How to Set Yourself Up for Success in the New Year

As we close out a great year let’s start thinking of what we can do better at and what do we need to implement.

1. Get a pencil and paper.
2. Write down everything you feel you can do better at.
   1. Cold calling
   2. Listings procedure
   3. Maintaining an organized database
   4. Asking for referrals
   5. Client interaction
   6. Business 2 Business interaction
      1. Supporting local business
   7. Expenses
   8. Social Media
3. Write down everything you did right and feel confident in – your wins
   1. How many listings are you closing this year
      1. How did you get those listings
   2. How many buyers did you help achieve their real estate dream?
      1. How did you get those buyers
   3. You stayed consistent with your marketing
      1. local
      2. Internet

Now, let’s compare these two lists and let’s stop and be thankful for the wins and think about how to then how can you modify the things you can do better in.

We have to remember we are coming off a couple of years of amazing momentum, so by putting certain areas of your business on the back burner is fine – you have to focus on the wins, but now you need to put a plan into place so that you are the first person any buyer or seller thinks of when the times comes, so what will you do in the new year that will set you up for success?

Here are some tips:

1. Create a monthly newsletter
2. Create a past client system
3. Create a social media strategy
4. Commit to batch your tasks as much as possible

Not only do you need to focus on the business, but you must focus on the personal things in your life as well so you have a balance.

While talking to a client this past week she mentioned she finds it hard to relax and take time for herself.  So, I mentioned to her that she just needs to focus on one quarter at a time.

Set a goal for the business and your personal life each quarter.

Something like:

Go out to eat alone – this will help you build your confidence. Get to know you and spend time with YOU!

1. Treat yourself to a massage
2. Get together with your people for a day out. Go hiking, Do some yoga together, take a day trip, etc.

Business:

1. Review your expenses and eliminate programs you’re not using.
2. Organize your database
3. Organize your computer files –
4. Clean your inbox

These are just some ideas so make a list of personal and business goals that you know you can obtain in that quarter.  Then focus on that one goal and then when the quarter is over set another for the new quarter.

You will find this helps you achieve those larger milestones and you will feel you accomplished more and by the end of the year you have accomplished at least 4 goals for personal and business.

My personal goal for the first quarter of the year is to start back to my cross-stitching.  I have an idea of what I want to create so it might take the first quarter to get it organized, but by the second quarter I will be ready to start the project

My business goal for the first quarter is to look at my systems to eliminate the programs I am not using.  This will set me up for a solid focus on the programs I do use and discover what else they can do for my business.

If you are struggling with organization, setting goals for your personal or business, please reach out.  We are a fabulous resource to help get you going in the right direction.

In closing…

• Schedule Your Work Hours and Your Off Hours
• Time Blocking – schedule time to answer emails and return phone calls so you aren’t stopping every few minutes and find yourself unable to complete any other work
• Streamline your record-keeping system and don’t have files and contacts in multiple places (such as just use Dropbox, OneNote, Google Drive or CRM)
• Create process checklists to guide you through activities such as listing a home, closing a deal, or running an open house
• Get rid of clutter such as all unnecessary papers (old contracts, expired listings, etc.) – make sure they are backed up online and organized by year, month, client name, etc.