Everything they said about the flexibility and freedom of running a business is accurate. You’ll have more time to focus on your family (if you have one) or yourself, and you can make your own hours. But what they don’t tell you is that to be successful, you need to be organized and have a plan.
Since no one will tell you what to do every step of the way, you must always stay on top of your game. One of the most important things you can do as a real estate entrepreneur is to create a schedule — and stick to it.
This doesn’t mean that you have to be rigid and inflexible, but you should have some structure to your day-to-day life. Here are some tips for creating a schedule that will work for you and help you achieve your goals:
1. Set aside time for marketing and networking.
If you’re not out there meeting new people and spreading the word about your business, you’re not going to get very far. Schedule time each week to attend networking events, follow up with leads, and work on marketing materials. By doing so, you’ll stay top-of-mind with potential clients and referral sources.
You should also allot time to find new clients because you need to be proactive if you want to find them. This means dedicating time each week to making calls, sending emails, and prospecting for new business. If you don’t try to find new clients, your business will eventually dry up.
2. Block out time for appointments and showings.
You can’t close any deals if you’re not meeting with clients! That’s why you need to schedule time each week for appointments and showings because that’s what will generate new business. If you don’t have anything planned, you will likely be sitting in your office with nothing to do.
This is also a good time to block out time for open houses if you’re selling listings. Having an open house on your schedule makes you more likely to hold one and get people through the door. After all, if it’s not on your schedule, it will not happen!
3. Dedicate time to paperwork and administrative tasks.
While it may not be the most fun task, administrative work is a necessary evil in the world of real estate. You must ensure you’re staying on top of paperwork, whether processing offers, writing up contracts, or filing paperwork with the state for your listing properties.
If you let these tasks pile up, it will only make things more difficult down the road. That’s why it’s essential to schedule time each week — even if it’s just an hour or two — to focus on administrative work. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay on top of things and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Establishing a system for handling your paperwork and processes could also be worth your while. For instance, you could create a folder for each listing where you keep all the relevant paperwork. That way, everything is organized and in one place instead of scattered throughout your office.
4. Make time for learning and professional development.
Just because you’re not in school anymore doesn’t mean you should stop learning! As a real estate agent, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. This means dedicating time each week to reading industry publications, taking courses, and attending seminars.
By investing in your professional development, you’ll be able to serve your clients better and grow your business. Plus, it’s a great way to stay motivated and excited about your work because you constantly learn new things. And since you’re always learning, you’re never bored!
5. Don’t forget to schedule some personal time!
It’s important to remember that you’re not a machine — you can’t work 24/7 without taking a break. That’s why it’s important to schedule some personal time into your week so you can recharge your batteries. Whether going for a run, taking a yoga class, or just sitting down with a good book, make sure you’re taking some time for yourself.
You should also never compromise your health and well-being for the sake of your business. Suppose you have an aching tooth that your dentist can no longer save. In this case, it would be better to block out your schedule to get a tooth replacement procedure instead of pushing through the pain and trying to work. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to take care of your business better.
Creating and sticking to a schedule can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable — and worth it. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to achieving all of your real estate goals! So, don’t wait any longer; get started on making your schedule today!
