Communication is such an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it to express our emotions and convey our thoughts.  If we're not fully equipped with essential communication tools, it will hinder us from effectively interacting with prospective clients thus, preventing us from landing new clients. The Ness Lindsay Team is in the process of writing an e-book on this very topic! We'll explore communication in general, discuss different communication styles and provide you with tools to implement; giving you the leverage you need to succeed in the real estate industry.  Our cutting edge e-book will also include worksheets and exercises to help you master the techniques discussed. Sounds exciting right? Before we release our state-of-the-art e-book, we'd like your opinion of 3 key que... 06/16/2009

A handshake is more than just a simple gesture we share with family, friends, business acquaintances and with strangers. A handshake can and most often is part of our first impression we portray to others.  It is extremely important to ensure your handshake is firm, effective and shows confidence. A handshake does matter and a strong one can make a big difference the next time you set out to meet your next prospective client. Check out this great article entitled: "10 Tips on How to Shake hands with Confidence." If you feel your handshake needs some work - ask a friend to practice with you and give pointers as needed. I appreciate you, Vanessa Lindsay, REPA www.NessLindsay.com 06/08/2009

I am writing this post today to remind us all to stop and embrace life's precious moments. All too often, we tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy professional lives.  We forget to stop and smell the roses if you will. This past weekend, I visited my local butterfly conservatory and was astonished with the beauty of it all. I was able to slow down, unwind and rejuvenate from my professional career as a real estate assistant.  Don't let life simply pass you by, take time to enjoy things that matter to you. Whether you're spending time with your children, loved ones, reading a book or visiting your local butterfly conservatory; take time for you.  Embrace and enjoy it! 04/20/2009

In today's economy, everyone is discovering or looking for new ways to cut costs while still being productive and maintaining a high level of service. Michael LaPeter, a real estate broker in San Francisco recently published a press release entitled: "Starving Real Estate Agent? Seven Ways to Cut the Fact and Start Saving".  He describes seven easy marketing tips that will assist buyer agents in making their business more productive while 'trimming the fat' in today's economy. 7 Easy Marketing Tips: 1.        Use Free Online Office Software. 2.        Use Free/ Low Cost Online Transaction Management Software. 3.        Use Low Cost, High Impact Single Property Websites. 4.        Use Free/ Low Cost Online CRM Software. 5.        Track Your Expenses. 6.        Instead of Advertising, Try... 04/16/2009

I have heard so many people comment on their inability to blog. They just can't think of anything to say, they suffer from writers block, or they simply can't find the time. I hear you LOUD and clear! Blogging can be quite tedious for some.  Finding new content, or more importantly; quality content, tends to set people back.  I too sometimes find this difficult and in the beginning of my business start-up, I put on my fastest running shoes and ran in the opposite direction when someone said "blogging". Trust me. Don't run. Embrace blogging with a new outlook - it can be fun! So, let me share some tidbits with you. Here are a few questions to ask yourself BEFORE you begin to tackle the world of blogging. 1. Who is your target market? Who you do want to speak to when you're writing? 2. Wh... 04/03/2009

As some of you are aware, I am a member of the Virtual Assistant Forums. A forum that is truly one of a kind and a great place for virtual assistants. For the entire month of April, I am a feature interview with this great forum. To learn why I LOVE being a virtual assistant and working with the real estate industry; check out the interview here. To Your Success as Always,   04/01/2009

First before I get into the juicy details of my blog, let me start by apologizing for being off the radar for a while. I must apologize but I have been busy helping clients and building my business. I have added three new team members to better assist clients and meet their needs and extend services.  I have also been putting together a portfolio for my site so you can view the fantastic projects I've completed for past clients. Stay tuned...I will advise when it is up and available! ON WITH THE JUICY DETAILS Did the title of my blog catch your attention?  Absolutely it did!  Why? Because I used the word free and I did it twice. Who doesn't like to receive something for free? I am mean totally free with no strings attached. And everyone wants to know "What's in it for me?"  Right? You g... 02/10/2009

