A Virtual Assistants Journal

Kim Hughes - Real Estate Virtual Assistant Makes A Move!

2008-09-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

As one of the first real estate virtual assistants to blog I have had my blog on Blogger and it has been great! But, as with any business I have looked long and hard at what is the best move to enhance my blogs.

So, I have made a positive move to WordPress. With the assistance of Kathy Drewien I am proud, excited and thrilled to announce that you can now visit us at www.VARoundtable.com for the latest and greatest in information regarding the virtual assistant industry and how a real estate virtual assistant can assist today's real estate professional.

We hope you will continue to support us at our new location and let us know what you think of the new layout, etc.

See you at VA Roundtable!

Can You Say - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

2008-08-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

One of my Internet savvy clients contacted me last week in a panic about a virus that hit her computer. This client knows not to open unidentified emails, but she was in a rush and did not realize that she opened a specific email. When she did this a virus was released and her entire system crashed.

She had her husband who is extremely technology oriented and had his team of computer consultants work on the problem. This took a couple of days and still the results were not great. So, she then contacted Microsoft and they had her use this program to look deeper into her system.

She was quite impressed with the program since it found several worms, small viruses, etc and it totally cleaned her computer.

As a real estate virtual assistant I am always looking at programs to help me in my virtual assistant business as well as my clients, so this morning I saw this product on ZDnet.com and felt it was worthy of mentioning. You might want to bookmark it and try the free trial to see what is lurking on your computer.

Here is the information from ZDnets newsletter.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start. Version 1.25 adds advanced technology to delete files on reboot, ability to run a truly silent install, and support for Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, and Polish languages.

Kim Hughes Co-Authors Powerful Leadership Book

2008-08-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Kim Hughes Co-Authors Powerful Leadership Book

(Mineola, TX, August 18, 2008) Kim Hughes has contributed a chapter to The Power of Leadership – “Finding the Leader Within”. In this book, which is available for purchase on www.YourVirtualAssistantCoach.com, readers will learn to find success and happiness in their own lives.

Drawing from more than 10 years of experience as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, Kim Hughes’ chapter teaches readers how to realize the dreams of owning their own Real Estate Virtual Assistant ventures. This chapter is packed full of information, including everything from what it takes to be successful to the type of services that can be offered.

With over 25 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industry, Kim Hughes is a highly accomplished virtual assistant whose specialty is providing marketing and administrative support to real estate professionals. She was involved in creating two real estate organizations to help virtual assistants network and learn new skills. She is also the author of The FIRST Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook and the owner of Kim Hughes & Company (www.kimhughes.com), which offers virtual assistant services to real estate professionals worldwide. She also provides virtual assistant coaching through Your Virtual Assistant Coach and is the founder of a Google Group for real estate virtual assistants that is currently accepting new members upon approval. To join the group, visit REVA Rainmakers. For more information about Your Virtual Assistant Coach, visit www.YourVirtualAssistantCoach.com or call 903-569-6763.

Increase Your Residual Income Stream

2008-08-20T21:13:00.001-07:00

Are you a business owner? Are you constantly looking for ways to introduce yourself to your market area? Are you always looking for referrals? If you said yes to these questions the you are in for a treat!

I have an amazing referral marketing program that touches people on a personal level. There is nothing out there like it.

Because I am a real estate virtual assistant I have implemented this program with many of my client's to stay in touch with past clients, referrals, potential clients and farm areas. The response has been incredible!

Watch this video and after you watch it visit my website at www.SendIncredibleCards.com to receive your 2 FREE cards.

And, after you watch the video and would like to explore how this amazing program will work for you, drop me an email Kim@SendIncredibleCards.com and we can get together to answer any questions you might have. No obligation! Just wanting to share this proven method of referral marketing.

Meet Kody Bateman

Retagger - Get IT NOW!

2008-08-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Create a new profile for yourself. As a real estate virtual assistant I have found this geat little tool to be easy and fun at the same time. Retaggr is a site that allows you to enter the information for all of your online profiles in one place. The best part is that retaggr uses the information you input to generate an "interactive Web 2.0 social and business card." You can then embed the card on your blog, website, or email, and then when people view it, they can click on the icons and be taken instantly to the site of their choice, where they will land on your profile.

Kim Hughes

Go to retaggr and sign up for an account.

Best Virtual Assistant Tips

2008-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how many niche markets the virtual assistant works with?

Research shows that currently there are over 2,000 virtual assistants. With this many virtual assistants working all over the world the question has been asked -

"Exaclty what is their niche?"

"What services do virtual assistants offer within that niche?"

Each one of us offer services in either a specific niche, such as me - I only offer real estate virtual assistant services to the real estate industry. But, there are virtual assistants that offer their services to many industries based on their talent, knowledge and experience.

A virtual assistant might offer their services to real estate professionals, business coaches, lawyers, etc.

What services do you offer your niche market?
How many niches do you have?
If you were to offer one tip on that niche market what would it be?

Have you ever asked these same questions? Well, now it is time to find out!

I am putting together a survey on this very topic. If you are interested in participating in what will sure to be an incredible survey here is what you need to send me by September 1, 2008.

1. What is your niche market? If you work in more than one, list each niche.

2. For each niche market you work with share an amazing tip.

Once I compile this information you will be contacted to how this survey will be distributed and for participating you will receive recognition for your input. What a win-win situation!

So, what are you waiting for? Be one of the first virtual assistants to participate in a very important survey that will surely impact our industry!

Email me your information NOW! - BestTips@KimHughes.com and make sure to include:

Full name
Website
Email address
Physical address
Phone number - Best one to contact you, if we have any questions.

This is going to be a very exciting survery and one that I know will benefit each virtual assistant, as well as the industry they offer their services.

Get involved and email me today. Deadline will be September 1, 2008

Search Engine Tools - Learn - Rank - Dominate!

2008-08-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

SEO Book.com is a leading SEO blog by Aaron Wall covering the search space. It offers marketing tips, search analysis, and whatever random rants come to mind. ;) The first version of my popular SEO Book came out in December of 2003. I have probably revised it about 50 times since then.

As a real estate virtual assistant your goal should be to stay on top of the latest programs and tools that will help your real estate clients to achieve their goals in staying on top of the search engines.

As everyone knows, buyers and sellers search the Internet now more than ever to research for homes for sale.

If a real estate agent is looking for virtual assistance then they will want a real estate virtual assistant who will know what is going on with today's technology and expect you to know how to help them position themselves in their market place.

Gary Keller of Keller Williams - Does It Again!

2008-08-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Gary Keller Co-founder and Chairman of the Board - Keller Williams Realty has launched his latest book “Your First Home—The Proven Path To Homeownership”

Your First Home is the first book in the KW Realty Guide Series. Packed with inspiring stories and the wisdom of thousands of successful first-time home buyers, it's a must-read for anyone aspiring to buy a home. Not only does it educate readers of the home ownership process in eight simple steps, it also enables agents to solidify their relationships with prospective first-time buyers. Your First Home is a relationship-building tool for growing leads and generating sustained buyer transactions.

This powerful PowerPoint presentation helps you hold seminars for first-time homebuyers. With the information in this easily digestible, for-all-to-see format, you become the expert that seminar attendees will look to when they are ready to buy.

As a real estate virtual assistant I am assisting my Keller Williams clients to create an impressive ad campaign to offer this book as a free gift to their homebuyers.

I am also assisting is setting up seminars for first-time homebuyers for my clients to increase awareness and how to stay educated through the buying process.

If you don't have this book, get it now and offer it FREE to your homebuyers! They will thank you for it!

Housing and Recovery Act of 2008

2008-08-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

Working as a real estate virtual assistant I am always looking for new information to use for my real estate clients to post on blogs or in their newsletter. If you have not seen this, please take a moment to review. This is not only helpful to you as an individual, but something you can actually use for your real estate clients.

