Southeastern Virtual Assistants Group

The SEVAG is Passionately Pink for the Cure! Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:18:13 -0500

Breast cancer touches millions of lives and is diagnosed every day in our community. Without a cure, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer - a devastating disease with physical, emotional, psychological and financial pain that can last a lifetime. Without a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer - and more than 1 million could die - over the next 25 years.

The SEVAG is supporting the fight against breast cancer by going Passionately Pink for the Cure™ on April 1, 2008 by adding the pink ribbon to our website, and August 21, 2008 during the first day of our conference. By wearing pink and making a donation of $5 or more to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of millions. Donations to our team can be made online at www.komen.org.

Passionately Pink for the Cure™ is an exciting new fundraising and education program of Susan G. Komen for the Cure kicking off Oct. 1 during

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Companies, organizations, groups and individuals nationwide are picking one day in October and urging their associates and friends to make a nominal donation of $5 or more and to wear the group’s choice of pink apparel that day. The idea is to see pink everywhere, every day in October, reminding everyone of the crucial need to end breast cancer forever.

Please join the SEVAG on April 1, 2008 and August 21, 2008 by wearing pink a pink ribbon, t-shirt, blouse, hat, etc that day. In appreciation for your participation, you will receive a Passionately Pink for the Cure pin from Susan G. Komen for the Cure that you can wear the day of our event and every day after to show your support.

Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Passionately Pink for the Cure, they have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill their promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Please say you'll go Passionately Pink for the Cure! Go to the SEVAG Website at www.sevag.org, go to the upper right, and follow the link to our SEVAG Team page.

To find out which members are going pink, Click Here

Cordially,

Carolyn Nelson-
Carolyn Nelson, BSBM
NAR REPA, UREATC Real Estate Assistant
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Bus/Toll Free: 877-717-4491 | Fax: 866-590-2269 |
Broker and Agent BackOffice Solutions - REO, BPO, and Closing Transaction Management Services
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Keeping your computer working

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:53:00 -0500

Did you remember to tune up your computer to make sure you are starting off the New Year on the right foot? Have your replace old and outdated protectors so you are running the right type for the new devices purchased? I hope you are not using the same surge protector you used in 2000 despite the fact that you have purchased a larger office printer, a new computer, and added a few new toys to the collection.

