Productivity Boosters — Get More Done Every Day
Maybe you’re just starting out in the real estate industry or your career is already established, but you’ve hit a plateau. Whatever the case may be, it’s always good to step back and re-evaluate your business practices and find ways to improve or increase productivity. Oftentimes it takes stepping out of your comfort zone and going through some challenging growth phases to propel you to the next level in your business. Ever heard the saying, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what a ship is built for?” Don’t be afraid to take chances and make changes. Here are some ways you can shake things up and increase your productivity:
Build a Team — If you’re an individual agent, ask yourself: are you able to give your clients the very best service by handling every aspect of business by yourself? Sure, you’re an expert at finding the perfect fit for your client and negotiating a deal, but what about marketing, lead generating, or maintaining social media accounts? Each can require quite a bit of time and expertise, now might be a good time to let go and let others use their talents in those areas so you can focus on what you do best.
Be the King or Queen of Follow-up — It’s not only critical to follow up with potential clients or industry professionals to expand your database, it’s equally important to keep in touch with the contacts you already have. Reach out to them even if it’s just to say hello and update them on what’s happening in the market. It’s a great way to stay on their radar. If an opportunity arises or a property comes on the market, they’ll think of you first.
Prioritize Your Day — Do you ever feel as though you constantly have your nose to the grindstone only to discover you haven’t really accomplished much? Scheduling time for specific tasks throughout the day is much less daunting and can be extremely beneficial in boosting productivity. Set aside an hour or two in the morning for returning phone calls and emails, then be done with it. Your next block of time can be dedicated to listing appointments, showings, or meetings with clients. End the day by finishing up paperwork, researching marketing strategies, or making your to-do list for the next day. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when you have a plan and stick to it.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage — With more than 1.65 billion active users on Facebook every month, you simply cannot afford to not utilize it. However, make sure you’re using it efficiently to get the most out of your posts. Posting on certain days of the week — or even specific times of day — can garner more likes and shares. And remember, quality over quantity is what you should aim for when posting. Share things that will be useful to your clients, such as a link to your most recent blog post on how to pack for a move, or photos and information about an upcoming open house.
Further Your Education — Think of your business as a software program that requires updates. Just as technology advances and programs need a little tweaking here and there, your business also needs to evolve with the current market trends and changes in the industry. Participating in continuing education in areas such as negotiating, home inspections, and real estate laws ensures your clients peace of mind and keeps you ahead of the competition. Obtaining designations is another way to make you stand out in the crowd. Becoming a Certified Relocation Professional makes sense if the area you serve is a haven for retirees or has a large military population. The GREEN Designation is beneficial in places where clients are more environmentally conscious. Network with colleagues to see what trends are on the horizon, then take action to be at the forefront of those changes.
Take a Day Off — It might seem counter-productive to take time off when you’re trying to grow your business, but it can actually be just what you need to achieve success. Time away from work can improve your mental state, performance, and productivity. You also run the risk of eventually burning out when there’s a lack of work-life balance. So make the decision to turn off notifications on your phone, pack a bag, and head out for the weekend to re-energize and get your creativity flowing again.