President Bush signed into law H.R 3221, "The Housing and Recovery Act of 2008" on July 30, 2008. This bill passed the House on July 23, 2008, by a vote of 272-152. On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 72-13. The bill includes the following provisions:

• GSE Reform - including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of $417,000 or 115% local area median home price, capped at $625,500. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economics Stimulus Limits (December 31, 2008).

• FHA Reform - including permanent FHA loan limits at the greater of $271,050 or 115% of local area median home price, capped at $625,500; streamlined processing for FHA condos; reforms to the HECM program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. The downpayment requirement on FHA loans will go up to 3.5% (from 3%). The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

• Homebuyer Tax Credit - a $7,500 tax credit that would be available for any qualified purchase between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan).

• FHA foreclosure rescue - development of a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90% of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50% of all future appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on October 1, 2008.

• Seller-funded downpayment assistance programs - codifies existing FHA proposal to prohibit the use of downpayment assistance programs funded by those who have a financial interest in the sale; does not prohibit other assistance programs provided by nonprofits funded by other sources, churches, employers, or family members. This prohibition does not go into effect until October 1, 2008.

• VA loan limits - temporarily increases the VA home loan guarantee loan limits to the same level as the Economic Stimulus limits through December 31, 2008.

• Risk-based pricing - puts a moratorium on FHA using risk-based pricing for one year. This provision is effective from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.

• GSE Stabilization - includes language proposed by the Treasury Department to authorize Treasury to make loans to and buy stock from the GSEs to make sure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could not fail.

• Mortgage Revenue Bond Authority - authorizes $10 billion in mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime mortgages.

• National Affordable Housing Trust Fund - develops a Trust Fund funded by a percentage of profits from the GSEs. In its first years, the Trust Fund would cover costs of any defaulted loans in FHA foreclosure program. In out years, the Trust Fund would be used for the development of affordable housing.

• CDBG Funding - provides $4 billion in neighborhood revitalization funds for communities to purchase foreclosed homes.

• LIHTC - modernizes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to make it more efficient.

• Loan Originator Requirements - strengthens the existing state-run nationwide mortgage originator licensing and registration system (and requires a parallel HUD system for states that fail to participate). Federal bank regulators will establish a parallel registration system for FDIC-insured banks. The purpose is to prevent fraud and require minimum licensing and education requirements. The bill exempts those who only perform real estate brokerage activities and are licensed or registered by a state, unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator.

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2008-08-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this story with my fellow real estate virtual assistants and virtual assistants. This is so true. Take a moment to read and then read it every time something happens that is a negative.

Enjoy from one real estate virtual assistant to another.

“The Law of the Garbage Truck”

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!

The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly…!

So I asked, “Why did you just do that? That guy almost ruined your car AND sent us to the hospital!”
That is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck.”

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.

As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

So take your own garbage out …but not out on others

FREE Real Estate Dictionary Gadget

2008-08-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Assistants are always looking for gadgets and widgets to enhance their clients website or blogs.

Here is a great little find that any real estate virtual assistant can use to put on either their website or their clients. Real Estate Virtual Assistants have a goal and that goal is to stay a step ahead in today's technology in order to keep their client updated with the most important items to help them succeed and stand out in the market place.

Get the The Real Estate Dictionary widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox!

The Real Estate Dictionarygreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Real Estate Virtual Assistants - Organize Your Time!

2008-08-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

Owning a business as a real estate virtual assistant it took awhile and a lot of changes have been made over the past 10 years in how I structure my time, but I think I have finally mastered it! Yeah right!

As a mother of three boys who are very active in sports as well as in academics I find myself with little time for me!

As I have always said, God first, Family second, Career third. It is hard to balance everything and keep everyone happy. Am I right? Am I the only one with the never ending problem?

What I have found is getting plenty of rest really does help! I now structure my time to get up before anyone else in the house so that I can have my 20 minutes with The Lord, spend time with my all my pets (3 Burmese Cats, a3 pound Yorkie and then my lab, retreiver and collie), and tend to the things that are important to me. Once the house awakes I am in full gear to prepare them for school. Once I arrive home to a house of peaceful quite, I begin my work day. Take a lunch break away from the computer, do a little housework, prepare dinner, then I go back and start my afternoon just as fresh as I did that morning. Then I pick up the kids from school, run my errands and when we get home I get the boy's situated with a snack, homework and their chore list. YES, my boy's have chores! It is good for them! Then I work till 6:00 PM and I am a mom for the evening. Once everyone is in bed I might go back and finish up a project and then off to bed.

I also have found that my weekends are important to my family, so again I might awake before everyone else to get a couple of hours in, but once they are up - I am mom and they have my full attention.

Does it work? Well, nothing works to perfection, but I try and give it my best shot!

Now that School starts soon I find myself re-organizing my day around the husband and kids. LOL! Oh! and did I mention I have my middle son is now a senior who will graduate this year and preparing him for college is another ballgame.

But, I love my life and would not trade anything for it! And I am look forward to another year of front row seat at every high school football game watching my two boy's work hard and love the game of football.

Connecting Neighbors & Real Estate Virtual Assistants

2008-08-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

As a real estate virtual assistant you have the opportunity to learn programs that will help your real estate agents - who are your clients - implement programs into their business.

A really fun site to keep the real estate agents communities create their own social networking site is www.connectingneighbors.com.

My client who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area has several and we keep her communities up-to-date on what is going on in the area as well as provide them with a resource that is invaluable.

If you are interested in attending a workshop to add this program to your real estate services offered you can send me an email to kim@kimhughes.com and I will get you in or you can go ot their website and register.

Real Estate Virtual Assistant Uses Cool Tools!

2008-08-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

One of the most valuable business tools I own is a Blackberry Curve SmartPhone. Because I am real estate virtual assistant I understand how important it is to have email, text messaging, instant messaging and the ability for my clients and my team to call me anytime, anywhere.

I love my Blackberry Smartphone and because I am a virtual office I can work anywhere, virtually.

If you do not subscribe to the Blackberry newsletter then you are missing out on information that can help you be a better virtual assistant, especially a real estate virtual assistant.

Check out the latest tool offered - Flickr and get tips to make your phone work for you.

Here is the latest information the Blackberry newsletter offers on the coolest tool - Flickr

Share Your Photos with the World with FlickrTM Uploader for BlackBerry Smartphones
Fans of FlickrTM know it’s a fast, easy way to put photos online to share with family and friends. The new Flickr Uploader for BlackBerry® smartphones means you can now organize, customize and share your photos – all from your smartphone, as soon as you take them! 1,2,3
It’s easy to post pictures to FlickrTM from just about anywhere using your BlackBerry® smartphone. Snap a picture, save it to your choice of photo album, tag it, and even adjust its size. Then post it with just a few quick clicks (see the quick usage guide below). The photos are virtually automatically uploaded to your online Flickr album.

PRESS RELEASE - The FIRST Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook

2008-08-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Kim Hughes - Real Estate Virtual Assistant
Kim Hughes & Company, 209 County Road 2701,
903-569-6763

Kim Hughes & Company Releases the First Handbook for
Real Estate Virtual Assistants

(Mineola, Texas, June 2, 2008) - Kim Hughes & Company proudly announces the release of The First Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook.

As the title implies, this is the first handbook for virtual assistants interested in serving the real estate industry. According to Kim Hughes, “The real estate industry is the largest industry in the USA and there are over 1,289,444 real estate agents as of this writing. Now think about this…there are approximately 350 real estate virtual assistants!” There is a large potential for success in this field, but as with any niche market, professionals must be knowledgeable about the industry in order to succeed. The First Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook provides valuable insight into the real estate industry and offers detailed information to help service providers break into this exciting, growing field.

