Virtual Friendships

The Internet is a crazy thing! When I was first introduced to a computer, I was like "what?" Then when I was introduced to the mouse I thought "I will never be able to use this darn thing!" That was 16 years ago and now I have my own business all based on the Internet.

I remember back in 1999 thinking only rich people had computers, and at that time they were. Then the more I read about them I begged my husband to let me take the IRS Refund Check to buy me one so I could figure out a way to make money and stay home with the kids. I was already a stay-at-home mom, but times were tough and I knew that I was going to have to do something and soon.

Ok, so he gives me the check and off I went to Dallas to buy my first computer. I paid $1,700.00 and I was so excited. Of course, had not idea how to put one together, but I managed. lol! Took me three days!

Once I was up and running I knew there had to be a way to build a business on Internet. I remember staying up all night surfing the Internet. When one day I came across a virtual assistant article. Then I went to a VA organization and joined immediately. Then I thought what was the best way to get information and that was to find another VA who would be willing to share their knowledge. Well, I found her and with one phone call. We talked for about an hour and I was so excited to meet someone that would share. You don't find that in Corporate America!

The person I spoke to was Anna Baron of the www.TheVirtualLink.com. Anna was so willing to help me get started. She taught how to set up my IM on MSN and boy was that a mistake. lol! I drove her crazy with questions. But, she was always there for me and no matter how stupid the question she answered it and then walked me through how to set everything up.

I remember her telling me to use Outlook. At the time I was on dial up with AOL and thought I was so smart. Well, once I learned how to use Outlook I was well on my way.

Anna and I have been friends for 6 years now and I know that I would not be where I am today if it had not been for her generous time to teach me how to start working from home.

We have shared so much with each other over the years - We share stories of our children, husbands, exteneded families and have been there for each other in our lowest - saddest times and in out most joyous times. We have shared our first born's graduation, which was the same year to crying over them leaving for college.

We have shared stories about our families that we probably would not share with anyone else. Knowing that the other would not judge.

So, if you don't think that a good friendship cannot be found on the Internet, think again. Even though we live 2 hours from each other our lives keep us so busy that we just can't seem to get together, even though I go shopping about once a month near her home.

Anna, your the best and I am so blessed to have you as a friend and mentor!!!!!

Are You Real Estate Virtual Assistant Material?

Have you heard of a real estate virtual assistant? Well, if not, where have you been? This specialized industry of virtual assistants is the hottest thing going and has been for about 3 years and I personally do not see this industry slowing down anytime soon.

If you are interested in becoming a real estate virtual assistant then you will soon discover the possibilities are endless. If you have the knowledge and the desire you can possibly start your real estate virtual assistant business immediately.

What do real estate professionals look for in a real estate virtual assistant?

1. Informative website with a great portfolio to show samples of your work.
2. Dependability. They want to know that they can put their trust in you to get the job done.
3. Honesty. You need to build a trust with your real estate client. Use their hours effectively.
4. Coaching. Yes, they look to you to know what is going on with the Internet and what are the latest programs and are they worth having in their business.
5. Availability. They want you to be available to them either by email or phone.
6. Knowledge. You need to know all the latest and greatest programs so you can advise your real estate client on what they need to improve their business and you must know how to use the program.
7. Personality. The real estate agent wants to build a long term relationship with you. Get to know your agent. Always be upbeat.

When you begin building your business you need to be organized. This can be tough, so you need to make sure to experience several methods of organization and ask your peers what they do and see if there is something you can do better.

You must have knowledge of the real estate industry. Ok, so you are an established virtual assistant and now you want to expand into real estate. Good for you! But, how do you accomplish that, you ask? www.CyberStarVA.com is the first real estate virtual assistant organization that offers you membership to join a great group of real estate virtual assistants. Here you will share, learn and advise. www.CyberStarVA.com also offers three training medthods and you can choose the one that is right for you.

This is truly a wonderful group of people who have the desire to strive for more and to build a business from home. www.CyberStarVA.com is not just a place to hang your hat. You will build friendships and great networking relationships as well. Just ask some of the members, they will tell you this is where they got their business off the ground.

Come visit us, I think you will agree - www.CyberStarVA.com is a great place to get started if you are looking to break into the real estate virtual assistant industry.

Where Does The Time Go?

Well, since my last post, I have been through alot. Some funny, some sad and some in-between.

Sad - In November my husband lost his brother at the age of 48. How sad to watch someone die because of drugs! What a wasted life.

Sad and Funny - Then right before Thanksgiving my husband was in the pasture counting the heads of cattle and he ran over my big black dog - Duece! OH! She is fine, but dislocated her hip and had to have it popped back in. Scared me to death. She is such a big dumb dog, but I love her to death! She was born in our garage on Thanksgiving Day 3 years ago and she has been here every since. She is the sweetest thing and would not hurt a hair on your head, but boy does she have a bark and when the courier guys show up they are scared to death of her - she is black as well and standing on her hind legs she is 5 feet and 5 inches. But, I tell them the worst thing she would do would be to lick them to death. lol! So, she is fine now and happy as ever.

Just plain funny - Ok, so we have Thanksgiving and right before Christmas my grandmother got so mad at my grandfather she threatened divorce. They are in the late 80's! Can you imagine. lol! Of course, she was all talk and the next day she was fine, but we all drove to their home to figure out what made her so mad. HA! She could not remember the next day. Go figure! God I love them so much and they just make me laugh at the situations they face right now and I know I don't have much more time with them. I should find time to spend the day and help them more.

Happy, Sad and ??? - So, Phillip comes home from college. Eric and Stephen are out for the holiday's and life is good. Then BAM! We find out that Phillip did not do so hot in his first semester of school. From the way I see it - it is a learning experience for freshman that first semester and they have to figure out their priorities and take responsibility. I think he has it now, but the other blow was that he wants to change his major! WHAT? So, now he wants to coach baseball instead of go into broadcasting. Ok, I know it's his life and I am really trying to keep my mouth shut! :D

Of course Happy - Eric and Stephen enjoyed being home for the holiday. Sleeping late, hanging out with friends, etc.

Funny - Then New Year's Eve - Eric had some friends over and they brought in the new year! How fun to watch a bunch of 15 year's celebrate.

Happy - Now everyone is back in school and it is nice to have the house to myself again during the day so I can concentrate on my clients. I stayed up many night during the holidays to work, but that is my choice and I am so thankful to have that choice to make.

Happy - OH! I also just returned from the Allen F. Hainge CyberStar Summit in San Antonio a couple of weeks ago. GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT ORGANIZATION!

Happy - And, finally - Paul took Eric, Stephen and myself to see Bon Jovi in concert in Dallas! WOW! What a great time that was.

Back in the saddle again - So, now I am settled and working hard, but preparing for baseball season. Eric will start JV this year and it is going to be exciting! I already have laptop, aircard and cell phone ready for traveling.

Happy New Year!