Vacuuming out the dust. Dust can damage a computer because it prevents cooling and can cause static electricity problems. The large chips often generate a lot of heat. They may have heat sinks on them and often with a fan on top of the heat sink. Dust is often the culprit at the root of the loud noise. Purchase a small hand-held computer vacuum to keep your CPU and Keyboard clean of dust, dirt, etc. Canned air should only be used to separate the dust from the parts.
Replace drives. There are only a few moving parts on your computer, the CD, DVD, HD, and fan(s). Whenever you hear a computer making a lot of noise you should take it apart and either replace the fan or the disk drive (floppy, hard or CD/DVD etc). These are only things that have moving parts on most computers. Usually, it is the fan. It can be the fan in the power supply (some heavy duty power supplies have two fans) or one of the fans on top of a heat sink. You just have to locate the source of the noise or spin the fans and see which one does not spin easily. If you do not want to do this yourself take it somewhere where they will service your machine.
Ventilation. Your computer should have proper ventilation. This will allow the fan to circulate clean air at all times. As your computer chips process information, they generate heat, and the only way to dissipate this heat is to allow cooling fans to blow outside air across these chips lowering their internal temperature and forcing hotter air out of the computer casing. If your computer is on the floor, elevate your computer (CPU) to a minimum height of 15 inches off the floor and allow a minimum of 3 inches of space on the sides and at least 12 inches or more of space on the back. If your floor is carpeted, vacuum the area monthly. You will notice that your computer fan will stop running loudly and is less likely to overheat.
Surge Protector. Are you using the right surge protector? Never use a generic low end surge protector to supply power to your office equipments. Invest in a heavy duty protector that allows the correct voltage, and phone line in/out adapters. Need to know more about surge protectors? Go to How Stuff Works.
Antivirus Software. It is required that you run some type of up-to-date antivirus program on your computer(s). New viruses are constantly being released and your antivirus must be continually updated. If your subscription is expired, either renew the subscription or uninstall it and install the free AVG antivirus, AVast, or purchase a reliable antivirus program. It is recommended to only run one antivirus program at a time. Multiple antivirus programs tend to conflict. The only exception to that is running AVG and AVast together. The two seem to work well together. However, do not run PC-Cilin McAfee, or Norton and any other antivirus. Also, just because you see an icon on your desktop does not mean that you are running the latest version of the antivirus program.
Spyware removal tools. Spyware has become one of the worst problems on the internet. I recommend Spybot. If you run these scans weekly, you'll have a lot less problems with your computer. If you do a web search on spyware removal, you'll find that nearly all the technology related websites recommend Spybot. They're free and will remove most of the spyware that is out there. Go to a trusted site such as www.download.com. Never go through an online link to download.com. Chances are, it will take you elsewhere and you will download more that the intended program.
Incoming Emails. Never open emails from sources you do not know. I suggest reviewing the email option feature to make sure the email is coming from a credible and reliable source. Scammers and Spammers are now altering one letter within the email address to get through. If you don’t pay attention, you can easily release a virus or Trojan on your computer. If you see incoming emails without a sender or subject header, immediately delete the email from your folder and computer. Then run a virus scan and Spybot. Clean and archive your folders frequently.
Email Backups. Backup your Outlook POP3 once a month or more frequently, depending on your business setup.
1. Exit all programs
2. Copy everything in: Documents and Settingsusernamelocal settingsapplication dataMicrosoftoutlook
3. Paste into your backup area. You can also create a shortcut on your desktop to this directory. It will make it easier to get to where they folder is located when it time for a backup.
Windows Updates. Yes, updates often cause more problems than solutions. However, these updates patch security holes in the Windows operating system. It is critical that they are run on a regular basis. You can get to Windows Update in your Internet Explorer by clicking on "Tools" and then "Windows Update".
Disk Maintenance. There are three tools that need to be run on a regular basis. They can be found by clicking on Start, Programs, Accessories, and System Tools. These should be run monthly.
1. Disk Cleanup - This will clean the temporary files off of your computer and allow Windows to function in a less cluttered environment.
2. Disk Defragmenter - This will reorganize the files and put the pieces of a file in one location to allow Windows to find it and work with it faster.
3. Scan Disk - This will look for common file allocation errors (how Windows knows where to look for what information) and hard drive issues.
Be careful what you download from the internet. Read the disclosure notices that go with the programs you download. Too many of the programs out there don't just install themselves, but install other "tag along" programs as well. If you don't use the Yahoo or Google toolbar, then why install it? These toolbars just pull resources from your computer and take up space on the screen. If you use it, great. Install the one you use. But does anyone really need four toolbars? Also remember to read each screen carefully. Don’t just click yes because you are in a hurry. That mistake may cost you a lot of money in repairs. Sometimes it is best to type in the domain instead of clicking on a link embedded on a website or within an email.
Program Installations. Don’t set all installed programs to run when Windows Start. This is especially important when you install a program that you are not going to use on a daily basis. When you install these programs to run automatically, it takes away from your system resources and will slow down your computer.
Removing old Software. If you have old software programs on your computer that you have not used in months, remove it. If you have eye-candy related software on your computer that is not business related, remove it. Such programs include weather checker, games, instant messengers, screen savers, additional web browsers, etc.
File location. Keep your files in one location. Storing files on your desktop and in multiple locations does not make your backup process easy and you will miss several files during the backup process. Create all folders in one area such as your “My Documents” folder.
Browser Cleaning. Clean your browser frequently. Remove all temporary files, Cookies, history, and form fillers. I use www.ccleaner.com However, most of the newer antivirus software programs provide this feature but I still run these programs several times a day since I am on the internet for long periods of time.

Carolyn Nelson | carolyn@onlinerepa.com | www.onlinerepa.com |

Southeastern Virtual Assistant Group to hold its Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC.

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:01:00 -0500

Charlotte, NC, January 1, 2008 -- The Southeastern Virtual Assistant Group, a membership group providing business support services to home offices, small businesses, and individuals, announces its 2007 conference scheduled for August 21-23, 2008 in Charlotte, NC. “We are very excited about our upcoming conference,” says the group’s founder and member, Carolyn Nelson.

Register Today

The conference is the first of many expected to be held in the southeast. The primary focus is to introduce the organization and its members to many regional businesses. According to Carolyn Nelson, “Business owners understand the need to outsource time-consuming tasks to professionals that have the experience and skill to provide quality and professional services. Our members are skilled entrepreneurs providing services in many industries world-wide.”

