Do you ever wonder why your business sort of ebbs and flows? One minute you are busy like the dickens and then the next you are trying to scrounge up your next deal? One way to keep you business on an even keel is to have an assistant.
It might seem overwhelming to have an employee, but the money you spend on salary you will get back tenfold in production. The reason being is that your assistant will keep your office running smoothly. They are there to answer phones. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten referrals because there was a live voice answering the phone instead of voice mail. I don't have to be bogged down by all of the administrative details. This frees my time to deal directly with clients.
Your assistant will do your marketing campaign. Whatever that maybe. I have print ads, broker opens, monthly news letters, postcards that keep my name and face in front of my SOI. It keeps my business stream nice and steady, even in today's market.
Now I tell you all of this because I am a firm believer in the business model of having an assistant as you can read. However, my assistant, Maria, is leaving on Friday her last day and I do not have a new assistant to take her place. Yikes!! I am living in Denile. I have just not felt like dealing with training a new assistant. I think part of that is because Maria and I were like peas and carrots. I guess I will have to have a slow search for just the right replacement.
I actually had a training session with Maria today to see how she has some of my stuff set up in the computer. I think I can do it myself. Oh boy. It is gonna be ugly. I have some back up help set up, where I can contract out some of my administrative stuff and marketing materials. There is just something so nice and reassuring about having someone in the office all day that can handle all of the details when I am out on appointments.
So, as much as I say have an assistant, it will make you more successful- here I go next week without one. I am a little nervous, but I think I will be okay.
Audrey - First of all, sorry for you losing Maria. You're right though, in the market we have here in Montgomery County...your name and face needs to be everywhere. Also, I agree with hearing a live voice on the phone makes a BIG difference in personal service. I'm sure you're going to do a great job without Maria, keep your head up :)
Stan Barsch
Stan, Thanks. I have done it before and will do it again. Maria sure made it easy though. I just need to get interviewing for her replacement. Maybe after summer vacation ;) Thanks for stopping by!
I thought you hired someone? hmmm... must have been a moment of senility. haha Good luck.... you can do it all yourself, but I'll bet by the time the week is over you're pounding the pavement looking for a full time replacement. Heck, I wouldn't know which end is up most days if not for our asst.
Jesse, I am going to be a disaster. I am going to drive Maria crazy calling her to ask her where stuff is and how to do some stuff. I don't know what my problem is, maybe summer vacation? I just don't feel like dealing with it. I will be good.
Audrey, you make some great points here. Having someone "live" to answer calls is a great thing. Even with a VA, you can forward your calls out to that person and they can take them live for you.
oh thats funny, deb brooks just did a post about her assistant leaving and how she was going crazy..........and i don't have an assistant......and i'm going crazy................i'm not making a lot of sense, i think its bed time..:-)
You're a braver soul than I... I doubt I would have any hair left after an assistant-less week.
"I will be good." Are you trying to convince me or yourself? haha We'll be praying for you! haha
Danny, you know, I have not really explored a VA? I do have someone that I will give some of my admin work to and pay them hourly. I will figure it out, but I do think an assistant makes me more productive.
Liz, I will have to check out Debs post. I guess misery loves company. . .
Jesse! I am trying to have a positive outlook. I guess we really are "transparent" in this world of blogging. LOL!
Audrey,
Think back to when you first hired Maria. You'll do fine!
Mike in Tucson
Audrey- Oh my my.....yes I have lost 2 good assistants, and was lost. But as you said you'll get through it, but the alternative is so much more productive :) Wish Maria the best from me......and you'll get someone when you're ready.
Hi Audrey...Sorry you will be without your assistant but I am glad to hear you are taking a vacation anyway.
So far, I have done without a full time assistant. I have some folks (they are usually called daughter and daughter-in-laws and can't leave out my hubby) that help me as I need some help.
I imagine if I was really trying to grow a big business I would hire at least one assistant. At this stage that is not my goal. However, I would think if you are really trying to expand one would do much better with consistent help and plenty of it.
Enjoy your vacation and then tackle this. There must be some agents that are needing work so you may be able to hire one that knows and likes the business but requires a steady income.
Kate
Audrey... I know that you'll miss Maria... and I'm sure that she will miss you too. You're going to make it through this transition, I know you will... You just might need an extra glass of wine or two on occasion.