Welcome to another exciting blog post where I share my insights from my recent conversation with Ella Stratton, the owner of Platinum Property Co and The Associates Co. We had a great discussion about the role of virtual assistants (VAs) in property management, the balance between work and personal life, and the potential of AI in enhancing the capabilities of VAs.

The Role of Virtual Assistants in Property Management

Ella Stratton shared her journey of how she started using VAs in her business when she couldn't afford staff and had no office space. She found her first VA online and privately hired her until the business grew. Ella emphasized the importance of VAs in supporting her as an assistant and helping with administrative tasks.

I also shared my experience of hiring a personal assistant recently and how it has positively impacted my work-life balance. We discussed the possibility of more people, not just property managers, hiring personal VAs and the ethical considerations for employers. Ella believes that property management is a lifestyle and sees no issue with staff having their own VAs to assist with personal tasks.

Balancing Work and Personal Life in Property Management

Ella believes that as long as the property managers are happy and the work is getting done, it's fine for them to have a flexible lifestyle. However, she emphasizes that certain boundaries need to be set, such as not prioritizing personal tasks over work responsibilities.

She also shared her long-term relationship with her VA, Katherine, is built on trust, friendship, and shared experiences. Ella credits Katherine for her success and promises to reward her dedication with increased pay. For a newbie with a VA, Ella suggests using platforms like Monday for efficient task management.

The Benefits of Personal Branding for Property Managers

We discussed the benefits of property managers having their own personal branding and how it can benefit the agency as well. She mentioned the idea of property managers having their own personal assistant who can handle tasks like requesting Google reviews and managing social media, which can help build their personal brand organically.

She also highlighted the value of having a VA to assist with administrative tasks and improve efficiency. Ella believes that property managers should embrace the benefits of having a VA and demonstrate the positive impact it can have on their work.

The Potential of AI in Conjunction with VAs

Ella and I talked about how AI can work in conjunction with VAs, stating that AI can enhance the capabilities of VAs and make them even more valuable to property managers. She emphasized that it's not a matter of choosing between technology and personal touch, but rather implementing the right processes and procedures to make both work together effectively.

When to Bring on a VA?

When asked about the right time to bring on a VA, Ella suggested that it depends on the individual's goals and needs. From her own experience, she believes that having a VA from the very start is beneficial for hitting the ground running and achieving success. However, for established agencies, VAs can be utilized for general management tasks. Ella emphasized that there is always a place for a VA, regardless of the stage of one's real estate career.

Final Thoughts

Ella shared her personal journey of initially being hesitant to hire a VA but ultimately realizing the value they bring. She recommends going through a reputable company to ensure security and protection, especially when working with clients and business partners. She advises against finding VAs independently and highlights the importance of proper training and minimizing risks.

To learn more about The Associates Co, and how they utilize VAs in their operations, tune in to our podcast "The Art of Property Management".