If you’re a real estate professional, you’re really the CEO of a company of one: YOU. And as the president and owner of your own business, you have both the freedom and the burden of having so much freedom.
For those who have come to real estate after a long tenure in the business world, the discipline and organizational habits necessary to be successful may be second nature. But for those starting out (and those looking to grow), it can be difficult at times to do have the discipline to do what is necessary for your business.
In the past, we’ve talked about the importance of paying yourself first and prioritizing your day around your energy levels and the importance of your tasks. But what are those tasks? And are they aligned with your goals?
Enter the “action plan.” Action plans are more than simple “to-do” lists. An action plan is a document which shows you where you want to be, how you’re going to get there, who and what will be involved, the projected time frame for the activity, and how you’re going to monitor your progress and measure success. Some people use a spreadsheet, using the following elements as headings:
1. Goal
2. Objectives
3. Action Required
4. People Responsible
5. Resources Required
6. Timeframe
7. Evaluation (When to evaluate, how to measure success)
Organizing yourself around an action plan and systematically working the items on the list (while measuring their success or areas for improvement) is key to increasing efficiency and ensuring you cover your bases. Common action plans center around listing homes, prospecting, and following-up with clients.
Photo credit: pinksherbet
