Glancing Back and Jumping Forward

I can’t tell you how many blogs and articles I have read over these last few weeks based on New Year predictions and goals. I am not going to launch into an evaluation of 2010 and tell you my personal goals for the New Year (but I may use some personal examples), nor will I review what is history. The highlight of 2010 was finally breaking out on my own and opening my own brokerage…I honestly have never been so excited about work and can’t wait for the New Year to start.

As for the jump forward, tomorrow, January 1, is the beginning of a new chapter in all our lives–tabula rasa and all that. You can choose to make it mediocre, more of the same, or to really make a change. You can jump or you can leap…it’s all up to you. No matter what business you are in, there are a few things you can do to really make this coming year count, both in your business and your personal life. Here are some suggestions:

1. WRITE down your goals and focus on what you can do daily to stimulate business in the future. This is really a combination of two things, but they go together. I attended a seminar a few years ago where we spent a few hours making formal business plans. Personally, that didn’t do it for me (it was all based on money and numbers). So this year I did it my own way, by taking into account the things I need to do to be productive. I feel great about all this, because my goals are not based on how much money I want to make, but rather on attainable daily goals I can accomplish each day. Personally, I think if you focus on the money aspect of your job you lose sight of the more important aspects: building relationships and being a community expert.

2. Spend time with the people who matter. I don’t mean your family and friends, although surely they matter most to you (and you NEED to schedule time for that daily); I am talking about your client or customer relationships. In my industry SO many agents finish a transaction and rarely ever speak with their clients again. In fact, the National Association of Realtors conducted a study on this not to long ago and found that around 70-75% of agents don’t keep in touch (I am going off of memory so I am not certain of the exact number). Amazing. You have to make time for these people, as they are the most important people in your business! Personally, I love my clients so this is actually fun for me. Schedule time once a week to meet a past or current client for coffee, breakfast, lunch, a walk, or a visit to their home. I am going to be doing a lot of this in the new year.

3. Get rid of the things that don’t work. If you have been in business for more than a year and have tried different types of marketing, you likely know by this point what doesn’t work. Personally, I cut out several forms of marketing from my budget in the last few months. I know where my business comes from and that is what I am sticking to. Really evaluate what works and what does not.

4. Step outside your business and view it from a buyer or seller’s (or customer’s) perspective. I am speaking about real estate, but this concept can apply to any business. Look at your logo, your mantra, your colors and marketing pieces. Are you consistent in everything you do? That is very important to me. Your marketing is a reflection of YOU.

5. Evaluate your personal position. I mention this because there are a lot of people in America who really don’t like what they do for a living. If you are not passionate about what you do then you should not be doing it. Most people are too afraid of this, but trust me on this one. About six months ago I considered leaving real estate. I found that I actually love what I do, but was not in the right place. Leaving the corporate real estate world was what I needed and now I am happy. A new year is a great time to reevaluate and just go for it!

That is my very simple list, and although it is short it actually contains a LOT of powerful information and gives you some homework. I wish you the best of luck on your personal journey, and a very happy New Year!