Hey Karen - I am probably not the right person to ask. I do things from my gut - no written business plan here. I do what works and I don't do what doesn't. I know this isn't much help to you, but its just the truth. Also, I KNOW I will win. I think that is key.

Simon,

That's OK, that's how I do things as well. Always positive in my approach, I will succeed! Thanks for posting!

I cannot slow down enough to write a business plan and I am like Simon, I go with my gut and make things happen.  If I wrote it down, I'd just lose it anyway--LOL!

As far as being financially able to hang in a tough market I planned for it.  Early this year, I started planning my departure from the big franchise model (fees, fees, fees) and marketed my own brand to the max so that I could be a little more relaxed when crunch time hit.  In September of this year, I went independent and haven't looked back. The DFW market isn't nearly as bad as many others but it has slowed down enough that people are getting out of the business so for those of us that can hang, the future is bright.

I look forward to keeping in touch with the Rainers in 08!

Merry Christmas!

Amanda,

Glad you posted. I'm just like you, if I write it down, it would get mixed up in someones file...LOL

Merry Christmas to you as well.

Thanks for posting!  :-)

Karen,

I have been working on a Business Plan for the past 2 weeks now and I got some really good directions for a two part article written by Rich Levin.  Here are links to Part One and Part Two. I suggest you read it to help formulate your thoughts!

My plan is to get back to basics by prospecting my past clients. These are folks I have worked with me before and are most likely refer more business to me in the coming year.  I also am working to improve my website's SEO, (I have contracted a web company redesign it) so I become more visible to Google, Yahoo, and other search engines.  The research indicates that over 80% of buyer & sellers start looking online so that is where my primary marketing budget will be spent.  Also, one of my goals is to improve my conversion rates from the leads that are coming from online marketing.  My goal it to incorporate the drip email programs that I have available.  

I'm approaching 2008 as a unique opportunity in my career.  Like you have said, there are loads of agents that not coming back, but people will be buying houses, just not with the regularity of the most recent past.  I don't have the resources to waste on marketing that doesn't work.  Now is the time to get belly to belly and face to face with past clients and people that know and trust you.  

Hey, Good Luck to you in 2008!! 

I am working on my business plan and sharing it with my broker this week.  I have to change with the market.  I have the guts and will continue.  I never want anything just handed to me!

Rick, It is abolutely on the internet. I wish I was better at it!

As you reitterated...there are so many agents who are gone...more for us to take care of...maybe our business plan should include an exercise regimen, so we are in fit condition for the onslaught!

Hey, keep in touch, and Good Luck to you in 2008 as well. I'm feeling good about it! You?

Karen,

I'm walking by faith, not sight, right now!  After I was in the biz for several years, I could say confidently that if I did certain things, such as prospecting regularly and following up consistently, I could expect positive results.  Somewhere along the line, I got so busy, (and maybe burnt out) that I didn't prospect because there was soooo much business!  Now, if we're going to stay in the biz, it's got to be back to basics... So in answer to your question, honestly, YES I'm feeling good, cause I'm setting up a plan to follow!!  So how do you like your Point2 Professional site?  I have a Standard freebie, but I'm thinking of dropping my old site & moving Point 2 pro.  Let me know!

Thanks,

Rick,

I'm just a Point2agent...I guess I should check on it more often.