As a business owner, have you implemented a system to monitor your effectiveness?  Do you know if your customer service is effective? How about yourself as a manager? Is your website attracting clients? The above questions play a key role in the outcome of your business.  Don't wait until your business goes under before you say "I should have...or...I could have." I encourage you to set a date aside that will be dedicated strictly to a professional evaluation.  Look at your business as a whole and from an objective stand point.  Gather statistics (#'ers don't lie) about every aspect of your business.  Maintain your research on a weekly or monthly basis and review this information.  Is there something you could be doing better? Perhaps you need to implement a marketing campaign? How much... 01/14/2009

Person: "Vanessa, can you create an excel spreadsheet for me? I need you to enter some numbers and automatically calculate the totals." Me (Vanessa): "Absolutely.  Send me over the information.  I'll create it for you and add some flair.  I can't wait to get these started.  I'll have it back to you by the end of the day." Person: "Wow. That would be great.  Can I ask you a question?" Me (Vanessa): "Of course!" Person: Why do you sound so excited? It's only a spreadsheet with numbers?" Me (Vanessa): "You are a valued client. I appreciate your business and I love what I do." This is just a little food for thought. No matter what business you're in, LOVE what you do.  Clients will feel your enthusiasm and be more inclined to give you more business or a warm referral if they are pleased wit... 12/18/2008

I have heard many people ask "How do you know which keywords and phrases to focus on for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?"  This would be my response to said question: THINK LIKE A REAL ESTATE AGENT First, you'll want to define or tweak your target market.  Who is your audience? What area(s) are you farming? Define the people you want to provide real estate services to. THINK LIKE A CONSUMER If you were looking to buy or sell a home within your area, what keywords would you use to find a home or an agent?  Put yourself in the shoes of your target market.  What methods would you use to get the information you need? Make a list of all your thoughts.  Then type these keywords into a major search engine.  What are the results?  Explore the results and see what other agents are doing.  Try ... 12/18/2008

Yet another great way to keep in contact with your clients is to host a quarterly contest. You can either run the contest in your monthly newsletter, or write a personal note to clients detailing your offer. Posting the contest in your newsletter is a great way to discover if your clients are actually reading it every month. The prize for the contest should be desirable for your clients.  Don't be afraid to spend a little money in order to catch the attention of your readers.  At the same time, don't make the contest too difficult and discourage them from taking part. You could ask for a referral and for every referral submitted; your client will receive one ballot for each referral given. Don't set a limit on the number of ballots allowed.  Your client will then have a chance to receiv... 12/18/2008

I recently took part in a webinar with one of my clients.  The webinar discussed many aspects of a successful website for REALTORS. Below is an overview of the 5 Essential Steps to having a successful website in the real estate industry. 1. Branding your identity. 2. Ensuring your website appeals to your target market. 3. Getting found on search engines. (completing Search Engine Optimization) 4. Formulating great content 5. Having a site that is useful and user friendly. Creating a website that encompasses these essential steps will certainly give you that leverage you need against competitors. To Your Success, Vanessa Lindsay (REVA) Http://www.NessLindsay.com 12/17/2008

Did an agent recently show one of your homes and you didn't have time to ask for feedback? If you can relate, you definitely need to contact Ness Lindsay today! During the first week or two, it is important to gather as much feedback from prospective buyers as possible. Tallying this information and relaying it to your home seller will help determine what people like and dislike about the home.  Utilizing this important information will determine if changes need to be made and if the price of the home is accurate. Don't let another day pass by without providing this essential service to your home sellers! To Your Success, Vanessa Lindsay (REPA) Http://www.NessLindsay.com                 12/17/2008

Gaining sellers in a competitive market can prove to be quite difficult especially, if your market materials are to par. In addition to compelling marketing materials, sellers would be tempted to indulge in your services if you were to offer an attractive commission plan to them.  You may currently be losing business to other REALTORS ® who are offering a lower commission rate. Use a seller menu and present clients with the choice of services they want for their home at a commission acceptable to them. Here is an example:   Menu Choice Commission Rate Client Receives Client Care Choice 1 5 % For sale sign, listing on home boards. Client Care Choice 2 5.5 % Home boards, for sale sign, newspaper ad and personal website. Client Care Choice 3 6 % Home board, feature sheets, for sale sign, t... 12/17/2008

