Here's my one entry into the best practices contest.  Sure, I can't win, but I'm taking all of this great information and I have yet to add my secret to success to the group as my way of giving back!

Frankly, I think that this is

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT TIP

to going from good to great. 

And Most People NEVER Do It!

If you want to truly go from good to great you need to schedule "On Time."  Todd Ditka Had more than just fire, he had a planDuncan is a fan of On Time, but I have rarely done it.  You see, we're so busy working in our business that we rarely work on our business.  So, I have a pile of documents and ideas that I accumulate that I consider to improve my business.  I don't stack mail and look for a time to go through e-mails.  I take my ideas and tell my office I'm out of town.  I tell my wife that I can't be reach.  I then go to a hotel lobby or a Starbucks or Panera and leave my cell phone in the car. 

Once a month I work one entire afternoon at that location for three to four hours reading, considering, modifying and planning ideas to make my business more money, more time or to generate more contacts! 

I throw this picture of Ditka and me in this as a reminder that he had more than just passion and focus.  He had a plan...and he never waivered from that plan.  In that plan was the ability to re-examine what was working and what wasn't working and having the ability to make changes so that victory was assured.

FOR 4 YEARS NOW.....

once a month

I head off to my hole and decide that it's time to work on my business.  I love it because I'd bet that over 95% of real estate professionals spend most of their time working in their business. 

If you want to go to the top of the mountain...you need to work ON your business!

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62 Comments on The Importance of Utilizing "ON TIME" as opposed to being On Time

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
24
2011
139,252 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Great post. We need to remember to work on business.  That is something I tend to forget.  I am so busy working in business, I don't work on building a better business.  Thanks
10:04am • #43
265,163 Points 3 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

hey Larry, that makes me laugh, I  do the same thing.  it makes sense to look back and evaluate what is working and what new idea to try.

So much that my coach makes me do it too...
10:17am • #44
199,521 Points

Good advice.  As business owners, all real estate agents and brokers need to spend time to work on their business and plan as opposed to just letting their business push them around.
11:24am • #45
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good Morning Larry, I try to brainstorm with my business advisor every 2 weeks, He always is very sobering in his comments and keeps me on track

Linda J. Marshall
11:50am • #46
242,131 Points

Larry: You are so right! Thanks for sharing. Carrie
11:55am • #47

I had been thinking of doing something like what you describe.  I'm convinced now to go ahead and actually do this now.  thanks for sharing!
12:14pm • #48
597,529 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You've got a great system. I often wish I had somewhere to go to get away from the interruptions of working in a home office. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately because it means less population) there are no Starbucks, etc. around here. I've thought of just going for a drive up the mountain, but working in a pickup truck might be a bit awkward.
12:39pm • #49
301,008 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

This is a great idea! I will forward to reading about some of the results of your study. What kind of stuff are you reading?
1:30pm • #50
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

LOVE IT.  I seem to always be telling myself that when it slows down a bit I need to work on my business.  This post is sooo true and really hits home.  Thanks
2:15pm • #51
239,323 Points 1 Featured Post

You always need time to smell the roses. Relax and adjust your business plan if necessary. Plot your future.
3:09pm • #52

Very true Larry.  It seems the only time we (REALTORS) work on our business is when we have no business to work in.  Hence the cycle of feast and famine.   Also, I'm curious how you bumped into Mike Ditka.
4:08pm • #53
141,426 Points

Hi Larry,

 

You are so on the money with this one, it is great that you figured out a way to "just do it", good for you, we all have such busy lives and having priorities is a really good thing, good for you! I am right with you on that one

 
4:45pm • #54
1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Great post ! thanks a million. I think tommorrow will be my day to hide out ! Regards, ~ Ian
6:11pm • #55
201,526 Points 7 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I find I need the 1/2 day every week to work on my business, I can't do it in just one 1/2 day per month, too much change and too many great ideas.  Good Post
6:43pm • #56
SEP
25
2011
105,091 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

Larry, great reminder. You point how it is important to step back and not be working in our businesses in order to be able to focus on working on our business. Work out a plan and then work that plan.


Melville
7:43am • #57
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

"leave your cell phone in the car...."  what a concept!  THAT is probably the secret to your success!

Of the ideas and plans and tweaks that are made during this time...are you able to see a difference that is made in your biz as a result of this once a month time? 

Great post!
4:22pm • #58
173,018 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

It is so hard to take time to worki on your business when you are working in it so much.  Thanks for the nudge!
11:51pm • #59
SEP
26
2011
266,699 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Even though you can't win - this practice is a winner for sure.  I am truly amazed at watching agents who are simply busy "being busy" and don't even realize it.
7:53am • #60
1,028,818 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sounds like a good idea.  I am so busy doing my business I am having trouble laying ground work for the future.
3:32pm • #61
SEP
28
2011
102,519 Points Attended Rain Camp

Thanks ... great post!
10:03am • #62

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Larry Bettag Illinois FHA Specialist (Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage) Ambassador_large

Larry Bettag Illinois FHA Specialist

Saint Charles, IL

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Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage

Address: 40W310 LaFox Road, Saint Charles, IL, 60175

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 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
(John 14:1-4, New King James Version) I review for BookSneeze

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