Virtual property management assistants, or remote team members, have become increasingly popular over the years as companies have sought to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs.
However, while working with virtual assistants can be different from working with in-house employees, it's not so different in many ways. Here are a few of the most common complaints we hear about a virtual property management assistant (and why they aren't true).
You Can't Build Relationships With Virtual Assistants
One of the most common complaints about virtual assistants is that you can't build relationships with them. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.
With the right tools in place and intentionally setting up meetings and checking in with your VA, you can build long-term relationships with your remote team members.
Use tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom to stay connected with your VAs. Additionally, schedule weekly check-in meetings and be available for additional "face time" throughout the week to help your virtual assistants feel comfortable reaching out with questions or just to chat.
Building a relationship with your virtual team members will help build trust and create a better working environment for everyone involved.
Cultural Differences Can't Be Overcome
Another common concern is that cultural differences can't be overcome when working with remote team members. However, this is also not true.
Differences make every team member unique, including your local employees. While cultural differences can present some challenges when building a team, getting to know each team member's culture and how to understand and communicate with them can help you build a productive team.
Whether you choose virtual assistants from the Philippines, Mexico, or other countries, schedule team-building activities to help your stateside team get to know your virtual team better. By understanding each other's cultures, you can build a stronger team with better communication and collaboration.
I'm Not Sure They're Actually Working
We understand it can feel strange to trust that someone you never see in person is actually doing the work they say they are doing. However, with project management tools and a system like the VPM Solutions platform, it's easy to track tasks, time, projects, and more.
With the Company Accounts feature through VPM Solutions, property managers can easily review timecards and review or dispute time records if they don't add up to the work you've received from your virtual team member.
Additionally, when choosing virtual assistants, choose VAs with experience, talk with them before adding them to your team, and make sure their job description clearly defines your expectations for time worked, when to work, how to complete tasks, and more as part of your contracted arrangement. By setting clear expectations and using tools to track work, you can rest assured that your virtual team members are doing the work they are contracted to do.
The Time Zone Difference Makes Virtual Work Impossible
Another common complaint about virtual assistants is that the time zone difference makes virtual work impossible for property management companies in the U.S. However, this is also not true. A virtual property management assistant working many time zones away from your home base understands that this challenge comes with the territory.
When posting a job description and talking with your top candidates, learn about their location and time zone. Be upfront about your expectations that they work during your regular office hours, even if that means they work odd hours based on their local time.
Most VAs are familiar with this and are happy to adjust their schedules to work with you! It's just part of the job.
Virtual Assistants Don't Stay
While that can be true for some virtual contractors, many virtual assistants for property management companies are looking for and prefer long-term relationships with businesses.
Property managers can use VAs in a variety of ways, including short-term, project-based, or long-term. For example, if you choose a virtual marketing assistant, this can be a long-term role. Look for a remote assistant with the experience you need and a long-term plan for their next contracting role.
Then, work with your property management virtual assistant to set KPIs (key performance indicators) and monitor their performance to build a relationship that allows them to grow in their role over time — as you would with an in-house employee planning to stay with your company for an extended time.
In addition, pointing your marketing VA to ongoing training can help them grow to be a valuable long-term team member. VPM Solutions offers ongoing free training for virtual assistants through the VPM Academy. Marketing assistants can take the Marketing 101 series to grow their knowledge.
VPM Solutions Makes Working With Property Management Virtual Assistants Easy
While some complaints about virtual assistants are valid, property managers can overcome these issues by choosing experienced VAs from a platform that makes managing and accountability easy.
VPM Solutions is an online platform connecting real estate and property management companies to industry–trained VAs. It's self-service workforce building like you won't find anywhere else! With VPM Solutions, you can find a remote team member that fits your company's specific needs, budget, and schedule.
To find a virtual team member for your property management business today, head to our website to start your Free Company Profile.
