As we all know in the real estate business, we work when our clients want us to!!! So recently, I have found that it is very easy to work 7 days a week and 12-14 hours a day without even thinking about it. This past weekend, I decided to take the family to one of the local theme parks here in Orlando and we had a great time. I think it is very important to balance work and play, especially when it comes to family time. The only problem I had was the damn phone kept ringing. The answer to this problem was just not to answer it and then return the calls the later that day or even the next day......Here is the issues, then the mind starts to wonder and I start thinking....what if that was a real buyer wanting one of my listings, not only will I lose the commission, i will also not sell my clients home as fast as I would like. Do you really think sellers will mind not getting a call back within an hour. I know NAR says that many buyers want a response within 1 hour or sooner. What ideas do you all use to get time off without having to allow the phone to rule your life?
Vacation for me is working 4-6 hours a day. With the advent of the internet it is easier to get away and work remotely. I might suggest allotting an hour a day on vacation for checking VM, Email and Returning calls.
Unfortunately, losing leads while on vacation is a risk we run in our business.
Great post! tell your clients that you work from x o'clock to y o'clock.
Take care & good luck!
I think its really important to remember what you are working for. If you are working simply to generate more leads to, in effect, work more then by all means allow the phone, blackberry or email to rule your life. If on the other hand you are working to enjoy life, shut them down. A lost lead at the expense of quality family or relaxation time is worth it. I spend much of my time chained to a desk. While I do it gladly, to ensure balance, I keep work to a minimum on Sat. and unplug entirely on Sunday. I would love to do more, but often necessity dictates otherwise.
Thanks for the great post.
Next time leave your phone in the car after recording the message that you are unavaible all day, but leave your name and number and you will return the call within 24 hours. It's the only way.
If they are a serious, motivated prospect they will leave a message. If not, you aren't losing anything but a tire-kicker.
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