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FAQ’s

What is a Virtual Assistant?

  • A Virtual Assistant is an entrepreneur who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients from a home office.
  • Virtual Assistants focus on “doing” and are hired to perform specific tasks (administrative assistance, listing coordination) or to complete specific projects (set up a WordPress website or a Social Media profile).
  • They are the ones carrying out the tasks.

What is an Online Business Manager?

  • The focus of the Online Business Manager (OBM) is on “management”.
  • OBM’s are hired to keep an eye on the big picture and manage all of the pieces (projects, team members, operations, expenses).
  • OBM’s ensure that all projects are getting completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Do you only work with Real Estate Agents?

  • No.  I love Real Estate and I love working with agents, but on occasion I will work with other high-level entrepreneurs such as business coaches and authors.
  • We mostly work with individual Real Estate Agents, independent Real Estate Brokers and their agents, and Real Estate teams.
  • We are also available to work with Home Stagers, Loan Officers, Mortgage Consultants and anyone else working within the Real Estate industry that is looking to grow their business.

How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get to become a Real Estate Online Business Manager?

You can read my full bio on my About Me page.  In my quick version, I fell into this business in 2003 when my husband became a Real Estate Broker.  He was so eager to jump in and help people that he never “managed” his business, so I did.  I loved it and began doing it for local agents, then I brought it to the online world in 2007.  After a few years, I became more and more in-demand by agents when they found that I didn’t act like a VA who simply did what they were told; I was more of a strategist & implementer who cared deeply about my clients success.  Because of this dedication, I choose to work as an Online Business Manager and completely eliminate my clients non-revenue-generating work.

Who is April Sullivan, and Virtual Assistant Chick?

  • April Sullivan is the founder of Virtual Assistant Chick and an Online Business Manager.  She has been working in the Real Estate industry since 2003 and absolutely loves it.  You can learn more about her journey to entrepreneurship here on her About Me page.
  • Virtual Assistant Chick is a fun company (can’t you tell by the name?) that works hard to be a one stop shop for Realtors.  Whether an agent needs help with marketing a new listing online, a new WordPress website, lead generating and follow up, their Social Media presence or even getting their deals closed, the team at Virtual Assistant Chick are ready to help.
  • Whether you need an Online Business Manager or a Virtual Assistant, we are here to help you every step of the way.

What do you specialize in?

  • Hands down, the number one service that our clients keep coming back for is our Listing Coordination.  Agents and brokers are so busy with their day to day activities, it’s almost impossible to keep up with the demands of effectively marketing their listings online in today’s competitive world.
  • After Listing Coordination, it’s a tie for Transaction Management, WordPress website design, Social Media support and all around office support.
  • Online Business Management is quickly rising to the top as more and more Realtors want to ONLY focus on selling real estate and not have to worry about the day to day decision making.

What sets Virtual Assistant Chick apart from other Virtual Assistant firms?

  • Did I mention that we’re fun?  Yes work is serious, but it doesn’t need to be dull!  We love to get to know our clients, to understand where they are coming from and offer the best possible support.  People do their best work when they enjoy what they’re doing and get something out of it.
  • I only allow the absolute best Virtual Assistant’s a spot on my team.  Other multi VA teams may base this on price, but not us.  I’d rather pay top dollar to an amazing professional that will WOW my clients with their expertise than to hold on to a few extra dollars.
  • We focus on your goals.  While our VA’s are task and project oriented, our main concern is helping you achieve your goals, and supporting you all the way to them.

What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?

  • I work best with high-level, busy Realtors® with a sense of who and what they are.
  • You should also have a sense of humor and not take yourself too serious – have some fun!
  • Be open and willing to learn new things.  I am privy to a lot of “insider” information that you may not have access to.  I also see first-hand what works and what doesn’t work, or more importantly, why things don’t work.
  • Micro-managers need not apply; I am not anoffice assistant who needs babysitting.  I run a successful professional support business and have a very deliberate way of running my business.
  • You are expected to provide me with all necessary information, paperwork, and any other requests that we have in a timely manner.
  • You are also expected to pay on time (but that should go without saying, right?)
  • And finally, you are expected to respect our professional relationship.  Business is just so much more fun and worthwhile when it’s done this way : )

How does your company work?

  • First you’ll have a 30 to 60 minute consultation with April to determine the best option for your immediate needs.  You should be prepared to let her in on your short term and long term goals, as we’ll try to incorporate those goals as much as possible.
  • You will be presented with 2 to 3 service package options to choose from.  Once you purchase your package and sign our month to month contract (you are never locked into a long-term agreement) we’re ready to start!
  • You’ll then need to grant us access to your websites, online accounts, social networks and any other sites we may need to get into.  Don’t worry; the actual passwords are only given to April.  We use a program called Last Pass that allows team members to log in without using your passwords.
  • We’ll then give you access to our project management system Basecamp so that you’ll know what we’re working on at any given time.  It’s not a good idea to use it as a way to micro-manage us though!  (We really don’t like that!)
  • All work first flows through me.  It’s my job to determine exactly what it is that you need, and then have the best team member complete the work.  Once it’s done, I review it for accuracy and to make sure that everything has been done according to your wishes.  Once we’re sure we’ve done everything we can, the project will be sent to you through our project management system, Basecamp, for your approval.

How do you I pay you?

  • All payments for monthly support packages are due on the 1st or the 15th of the month, depending on when you signed up or what you chose in the beginning.
  • Credit card numbers are kept on file and are run by April on the day your bill is due.
  • If other arrangements for payments need to be made, you must contact April at least 5 days before your payment is due.
  • We use the online invoicing system Freshbooks.  You will receive all invoices and statement reports from them and you will need to create a username and password to use it

How do you manage tasks and projects?

  • Everything pertaining to your account, tasks and projects is stored within Basecamp.  If I am unable to retrieve a document or work on a file due to illness or travel, I can appoint one of my VA’s to take my place.  This ensures that your work is being completed even when the boss isn’t around to make sure!
  • As I said before, only the VA(‘s) working on your files, tasks or projects have access to your information.  I have complete control over who is able to view anything within the site.
  • Sometimes tasks will be assigned to YOU as well.  When we do this, our tasks are dependent on your s being completed as well.  We’re all working for the same outcome, so please take the time complete your tasks in a timely manner.

What are your turnaround times?

  • It depends on the project.  New listings can be online in less than 3 hours on a really good day, and they are always done in less than 48 hours.  Websites can be up and running really quickly and completely finished in 3 to 6 weeks.  Design work like flyers, postcards; take a minimum of 48 hours and only more if we have to acquire the data that goes with it.
  • Social media set up packages take 30 days to complete from beginning to end.
  • Transaction Management services always follow your broker’s checklist and your Escrow company.
  • All projected due dates are set up in Basecamp for each project so you will always know when something is due to be finished.
  • When projects aren’t completed on time, it’s usually due to the client not getting back to us with answers to important questions.  We need you to work with us to get the job done right – the first time!

I’m in love.  How do I reach you?

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my company.  I hope we can work together soon!