Real Estate Virtual Assistant | Ness Lindsay | Halton Hills, Ontario

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

HOW A PERSONAL GESTURE CAN AFFECT YOUR CLIENTS' IMPRESSION

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:14:44 -0500

In my personal life I believe that it is important to remember special occasions for my family and friends. I have carried that belief over to my business life as well. I make a point of sending personal hand written cards to my clients for special occasion that I am aware of but most importantly hand written thank you notes. I always send the cards with the hope that it puts a smile on the face of the person reading it. Last month the tables were turned.

A TASTE OF MY OWN MEDICINE:

Recently, l received a hand written birthday card from one of my clients with a gift certificate for dinner at a local restaurant. I was surprised as usually I am the one making note of special occasions. I usually communicate with this particular client via text so I quickly sent a text that said "Thank you" to which to reply came... "You're worth it"!

MORAL OF THE STORY

I can still remember how important and appreciated I felt at that moment. Remember it doesn't take thousands of dollars to make an impression on your clients, Sometimes it can take just a small personal touch or a token of appreciation to make someone's day, and the impression it makes will stick with that person for a long time to come.

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Is Your Communication Stopping You From Landing New Clients?

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:36:30 -0500

Communication is such an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it to express our emotions and convey our thoughts. If we're not fully equipped with essential communication tools, it will hinder us from effectively interacting with prospective clients thus, preventing us from landing new clients.

The Ness Lindsay Team is in the process of writing an e-book on this very topic! We'll explore communication in general, discuss different communication styles and provide you with tools to implement; giving you the leverage you need to succeed in the real estate industry. Our cutting edge e-book will also include worksheets and exercises to help you master the techniques discussed.

Sounds exciting right?

Before we release our state-of-the-art e-book, we'd like your opinion of 3 key questions. Please take a moment to fill out our Communication Survey. Your time and opinion is greatly appreciated.

Be sure to stay tuned for our release date!

We appreciate you,

The Ness Lindsay Team

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Embrace Life’s Precious Moments

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:06:49 -0500

I am writing this post today to remind us all to stop and embrace life's precious moments. All too often, we tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy professional lives. We forget to stop and smell the roses if you will.

This past weekend, I visited my local butterfly conservatory and was astonished with the beauty of it all. I was able to slow down, unwind and rejuvenate from my professional career as a real estate assistant.

Don't let life simply pass you by, take time to enjoy things that matter to you. Whether you're spending time with your children, loved ones, reading a book or visiting your local butterfly conservatory; take time for you. Embrace and enjoy it!

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:07:36 -0500

"You don't have to be everything to everyone; you just have to be something to someone." Don't you think this quote speaks volumes?

Seriously though, let's embrace this profound statement for a moment...

(Embracing)

So, here's the thing...I've quickly discovered as a business owner; I've strived to market myself to a large group of people, I also had a desire to "please" everyone.

Here's the problem:

I simply couldn't! I couldn't possibly please everyone, it's just not possible. When I created my marketing material with promises to my prospects that I was the best; and in turn prospects just had to do business with me, I was falsely advertising myself and my core values of my business. Why you ask? Because I couldn't possibly be everything to everyone!

Kicking it old school - Take it back to the basics

Instead, I should have been focusing my attention and my efforts on a being something to someone. I realized I had to take my efforts back to the basics. I told prospects that I would be myself, be honest, and promise to offer then only what I knew I was capable of fulfilling. Instead of owning Girl Friday and promising the "be-all"; I did some soul searching and found what I was truly passionate about. Who did I really want to help? What could I honestly offer them? With these answers, it was only a matter of time before I opened NessLindsay.com.

It was this outlook that allowed me to be me. I didn't have to pretend, I was fully confident in my abilities. I didn't need to try to re-invent the wheel. I was able to bring things back to the basics and wasn't afraid to offer personable services to my clients - services with all my quirkiness to boot!

Just be yourself

You don't need flashy technology or big empty promises to grab the attention of prospective clients. You just need to be you - narrow your market to the people who match who you are. Don't break yourself trying to be everything to everyone....just be something to someone! Clients will naturally gravitate towards you....with all your quirkiness too because they can relate...you quickly become human again. This feeling is pretty surreal. Since I have begun being something to someone, I have grown my business 10 ten-fold!

Best of luck to you and your business' success!

