficiencies cost businesses between 20 and 30 percent of their revenue each year. Often, these inefficiencies are a result of not having processes in place. Processes can be anything from canned responses in Gmail to automated invoicing.

Many business owners don’t take the time to set up these processes because they’re so busy working on their day-to-day operations. Hiring a VA gives you a way to set up these processes without having to focus on them yourself. Give your VA a list of processes you’d like to set up or hire someone with experience setting up business processes so they can identify inefficiencies on their own. This can actually make your business more efficient even when your VA isn’t on the clock.

They Filter Communication

Not all of the emails, calls or live chat messages you receive are necessarily worth responding to. And some can simply receive a canned response or quick reply that doesn’t require your personal attention.

By hiring a VA to manage your inbox or other methods of communication, they can filter those messages that don’t require a thoughtful response. This allows you to really focus on those other messages, rather than constantly being overwhelmed with an overflowing inbox.

They Capture and Organize Data

Today’s businesses have access to more data than ever. Your data is essential for helping you make decisions about the future of your business. But too much of it can be overwhelming and distracting.

Additionally, collecting and organizing all of your data can be quite an undertaking. You can have your VA go over all of your web analytics and customer data to organize it and share it with you in digestible reports or updates. This allows you to more quickly access the information that’s pertinent to your business at a particular moment, without having to pour over all the minute details for hours on end.

They Complete Tedious Daily Tasks

Things like data entry and Internet research tend to be fairly time-consuming and don’t necessarily require attention from a high-level team member. But they’re still essential for your business. By giving these tasks to a VA, you can feel confident about the completion of those important items without taking significant time from your own day, while saving managers and specialized employees from focusing on them.

They Let You Focus on What You Do Best

Most entrepreneurs have a specialty. Maybe you develop software products or help other businesses develop marketing plans. But when you start a business, you also have to handle support tasks like bookkeeping and marketing. If you’re not good at these things, you may end up wasting a ton of time learning the ins and outs or struggling through trial and error.

Hiring a specialized VA allows you to outsource the items with which you struggle. You can trust that the tasks will be handled competently — maybe even better than you would have on your own. And it frees up a ton of your time to focus on things that you’re actually good at. It also gives you a better opportunity to work on growing your business, rather than getting stuck in the day-to-day operations. This can be especially helpful for solopreneurs or very small businesses where the owner needs to wear many hats at once.

If you need assistance contact us at Revstaffing or Call Today @ 855-738-7821 X700. Visit our website at www.RevStaffing.com.

Courtesy of Anita Campbell

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 2019…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 there are 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, Instagram 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.

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 fill out our 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.

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, X700.

What do you think LinkedIn is for? Is it just for people who are trying to find a new job? Should you only visit it if you want to recruit somebody? Or is it one of the best ways to grow your real estate business? If you chose the third option, you are correct. In fact, HubSpot, reports that LinkedIn is three times more effective at generating business leads than Facebook or Twitter. And since leads result in more sales and more money in your pocket, it is clear that LinkedIn cannot be ignored.

Here are 10 ways real estate pros can effectively use LinkedIn to increase their online exposure.

Remember, It’s Not Facebook
First, you should realize that LinkedIn is not like your other social networking sites. LinkedIn is all about business, and you better keep things professional. So no sharing that funny meme your Aunt Linda showed you, and no posting pictures of what you are eating for dinner or your funny cat. There are plenty of other sites for that.

Make Sure Your Profile and Company Page Are Complete
Since you are a real estate practitioner and independent contractor, you have your own professional brand, thus, you should have both a personal profile and a Company Page. Each one should be filled out completely. Not only should every detail be included—like your website, links to your other social media profiles, any awards or certifications you have, and past companies you have worked for—but it should be displayed in a way that is easy to read and engaging.

Include Keywords
Just like you do with your website and blogs, your profile and Company Page should be keyword rich. When people want to find a “real estate agent in Massachusetts,” for example, you want to make sure you show up.

Share Plenty of Content
When you are deciding which content to share on LinkedIn, always have the goal of helping others, but make sure the type of information varies. On one day, post an informative article on a new development in real estate, and on the next, share an opinionated blog post about what agents are doing wrong. Make sure you’re not just sharing your own content. Those who are successful in social media understand that it can’t always be about YOU.

Publish Directly on LinkedIn
Not only should you be sharing loads of information, you should also be writing your own. One thing that makes LinkedIn unique is that it allows you to publish your content for all of LinkedIn to see. They are referred to as long-form posts, and you definitely need to be taking advantage of them. Not only does it make you look more credible when you have them on your profile, but they are searchable both on and off LinkedIn. People do not have to be in your network to view them, and they are able to connect with you directly from the post. This is an invaluable tool for growing your network and establishing your expertise in the real estate industry.