With over 17 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industry, Kim Hughes is a highly accomplished virtual assistant whose specialty is providing marketing and administrative support to real estate professionals. She is also a founder of IREAA (International Real Estate Assistants Association) and the owner of Kim Hughes & Company, which offers virtual assistance to real estate professionals worldwide. For further information about Kim Hughes & Company, visit http://www.kimhughes.com/ or call 903-569-6763.

New Google Group - REVA Rainmakers

2008-08-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

There is a new group in town and you are invited to join us! Are you a real estate virtual assistant or if you are looking into this specialized niche come on over and join us. Subscribe below.

We look forward to meeting you!

Subscribe to Real Estate Virtual Assistant Rainmakers

Email:

Visit this group

Certified Distressed Property Expert

2008-06-25T20:45:00.001-07:00

A brand new and very timely certification now available to REALTORS®:

Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE).

A homeowner in distress needs to have th confidence in their licensed REALTOR(R) that they have the tools to help them find the best solution for their situation.

Foreclosure is a devastating financial and emotional process for a homeowner to go through, and in many cases they do so alone and without help of any kind. It is the goal of the Distressed Property Institute to give agents the tools and information they need to avoid foreclosure and move forward with their lives.

If you are attending the Star Power convention in July you will want to take note that Star Power is offering an exclusive preview regarding the CDPE designation.

Do You Know Your Flag Etiquette?

2008-06-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Summer, with its bevy of patriotic holidays, is a great time to wave the American flag. But lots of people don't really know the right and wrong ways to display and care for their flag. There is actually a legal set of instructions for the care and handling of the American flag, set out in the Federal Flag Code, which became law the year after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Here's what you need to know to show the flag its due respect.

You can fly your American flag any day of the year, but most people enjoy putting out the flag on patriotic holidays. The flag can fly from sunrise to sunset. The only way it can be left out all night is if it is illuminated the entire time. The flag shouldn't be left out in the rain or in other inclement weather. Give it plenty of room to hang free so it doesn't flap into any foliage or walls. It always flies with the union, or canton (the blue area with the stars), side up. If you are going to fly the flag at half-staff, first raise it to the peak of the pole and then lower it; raise it again to the peak to take it down.

When you're not flying your flag, store it in a moisture-proof container in a safe spot. Make sure the flag is dry and clean before you store it (a damp flag may get moldy). If it's dirty, hand-wash it in cold water with mild detergent and then air-dry it before storing — or take it to a dry cleaner. Fold the flag in half width-wise twice. Then fold up a triangle at a time, starting at the striped end. When you have only the end of the union (the area with the stars) left, fold it down into a triangle and tuck it inside the other folds.

If your flag is frayed or beyond repair, you should retire it and get a new one. The Federal Flag Code suggests that an old flag be ceremonially burned, but this isn't recommended today (particularly since some all-weather flags are nylon, which shouldn't be burned). Instead, you could box up and bury your flag. Better yet, call a local veteran's organization or Boy Scout group; either would be glad to retire the flag in a respectful manner. There is a rule that the flag shouldn't touch the ground, but if yours does accidentally, it's not necessary to retire it. Just clean it and continue to use it respectfully.

The flag is a symbol of the United States, not a decoration. That's why the Federal Flag Code lays out such strict advice about how and when the symbol can be used. If you are entertaining and want to go with a patriotic theme, avoid paper products with flag images. Instead, choose red, white and blue bunting or items decorated with stars. The flag should always be displayed on its own staff and be larger or more prominent than other flags. Never carry a flag horizontally; it should always be held aloft so it is able to hang freely. The only time it's appropriate for a flag to be flat or to cover anything is when it's placed on a coffin.

What Services Do You Offer As A Real Estate Virtual Assistant

2008-06-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

As the real estate market changes, so do the responsibilities of a real estate virtual assistant.

If you have been offering your services to real estate professionals for sometime now you might notice that when the market is busy, you are busy coordinating listings, leads, handling the transaction to ensure a successful closing. This might lead to not enough time to maintain the real estate professionals daily tasks or special projects.

When the real estate market is slow you might find yourself with a little more time on your hands. This is a great time to accomplish those long-term goals your clients might have had on the back burner.

Here is a list of some of the projects you can update or begin for your client to get them ready so when the real estate market turns around they are ready and they have the exposure to get the listings or the buyers.

1. Update their pre-listing package
2. Update their listing presentation
3. Update the content, photos, resume, and keywords/meta tags on their website
4. Review designations that might be of a benefit to them. There are news one coming out and you should be aware of them.
5. Organize and update their contact management program
6. Organize their computer files - You will need a program to access their computer. Something like www.LogMeIn.com or www.GoToMyPC.com are good one's.
7. Review and update their buyer and seller campaigns.
8. Create a blog & Submit to various blog directories.
9. Update their newsletter with new photos, new designations, market stats, etc.
10. Review programs that might prove to be a tremendous benefit to the real estate professional.
11. Set up their profile on social networking sites.
12. Review the direct marketing program.
13. Create templates for flyers, postcards, etc.
14. Update their testimonials. If they don't have any request them from past clients.
15. Explore other areas of their business to create a powerful marketing campaign for the local market as well as for the Internet.

As you can see there are a variety of ways that the real estate professional can use your services in a slow market. And, it is important to know how to do any of the services you offer or requested to perform.

Anyone can say they are a real estate virtual assistant, but can you walk the walk and talk the talk? If not, then you have a responsibility to learn and learn on your own time, not the agents.

If you are looking to add real estate services to your resume, but not sure where to begin then this is a good time to have a virtual assistant coach who can mentor you through the services you would like to offer.

And, if you are looking to offer real estate services now is a good time to focus on adding this to your resume and to your website.

The real estate market is slowly turning around as it always does, so get your real estate client ready so they stand out above the rest. They will truly appreciate your efforts.

Craigslist May Limit HTML In Listings Ads

2008-06-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

As a real estate virtual assistant - if you are using Poslets or VFlyer to create professional listing ads you might be interested in reading this article from INMAN News.

Craigslist is considering a proposal to limit the use of HTML when posting listings on the site.

They are considering the use of basic HTML though, but there seems to be issues with CSS.

Read this article by clicking here.

2008-06-04T15:05:00.001-07:00

Another Year! Special Offer

2008-05-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I am coming up on my birthday again. It seems like I just had one, but time flies when you are having fun!

I look at my past year as a real estate virtual assistant and cannot believe all that I have accomplished! I finished my first ebook - The Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook, which was a major accomplishment of mine and I am very proud of it and what it has to offer today's virtual assistant who would like to add real estate services to their portfolio.

And, with it being my birthday - I thought I would celebrate by offering The Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook for the lowest price ever - $69.00! Now that is a sweet price! And, to make my gift to you even sweeter I am offering my Business Organizer for FREE! This is my way of saying thanks and I know that you will find this added value of $29.99 to be a huge benefit to your business!

You owe it to yourself to be the best in your field and in order to be your best you need to be organized! My Business Organizer not only helps you stay organized, but is a great tool to have in case of an emergency!

But, this SWEET offer is only available for a short time, so rush over and purchase The Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook TODAY and get my free bonus gift!

Online Reputation Management Guide

2008-05-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

No matter what type of business you are in there is always going to be someone talking about you and what you have to offer. That is just the way life is in the business world. This could be a good thing and then again it could be a bad thing. With more and more people looking to the Internet for information about the services they need they might come across negative information.

You need to always stay a step ahead and be aware of what is being said about you.

In my research I came across a website that you might be interested in or at least bookmark for future reference. It is worth your time to take a look and at least be aware of what you can do in the event someone says negative things about you or your business.

