Real Estate – The Winter of our Discontent! Pre Plan
OK I am not exactly sure what the title means, but I thought a little Shakespeare might get your attention. But business is off from last year and it is making me discontent. Last Christmas I was too busy – but of course I never turn away business so I was just busy.
The curse of the self employed. Your are either too busy to enjoy the fruits of your labor or you are not busy and then too nervous to enjoy the down time.
Preparation is Everything!
I am working with a few clients right now – just not as many as I would like. I do think there are a lot of fence setters out there and depending which side of the fence the economy drops on 2014 could be a huge year. So what do I do to keep going and get ready:
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I work of Todoist to for my “To Do List” of contacts and follow up every day. I do not schedule less than hot calls for Thanksgiving week, Christmas Week, or at the end of the year. January 2 people are fair game. That does not mean I am not working or not here to help people over the holidays. I once had some docs signed on Christmas Day. If someone calls and wants help I am here to help and show homes. I just feel people generally do not want me calling to discuss real estate and such during those weeks. They are already busy.
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In December I will make some calls to clients earlier in the month. Two things I focus on 1) year end deals for the cash buyer, or 2) what are you looking to do next year and How can we get ready.
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Of course I will continue to send out e-mail messages and follow who clicks through to read blogs and who opens them. How they handle the e-mail will generate a call from me or at least a note in their file as to what may interest them.
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Send out my hand written Christmas Cards. Also an e-mail card will go out.
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One tradition I have had even before real estate in other businesses is the week between Christmas and New Years is a week of cleaning out the desk, the files, and general office clean up and get ready for the new year. It is generally a slow week and a good time to do this.
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Do not let up. This is a good time to be proactive and work on the long term projects I have trouble getting around to.
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Do enjoy the Christmas Holiday and relax. Taking time is good for me and good for the business.
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