We all want to be successful and make lots and lots of money in real estate. Some realtors actually understand that hard work pays off. The realtors that fail in our industry are the ones that don’t acknowledge that being a realtor is in every way the same as running your own business and branding yourself.
GOAL SETTING – Whether it’s personal or business related, goals are a part of everyone’s mind. We focus on what we want and work towards achieving these goals.
In real estate, the ability to set your goals right from the very beginning and be realistic is beyond important to being successful in this field.
So what exactly makes a goal realistic and effective? An effective goal is one that is set with genuine intention. That means your goal or goals should scare you. If they’re not that crazy enough to challenge you, then are they really getting you to a higher level of success?
Alternatively, you may be thinking that you’d like to set goals that are a bit out of reach so that you have something super high to strive toward. And that if you set your goals too low, it’s not exciting enough to work hard for. While setting your crazy scary goals, keep in mind that there’s a happy medium between challenging and just plain unattainable. In fact, I can promise you that if you set your goals at a level that’s absolutely undoable for you, you’re going to get discouraged and give up sooner than later. Give yourself deadlines and follow through and keep yourself updated on your goal achievements. Break down your goal into smaller goals so that it looks much easier to fulfil.
MAINTAN A STRICT SCHEDULE - Sometimes as a real estate agent we’ve got more time on our hands than we want. And if that’s the case – you’re doing it wrong! I’m frequently asked by new realtors as to what should they be doing everyday to be successful. What types of things should they be doing to make sure they’re covering their bases?
The truth is, if you aren’t busy doing the things a top agent is doing, then you need to fill your empty schedule with things that will lead to those top agent activities. You need a schedule because you’ve got so many distractions that aren’t productive or conducive to the goals that you’ve earnestly set for yourself.
A schedule also helps you make the right decision when faced with the choice between a not so fun task that will lead to more business vs. something that keeps you busy but doesn’t give you any new business.
HAVE AN EFFECTIVE BUSINESS & MARKETING PLAN - A marketing and business plan may not have even crossed your mind, but it is something you need to have. If you don’t, get out your notebook and start brainstorming ideas on marketing yourself and tour business.
A business plan is essential for any business and being a realtor isn’t any different than running and operating a business.
A marketing plan sets out a plan for you to target your audience and get into the minds of buyers and sellers. Just winging it isn’t going to get you to top agent status.
A CLIENT DATABASE - If you don’t know what I mean by ‘having a database’, well we need to have a conversation my love! Because I’m about to take your real estate career for a RIDE ;) A database is a list of everyone you know, have known, have met, have done business with, etc. It’s the one place where everyone in your sphere of influence exists and you have access to this list wherever you go.
Your database isn’t just names however; it’s also notes on those people, contact information, and other ways that you can connect with them. In short, your database is your lifeblood. As a new agent, or someone with many years of experience in the industry, without a database, you’re leaving copious amounts of money on the table.
AN ONLINE PRESSENCE – Social media is such an important part of your business and your brand; it cannot be ignored. Now more than ever, buyers and sellers are using the internet to find homes, realtors, and resources to help them in their real estate endeavors.
Not only does your own website matter, it’s imperative to your success and ability to generate your own leads. Having your own website on the internet that’s independent from your brokerage’s SEO rankings will help you create your own inbound leads that you don’t have to take a hit in your commissions for.
LISTING PRESENTATIONS, CMA & BUYER PACKAGES – You NEED to be prepared and have these presentations at your fingertips always. Keep them on your laptop and always be ready to meet your next seller or buyer.
These items can be personalized to suit you and your brand, but at the same time, they need to have the information clients are looking for. Usually, your brokerage will have samples or you can ask the experienced agents in your office some of the things that clients will request in these types of material.
Being a successful realtor doesn’t happen overnight. You have to work your cute little butt off and don’t skip a day until you are able to schedule your life the way you want it to be and the way it should be when you put in the effort.
I have faith in you – you can do anything you put your mind to!
With Love | Nikki xo