Study Your Analytics
LinkedIn is very generous in the amount of information they provide to you. They tell you exactly which of your posts received interactions and which ones didn’t. You should study these analytics thoroughly so that you can capitalize on what people like and avoid the stuff they don’t.

Connect with Everyone
There has never been, and never will be, a rule that you are only allowed to connect with people that you know on LinkedIn. You should do searches for locals in your area, other agents, home appraisers, mortgage brokers, and anyone else you want. The thing is, there is no such thing as too big of a network. You never know where each connection will lead you. Over the years, I have seen some really shortsighted agents who say, if they don’t know them then they won’t connect. This might be prudent thinking on Facebook, but not on LinkedIn!

Capitalize on LinkedIn Real Estate Groups
One of the hidden gems on LinkedIn is the group feature. They are the difference between agents who really drive traffic back to their website and those who don’t. However, there is a proper way to use them.

You should look for groups within your industry—or groups that contain your target niche or market—that have enough members to get you exposure, but not so many that you get lost in the shuffle. Aim for between 1,000 and 5,000 members. You can also join a few of the larger groups for when you are sharing something of a more general nature.

When you interact within the groups, remember that you are there to add value. You should respond to others’ questions, give your opinions, share advice, and ask questions that make people think. You should not post links to your site unless it is something of value.

Don’t try to be active on too many groups at once, or you will not be able to provide anything useful to any of them. Instead, choose three or four that you really think could boost your exposure and make sure to check-in with them several times per week. Some excellent real estate groups to take a look at joining are The National Association of REALTORS®, Real Estate Professionals Group, and Real Estate Professional Referral Group.

Once you are part of a conversation, don’t leave it unfinished. Always go back to see if anyone has responded to what you said.

After you have established yourself within the group, you can start asking your own questions and solicit feedback. If you ask one that garners a lot of attention, you will even be featured as a top contributor within the group, increasing your visibility tenfold.

Start Your Own Group
If you are really ambitious, it could be time to found your own group. This puts you in the driver’s seat, and, if done correctly, can really catapult your recognition in the real estate industry. In order to set the precedent, you should set up an auto-email that goes out to all new members welcoming them to the group and setting the ground rules (like no soliciting). You can also let them know that you will be sending out weekly or monthly emails with industry resources and tricks of the trade.

Help Others
Finally, you should take a few minutes each day to endorse and recommend other people. They will appreciate the gesture and may even return the favor.

If you need help with your LinkedIn and other social media marketing let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Complete a complimentary needs analysis survey, send us an email, or call 855.REVS.VA1 today!

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Are you using Facebook Live? Do you want more mileage out of your broadcasts?

Reusing your Facebook Live video can help improve your impact and visibility.

In this article, you’ll discover how to download your Facebook Live videos on other social media platforms.

Download from Your Facebook Profile
Facebook Live lets you broadcast a live-stream video from your phone. If you’ve live-streamed a great video you’d like to keep, follow these steps to download the video file from your Facebook:

First, log into Facebook.com and go to your profile.

Next, locate the Videos tab below your profile’s cover photo (along the bottom of the image or in the More drop-down).

Now, click on Videos to see a list of videos you’ve posted to your profile.

Your Facebook profile page is where you can see how your profile appears to other users. Find your videos in the tabs along the bottom of your cover photo.

Next, click on the thumbnail of the Facebook Live video. After the video opens, click on Options (along the bottom of the video) to reveal the menu to download it.

Options for your Facebook Live video include downloading as SD (standard definition) or HD (high definition).

Once you click the Download option, your stand-alone video will open. Right-click on the video and select Save Video As to save the video as an MP4 file to your computer.

Download from Your Facebook Page
If your Facebook page is lively, the steps below are your best route to download your Facebook Live video from your page. Note: You must be an authorized manager on the page to access the options below. Let’s get started!

Once you complete a Facebook Live video from your page, you have a few optimization options to increase the reach and purpose of your post. (The options below are presently only available for Facebook Live videos streamed from a Facebook page.)

First, log into the Facebook page you used for your Facebook Live post. Next, click on the Publishing Tools tab along the top.

Look at the tabs along the top of your Facebook page to select Publishing Tools.

In the left-hand column of tabs, Click on Videos to see a list of your page’s posted videos. Find and click on the Facebook Live video you wish to download.

Look for the Video Details pop-up window. Along the bottom, you’ll see any posts related to your video. Click on the post link to uncover additional optimization and download options for your video.

While the Video Details window provides performance statistics for your Facebook Live video, you need to access the original post to download the video.

In the bottom-right corner of the Post Details pop-up window, find and click on the Edit Post button.

