All Forum Posts by: Darryl D.

Overall, not a big fan of Zillow. It's just not as easy to use, intuitive and useful. I'm borderline inclined to hack together my own solution at this point.

Twilio is your best bet. I created countless applications with it (I'm an application engineer too). Bulk sms is fairly simple, if you like I can point you in the right direction with development. To make something isn't crazy expensive and will pay for itself in no time.

SInce postlets merged into zillow, it now sucks. Wondering if anyone is using anything similar?

For the most part. I'm an application developer and do some things in real estate. So pretty comfortable with using API's. But, it's services out there like Zapier (example: connect Twillio to a Google Sheet and do the same thing I'm doing) that helps bridge the gap. Let me know if you need some help or direction getting something up and running

At the moment, I'm using it to handle all text messaging through my lead mgmt system. I can send and receive txts from the browser and since I have each person number saved to my system, I have all the messages link to each respected lead account. Just one way I'm using it. Overall, only for organization at the moment. 

Sideline looks nice for a second number, but not much more outside of that?

I like Twillo simply because you can do anything with it with the proper knowhow or someone who knows how to navigate it. 

I too tried to use Hangouts and even Skype but, all people don't use it so... becomes a pain. Twillo I have something custom I threw together that let me call and do drip txt campaigns from my computer/tablet/etc...

Hope this helps.

Sounds like you're looking for a custom solution. Which I feel is better than an off-the-shelf product.

With that said, you can have someone make a system to allow each of the products you're using to talk to each other or see if some existing integration for what you're currently using in Zapier (decent learning curve...).

Not sure about Call Loop but, Twillo is more popular for integrating in other applications.

Overall sounds like you wanted an automated contacting system, is that right?

I could help if you like, worked on a few systems like this.

Evernote is awesome way to keep all things organized, a few flows are out there that you maybe able to follow. For example each note can be a lead, even user services like Zapier to create that flow.

I too needed something like that and working on something custom, I can show you what I'm doing if you like.

Fun topic, lol.

A few things on what you want in a VA:
- Good english
- Dedicated time for your work
- A self starter (in 4-hour work week Tim made a point about making his VA a manager)

Outside of that, give them clear directions, maybe hold their hand a bit at first by making sure you look at their work. Ask them to send you a daily report, etc...

I've been outsourcing for a decade for VA/designing/developing/management/accounting/etc...

For price, it varies, I prefer the Phillippines since I had the most success there. My main VA I've been working with for years now, I let her choose her pay (which at the moment is $200) but, she does a lot for me even recruit other VA's and manage them.

PM me if you need more help, more than willing to give more info.

I tried both. I think after spending a day with each you'll have a better idea.

I can tell you they are both good, I like highrise because they seem to have a flow or things which allows you to focus on work.

Podio allows for more custom workspace which is good if you like that but, I think it takes away from work as I would always want to customize.