Accountability, something you encounter every day. In fact, every morning when you wake up, you have a decision to make. You’re accountable for whether you are going to make something happen and be open for business, or whether are you going to be closed for business.
Flexibility in real estate is a great thing, but it can also be the kiss of death. Many people get into real estate because of the flexibility and ability to create their own schedules. Yet that same flexibility also allows the dreaded “E” word to come into play.
Excuses.
Excuses are not always bad. If you are the primary caretaker for your kids and need to drop them off and pick them up at school, it could hinder your overall schedule. That’s not a bad excuse. A bad excuse is…“well, I should really go to the office today, but I am not sure what to do and there is a good guest on my favorite talk show. I can always work from home, anyway.”
Please keep in mind that working from home does not mean “I have my smartphone in case anyone needs me.” Somehow, we have convinced ourselves that just carrying our phone with us is working.
But, real estate is a business of doing. We need to talk to 100 people a week in order to do just one transaction. Activities and prospecting are the name of the game in this business, and only you can make the decision each day to get it done.
When starting a career in real estate, it can be very hard to embrace and understand the accountability piece. Some people have always had a boss that has done this sort of planning for them. A boss gives you set hours and a job description, and expects you to get the work done.
In real estate, you are your own boss and it is up to you to create a business plan. Of course, brokerages will help guide you with input and incentives, but ultimately, it is up to you to make it happen.
If you’re having trouble getting motivated, I would suggest finding an accountability partner. The accountability partner could be a manager, a seasoned professional within your office, another associate in your office, or perhaps of group of associates that get together once a week to talk about success stories or challenges. These people will not only help you keep on track, but can help serve as coaches and create a great a support network.
Real estate can be a simple business, but sometimes the easiest things to do are also the easiest things not to do. Every morning you don’t make something happen, you’re out of business. Choose to hold yourself accountable and your business will thank you.
Karlton’s Tips to Staying on Task:
- Create a working business plan to set goals.
- Write it down. What you accomplished today and what you want to accomplish tomorrow. This way you can evaluate your success.
- Revisit that business plan often.
- Have a weekly planner with set time frames for business development and business supporting activities.
- Force yourself everyday to do one extra thing that could generate business.