To optimize your Facebook Live video from the Basic tab, add titles, tags, and custom thumbnail images. From the Advanced Tab, you can also choose to allow or prevent your video from being embedded in an external website.

After you’ve shot and posted your Facebook Live video, go to the Edit Video box to optimize your broadcast for searches and viewers.

In addition, you can upload a Closed Captioning file to your video for access by the hearing-impaired.

Next, look for the gear icon above the top-right corner of your video’s image. Click the gear icon and select which version you want to download.

In addition to selecting download options for your Facebook Live video, don’t forget to optimize your video using the Basic, Captions, and Advanced tabs in the Edit Video box.

Let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Complete a complimentary needs analysis survey, send us an email, or call 855.REVS.VA1 today!

*Courtesy of www.socialmediaexaminer.com

Your information isn’t safe! Hackers and data thieves constantly troll to steal information, and Realtors are vulnerable because they have access to, store, and maintain confidential personal and client records.  

It’s not just a desktop computer that can be breached.  In a world of technology, there are several areas exposed to hackers, such as a mobile phone, wi-fi, and cloud storage.

Here are ways to protect your information:

On the Cloud
Dropbox and Evernote are popular cloud services for storing files, but security isn’t tight.  

• Make sure you encrypt your private information.  
• Also, if you backup your files to the cloud, remember that even though you delete them on your computer or mobile device, they are still stored in your cloud account.  
• Completely delete the file by removing it from your backup cloud account.

On Social Media

• Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media.
• Check your privacy settings.
• Periodically take a look at your lists on friend connections online and remove the ones you don’t know well.

On Your Computer

• Don’t click on a suspicious link on a web page or email.  
• Also, make sure you use security software and keep it up to date.

On Your Phone
There is mobile malware that can hijack your phone, stealing your contact list and running up bill for more services.

• Protect yourself by only downloading  phone apps from reputable app stores, like the iTunes App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Store.

On the Web 

• Don’t respond to pop-up windows.
• Secure your home Wi-Fi network.
• Set your web browser to auto-update.

Online Shopping or Financial Transactions 

• Don’t shop online, log on to banking sites, or social networking sites on a public computer or public Wifi networks.   Anyone within Wifi range can access and steal your information.   
• Instead, install a personal virtual private network app on your phone or computer to protect your communications.

Use Two-Factor Authentication Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail offer two-factor authentication.  It’s basically an extra layer of security to shield your login in process from hackers.

Update, Update, Update Security software becomes less effective when it’s out of date. Make sure you are diligent with prompt software updates.

You’ve been hacked, now what?

1. The first thing you should do is reset your passwords.  Start with your email account because password resets for all your other accounts are usually sent to your email.  Once that’s done, reset passwords in you financial and critical accounts.
2. Search the help section of a website, such as Facebook, if you are blocked from accessing it.
3. Let your contacts know you’ve been hacked.
4. Report the hacking to the site.
5. Run a scan of your computer or mobile device using a trusted antivirus program.
6. In the case of identity theft, get a copy or your credit reports, file a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus, and monitor monthly statements for any more unusual activity.

There is no way to completely eliminate the risk of hack attacks and other cyber crimes.  However, taking action now to protect yourself can help reduce the damage down the road if you are targeted.

Need help protecting your real estate information? Give us a call at REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821, or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you want to find out how REVStaffing can help you with your real estate business, click here to schedule an appointment.

Paige earned the #1 spot in 2014, and she is still #1 based on sales so far for 2015!

Paige is a client of REVStaffing, and relies on our resources for her real estate business that focuses on Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, and other areas of Horry County, South Carolina.

She is no stranger to accolades in real estate.  Paige has won numerous real estate awards for her outstanding performance.

She loves her job and believes in a higher standard of professional service while giving back to the community.

Congratulations, Paige from all of us at REVStaffing!

Call REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821 or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you would like to discuss any possibly need you may have and would like REVStaffing’s assistance, click here to schedule an appointment.

Everyone agrees that increasing consumer protection is a desirable goal. Nevertheless, the unforeseen ripple effects from these changes could seriously disrupt how the closing process is conducted.

The most serious issues that will result from the new changes handed down by the CFPB: The new rules will require a new three-day waiting period when there are any changes in the TRID forms. The recommendation is to allow an extra 15 days to close your transactions. In other words, 30-day contracts will now require 45 days, and 60-day contracts will require 75 days.

A change of this magnitude is going to create unexpected ripple effects across the industry, not only for agents and clients, but for mortgage and title professionals, too. What can you do to be prepared?

First, make sure you attend a TRID training as soon as possible.

