Virtual Outsourcing: Navigating the Globe for World-Class Resources

Take advantage of the vast, global talent pool without feeling lost at sea. Virtual outsourcing lets property managers access administrative, creative, financial, legal and almost any other service, from anywhere in the world, at competitive costs. Finding them is easier than you might think.

ONLINE DIRECTORIES
Many virtual assistant (VA) directories provide safe harbor when the vast talent pool seems like uncharted waters.

Virtual service provider marketplaces such as Guru and eLance offer controlled access to VAs who have registered at either a free, basic level or at paid, premium levels. (You choose whether to submit your bid to all or just premium members. Keep in mind, however, that some projects set a minimum bid for premium service providers, so including the basic level could net you lower bids.) Most marketplaces require all work be done through them.

Besides free use, VAs pay all fees and commissions. Other advantages include the choice of browsing or posting a specific project, viewable feedback, file sharing, escrow accounts for payment and the option of anonymity.

Non-profit trade associations such as the International Virtual Assistant Association (www.ivaa.org) also let you browse VAs or post a project. Unlike a marketplace, it permits direct access with contact information and links to VA websites.

The directory’s 24 categories range from accounting to web design and include members designated as Certified Real Estate Support Specialists. Similar associations include the International Association of Virtual Office Assistants (www.iavoa.org), which focuses on administrative services.

Specialized online communities, such as the Real Estate Virtual Assistant Network (REVA), bring together professionals and online service providers around common interests and industries.

DO-IT-YOURSELF SOURCING
Other options free you from the limits of any single member list, the required release of information and other controls.

Referrals work just as well now as in the pre-digital age. Your colleagues’ trusted bookkeeper, writer or programmer may be down the road from them, but that doesn’t prevent distance-work with you.

The ease of distance work also means that the departure of a trusted employee needn‘t be the end of a profitable professional relationship. Virtual outsourcing lets them remain on your team as a VA.

Search engines come last—and, for many, least. They can work, however, for the do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t mind getting thrown into the deep end of the talent pool. Since most VAs maintain a website, you can browse qualifications, testimonials and samples, making direct contact when you see one you like. This option works best for the property manager comfortable with entering search terms and brainstorming effective keywords.

Now comes the big question. What do you do with a VA once you have landed one? Look to next month’s article, “Outsourcing Virtually Everyday” for tips on evaluating, hiring, managing and compensating VAs.