Markelle Harden is a "Real Estate Virtual Assistant" at VirtualGenie.com. She wrote in to tell us how her company uses Basecamp:
I would like to thank 37signals for the phenomenal project management software 'Basecamp'. Our company is comprised of Virtual Assistants for Realtors - meaning we provide a myriad of custom order tech and admin services to Realtors nationwide. Our services range from managing the marketing of 30-50 listings for an agent at any given time, to monthly tasks related to contact management, marketing, and client follow up. Basecamp was the 4th try for us with project management software. It is our fave because it allows us to collaborate all of our clients in one central system, designate different tasks for each client, and anyone can use it the first time they log in since it's very easy to use.My favorite feature of Basecamp is the 'Dashboard' and the fact that tasks that are due can be assigned to different associates, but we can all see if they are past due. I also like the fact that my Realtor clients can log in 24/7 without playing 'seek and find' - from the minute they log in, they can see an overview of all their projects, what's been done, and what's coming up. I believe this feature allows us to retain clients that are nervous about 'virtual' assistance, it gives them a glimpse into our 'office'.
I would recommend one trick when implementing Basecamp if your client projects are all very different - use the Milestones as the 'To Do' list and skip over using the 'To Do' list feature. Milestones are easily created and are great for project submissions that require specific, once occurring tasks.
Do you use a 37signals product in an interesting or noteworthy way? Let us know.