Second, if you’re a broker-owner, own a Mortgage Company, or Title Company, take steps to change your documentation to the new system as soon as it becomes available.

Third, associations and other companies that provide contracts to the industry must have the new forms ready to go well before Aug. 1, 2015. This also means that agents and brokers will have to be trained on these new forms, over and above what is required by TRID.

It could be a tough transition at first. What will be particularly thorny are transactions closing in late July. If they fail to close by Aug. 1, 2015, how will they be handled? Does entirely new documentation have to be drawn? How long will the delays be?

As we move closer to the August 1st date change, advise your clients that there will be unexpected delays in obtaining loan approval, potential changes in the documentation during the transaction, and a host of problems we probably can’t even begin to imagine. Start preparing now.

Call REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821 or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you would like to discuss any possibly need you may have and would like REVStaffing’s assistance, click here to schedule an appointment.

**Courtesy of inman.com and Bernice Ross

Lead generation and customer relationship management (CRM) platformKunversion LLC has rolled out a new user dashboard that’s mobile-optimized, integrated with Google Apps, and interacts with leads via text, email and chat before a user has to personally respond.

Tom Ray and Justin Tracy, co-founders of Kunversion, founded real estate lead generation platform Realty Generator LLC in 2001, ran it for six years and then, in 2007, sold it to Market Leader Inc., which remade its business around the technology.

Ray and Tracy are back with another lead-generation product in Kunversion, an all-in-one website, blog, CRM and lead-generation platform geared to brokers and teams that costs $1,000 per month for up to 30 users.

They launched Kunversion in early 2011 after three years of silence due to a non-compete clause associated with the sale to Market Leader, and are now ramping up to make a splash in the space, Tracy said.

The updated platform “is what we wanted to do from launch, but are just now rolling out,” said Tracy, who is also Kunversion’s chief technology officer.

Kunversion features an IDX website; a mobile-optimized, HTML5-formatted back end; Android and iOS mobile apps; free e-signatures from HelloSign; a drip email marketing platform; and handles the initial interaction with a lead with live chat. Every day from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern time, Kunversion powers live chat from an outsourced team of 10 people who respond to leads on users’ Kunversion platform.

The system also automatically sends texts and emails to leads on a user’s behalf based on triggers like if a lead visits one house five times, checks out a just-listed home or hasn’t been on the site in a while.

The system’s dashboard view also helps users navigate the system to see details about each lead, prioritize leads into an “active” list and see activity properties laid out in a Pinterest-like grid.

With all that said, Kunversion is a one-stop lead-generation CRM that makes it easier for real estate agents to manage their business.

REVStaffing has the staff which is experienced with Kunversion. Whether you currently use or plan to start using Kunversion we can assist you.

Call REVStaffing today at 855-738-7821 or visit our website at www.revstaffing.com.

If you would like to discuss any possibly need you may have and would like REVStaffing’s assistance, click here to schedule an appointment.

Real estate agents who use the Point2 Agent marketing system are able to enhance their web presence in numerous ways utilizing the impressive websites, broad listing combinations, and brilliant lead management results.

Aside from creating a platform for the modern real estate agent. Point2 also provides up to minute data information essential for the consumer, property managers and the investor alike. Giving the homebuyer and real estate professional’s knowledge and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Point2 Agent system is mobile friendly and is easily accessible for anyone to use, they have tech support and is available to use Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm CST.

The Point2 Agent is a marketing tool for those in the real estate industry who want to expand their business into the ever growing social media market. For more information about Point2 Agent, please call customer support at 1-866-977-1777 or go to  http://www.point2.com.
 
Need help staying in contact with all the leads that will soon be coming your way? REVStaffing can gladly assist you with those tasks! Let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Complete a complimentary needs analysis survey, send us an email, or call 855.REVS.VA1 today!

Second, the program oversees the entire front office’s business, including integration with the local MLS, listing information, agent information, tracking agent productivity, and brokerage-wide communications. Even text messages to office colleagues can be sent right from this software.

Third, the program helps with agent and office transaction management, routing documents and making sure all transactions are in compliance with the appropriate rules. The transaction management software stores documents and forms, becoming a digital file cabinet.

Lastly, Emphasys BrokerOffice offers a complete back office solution. This can feature all managerial and company reports, as well as complete accounting with integration into Quicken’s QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Front Office, and REALedger.

Unlike other programs that try to work for various types of users, including non-Realtors, Emphasys BrokerOffice was built exclusively for the residential real estate industry.

Can Emphasys BrokerOffice work for your business? Find out more at EmphasysBrokerOffice.com.

Let REVStaffing help you to achieve your goals and increase your potential! Send us an email, or call  855.REVS.VA1 today!

Or complete the complimentary needs analysis survey below!

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