Have you considered outsourcing to grow and scale your property business, but you’re unsure where and how to start? A Virtual Assistant who specialises in property can be a valuable asset to any property business. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to get started with finding and hiring a property Virtual Assistant.
Where to find a quality Property Virtual Assistant
So, you’ve decided that your property business would benefit from outsourcing to a property VA. But where and how exactly do you find one? Especially one who has real, hands-on property experience and a genuine knowledge of the industry.
There are a few places to begin your search for a property Virtual Assistant. Let’s take a look at some of the places you can start with.
Online job boards
There are several online job boards that specialise in connecting businesses with Virtual Assistants. You can post a job listing or search for Virtual Assistants with specific property experience.
Referrals
Ask other property managers, estate agents, portfolio landlords and developers if they have worked with a Virtual Assistant before. Outsourcing is a common practice in the property industry, so the chances are that one of your current connections already has some good recommendations.
Social media
Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook can be particularly useful tools for finding property Virtual Assistants. You can join groups or search for hashtags related to property assistants.
Virtual assistant agencies
Some Virtual Assistant agencies (such as The Virtual Assistant Company) specialise in providing experienced Virtual Assistants for specific industries, such as property. These agencies typically have a team of dedicated Virtual Assistants that can handle a variety of tasks relevant to your industry.
Networking events
Attend networking events for property managers, investors, estate agents, and other property professionals. You may meet Virtual Assistants there in-person who specialise in providing outsourced property support.
How to start outsourcing to a property virtual assistant
Once you’ve found a remote property assistant who’s the best possible fit for you, you’ll want to get started to experience the benefits that outsourcing brings. Here are some steps to get started with outsourcing to your property VA.
Identify the tasks you want to outsource
Make a list of the tasks that take up too much of your time or require specialised skills. This could include property maintenance, bookkeeping, or marketing. If you need help with deciding exactly what to outsource, read our article ‘50 Tasks Your Virtual Assistant Can Do To Save You Time‘.
Determine your budget
Decide how much you are willing to spend on outsourcing. Consider the long-term benefits of outsourcing, such as increased productivity and revenue growth.
Communicate your requirements
Clearly communicate your expectations and requirements to your property virtual assistant. Be specific about deadlines, quality standards, and any other important details. Also, set expectations regarding response times, delivery of work, and how you’d prefer to communicate (email, WhatsApp, Slack, Zoom, phone calls, etc).
Monitor progress
Regularly check in with your new property VA to make sure they are meeting your expectations. Provide feedback and make adjustments as needed. A good VA should already be providing you with regular task and time updates, and making suggestions for improvements and how best to use the time, but make sure that you are getting this feedback from them as this will ensure that you develop a great working relationship that really works for you and your business.
Build a long-term relationship
If you are satisfied with your assistant’s work, consider building a long-term relationship. As your business grows, so can the scope of the work you delegate to them. They will also develop a wider understanding of your business goals and ‘big picture thinking’, which will ultimately help you to do and achieve more. OVer time, this can lead to greater efficiency, cost savings, and improved quality.
When looking for a property Virtual Assistant, make sure to check their experience, qualifications, and references. It’s important to find someone who is reliable, professional, and has the necessary skills to handle the tasks you need help with.
If you found this article interesting, you might also enjoy reading ‘What Is A Property VA?‘.
