Fool's Gold
I love this blog. So true in so many ways..
Glad to forward this on to others.
An open letter to myself to stay focused on the fundamentals...
Dear TJ,
Sometimes you suffer from "shiny object syndrome". You just get bored and want to try something new. You are a Free Spirit and routines are boring and shiny objects and new tools are momentarily distracting and even inspires you to think, "if I could just buy this, I'd be able to accomplish that." But, the truth is, where success begins, is with your habits and the choices you make, not the latest gizmo or paid leads. The man that can't manage $100.00 will never be given the chance to manage $1,000,000 as your Grandpa used to say, remember?
Oh I like this song, turn it up....
But fools gold shines like words that make us cry
We just keep on digging, find us something better
For the next time, next time
Something better, for the next time, next time, next time...lyrics by Fitz & The Tantrums
turn the radio down and focus Thomas...
Tommy boy, Fools Gold aka Iron Pyrite, looks like gold, its shiny and guess what? Yep, its easier to find than real gold. Fools Gold ruined many a minor they way online leads and other temptations for the quick fix have blown out the budgets of many a real estate agent.
Online leads, the latest tech gadgets, APPS, social media and other "tools" you get tempted purchase can be like Fool's Gold to the undisciplined entrepreneur. Tom, the truth is, all you need is a phone, good people to call and car and you can kill it annually like it's 1999. Because back then, that's about all you had to sell houses with (well and your trusty MLS book) and you, like many agents made good money.
Some folks that claim much success with paid leads for example and maybe they do. They likely have a staff and a way to establish contact and keep in touch with these leads, even if most incubate initially, because the majority won't be ready for the market statistically, for 6-18 months. They probably don't "get to them when they can".
You don't need paid leads to build a database to build your business on. You are diversified and working your fundamentals, your database, creating additional pipelines through networking and social activities, causes and charities and whatever else you do to ensure "new people encounters", you have a great plan in place...follow it and trust it. Just Do It, Just Do It Now, Just Do It Again!
Thomas if you choose not to run your business like a business and then think a sudden cash infusion to Zillow leads or Premiere Agent is going to be the difference maker, your buying Fool's Gold again.
Just like agents that think changing brokerages, putting magnetic signs on their cars, buying bus bench ads or grocery cart ads will suddenly reverse their fortunes. Sadly, there's no magic bullet, there's no Secret; much of it is good old fashioned hard work. I know, hard work is not sexy, its not fast and its not 3 easy payments of $19.95. But, you can't skip the fundamentals and expect results with the fluff; paid leads, tools, technology, etc. You can't change your business (or your life) until you change your decisions and habits...and there's no short cuts for that.
TJ, I want you to remember what Darren Hardy told you last week,
"There's a huge difference between knowing the path and walking the path."
Examples of the fundamentals?
- start work at a consistent time.
- end your day with a set time in mind, (yes, I know it ain't always gonna happen) but have a target none the less so you don't burn yourself out.
- have a plan for your day before you arrive to the office.
- built in daily prospecting and lead generation (past clients and leads).
- built in daily goals
- built in wiggle room in your schedule so you're never late
- built in daily follow up with your active clients
- rehearsing your listing presentation and buyers presentation; maybe updating it too here and there
- setting up your networking meetings and breaking bread with referral resources: coffees and lunches with your A+ clients and Business Alliances.
- having a sytem for managing your leads you do get so they don't die of neglect. More leads just means more neglect if you do not pursue them with a system that allows it to be automatic.
Thomas, last but not least, put some FUN in the FUNdamentals and get that daily routine down to a habit, then create some breathing room, so if you still feel the need to attempt some of those other things you hear people bragging about, you can then. But, once you get the results I know you'll get from the fundamentals, I doubt you'll want to gamble your hard earned money on more Fool's Gold. Now, my friend it's time to stop reading blogs and get back to work!
Lay the tracks and learn how to be an engineer, before you buy the train. -TJ Nelson
1. Image courtesy of smokedsalmon at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
2. Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Thomas J. NelsonREALTOR®, CRS, CDPE, ePro, Military Relocation, Podcast Host, AuthorBrokered by Big Block RealtyCA-BRE# 01261476, since 1999 (My Team)"Oh by the way, I'm never too busy to serve your referrals, to good people like you."mobile: 858-232-8722 / e-fax: 650-240-0717 / www.ThomasJNelsonRealtor.comSunroad Corporate Center: 4445 Eastgate Mall l Suite 200 San Diego l CA 92121
Serving: La Jolla * Downtown * Coastal Properties * Metro SD * Seniors & Military-Rebates!
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