As companies continue to downsize and/or reduce office space, many companies are seeking support on demand and better ways to reach the global marketplace. Partnering with a SEVAG Virtual Professional is an ideal solution. Members are experienced working in many industries such as real estate, banking, insurance, speaking and coaching, writing (authors and publishers), web design, customer service, distribution, and more.

Established in January 2005, the Southeastern Virtual Assistant Group™ (SEVAG) is volunteer-directed organization, whose primary mission is to promote regionally on behalf of the virtual assistant professionals in the Southeast and to promote the growth of entrepreneurship between virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, associations, and other business entities.

For more information, contact info@sevag.org or visit the conference website at www.sevagconference.com or www.sevag.org

More Details Click Here

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Carolyn Nelson

877-717-4491

info@sevag.org

The Remote Assistants Routine for Wellness

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:42:49 -0500

Ever woke up to find that eight hours or more of sleep didn’t benefit you in any way and it takes you over 30 minutes to become motivated before you gain the excitement or motivation to start working? You feel like you just don't have the energy to lift a pencil or answer the phone. Working solo is very stressful to most and when you are not motivated to start your day, your clients will suffer.

Incorporate routines for wellness in your daily plan before you start your day working in the office and multitasking.

· Wake up early, light a candle and meditate for 30 minutes.

· Start a journal. Write down your thoughts, accomplishments, success stories, and the benefits you have acquired since you started working from home.

· Before breakfast, enjoy a cup of warm or hot water with lemon. It invigorates the mind.

· Try a new fruit or vegetable each week. Eat it raw if possible.

· Take a long bath or soak in a hot tub for 20 minutes followed by a quick cold shower.

· Walk for 30 minutes each morning before you start working at your desk.

· If you are using a desk lamp, switch to the brighter and long last Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.

· Change the text size on your monitor to a larger size to reduce eye straining.

· Read a motivational book.

· Turn off the TV during work time.

· Take a 10 – 15 minute break away from your desk every 2 hours.

· Read a motivational book.

· Take a one hour lunch and leave the office.

Holiday Depression and Stress

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:53:00 -0500

The holiday season for most people is a fun time of the year filled with parties, celebrations, and social gatherings with family and friends. For many people, it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety.

What causes holiday blues?

Sadness is a truly personal feeling. What makes one person feel sad may not affect another person. Typical sources of holiday sadness include:

Stress
Fatigue
Unrealistic expectations
Over-commercialization
Financial stress
The inability to be with one's family and friends

Did you update your Business Plan for 2008?

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:13:08 -0500

Did you update your Business Plan for 2008? Did you get a chance to update your business plan, plan new marketing strategies, set new goals, and decide if your are going to revamp your current website over the holidays so you can bring in 2008 with a bang.

Don’t let 2008 greet you with your old 2007 business plan, marketing strategies, old web content, and a blog that is blah. Sure, we can all say, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. However, you should keep in mind that the economy has change. Clients need new strategies to help built a larger client base, improve communication, enhance customer service, and sell more products and services. Therefore, we need new strategies to market our business to potential clients.

Here are a few things you should add to your holiday plans for 2008:

· Update your business plan

· Evaluate your pricing structure

· Create new marketing pieces for your portfolio

· Update your website and/or add new content

· Create your marketing plan and budget

· Create a target market based on your niche

· Create and/or edit your COI and SOI

· Re-evaluate your current vendor list

· Build a referral system for your business

· Organize your office and make it efficient

Preparing for 2008 is a necessity, not an option. If we fail to plan, we are planning to fail.

Carolyn Nelson, CEO

Carolyn@CANelsoncorp.com

877-717-4491

Identify Theft

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:07:00 -0500

Deter - Detect - Defend

Identity theft is everyone’s problem. Once we learn how to protect our information and become proactive, the thieves will realize that targeting specific individuals is just too much work. We all know that crooks prefer easy work and not hard work.

Do your part in get involved and discuss identity theft with everyone you know. If you read about a new scam, let everyone know. Maybe a conversation with a peer will prevent your identity from being stolen. Think about it.