As a real estate virtual assistant and one that is well known in the industry I am always making sure that I represent the virtual assistant industry with a positive image and with the utmost integrity.

IREAA Teleseminar for May 2008 - Transaction Coordination

2008-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Transaction Coordination
Wednesday, May 21st ~ 12pm Pacific/1pm Mountain/2pm Central/3pm Eastern
________________________________________
Join Cindy Pree of Kulshan Group
on May 21, 2008 as she leads a Discussion on

Transaction Coordination

Cindi Pree has worked virtually for more than 20 years (although without benefits of technology in the beginning!). She has focused on real estate support for several years and exclusively on Transaction Coordination (and listing management for the TC clients) for 5 years. Cindi and her team have closed more than 500 transactions, totaling over $90 million in gross property sales. This class will give an overview of TC, discuss the important skill set and tools for this work, and give plenty of time for Q&A.

This is a free teleclass.

Membership is not required to participate.
Click here to register now!
(Please include your name, company name and contact info.)
P.S. If you have an in-depth knowledge and experience in one or two aspects of the real estate assisting industry and would like to be a guest expert for an upcoming IREAA Tele-Seminar, please let us know. You can send an email to info@ireaa.com.

OIVAC Seminar - Real Estate Virtual Assistant

2008-05-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to join OIVAC for the 3rd Annual Online International Virtual Assistants Convention. Come and join me at 10:30 EST TODAY!

OIVAC Seminar Schedule

3rd Annual Online International Virtual Assistant's Convention ("OIVAC") is a virtual trade show and educational opportunity conducted 100% online through easy to use web conferencing technology. This year's theme, "Pathways to Successful VA Practices: Using Communication & Technology to Enhance Business" highlights various communication and technology resources Virtual Assistants and their clients use to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

The OIVAC also offers participants timely training, informative workshops, motivating seminars, business showcases and casual networking sessions, along with an exhibitor hall and virtual trade show booths -- all open around the clock and accessible from your desktop or laptop computer. This "live" yet virtual environment can be experienced from the comfort of your own home via any Internet connected computer. Imagine attending an industry leading event with no travel/airport hassles, hotel and other bills, fatigue or exorbitant registration fees? Most importantly - learn from industry leaders with no precious time away from your home, family or business!

When Your Reputation Is Questioned

2008-05-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

The Internet has become a powerful tool in gathering information about anything you want to know, but it has also become a tool for people to use to try to harm a persons intregity as well. It is amazing how one person can sabotage another just based on their anothers opinion or without checking out the facts.

When reading negative things on the Internet, remember these are individuals who hide behind the Internet and feel they are above approach.

I am all for freedom of speech, but use that freedom carefully and before you use your freedom to voice an opinion make sure you have all the facts and documentation to back it up with. If not, you can put yourself in a situation where the damage can turn on you.

Gossip is a form of jealously, in my opinion, and most people thrive on the negative over the positive.

As virtual assistants all we have is our reputation and when someone tries to tarnish that reputation it is a result of one or two things, jealously or envy.

I have been a virtual assistant for over 9 years and I have seen the good and the bad and the one thing I have learned is to always be honest, which is why I have an amazing group of virtual assistants who respect me for what I have done for the virtual assistant and the real estate virtual assistant industry. Not to mention the clients I have had the pleasure of working with and continue to have their respect.

If anyone wants to question my integrity I invite them to contact me personally to discuss my work ethics, honesty or my reputation. Feel free to request my long list of wonderful recommendations. I would be happy to hear from you.

Workshop Date Set - Incredible Referral Marketing Program

2008-05-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have announced that Send Out Cards is an incredible referral marketing system and I love the fact that I can send a card to ANYONE by just logging into my account www.sendoutcards.com/43114 and create a card to be mailed through the USPS in about 5 minutes or less. It is GREAT and saves me time.

But, the other side of this incredible program is I can run it for my clients to stay in touch with their contacts, friends and family. They love it!

Another cool thing about this program is it allows me to receive an income in addition to my normal income and that is pretty darn impressive!

I would like to invite anyone that is interested in creating a powerful contact campaign with their clients, stay in touch with family and friends as well as earn an additional income to join me on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM CST to learn more about this awesome program.

Drop me an email - Kim@KimHughes.com and RSVP NOW! Space is very limited, so don't delay.

Find Low Gas Prices In Your Area!

2008-05-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

If you're trying to cut your gas expense, this site my help.

Just enter your zip code in the site below and it tells you which gas stations have the lowest and the highest gas prices in your zip code. It will even give you a map to show where they are.

Low Gas Prices

Working Smarter - Not Harder!

2008-05-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

Everywhere we turn today we are hearing about a negative economy. Gas prices are soaring, groceries are outrageous, prescriptions - well need I say more?

If you find that your company is downsizing - AGAIN and your future is insecure then you might want to look at the virtual assistant industry. We are growing stronger everyday. Take a look at the positives of a virtual assistant.

1. Being able to stay home and raise your family the way you see fit, not someone else. Right here you are saving money by not giving to your child care provider.

2. Save money on gas and maintenance on your vechicle - I cannot tell you how much money I save each week just in this area. Today gas prices in Mineola, Texas is $3.45 per galloon. By working from home you only need to use your car for running errands, take the kids to school and for pleasure. Not to mention doing your part in saving the environment!

3. Time Management - You will save at least 2 hours a day by working from home. What can you do with 2 additional hours per day?

4. Being self-employed is SECURITY - never having to wonder if you are going to get that pink slip. You are in control of your destiny.

I could go on with all the benefits of becoming a virtual assistant, but you get the point. This industry not only provides you with a secure future, but also allows you to run your life the way you see fit.

Even if you have never had your own business, it is not hard to set up as long as you have the right attitude, skills, knowledge and desire. The key is to look for those that are successful in their virtual assistant business and then model your business with the same principals.

Are you ready to take the next step in achieving your goals? Let me know - I would love to hear from you. Kim@KimHughes.com

2008-04-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by kimhughes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Send Out Cards - Let Them Know You Are Thinking Of Them!

2008-04-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Send Out Cards is a wonderful way to send a card to someone special for any occassion without ever having to leave your home or office.

I was always forgetting to send a birthday card, Christmas cards, special day and thank you cards until I found Send Out Cards. Now, I just take 5 minutes, log into my account pick that special card, write my message, complete the information for mailing and BOOM! DONE!

In addition to being a wonderful greeting card system, Send Out Cards can also be used to build your business. To see how Send Out Cards works as an incredible referral-generation system for both you and your clients, check out the Referral Movie link below.

Send Out Cards - Send a card TODAY!

You might be interested to know that being a Send Out Cards distributor can provide a powerful income-generating opportunity that will blend well with your VA business and personal life. By helping your clients, friends, and family also benefit from the power of Send Out Cards, you will make money. Visit www.IncredibleReferralMarketing.com to see how the card system and referral strategies work, then contact me directly for more specific information or to get started.”

Send me an email and let's schedule a time to show you how this amazing program works!

Save Time - Use Trailfire

2008-04-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself spending alot of time sorting through the searches you come up with while surfing the Internet? You normally stay within the first 2-3 pages - if that - But, you just don't want to take the time or don't have the time to continue searching so you go with what comes up on the first couple of pages.

Well, Trailfire rewires the web to your interests. It guides you as you browse, suggesting where you can find information related to any page you're on at anytime. It also lets you make your own connections on the web - to link pages that relate to a topic from your own point of view.

At its heart, Trailfire is a community of people helping each other cut through the clutter on the web. By empowering individuals to distill the web, drawing on their knowledge and adding their opinions, Trailfire creates a web of meaning.