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

SEO: Think like a Consumer

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:35:44 -0600

I have heard many people ask "How do you know which keywords and phrases to focus on for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?"

This would be my response to said question:

THINK LIKE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

First, you'll want to define or tweak your target market. Who is your audience? What area(s) are you farming? Define the people you want to provide real estate services to.

THINK LIKE A CONSUMER

If you were looking to buy or sell a home within your area, what keywords would you use to find a home or an agent? Put yourself in the shoes of your target market. What methods would you use to get the information you need?

Make a list of all your thoughts. Then type these keywords into a major search engine. What are the results? Explore the results and see what other agents are doing. Try and think outside the box. Don't necessarily strive to achieve high rankings for demanding keywords. Find phrases that are unique for your area. Is there a specific area within your city that you'd like to focus on?

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE:

I live in Georgetown, Ontario. A high demand phrase would be "Homes for sale in Georgetown, Ontario." Instead of using this keyword, I might want to focus my efforts on a specific area in Georgetown such as, "Homes for sale in Glen Williams Georgetown." This phrase isn't as sought after as the first and would yield greater results for my SEO campaign.

Do your research and think like a consumer when formulating your keyword phrases. Once you implement your new phrases, be sure to install tools that will allow you to track your success. This perhaps is as important as generating new keyword phrases.

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay (REPA)

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

For Free...Yes, Really...For Free!

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:30:01 -0600

First before I get into the juicy details of my blog, let me start by apologizing for being off the radar for a while. I must apologize but I have been busy helping clients and building my business. I have added three new team members to better assist clients and meet their needs and extend services. I have also been putting together a portfolio for my site so you can view the fantastic projects I've completed for past clients. Stay tuned...I will advise when it is up and available!

ON WITH THE JUICY DETAILS

Did the title of my blog catch your attention? Absolutely it did! Why? Because I used the word free and I did it twice.

Who doesn't like to receive something for free? I am mean totally free with no strings attached.

And everyone wants to know "What's in it for me?" Right?

You got it!

So, why not be the innovative agent you are and start offering your clients and prospective clients things for...er...free?

It doesn't have to be gigantic. It just has to fill their needs. Whether it be a report, a tangible item or an after sale/purchase gift; shower prospects and clients with free items.

PEAK THEIR INTEREST

Give them something they can actually use, something informative, or an item that's fun and "just because". If you not sure what to offer your clients, ask them. Provide a poll on your website, monthly newsletter or email. Asking your clients what they would like to receive more of, will give you a solid ground to build ideas and begin captivating their interest.

You know you want people talking about you around the water cooler at work. "Guess what my agent just gave me for free..." Give them something to talk about.

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Balance Awareness

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:02:34 -0600

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my daughter was born. It's hard to believe that was eight years ago! Throughout this time, I had done small jobs for family and friends but for the most part, I was devoted 100% to my children and family.

After the birth of my son in 2003, my husband and I began to talk about my returning to work once my son started school. I looked forward to the idea as I thought it would be nice to get back into the workforce and socialize with adults again. However, as my son got older, I began to have second thoughts. I couldn't fathom the idea of my children going to daycare. The thought of another person seeing a new milestone before I did was heart wrenching!

I had to come up with an idea that would allow me to work from home. This I thought was my only option. Since I had always completed jobs for family and friends, I decided I could try and put my skills together that would be the foundation of my business. Instead of doing the jobs for free, as I had in the past, I would charge people for my skills and creative talent.

I completed a year of research, and it was then I discovered the wonderful world of Virtual Assistants. I quickly realized I wasn't alone, but more importantly, I knew that I could do this! That was 2 years ago. I now run a successful Virtual Assistant business and have had my doors open (so to speak) since January 2007. I can do what I always wanted to do - raise my children while helping to support my family!

For me, opening my business wasn't the hardest part. It was in fact, creating a balance. Now I have two passions that I would love to dedicate all my time to. Yet, as I've quickly realized, it's just not possible! Self discipline has played a huge role in how I manage my time. I have learnt to carefully draw a line between my personal and business life. It can be so easy to forget ‘I'm not at work' when my computer is within arm's reach. Somewhere along the way, we as entrepreneurs need to set ground rules.

I have listed some steps that have helped me create my balance in life. Feel free to implement these techniques and adjust them accordingly.