In 2006, a study was conducted of 1272 French Canadians and their internet habits.  The study found that 80% of users prefer Google as their search engine.  87% of people interviewed said they use the internet everyday.  This number is pretty significant and further explains the importance of not only having a website, but one that can be found by prospective buyers! Interestingly enough, in 2007, the National Association of REALTORS ® released a survey that revealed 73% of prospective buyers that saw a home on the internet drove by/viewed the home of interest.  57% of people, who viewed a home on-line, completed a walk through of the home. It goes without saying being in the real estate industry, it is imperative to have a solid business foundation in all areas.  43% of buyers who foun... 12/17/2008

As a small business owner, you took a leap of faith and started your own business.  Congrats!  You also probably put a lot of blood shed and tears into your business to get you where you are today. Again, Congrats! Let me ask you this: Do you know what your management style is? Do you know if you are or will be an effective manager? If you haven't thought of this already...YIKES! You probably should! Check out these Top 10 Management Pitfalls: 1. Putting Policies ahead of people. 2. Lack of Communication. 3. Failing to hear what your employees have to say. 4. Not acknowledging that you don't have all the answers. 5. The glass is always half empty. (Focusing on the negative) 6. Not accepting responsibility. 7. Showing Favouritism 8. "Just do it" - failure to explain what needs to be don... 12/17/2008

Here are five questions to consider: If you are willing it would be great if you could share the last question with my readers J 1. What is your favourite thing about being in business? 2. If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be? 3. What is something you'd like to have for your business? 4. Where do you see your business in five years? 5. If you could share a lesson with a new business owner, what would it be?   To Your Success, Vanessa Lindsay Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA) http://www.NessLindsay.com         12/17/2008

Ever get the feeling when you know something good will happen? Ever experience the Power of Positive Thinking? I have many times and I will tell you;  I feel BIG things happening in 2009. Why? Because, In January 2009, I will celebrate two years as a Virtual Assistant.  That's two years of trials and tribulations under my belt; two years of speaking to anyone who would listen to me, two years of 'blood shed and tears' and two years of positive thinking. I can feel my business sky rocketing and growing at a rapid pace.  People are talking, asking questions and that's EXACTLY what I want! WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR 2009? What are your goals for your business in the New Year?  Come on, don't be thinking "but, I haven't survived 2008 yet."  NOW, is the time to put your goals on paper.  (Trust me,... 12/17/2008

Are you looking for a new way to market your business while generating new clients?  Have you tried Ralph Roberts 10/10/20 technique?  Check out this simple to use Guerrilla Marketing Maneuver and start increasing your sales today. Ralph Roberts is dubbed "The Best-Selling REALTOR® in America" by Time Magazine and averages over 300 homes sold in a year since 1988.  The man is simply phenomenal! SO WHAT IS THIS FANTASTIC TECHNIQUE? The 10/10/20 system is the simplest way to get out, network, meet prospective clients, market your business and start getting people to talk.  Each and every time you list or sell a home; simply knock on the 10 doors to the right, 10 doors to the left and 20 across the street.  Distribute a postcard telling the neighbours of the home you just sold or listed on... 12/17/2008

Are you a real estate agent and haven't had time to focus on growing your business? Do you have mounds of paperwork that seem to be getting the best of you? Would you like to celebrate with Ness Lindsay and complete those items you've been procrastinating about? If you've said yes to any of the above, Ness Lindsay can help you! Procrastination is a problem some of us face on a daily basis.  We just can't seem to find enough time to get things done.  We always say (with good intention I might add) "I'll do it tomorrow".  Have you ever noticed - tomorrow never comes and your to-do list keeps getting bigger? Delegate those unwanted tasks to Ness Lindsay and mention our promotion code WEB08 and I'll give you 10% off my services until the 15th of December. Now is your chance to stop being a ... 12/17/2008