The basic building block of Trailfire is the trail - a collection of web pages on a subject or concept, hand built and annotated by a trail creator (we call them "guides") on each page. Trails run the gamut from practical to evangelical to whimsical.

From there, Trailfire's proprietary technology mines every page in a trail to develop an understanding of the concepts on it. It uses this expertise to match each individual's interests to the other trails that are most relevant.

It has saved me time and I hope it will do the same for you!

Rate Your Customer Service

2008-04-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation tonight with a gentleman, probably in his late 70's. Mr. Barnes comes to all my son's baseball games. He does not come just to watch my son, but to watch all the boy's play. He is a true Mineola Yellow Jacket baseball fan. He loves to share stories of his past and bless his heart - sometimes tells us the same story, but we listen with care.

Anyway, tonight he was upset with a local merchant and as he told me the story I thought the only problem with this merchant was they do not know customer service.

One thing I offer each one of my client's is my full attention and it is my goal to ensure the client is happy - at no cost! Yes, there are times you just have to say - I have done my best! And if you can honestly say this and you still cannot make the customer happy, then you need to find an alternative solution. Because your reputation is on the line and you need to keep it clean you might offer to find another vitual assistant to work with them or send them the names and let them do the work in finding the best person to fit their needs.

This is one of the first things I cover in my coaching program and as I tell my client, customer service is not like it use to be in the past and it is something that can really set you apart from the rest, so no matter what services you offer your client it is important that you offer the best customer service possible.

One thing I am very proud of is my clients appreciate my caring attitude and tell me constantly that they appreciate my goal is to make sure they are 100% happy with my service, if not more. If they are not, I tell them to let me know and we will work together to make sure all the expectations are meet.

In today's world you do not see the vendor, merchant, etc taking those couple of minutes to say "how can I help you?" Most of the time they ignore you and feel you are a waste of time. Therefore, when building your virtual assistant business make sure you give the customer what they want, with a smile on your face and in your heart! By doing this you are making a name for yourself, because you are offering something that is not seen in the real world very much anymore.

Real Estate Calculator

2008-04-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am always looking for products to enhance my real estate clients websites. Even though I do not design websites, I do maintain many real estate template websites such as Number 1 Expert, Advanced Access, Agent Image, Real Pro Systems, etc. I also maintain and write articles for my clients blog. The below website offers a cool little gadget for your real estate client or mortgage broker client. This can go on their website and their blog.

Real Estate Calculator

Check it out to see if your real estate clients would be interested in using it.

And, if your client is looking to create a customized website, please let me know. I have a guy that is great, creative, patient and is Google SEO Certified!

Have a great week.

The Latest In Search Engines

2008-03-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is pretty cool. Go to www.searchme.com and sign up to use the beta version of this very neat way to search the Internet.

It is a virtual search engine and from what I hear from those in the know this is the new way to search the web.

It has played havoc on my website - www.kimhughes.com - I am not even in the top 20 even though I have bee in the #2 spot on Google, MSN, Yahoo, etc for over 3 years now. But, I have my web designer and SEO expert on the job to get me ranked higher.

Check it out - it reminds me of the screen that is similar to the iPhone. :D

Make it a great weekend!

Official Google Reader Blog: Reader and ARIA: A new way to read

2008-03-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Official Google Reader Blog: Reader and ARIA: A new way to read

IRS - March 29, 2008 A Day To Get The Help You Need

2008-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know about anyone else, but my son who is 21 and for the first time filing a tax return on his own is very excited to know that when he files his 2007 tax return this will make him eligible to receive the $600.00 check from the government. With him returning to college after taking a year off "to find himself" he sure will need it. Not to mention the IRS Tax Refund check he will receive from his tax return. He is very excited and I think it really has helped him to do all this on his own - He is getting a dose of what it is like to be an adult and responsibilites this title holds. LOL!

If you are like him not knowing which return to use, not knowing what deductions to take, etc., then are you in for a treat!

The IRS has set aside March 29th "Super Saturday" just for you! You can get the help you need - finally.

There will be approximately 320 IRS offices providing FREE help in preparing a simple 1040A for those who are filing solely to receive their stimulus payment.

Even IRS partners will be opening their doors to offer you FREE help as well.

If you are a new virtual assistant or small business owner and do not have the resources to have a CPA do your tax return then you should take advantage of this offer and let the IRS help you to determine which form is right for you, what deductions you can take, etc.

My first year of business as a real estate virtual assistant I hired H&R Block to help me and it really paid off. Now, I have a bookkeeper and a CPA to make sure my finances are in order and IRS approved.

You can get more information on Super Saturday at http://www.irs.gov/. - These are your tax dollars at work - so take advantage of it or if you know someone that needs help tell them!

Be Your Best As A Real Estate Virtual Assistant

2008-03-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Are you sitting there wondering what you can do to improve your business as a real estate virtual assistant?

The first thing to do is look at your client base. Are you offering them the best services as possible? Review your clients programs to make sure you are using everything possible that program offers and let your client know what you are doing.

Whether you are a virtual assistant or a real estate virtual assistant you should have your clients using all the FREE programs possible. Here are some of those programs your real estate clients should be taking advantage of - right now!

Point 2 Agent- This program offers a FREE standard site. You can create a home page, etc., but the cool thing about the program is your real estate client can advertise their properties for free - unless a paying real estate agent has purchased the neighborhood.

You can do handshakes with other agents so their listings show up on your clients site.

As a virtual assistant specializing in real estate this is a tool that your clients will love and their sellers will appreciate the additional exposure.

Postlets - This program is free as well. As a virtual assistant you can create a flyer - so to speak - for your real estate agents listings and then submit it for free to various real estate submission sites - such as Trulia, Google Base, Zillow, Oodle, Backpage, Vast, Hot Pads, Kijiji and most important - Craigslist.

You can also take the mini postlets - shown below and add to the real estate client's newsletter, blog, etc.

As a real estate virtual assistant you can also set up and monitor your real estate agents blog. Blogger is a free program and so is Word Press.

As a virtual assistant, if you don't have a blog - you should, so when you have time - post a blog on your business.

Have You Signed Up For Earth Hour!

2008-03-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

On March 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM you can be involved in taking a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced – global warming.

Get involved in this world-wide event by turning off ALL your lights for one hour. This means turn off everything! Computers, modems, monitors, outside lights, inside lights, etc.

Get your community or business involved – you could make a huge difference and at the same time be part of something we all agree on. Just think when you turn off your lights someone in Melbourne is doing the same thing. If you think about it – that is kind of cool!

At this writing over 12,000 businesses are involved.
At this writing over 189,456 individuals are involved.

Sign up NOW!Want to learn more about Earth Hour?

Want more information - go to http://www.earthhour.org/.

Are You Going Green?

2008-03-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

In today’s society we are hearing more and more about global warming and that we must take action now in order to save the earth for future generations.

As research has shown we have a small window to make a difference and we need to act now. We live in a society that does not look into the future, we live in the present. This is a known fact. So, if we are a society that does indeed in live the present, then we need to challenge ourselves to begin looking into the future, if not for us but for our children and our children’s children.

By just making a few changes in our life style we can each make a difference and if each one of us just choose one or two things to help the global warming problem can you imagine what a difference we can make together? HUGE! So, take a few minutes to visit the following links to see how you and your family can begin the process of Going Green.

By teaching the children of today, they will develop compassion to make it a priority to keep our earth safe for future generations.

Interesting fact:

Virtual Assistants are going green everyday! How do we do this?

We do not pollute our air with carbon monoxide
Spend money on gas commuting
Save trees by using electronic files as opposed to paper files
Use artificial lighting
Use recycled materials
Travel is not expected

Little did we know that we were already helping our precious environment by going Virtual!
Visit the following links on more information on global warming and to learn how to GO GREEN!

Global Warming
Fight Global Warming
The Day After Tomorrow
How To Go Green
10 Tips To Go Green
10 Way to Go Green at Work
Go Green Program for the workplace
iGo Green Go Green Shopping
GMC Goes Green

It's a Great Time To Be a Virtual Assistant

2008-03-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

When you listen to the news lately all they talk about is how bad our economy is right now. They always want to make everything sound so bleak.

I am hear to tell you, being a virtual assistant now is the best time! Those companies that are downsizing still need assistance and when they work with a virtual assistant their overhead drops and so do their expenses.

If you are considering the virtual assistant industry as a career you would be smart to get going now. On an average it takes 12 months to launch your business, land the clients and to get established.

The start up costs is minimal and rewards are wonderful!

This afternoon, I left my office at 2:30 to go watch my boy's (16 and 17) play their first district baseball game. I had my day planner and PDA in hand. Checked the PDA in-between innings and was there in mind, body and soul to cheer my kids on to a 13-1 win! Go Jackets!

I did realize that the hour drive I would have benefitted by having a voice recorder, so called hubby who was coming home from a business trip and asked him to pick me up one, so I could record my ideas and thoughts while I travel with the team. It will be great! Alone in my car with my voice recorder. Now, I will never forget that wonderful idea I had then forgot it! I am a true example of what a virtual assistant is and loving every minute of it!

Virtual Assistants 5 Tips to Success

2008-03-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Are you new to the virtual assistant industry? Really trying to figure things out can be tiring on the brain and since I have walked in your shoes I am offering you a FREE report - 5 Great Tips Every Virtual Assistant should know and use when starting or building their business.

Don't let your business work you - You need to work your business. Get it today! You will be glad you did and hopefully you will thank me for it!

Have a great day!

Great IRS Information

2008-03-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning to everyone!

I subscribe to a great FREE newsletter from the IRS. It offers some very good tips for your business and keeps you informed of the latest tax issues. Check it out:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154820,00.html

Today I received my newsletter and it offered the following article: Hopefully, you will find it valuable.

SALE OF YOUR HOME

If you have a gain from the sale or exchange of your main home, you may be able to exclude all or part of the gain from your income.

Individuals may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain, and married taxpayers filing joint returns may be able to exclude up to $500,000 of gain each time you sell your main home, but generally no more frequently than once every two years.

To qualify for this exclusion of gain, you must meet ownership and use tests.

Ownership Test: During the 5-year period ending on the date of the sale, you must have owned the home for at least 2 years.

Use Test: During the 5-year period ending on the date of the sale, you must have lived in the home as your main home at least 2 years.

If you and your spouse file a joint return for the year of the sale, you can exclude the gain if either of you qualify for the exclusion. But both of you would have to meet the use test to claim the $500,000 maximum amount.

If you do not meet the ownership and use tests, you may be allowed to exclude a reduced maximum amount of the gain realized on the sale of your home if you sold your home because of health reasons, a change in place of employment, or certain unforeseen circumstances.

Unforeseen circumstances include, for example, divorce or legal separation, natural or man-made disasters resulting in a casualty to your home, or an involuntary conversion of your home.
If you can exclude all the gain from the sale of your home, you do not report the gain on your federal tax return. If you cannot exclude all the gain from the sale of your home, or you choose not to, use Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses, of the Form 1040 to report it.

For more details and information see IRS Publication 523, Selling Your Home, available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is http://www.irs.gov/.

Links:
Publication 523, Selling Your Home (PDF 194K)
Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses (PDF 136K)
Tax Topic 701 - Sale of Your Home

The First Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook

2008-03-01T06:12:00.001-08:00

I am just tickled PINK to announce that my new eBook called The Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook is now available!

If you are in business now as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant or if you are considering a Niche in Real Estate Virtual Assistance then this is the Handbook you need!

The FIRST Real Estate Vitual Assistant Handbook offers you some of the most detailed information on what it takes to work with real estate agents! Including 15 sample forms! Why re-create the wheel – It is all in this ebook!

This is the FIRST and ONLY ebook that is dedicated to helping you understand what a Real Estate Virtual Assistant can do and the expectations of real estate agents!

Anna Baron of The Virtual Link had this to say about Kim Hughes:

Kim Hughes is one of the most well-known and well respected real estate virtual assistants in the industry. She's like the E.F. Hutton of the real estate virtual assistant industry - when Kim talks, VAs listen!

Get it TODAY!

Happy Holiday's!

2007-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe the holiday's are here! 2008 is right around the corner and I for one am ready! 2007 has been a great year for my business. Each year it just gets better, so I cannot complain one bit! I am very blessed and am thankful everyday. But I also realize that everything that has happened this past year did not just fall in my lap, it come from hard work, determination and a goal to succeed!

I have to admit I am drivin and I knew from a very young age that if I wanted something I better figure out a way to do it because I was the only one that knew how bad I wanted it!

I never expect anyone to do it for me so I always make a plan and set a goal and make it happen. This comes from alot of how I was raised.

This past month I have been faced in watching my grandmother get older and that I have to face the reality that she will not live forever. I don't want to think about it and I won't talk about it much with family. She is my hero and I love her dearly and I really cannot imagine my life without knowing she is there.

I've also been faced with a situation that is very stressful to me and that is my long lost father may not live much longer. This is also tough since this is a man that choose not to be in my life and now that he is dying he wants me there. His wife and two son's who one I have never met, his wife I just recently have talked to for the first time since they have been together - 30 plus years I think and then the one that I have met and have spoken to a couple of times on the phone. I do not have any anger towards my father, no resentment and I do care about him. But I also feel that I do not owe him anything, but I had to make a choice and the choice I made was I would be there for him and would do anything I can to make his life easier. I realized that even though he made the choice not to be a part of my life it had nothing to do with me or that he loved me any less. That is just the path he choice at the time.

So, I will go visit him in the hospital and will go knowing that he may or may not recognize me, but for me this is closure and even though he was not a part of my life I want him to know that I grew to become a caring, responsbile, loving mother and I must say GREAT wife and my life is complete.

I also feel that we are put on this earth for a reason and regardless of how we are raised we are responsbile for who we are and how we get there. I feel that I am a stronger person, determined to give my children the life I never had and that I have been given the opportunity to give my children the love and security they deserve and if I had not had the childhood that I had I may not have appreciated what I have now and that is a wonderful husband and three amazing boy's who are growing into these awesome individuals.

In addition, I also believe my professional life is a result of my childhood and realizing at an early age I had choices - good or bad - and I always choice the good! Why, because I wanted both of my parents to be proud of me and when the day is over I know they are!

So, as we bring in 2008 - ask yourself - Are you the best person you can be? If you honestly cannot answer this question then you need to ask yourself - what can I do to become the best person I can be and then do it!

And, remember - if you are going to have a pity party just think someone else's life is harder than yours - then you realize you don't have the right to have a pity party! :D

How Does One Benefit From Coaching?

2007-11-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

A few years ago when you heard the word "coach" you might have thought of someone that worked with in the athletics field. Now days when you hear the word "coach" you ask "What kind of a Coach are they".

You can find a coach for just about anything from a life coach to a business coach. Why do you need a coach, you might ask. Well, I have found coaches to be very beneficial to me in my business and personal life. About a year ago I seeked out a life coach to help me get my priorities in order and even though I am pretty organized I found her coaching to be of great help to me. She helped me look at my personal life and work on the areas that I was weak and enhance the areas where I was strong. Then I hired a organizer coach to come to my office to review what I was doing and help me improve my systems. This was a great benefit to me even though I was very organized she was able to help me focus on things that I thought were minor, only to discovere they were not. As a matter of fact after 2 hours of sitting with me she told me I really did not need a coach for organization, but I explained I always am looking for ways to improve and I always appreciate another person's opinion.

the other day I decided to do a Google to see how many coaches in particular fields there were and I was amazed at the results. In my discovery I realized anyone can be a coach. A little training here, a seminar there and so on and BAM you are now a coach. Don't get me wrong it takes a special person to become a coach, but in addition to their training they have to have the knowledge and experience to offer their clients to get them on the right track, whatever that may be.

A couple of years ago I realized that I offer something that others could benefit from and that is the knowledge and experience of a virtual assistant. I already was helping people to become successful in their business and obviously what I was doing was working because those that seeked my adviced were making it work.

I have been a virtual assistant for 7 1/2 years now and still love what I do and one of the greatest things I enjoy doing is helping other succeed in their business and in their personal life.

Being a mother of three active boy's, a wife and a successful business owner I have the experience to offer another person who has the same desire to become successful. The first thing I require from anyone I coach is to have the desire to succeed and the passion to make it happen. Once you realize that you to can succeed and have the confidence to believe in yourself you can do it!

If you would like to know more about my coaching and how it will benefit you, please let me know. I want to help you take those babysteps and overcome those obstacles to become the most successful person you can be.

2007-11-23T20:02:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

As we get to close to the end of the year, it is that time again to get organize so we can start the new year fresh and ready to go.

I suggest you start now getting your tax information in order. The earlier you take care of your taxes the better off you will be.

This past year I have found some great programs to make my life easier and I would like to share them with you. I hope each program benefits you in some way in making you life easier and more organized.

OH! I would like to offer you my new e-book for FREE! Click here to receive my 5 Grat Tips To Become A Successful Virtual Assistant. http://www.kimhughes.com/

Ok, so here are some of my favorite programs! Believe me they are worth looking into.

RoboForms is a great program to keep track of all your passwords. I love it even more to also store my client's passwords to their programs. Easy and trust worthy. I think you will find it a huge timesaver in your everyday business. Check it out!

I LOVE Shutterfly! Why, for several reasons, but one is if I need to store photos for my clients to capture the link for another program I can load the photo here for FREE. Easy!

I love to take photos of my family and post on Shurrterfly and then email to family members and friends.

When I have our family photo taken I go to Shutterfly to order my holiday cards and can create my own right online and then ship to me. This is a great time saver for me.

I order photos from Shutterfly and in multiples. Since I have scrapbooks on all three boy's I find it a time saver and very cost effective.

You must check them out and here is an offer for free shipping!

Anyone that knows me will agree that I love animals! I have 4 dogs and 4 cats and it can get expensive buy all their special items. I can go to Drugstore.com and purchase all my pet products and my families products in one location and most of the time shipping is free. Another great way for me to save time!

Time is money!

Have you ever wanted to have a confirmation that your email was received and read? Did it get forwarded to another person, etc. This is one of my favorite programs. Read Notify is a great program to have to ensure you have a confirmation on those ever so important emails.

If you only purchase one program this year, this is the one!

Now that I have shared some of my favorite programs and websites with you, make sure you check them out. There is more to come so stay tuned.

8 Random Facts About Kim Hughes

2007-08-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Ann Baron so here I go with 8 random facts about me.

1. I always knew I wanted to work in the real estate industry. When I graduated from HS I went to my hometown community college and took some classes in real estate. Everyone thought I was crazy. When I moved to Dallas, at 19, on my own, I found a head hunter and told them to only put in a position to work with real estate. I paid that head hunter $600.00. My career started as a receiptionist for a mortgage banking company. Then I went from there to work for as an Executive Assistant to a Portfolio Manager with The Federal Asset Dispostion Association taking down S&L's. While working I went to college and earned my degree and worked as a part-time cocktail waitress.

2. After my first son was born, I went into Direct Sales with Mary Kay Cosmetics. I loved what I was doing and I will say this about MK - It taught me how to build a business, handle finances and be independent. Not to mention build my confidence. I think she is the one individual I respect the most outside of Barbara Bush! These two women are my hero's.

3. When I discovered the VA industry, I only know real estate and was the first to become a real estate virtual assistant. Anna Baron, my best buddy, coached me on how to build my business and saved me from a lot of mistakes. Michael Russer opened the door for me and the rest is history. Thanks Anna and Michael!

4. Another major step in building my business was to be invited by Kathy Drewien to attend an Allen F. Hainge CyberStar Summit. Another smart move on my part and without Kathy's invitation I don't think I would be were I am today. Thanks Kathy.

5. Howard Britton for inviting me to speak at his 2005 Star Power Conference where I was able to meet some of the most powerful Stars in the real estate industry.

6. Watching my mother struggle to raise her children in a time that divorced woman had a label, she was able to raise 4 kids without child support and only on 1 income, if you want to call it that, without any of us having issues. Seeing how she struggled everyday being abused not just physically, verbally and financially made each of us strong individuals and we learned life is not fair, so get over it and make the most of what God has planned for us! We all have succeed and I am very proud of my brothers! We all made it without the support of our father, without someone handing life to us on a plate. We all achieved our goals on our own.

7. I have three boy's - one in college, 2 in high school and to this day I have only missed one event that they have participated in and that was due to a family emergency. Thanks to my business I can work my family around my career. I have the best kids! I love each and everyone of them with all my heart! I hope that I have given them the foundation to be outstanding individuals and appreciate the life we have given them and they always strive to be the best, no matter what they choose in life.

8. I have been married to Paul for 24 years and we are best friends. He thought I had lost my mind when I wanted to start a home business as a real estate virtual assistant. And, even though he did not support my idea at first, he is now my biggest fan! I am very blessed!

Virtual Friendships

2006-05-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-05-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

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!

Basic Organization

2005-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Well, another summer gone by! The kids are back in school, football season has started and the routine is back in order! In my previous blog I mentioned my oldest son was heading to college! YEP! We survived and everything is going great! I can't tell you what a proud moment it was to actually see a dream come true for our son! He received so many scholarships that is has paid his entire tuition, dorm and books! What a great feeling this was!

Now, how did we accomplish this, you ask? By organizing and starting early! You are probably wondering what does this have to do with Virtual Assistants? Well, a lot! We had a dream, researched what needed to be done to make that dream come true and organized our thoughts and followed through. The rewards were more than we expected!

I thought that I would offer some great organizational tips for this blog! So, here I go....

1. Get a 2" 3 ring notebook with erasable tabs (mine are white). Name each tab by your clients last name and behind the clients tab you will want to include:

a. Web programs with username and passwords
b. Client Information Sheet
c. Agreement
d. Any other important information

Now, you also want to have a file on the client so that you can keep other information that you do not need on a daily basis there, but you want to keep the notebook on your desk so you can easily refer to it during the day. Mine stays open and I can just flip to the clients tab when needed.

I can easily put this in my laptop bag when I work on the road, in another part of the house, etc. It is a great way to keep up and have it accessible at a moments notice.

2. Use a time tracking program. I use www.traxtime.com and love it! You can keep track of billable and unbillable hours.

3. Organize your desk to make it work for you. Regardless of the space - utilize it!

I hope my tips are helpful and if you have one, please let me know. We can all learn from others!

Have a great week! Make it count!

Kim Hughes
www.kimhughes.com
www.cyberstarva.com

Why Do You Do What You Do?

2005-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Being your own boss has its challenges, you have to be self motivating and learn to delegate. Sometimes that can be a challenge all it's own.

These past few months I have been faced with many challenges with my personal life that if I did not manage my time correctly could have been a disaster for my business. But, on the other hand I am grateful that I can take the time needed to handle my personal life and it not effect my business. Maybe you can relate to my story in some way.