1. Set a designated time for your office. For example 9 am to 5 pm or 7 am to 3 pm.

2. Set up your office in a specific place within your house. Don't have your office in your master bedroom or living room. Your office will be too tempting during family time.

3. At the end of your work day, turn off your computer, cell phone, hand held device and any other form of technology where clients contact you.

4. Do your absolute best to leave the burden of your work at your office. I know sometimes this can be easier said than done. But, you don't want to burn yourself out. When it is family time, do everything possible to focus on just your family.

5. At the end of your work day. Unwind before beginning your family time. Take a quick walk, go for a drive, engage in mental meditation, whatever it is that sets you at ease and gives you the ability to completely focus on your family.

"Balance in your life between work and your personal life is very important. Without balance, you eventually burnout negatively affecting your performance at work."
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are the Benefits to Me?

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

http://www.NessLindsay.com

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

How Effective are You?

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:40:15 -0600

As a business owner, have you implemented a system to monitor your effectiveness? Do you know if your customer service is effective? How about yourself as a manager? Is your website attracting clients?

The above questions play a key role in the outcome of your business. Don't wait until your business goes under before you say "I should have...or...I could have."

I encourage you to set a date aside that will be dedicated strictly to a professional evaluation. Look at your business as a whole and from an objective stand point. Gather statistics (#'ers don't lie) about every aspect of your business. Maintain your research on a weekly or monthly basis and review this information. Is there something you could be doing better? Perhaps you need to implement a marketing campaign? How much time do you spend on SEO?

A great way to find out if your effective with your clients is to ask for a testimonial. GET FEEDBACK! Some clients won't willingly provide a testimonial on their own accord. You need to ASK! Review the testimonials and listen to what your clients have to say. Ask for their permission to post their testimonial on your website. This will also help build your reputation and show prospective clients that you can be trusted. While your at it, ask them for a referral. Each client you have knows hundreds of people and they know people etc...

There will be nothing worse than your ultimate failure as a business owner because you didn't take the time to gather information and make changes as necessary. Re-visit your business plan, are you meeting your goals? If yes, make new ones! Always give yourself something to work towards.

Here is a little homework assignment:

Complete the following questionnaire BEFORE you do your research. Upon completion of your research answer the questions again for a comparison. It is very important that you answer the questionnaire the first time around as honestly as possible. Then when you answer the questionnaire the second time, fill in the answers according to your research.

Effectiveness Questionnaire

1. Is you customer service effective? YES NO UNSURE

2. Are you an effective Manager/Business Owner? YES NO UNSURE

3. Is your website attracting customers? YES NO UNSURE

4. Is your website useful to your clients? YES NO UNSURE

5. Do you have an effective procedure in place? YES NO UNSURE

6. Do you have a marketing compaign? YES NO UNSURE

7. Is your marketing campaign effective? YES NO UNSURE

8. Are you working to your full potential? YES NO UNSURE

9. Do you optimize your website regularly? YES NO UNSURE

10. Are your clients satisfied with your work? YES NO UNSURE

11. Do you receive referrals from clients? YES NO UNSURE

12. Are you making goals regularly? YES NO UNSURE

13. Are you attaining the goals you set? YES NO UNSURE

15. Are you maintaining your promise to clients? (i.e. turn around time) YES NO UNSURE

Happy Self Reflecting!

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay

Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA)

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Something to Remember

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:57:59 -0600

Person: "Vanessa, can you create an excel spreadsheet for me? I need you to enter some numbers and automatically calculate the totals."

Me (Vanessa): "Absolutely. Send me over the information. I'll create it for you and add some flair. I can't wait to get these started. I'll have it back to you by the end of the day."

Person: "Wow. That would be great. Can I ask you a question?"

Me (Vanessa): "Of course!"

Person: Why do you sound so excited? It's only a spreadsheet with numbers?"

Me (Vanessa): "You are a valued client. I appreciate your business and I love what I do."

This is just a little food for thought. No matter what business you're in, LOVE what you do. Clients will feel your enthusiasm and be more inclined to give you more business or a warm referral if they are pleased with your efforts no matter the size of the project they give.

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay (REVA)

Http:www.NessLindsay.com

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Client Quarterly Incentive

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:05:30 -0600

Yet another great way to keep in contact with your clients is to host a quarterly contest. You can either run the contest in your monthly newsletter, or write a personal note to clients detailing your offer.

