All Forum Posts by: Ryan Johnson

Hey @Henry Matthews, 

I'd be happy to help. I have a virtual assistant company that focuses on helping real estate investors and agents. Check out bestrealestateva.com, or feel free to PM me. 

@Carlos Zapata, I've been working with VAs since 2009 so there's a few tools I've used that have been helpful. 

I used to use Skype, but it wasn't as reliable so we use either Viber for our daily text communication, to send quick files, and voice chats throughout the day - or Zoom if we need to do video calls. 

As far as tracking time, I don't use a time tracker for my VAs that have been with me a while. But if you're looking for a good free alternative for a time tracker, check out screenshotmonitor.com. They have a paid and free plan, but the free plan works fine if you have less up to 2 VAs.

Hey Bruce,

I'd be happy to help. One of my agents can work with you next week. We've been working in the Indy market since 2003 as investors and agents. Just send me a message and we can discuss further. 

Thanks!

Hey @Ronny Tiburcio!

It's awesome that you're considering hiring a VA. I've been working with virtual assistants for over 8 years, and it's probably been responsible for the biggest shift in my business in terms of time and income.

So here's some of my recommendation of things you should know when hiring a VA:

- Make sure you've already defined the roles your business needs (this will help in the hiring process because you'll be able to key in on specific skill sets when interviewing VAs). A good way to do this is to write down everything you do in your business (and personal life) in the course of a week. Then identify what things on that list either aren't the highest and best use of your time, and what items would be easy to delegate to an online VA - because those specific activities don't require your physical presence.

- Piggybacking on my previous comment - have an idea in mind if you plan to use your VA to interact with clients or just do admin behind the scenes. If you decide you want your VAs to be on the front line (answering calls, screening leads, etc) then include in your job description that you want someone that speaks fluent English and has prior phone skills. FYI - My best success with front line VAs that interact with clients has come from virtual assistants I've used that live in the Philippines.

- Determine how important your VA's time zone is to you. For instance, when I have VAs do design work for me, I don't really care if they work in my timezone. But obviously, for the VAs that are answering calls and handling deal transactions, time zone is more important. Even if you're not in the same time zone, many overseas VAs are used to working US hours. Just find out from the onset.

- If you're hiring a VA overseas, make sure you ask about their internet connection. You can have them use speedtest.net to find out. This is important because you want to avoid hiring someone that always uses their internet connection as an excuse not to be available. Believe me on this one... it will save you a lot of headache.

- The evaluation process should start as soon as the initial communication is made. So be aware of how much time it takes a VA candidate to respond to you via email once you've opened the lines of communication. For instance, if it takes a candidate 48 hours to respond to questions you ask, it may be a red flag that the person is currently juggling too many clients, or he/she just doesn't have a sense of urgency.

- And my last piece of advice is to use video interviews for your final candidates. If this is a VA that you plan to use to help you in your business as well as your personal life - then it's important that you have some type of vibe with that individual. Video can be helpful in seeing if there is a connection. I usually save video until I've narrowed down my candidates to the best ones.

I hope this is a helpful start for you. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out!

RJ

@Mercedes Williams, my first deal was a 2 bedroom per side Indianapolis duplex I purchased back in November of 2003. At the time I had a 9 - 5 pharmaceutical sales job. Once I wrapped my mind around the fact that I definitely wanted to invest in real estate in order replace my 9-5 income, I sought out a mentor in my local market to accelerate my results. So he helped me acquire my first deal in about 30 days after I started working with him. 

Hey Joe,

I'm a real estate broker/investor in Indianapolis and we've been helping investors across the country purchase investment properties in Indianapolis since 2003. We can assist with acquisition, renovation, and management of properties. Please send me a PM or email me at [email protected] and I'd be happy to help.

Thanks,

Yes, that post was from a long time ago..lol

But I still network with people that are looking to purchase wholesale properties in the Indy area because that's what I specialize in.

Anyone looking for wholesale Indy properties in nice areas with equity and cash flow, please feel free to email me.

Thanks,

RJ

The most inspiring books I have ever read are:

The Bible - the good word always provides wisdom on how to go about my life

The Power of Now - this book literally changed the way I approach situations, life, etc. I would recommend it to anyone.

RJ

Hello everyone,

I was curious if any of you are using Twitter in your real estate marketing efforts, and how affective has it been?

Thanks,

RJ

Great idea. Thanks for the heads up Josh.

Ryan