Jessica Whatman is a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind AgentSync, Australia’s premier real estate virtual assistant agency. With over two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Jessica has honed her expertise and developed a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Having spent the last eight years leveraging virtual assistants to streamline processes and drive profitability within large agencies, Jessica recognised the transformative potential of outsourcing administrative and marketing tasks. With a genuine passion for both her clients and the virtual assistants she employs from the Philippines, Jessica founded AgentSync to revolutionize the way real estate professionals operate.
At AgentSync, Jessica and her team specialise in matching skilled and experienced virtual assistants with agents, agency owners, and business owners seeking to scale their operations. Whether it’s handling general administrative tasks, sales support, property management, marketing, or social media management, AgentSync’s virtual assistants are dedicated to helping clients maximise their productivity and revenue.
To learn more about AgentSync, visit the website here.
Today, we sat down with Jessica Whatman to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and her business.
Q. Can you tell us how you started AgentSync and scaled it into a million-dollar business within 18 months?
Jess: Starting and scaling AgentSync into a million-dollar business within just 18 months required a strategic approach and genuine care for our clients’ needs.
Having worked in the Real Estate industry for the past 20 years the last 8 of those streamlining and outsourcing to the Philippines to free up the agents and property managers to focus on their roles – meant I have not only a great insight into this world but how to make the most of it for both our clients but our staff members in the Philippines
Q. What inspired you to create the freelance marketplace to support clients with one-off tasks?
Jess: I saw a huge need for not only full and part-time support but also those 1-off projects that need to be completed within a business. I have a genuine care for business owners and know how frustrating it can be to not have the support you need however sometimes there are cashflow issues which means that business owners or agents can’t commit to a VA on an ongoing basis. It started out of a need to help those business owners so the VA freelance platform was created to have a few selected VAs on there to complete those projects.
Q. What kind of impact do you want AgentSync to have when it comes to VAs and how they’re perceived?
Jess: AgentSync is super proud to be an ethical employer, providing opportunities and benefits to our team of incredibly skilled Filipino VAs and their families.
I think for a very long time Filippino VAs have received a “bad rap” or are only seen to be used in Call Centres, but I want to show how incredibly skilled and intelligent they are.
Q. Can you discuss some of the challenges you’ve faced in building and scaling AgentSync, and how you’ve overcome them?
Jess: When having to employ team members on a large scale there are always going to be people that aren’t a culture fit for your agency or the clients when they seem to be during the recruitment process. So having to navigate those challenges has been difficult however I pride myself on our internal processes and procedures that our staff withholds that see our clients want to continue doing business with us.
Q. Could you elaborate on the differences between onshore assistants and virtual assistants?
Jess: When it comes to getting support for your real estate business, there are definitely options. On one hand, you’ve got your onshore office staff, sharing the same coffee machine and maybe even the occasional joke. On the other hand, you’ve got your virtual assistant, who’s miles away but just a click away on your screen. Both have their perks, but there can certainly be a big difference.
Onshore assistants, they’re the ones you can high-five in person. They’re right there with you, immersed in the local market, and often have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of your local area. Plus, if you need something delivered, or a buyer inspection completed, they’re just a desk away. But, they come with a bit of a price tag – think office space, equipment, and all those little extras.
Now, Virtual Assistants might be halfway around the world, but thanks to technology, they’re practically right beside you. And the best part is they often come at a fraction of the cost. VAs from AgencySync aren’t just tech-savvy; they’re real estate savvy too. So when it comes to getting stuff done in the day-to-day, having the right support makes all the difference.
Q. What unique strategies or approaches do you bring to the table that set AgentSync apart from competitors in the industry?
Jess: At AgentSync, we’re not just another virtual assistant agency. With over two decades entrenched in the real estate trenches, my team and I have walked the walk, talked the talk, and know the industry like the back of our hands. And let me tell you, that makes all the difference. We’ve lived and breathed it, hustled through the highs and lows, and learned the ins and outs firsthand.
That’s why when it comes to providing virtual assistant services, we bring a truly unique perspective. Because we’ve been there. We’ve felt the pressure of juggling a hundred tasks at once, the frustration of paperwork piling up, and the thrill of being involved in the whole process.