Deter

Cross Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
Don't carry your social security card in your wallet.
Don't write your Social Security Number on a check.
Don't give out personal information on the phone, submit on only mailed documents, or input into any website.
Only add your personal information to websites that include the https:// where the "s" indicates a secured site.
Don't use obvious passwords like your birth date, mother's maiden name, last four digits of your SSN, Zip Code, and phone number.
Create passwords using a combination of letters and number. Include caps in random sequences.
Keep personal information in a secure place.
Never store passwords in your VCard.
Do not put your SSN on job applications.
Remove all incoming mail from the mail box as soon as possible.
Use a PO Box for mail delivery.
Shred all pre-approved credit card applications.

Detect

Bills that do not arrive as expected could have been stolen.
Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
Denials of credit for no apparent reasons.
Increase in unknown callers.
Recent phone calls from wrong numbers after having a specific phone number for years.
Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
Unknown purchases listed on your debit or credit card.
Declined register transactions.

Defend

Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert. A phone call is sufficient but it may also require a certified letter.
- Equifax: 800-525-6285
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
- Experian: 800-397-3742
Cut up all old credit cards and account information and setup new accounts.

UREATC Fall 2007 Online Transaction Management Graduates

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:53:36 -0500

November 13, 2007 - The Unlicensed Real Estate Assistant Training Center, UREATC, would like to present to the real estate industry the UREATC 2007 Graduates!

The students that attended and successfully completed the Online Transaction Management course are outstanding transaction coordinators and will excel in the industry as online and onsite Transaction Coordinators.

The transaction coordinators received training in the following areas:

Time management skills and practices,
Laws of the unlicensed real estate assistant,
Client privacy and protection,
Buyer and Seller email communication,
Action plan development and application,
The Closing Transaction Process,
Identifying the parts of a residential contract,
Contract accuracy and completeness,
Identifying transaction conditions/contingencies,
Manage time-lines and task lists.

Each student also learned how to process a transaction using RELAY Transaction Management from beginning to end in addition to learning how to use Transaction Point, one of the premier online transaction management programs in the industry.

Please welcome into the real estate assistant industry the following Transaction Coordinators:

Vivian Little, IL, #2002 - Virtual Business Solutions and Real Estate Services
Latega Powell, NC, #2003 - Virtually Accomplished
Vicki Steppe, GA, #2006 - IDP Services
Peggy West, FL, #2004 - Office Essentials REPA
Diana Martin, CA, #2008 - Sell Smart Real Estate - Closing Management
Toni Ellis, TX, #2007 - The REVA Group
Dona Pearce, IA, #2005 - Pearce Virtual Solutions
Beverly Freeman, VA, #2009- J-Jireh Resources, LLC
Roxanne Tidmore , OH, #2010 - Elite REVA
Vernise Bolden, MD, #2011 - Virtually Yours Personal Assistants
Sandy Parker, TN, #2012 - My Efficient Assistant
Sarah Greene, DE, #2013 - Green Business Support Services
Judy Kovacevich, MS, #2014 - Southern Assist
Megan Zechman, FL, #2015
Sandi Logan, FL, #2016 - Logan Virtual Assistant

The UREATC provide training to onsite and online Transaction Coordinators. Customized training is also available to match the office and broker needs.

Carolyn Nelson, Facilitator and Coach | www.UREATC.com | (877) 717-4491

If you are ready to work with brokers and agent but need to RIGHT training, signup for the classes starting in January 2008!

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Ok, I've purchased a transaction management program, now what do I do?

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:40:57 -0500

Would you purchase a car without doing the research required to ensure that the car on display will handle your needs? Would you purchase a car when you really need a truck? Would you purchase a to door sports car when there are six individuals in your family? Hopefully, you would have done the research needed to make sure you are buying the right vehicle to suit your family’s need.

Selecting an Online Transaction Management (OTM) program requires research. It’s very easy to be influenced by a sales rep of the advantages of using a particular program. However, rarely will the disadvantages be disclosed. It’s all part of the sales process.

So, now that you have purchased an online transaction management program, there are several steps you must complete if you have not completed these steps during your research and preparation phase.

First, you will need to setup your branding options. Dependent upon the online transaction management program selected, you many need only a top banner, top and side banner or full branding. The options vary by program. If you are not good at designing graphics, you can either enlist the services of the OTM vendor, service provider or hire a designer to create your brand. Hint: Know what you want before you contact a designer. It could reduce your cost considerably.