Posting the contest in your newsletter is a great way to discover if your clients are actually reading it every month. The prize for the contest should be desirable for your clients. Don't be afraid to spend a little money in order to catch the attention of your readers. At the same time, don't make the contest too difficult and discourage them from taking part.

You could ask for a referral and for every referral submitted; your client will receive one ballot for each referral given. Don't set a limit on the number of ballots allowed. Your client will then have a chance to receive a $200.00 gift card to Home Depot or Rona.

Be sure to set clear rules for the contest, and a dead line for submission. Draw a ballot on the specified date, and be sure to thank all participants and announce the winner in the following month's newsletter. Hand write a thank you card to the winner and include their prize. Feel free to ask clients what type of prizes they would like to see offered for future challenges.

Remember, you might spend $200.00 on a quarterly prize, but, a warm referral from a satisfied client is priceless!

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay (REPA)

Http://www.NessLindsay.com

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

What Makes A Website Successful?

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:02:22 -0600

I recently took part in a webinar with one of my clients. The webinar discussed many aspects of a successful website for REALTORS.

Below is an overview of the 5 Essential Steps to having a successful website in the real estate industry.

1. Branding your identity.

2. Ensuring your website appeals to your target market.

3. Getting found on search engines. (completing Search Engine Optimization)

4. Formulating great content

5. Having a site that is useful and user friendly.

Creating a website that encompasses these essential steps will certainly give you that leverage you need against competitors.

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay (REVA)

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

http://www.NessLindsay.com

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

What Motivates You?

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:55 -0600

I remember many years ago, I was searching for my first apartment. I wanted something special that I could call my own. While I was out apartment searching, I was shown this one particular apartment that although I didn't rent, it has stayed with me.

At the time, I thought the person who had lived there was extremely weird. On almost every surface in the apartment, there was a stickly note with a comment written on it. For example; On the mirror in the bathroom the note said "You're beautiful!", on one kitchen cupboard, the note read "You deserve it!". There must have been at least 100 yellow sticky notes all over the place!

At the time, I suppose I was too young to grasp the significance of these messages for the person who lived there. Since then, this apartment and the notes have always stayed with me and I have begun my own "note" system to help me stay focused and motivated in my Virtual Assistant business.

I have created a goal chart that I have placed on my desk to help me stay focused and achieve my goals. I am constantly viewing the chart and making changes or most importantly, checking my goals off as I achieve them! I also have a card from my mother that I have taped to my wall near my desk that reads the following:

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also DREAM not only plan, but also BELIEVE!"

Creating a personal motivation system can help you achieve your goals and dreams! What is your motivational system?

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay

Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA)

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Supply Your Clients with Feedback

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:27 -0600

Did an agent recently show one of your homes and you didn't have time to ask for feedback? If you can relate, you definitely need to contact Ness Lindsay today!

During the first week or two, it is important to gather as much feedback from prospective buyers as possible. Tallying this information and relaying it to your home seller will help determine what people like and dislike about the home. Utilizing this important information will determine if changes need to be made and if the price of the home is accurate.

Don't let another day pass by without providing this essential service to your home sellers!

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay (REPA)

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

Direct: 416 420 3519

Office: 289 891 8446

"You don't have to be everything to everyone, you just have to be something to someone"

Irresistible Seller Menus

Vanessa Lindsay (Ness Lindsay) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:57:55 -0600

Gaining sellers in a competitive market can prove to be quite difficult especially, if your market materials are to par.

In addition to compelling marketing materials, sellers would be tempted to indulge in your services if you were to offer an attractive commission plan to them.

You may currently be losing business to other REALTORS ® who are offering a lower commission rate. Use a seller menu and present clients with the choice of services they want for their home at a commission acceptable to them.

Here is an example:

Menu Choice	Commission Rate	Client Receives
Client Care Choice 1	5 %	For sale sign, listing on home boards.
Client Care Choice 2	5.5 %	Home boards, for sale sign, newspaper ad and personal website.
Client Care Choice 3	6 %	Home board, feature sheets, for sale sign, talking sign/rider, newspaper ad, powercards, and all other advertising avenues.

Creating a menu shows prospective clients that you're not just in real estate for the money but making sure your seller's needs are met. Implementing this marketing tool will give you that competitive edge to help you stand out in your local market.

I appreciate you,

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA