Sunday, May 13th (repost)

How fun … I just received my copy of Michael Russer’s just published book, “The Obsolete Employee; How Businesses Succeed Without Employees – And Love It!” I had the opportunity to contribute a little tid-bit about how the VA lifestyle allowed our family to sell everything in CA, travel the country for a year in our 37′ Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer, and relocate to our exceptional new home in Idaho … see feature on pages 65-66.

Looking back to my VA journey from when I opened my virtual doors in 2001, I could easily say that Michael Russer had the single most impact on my business. It’s true … he was one of the (if not THE) first people in the Real Estate arena who recognized how much Virtual Assistants could help Real Estate Agents, and he travelled the country offering seminars, introducing the VA concept to thousands of REALTORS. In 2003, Russer hosted the “Meet the VA of Your Dreams” session at the NAR Convention in San Francisco. The venue consisted of several Real Estate Virtual Assistants hosting individual “niche” round tables, while REALTORS had an opportunity to visit a number of tables with VAs offering an overview of services available and answering questions regarding how VA/clients work together, with opportunities for the REALTORS to “Meet the VA of Their Dreams”.

I had the opportunity to host a table for my niche, Listing Marketing Coordination, and it was at this event that I received the opportunity to work with my first broker, who remains one of my largest clients today.

I firmly believe, that because of Russer’s continued international educational seminars and programs, thousands of REALTORS have stepped out and are using Virtual Assistants to grow their businesses. I’ve been at maximum client capacity myself for over a year now, and receive numerous inquiries each week with agents looking for an experienced Real Estate VA. Many have commented they’ve been to a Russer seminar or have taken his Virtual Outsourcing course. Having Michael Russer as a VA “advocate” has impacted the Virtual Assistance industry tremendously … as well as positively impacted numerous REALTORS’ businesses. There really is a special symbiosis that occurs with Virtual Assistants and REALTORS that make the business combination a win-win for both parties … I believe because both industries are based on the independent professional model. Thanks, Michael, for your vision back then and continued education today!

I’ll be starting my reading tonight and am sure I’ll learn a ton more. I’m at the stage in my own business where I need to learn how to outsource to assist more clients and multiply my “hours in the day.” If you’re looking for a bit of history on Virtual Outsourcing, how to hire, work with and manage a VA, the benefits of a VA over an employee, the differences between a Virtual Assistant and a Virtual Consultant, a forward glance at the future of Virtual Outsourcing, and a ton more, you can get your copy here (I don’t make any commissions or gain monetarily from your purchase … I just think Russer’s experience in this arena would be invaluable to any REALTOR, SOHO, Small Business, etc.). Or, for all of you who are fed up with long commutes, incompetent coworkers, and uselessly wasted hours trying to please an overbearing boss, feel free to peek under the cover, too. You can learn how to develop and succeed in a whole new lifestyle, encompassing hours you want to work, spending time with your family, and getting to do what you truly enjoy – and get paid well for it!

Michael’s been blissfully ‘employee free’ for over 13 years, and has many incredibly talented people all around the world who conduct business for him, most of whom he has never met face to face. He’s a renowned international speaker, author and columnist who specializes in helping independent professionals and businesses of all types incorporate innovative productivity strategies to achieve a higher level of personal and career fulfillment.

So … there’s my plug for the day!

And … for you Mothers out there …. Happy Mother’s Day … I hope it was spent with those you love. Mine was wonderful! I spent the afternoon at a wonderful buffet brunch enjoying some of my favorite foods: stuffed crepes with fresh fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries, jumbo shrimp, carved roast beef, eggs Benedict, and a ton more … yum. This was followed by a relaxing riverboat cruise up the Spokane River to the base of Lake Coeur d’Alene, with viewing of Osprey and beautiful riverfront homes …. I had no idea I have a 20+ million dollar estate located just down the street from my home. Turns out it was built by the family who began Amway, designed to host numerous people at a time, with plenty of room for entertainment: movie theatre, something like 12 bathrooms and 10 bedrooms, over 12,000 sq. ft., an ice rink, waterfalls and a bridge, and an aquarium that’s remotely controlled from Florida! We also found a few new public parks, biking and hiking trails and swimming spots that we’ll discover and enjoy in the near future. Definitely a wonderful day.