You will also need to obtain training. All online transaction management programs offer effective training to its customers, and it would be to your advantage to obtain training at the same time your coordinator will be trained so the two of you will hear the same information at the same time to eliminate any confusion or miscommunication. Even though I don't agree that each agent and/or broker should be logged in at all times into the transaction management program, I do believe that you should take the time to participate in each training session so you will know how the program works. After all, it is a business investment. Your transaction manager/coordinator is responsible for ensuring that each transaction is processed. Your role as the broker/agent is not to monitor transactions. So if you are not able to log in every day, I'm sure your transaction manager/coordinator wouldn't mind. He/she will be proactive and contact you before or immediately if a situation requires your immediate attention.

Second, you will need to develop your action plans/tasks list. While the designer is creating your branding, you can start the task development phase but hopefully, you would have completed this aspect before you decided that you were going to go online with your process. If not, you will need to complete this task before you start your first transaction. How do you write your task list? It’s not as hard as you may think. You will need to create a timeline by defining each step that you perform once a new listing or buyer contract is received and define when each task must be completed. If you are working with buyers and sellers, you will most likely need several types of action plans/tasks list such as a listing, listing post-contract, buyer (resale), land/lot, new build, and perhaps a condo or luxury action plan/task list if specific requirements must be completed that are different from the SF residential resale. Once you have created the timeline, you will need to add estimated completion dates in computed terms based on the following rule, what task (description) will be completed before or after, listing/contract/closing, by whom. Use Excel to create your draft.

Third, create or compile all general documents that will be used during the course of a listing or escrow process. Those documents may include tips, information sheets, and additional moving information that are NOT addressed to any specific individual. Remember to add your branding to those documents.

Fourth, you will need to combine steps two and three during the uploading process into the transaction management program. All documents that will be emailed to the buyer or seller during the transaction must be attached to the task and assigned to the correct recipient. This will reduce the manual paper handling process. Set all reminders so you will be notified in advance when a task must be completed. I have found it beneficial to set all reminder notifications at 3 - 5 days (depending on the agent’s location). It will account for the weekend and if the buyer or seller is not an email user, the time frame will give the transaction manager/coordinator ample time to mail any documents that the buyer or seller must have in his or her possession. The reminders will be sent out every day until the tasks are marked completed.

Fifth, run a test transaction. Make sure that all auto download documents are uploaded into the transaction and your branding appears correctly on all user screens.

Don’t become stressed, if during your first couple of transactions, the tasks are not completed on time. Remember, it is estimated days and computed based on the following: estimated days, before/after, listing/contract/closing. All online transaction management programs will allow you the chance to edit the timeline so you will get your dates closer to the time the task must be completed. The main items you or your transaction coordinator should monitor during the first couple of transactions would be the dates for all inspections, loan status, and contingencies since those dates will be indicated on the contract and must be adjusted per each transaction. If additional requirements must be monitored, don’t forget to indicate when inputting each task item.

If you would like assistance creating your action plan/tasks list, feel free to contact me.

Carolyn Nelson, NAR Certified REPA, Carolyn@OnlineREPA.com | www.OnlineREPA.com | Bus: 877.717.4491 | Fax: 866.590.226

Failure is NOT an Option

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:24:00 -0500

Failure is NOT an Option!

After reading through Failure is NOT an Option, I was inspired and confident to start my business. The book outlines everything one would need to know to start their own virtual assistance business, from what a virtual assistant is, setting goals and creating your business image to organizing your office, creating your business name along with all of the legalities pertaining to it and other business aspects to establishing your business policies and procedures. It also outlines creating a successful website, marketing efforts and creating and keeping a credible reputation. I can't say enough positive things about this book. I took it very literally and applied everything to the creation and opening of business. It truly forced me to think about and apply its contents, allowing me to start a successful business. After only three short months of completing the book, I have three clients. I know this would have not happened without the valuable information in Failure is Not an Option. The cost of the book has already paid for itself!

Provided by

Jamie A. DeChambeau
Jamie@jadevirtualadminservices.com
JADE Virtual Admin Services
www.jadevirtualadminservices.com

More Details:

Book Title: Failure is NOT an Option
Author: Patty Benton
Year Published: 2005 (new version coming out at the end of 2007)
Price: $19.95
Link to Book Site: http://virtualvacoach.com