Q. What advice would you give to real estate agents or agency owners who are considering virtual assistants but may be hesitant?
Jess: First and foremost you need to realise that you simply can’t do everything in your business if you want to scale. You need to free up your time and focus on what really matters to increase your revenue. So bringing in a new team member will be incredibly worthwhile.
First things first, figure out what’s eating up most of your time. I know it can be scary to hand over the reins, especially when it comes to your business. So, start small. Pick a couple of tasks that aren’t super critical and start with that. See how it feels. You might be surprised at how much of a weight it lifts off your shoulders.
Communication is key, be crystal clear about what you need from your virtual assistant. Set expectations upfront and keep the lines of communication open. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Moreover, don’t forget to invest in training. Your VA might be a whiz at what they do, but they’re not mind readers. Take the time to show them the ropes and get them up to speed on how you like things done. Once you’ve handed over those tasks, trust the process. Micromanaging defeats the whole purpose of outsourcing. Give your virtual assistant room to work their magic, and you’ll be amazed at what they can do.
Last but not least, don’t forget to evaluate and iterate, and check-in regularly to see how things are going. Are the tasks getting done? Are you seeing the results you want? Don’t be afraid to tweak things if needed.
Q. You mentioned having clients in other industries. How do AgentSync’s virtual assistants support businesses outside of the real estate sector?
Jess: We listen to businesses, understand their needs, and then handpick virtual assistants who are tailor-made for the job. Whether it’s e-commerce, healthcare, finance, or something else entirely, we’ve got the talent pool to match.
You wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your car, right? The same goes for virtual assistants. We hire for exactly what the business is looking for. Need someone to manage your inbox? Handle customer inquiries? Or maybe you’re knee-deep in a big project and could use an extra set of hands. Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered.
Q. How do you ensure that the virtual assistants you employ are committed, qualified, and reliable in assisting Australian businesses?
Jess: First off, we’re picky. Like, really picky. We don’t just hire anyone who comes knocking on our door. We put our candidates through an extensive recruitment process to make sure they’ve got the skills, experience, and dedication to knock it out of the park for our clients.
Q. Do you have any client story or case study that stands out about the impact your VAs have had on clients’ businesses?
Jess: Absolutely, we have countless success stories that highlight the incredible impact our VAs have had on our clients’ businesses. One standout example is the story of an agent whose listings and sales skyrocketed by 30% after partnering with AgentSync.
This agent knew he needed help, but he wasn’t sure where to turn. We paired the agent with one of our VAs, who hit the ground running from day one. She took charge of all those time-consuming tasks that were weighing him down, allowing him to focus his energy on what he did best – prospecting, listing and selling.
With our VAs’ support, John was able to streamline his processes, improve his efficiency, and ramp up his marketing efforts. From managing his social media accounts to scheduling appointments and following up with leads, our VA was a true asset to his business. Within just a few months of partnering with AgentSync, this agent saw a remarkable 30% increase in both his listings and sales. That’s right – 30%!
Q. What motivates and drives you to continue innovating and expanding AgentSync’s offerings?
Jess: Well, it’s simple – a relentless passion for helping businesses thrive and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. I believe that innovation isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a mindset. It’s about constantly asking ourselves how we can do better, how we can serve our clients more effectively, and how we can make a real impact in their lives.
Every day, I’m inspired by the incredible businesses we work with and the amazing results we’re able to achieve together. Whether it’s helping a real estate agent increase their listings and sales, supporting a small business owner in growing their brand, or assisting a busy executive in reclaiming their time, the impact we have on our clients’ lives is what keeps me going.
But innovation isn’t just about doing more of the same – it’s about pushing the boundaries and exploring new possibilities. That’s why we’re constantly exploring new technologies, refining our processes, and expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
As for the future of AgentSync, I envision a company that continues to lead the way in the virtual assistant space, setting the standard for excellence and innovation. I see us expanding our reach, partnering with businesses across the industry and making a meaningful difference in the lives of even more clients.
But above all, I see us staying true to our core values of integrity, excellence, and client satisfaction. Because no matter how much we grow or evolve, our commitment to our clients and our passion for helping them succeed will always remain at the heart of everything we do.
If you’re interested in learning more about AgentSync, visit their website or connect with Jessica Whatman on Instagram or Facebook.
