Tips to Prepare for the New Year
The holidays are fast approaching, and that means we’ll soon be celebrating another new year. Have you given any thought to your professional goals and what to expect from your business in the upcoming year? Setting realistic and attainable goals is the best way to hold yourself accountable for personal growth each year. Read on to learn some ways to prepare yourself for the new year.
1. Learn Something New
Whether it be a new professional skill, brushing up on new strategies, or even diving in to a new hobby, you should always be learning to continue broadening your horizons and finding new opportunities. Commit yourself to learning a new skill next year that will help you feel more well-rounded.
2. Give Back to Your Community
Many of the most successful real estate agents and brokers are also the most involved in their community. Donating to a cause close to your heart is a great way to show your support for the community, but support does not always have to come through monetary means. Volunteer, serve on a committee, or even be a mentor to a rookie in your field.
3. Cultivate your Workspace
The state of your work environment is tantamount to your success, so take this opportunity to create an environment that encourages productivity and efficiency. Implement methods to keep your work organized and commit to maintaining that process throughout the new year. If you have a lot of junk in your space, put in a conscious effort to declutter it. According to the Mayo Clinic, decluttering your space can lead to a healthier and happier life.
4. Grow Your Network
Everyone knows that networking is paramount to success in almost any industry, but how much time do you actually set aside to focus on it? Growing your professional network makes it easier to gain new leads, and helps to strengthen your professional relationships. If you don’t already, consider blocking out an hour a week dedicated solely to expanding your network.
5. Set Up Automation
Certain every day marketing tasks, such as sending out intro emails to leads or follow-up emails to past customers, can quickly snowball into a large portion of your time. Your time is valuable and should be focused on the areas that require your full attention. Save yourself the headache by automating some of these processes. If certain communications follow the same process each time, a good CRM will allow you to automate those tasks, freeing up more or your time to focus on growing your business.
6. Focus on Marketing
The close relationship between marketing and sales is no secret. Understanding your marketing will unlock the full potential of your business. What worked for you last year? What didn’t? Craft a marketing plan with marketing goals that are attainable and specifically outline what you plan to get out of your marketing efforts next year.
Success in real estate only comes with adequate planning and work. Preparation is key! Hone in on these tips and take full advantage before the new year arrives.