Being a mother to three boy's, wife and the executive director of the household has it's rewards. But this year my oldest son graduated from high school. If you have had the first graduate, I am sure you are in total agreement that you have all these emotions running through you and you feel you are on a roller coaster.

The last few weeks of school we had award assemblies, parties, photo sessions, scholarship to do lists, making sure you child sends out the announcements in time, recording the gifts your child receives so the thank you notes can be written and the list goes on.

But wait, I also have two other boy's that I have to prepare for summer, I have to help them choose their schedule for the upcoming year, attend their award ceremonies, get ready to start summer baseball, etc.

Ok, I will be very honest, my life is very quite and pretty much nothing major has ever happened and it has been 10 years since there was a death in our family. So, the month of May my brother-in-law lost his battle with cancer, which his funeral was 3 days before my son's graduation, my mother had to have a pace maker installed 6 days before his graduation and required staying in the hospital for 2 days in another city, which required me to travel and miss out on a couple of ceremonies, which broke my heart, but I had to make a choice and my mother needed me more than my son did and being the kind of person he is, totally understood.

So, now I return home 2 days before graduation and still have to prepare his graduation party and prepare for the actual day. This is where I was so grateful to have a husband that was willing to help. We worked all day Friday to get everything ready for graduation and then on the day of graduation everything went off perfectly! You would never have known what we had been through the prior week.

Then 2 days later I received a phone call that our dear friend, David, passed away. He was 45 and died of a heart attack in his home. This was a shock!

The following week we had to take our son down to the college for a three day orientation and juggle the other two boy's so they would not miss out on baseball.

Ok, now you can imagine what those couple of week were like and if you own your own business, you are not only juggling family matters, but your clients as well.

How do you do this? Well, it's called "DON'T PANIC!" I sat in the parking lot of the hospital with cell phone and laptop talking to clients and telling them what I was up against for the week at the same time reassuring them everything was under control. Used my mother's desktop to access my computer at home for files, etc. Working whenever I had a chance.

I also had to delegate certain tasks to my two VAs and since I have top notch sub-contractors I knew I was in good hands.

The key here is to know your limitations and know when to ask for help. But, you must also keep your client informed of your family emergencies. They will understand. Afterall, we all are only human!

I am very blessed to have a good relationship with all my clients and each one was very understanding and supportive during this trying time.

In a couple of weeks we will be moving our son to college, which again will be another roller coaster ride, but I have already scheduled to be off that entire week, since one of my clients gave me excellent advice since she has walked in my shoes and told me that I would need that week to prepare for my oldest son embark on a new chapter in his life and mine to!

I promised myself I would not cry at graduation and I did'nt, but I did cry when I walked him to his car as he was leaving for the actual ceremony all dressed up with his cap and gown in hand. As I stood there and looked at this 6'2 young man all I saw was my little 5 year old boy preparing for Kindergarten and full of excitement. I hugged him then and I hugged him on this day and told him how proud I was of him and how much I loved him and to promise me he would not pull a prank at the ceremony, which he didn't!

One final thought...Our son received several scholarships for his academic achievements, but there are still hefty expenses that go with college. With that said, when you are working in the middle of night on a project for a client, exhausted and would much rather be sleeping, just remember that one day you to might have a child graduating and wanting to attend college. Remember, why you do what you do and you want to send your son or daughter to the best school possible, you get a burst of energy from within because you know that what you do not only benefits you, but those around you and you can give them everything they deserve.

Spring is HERE! How do I know?

2005-03-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

In Texas you know it is spring when the Azaleas are beginning to bloom. Well, for East Texas that is.

But, another way of knowing Spring is here is when the clients get listings every where they turn, buyers ready to buy and the list goes on! Spring is the busy time of year for Realtors. Sellers are preparing to sell their homes and look for a new one or they might be relocating to a new area. School is getting ready to let out for the summer and families are on a mission.

What does this mean to a virtual assistant? New business, new clients and a way to build their business.

If you are considering in working with the real estate professional, you might want to familarize yourself with how listing coordination works. Or, maybe your interested in transaction coordination? Now that is a hot area that real estate professionals need help with!

No matter what aspect of real estate you want to work in, there are plenty of real estate professionals out there waiting to hire a good virtual assistant that has great ethics.

So what are you waiting for, start marketing your services!

Working With The Best!

2005-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Allen F. Hainge's CyberStar(R) Summit which was held in Phoenix, Arizona this past week and considering this is my third one, I always find myself looking forward to seeing this awesome group of Top Producers from around the world in real estate.

I also have the priviledge of being the "Big Kahuna's" Director of Operations, virtually. This was my first year to work with Allen behind the scenes on this spectacular event. It took us a year to put this event together and I am very happy that we received such great reviews.

It was hard work though. I arrived in Phoenix two days before the event and I worked from 6:00 am to 1:00 every night to ensure that everyone of these special people enjoyed themselves and to take any worries off of Allen.

I always am amazed at the warmth these individuals have for each other and the bonding they have developed. They share so much with each other and are truly interested in seeing everyone achieve their dream.

I am already planning the Summit 2006 and I look forward to being with this group again to see what they bring to the event.

To Learn More about Allen F. Hainge and The CyberStars(R) Click here: http://afhseminars.com

To Learm More about the services of Kim Hughes & Company, please click here: http://www.KimHughes.com

Working From Home - AH! The Joys!

2005-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

As a wife of 21 years and a mother with three teenagers - 18, 14 and 13 (all boy's) I find myself enjoying my life and what I have contributed to my family. I reflect back on the past 18 years, since this was when my first son was born, to see where I was then and where I am now. And, I must say things are looking pretty good! I have been there for my husband and my children when they needed me and at times when they didn't. :)

I wonder though if I had a job in Corporate America if I would still have that job? Probably not! Since family is a priority for me, I would have taken many days off to be home with a sick child, leave early to catch an event one of my children were in or just to take time to go to the doctor or give myself some "ME" time.

As my own boss and owning my own company, I can schedule my priorities with my work and with my family so both are balanced and I can achieve the best from both worlds without missing a beat. Well, I have missed a few beats, but I am only human, right?

Sure, there are times I may go with only a few hours of sleep for a few days, call for take-out when I am extremely busy, but in my book it is all worth it and the key I have found to being a successful wife, mom and business owner is that I am not Wonder Woman, but I am pretty darn close to it, but knowing what is important and when to make a decision that is good not only for me, but for my business and my family.

The main key to making it all work is to remember why you are in business and keep that as your main focus in life. God first, family second and career third...is the way it should always be.

Balancing your life - that is something you need to figure out for yourself since you are the only one that can decide what is important to you and then live your life accordingly.

I also know that in life we all make mistakes and to learn from those mistakes so you can grow from them. Just don't make the mistake when you know it is one.

So - You Want To Build A VA Business

2005-01-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! You are one step closer to achieving your dream of being a small home business owner.

It is one of the greatest achievements you will make - if you do it right! Whether you have owned a small business before or just starting out there are many things that need to be done before you put up the "Open For Business" sign.

As a virtual assistant you need to first concentrate on what services you want to offer. Are you going to specialize in a particular field? Once you determine this, you have to decide on what services in that field you are qualified in to justify the services you will offer.

Then you need to determine your computer needs.

What is the best computer for you?
What software will you need in your business?
What office equipment will you need?
What type of phone equipment will be best for you?
What office supplies will you need?

Ok, the first question you are probably asking yourself is where do I get the money to purchase the items above? Don't worry you can build your business as you go along and you can get pretty creative using resources on the Internet that are free, but remember as you can afford to purchase these items - you need to do so. You are a professional now and you need to look like one.

If you need equipment and do not have the resources to purchase them consider asking your bank for a loan. You will need a business plan or if you don't have one, then take out a personal loan. And, remember, this is a tax deducitble loan.