Do you feel like your job is invading every part of your life – even your personal and family time? If so, you’re not alone. However, you might think that that’s “just the way it is,” when you’re a Realtor®.
Good news – it doesn’t have to be!
You can set boundaries around your work and actually improve your productivity. Here are three steps to take.
Stick to a Schedule
Easier said than done, right? But what’s important to realize is that having a schedule with specific hours to work and relax will boost your results and help you get more done, not less.
Having time off boosts your productivity and helps you be more focused during your working hours. You avoid burnout and you avoid resenting the business you’ve sacrificed so much to build.
They say every task will expand to fill the time you have available for it. Get more done by reducing the time you allow – you’ll be more productive AND you’ll have time to do the things that make life fun!
Coach Clients to Respect Your Boundaries
I can hear you saying, “That’s easy if you have a 9-5, but I have clients calling me at all hours!”
Part of your onboarding process can be setting boundaries and expectations up front. You want to be available for clients, of course, but that doesn’t mean you have to be available for calls at 10pm. Find a good balance and make sure you let your clients know.
From there, enforce the boundaries. If you say no calls before 8am and then pick up the phone at 7:30am, you’re teaching clients that your boundaries aren’t real. This will lead to more breaches, which will frustrate you and make it hard to do your best work for that client.
Remember, these boundaries aren’t selfish – they allow you to be at your best. Stick to them and clients will too!
The same concept applies to friends or family who try to reach out to you during work times. If you’re scheduled to focus on lead generation, cold calls, or other business tasks, you’re not available – plain and simple!
Have a Backup for Emergencies
If a client truly needs something when you’re not available and cannot wait, have someone else they can reach out to. This is especially vital if you have windows that you would normally be available but have another event scheduled, like a child’s sporting event.
However, remember to emphasize it’s only for immediate needs, and let your backup know that if it isn’t important they can tell the client you’ll get back to them during your next work time.
Having a backup helps clients understand you truly care about their needs, but you won’t be pushed to violate your boundaries. In the end, it’s a win-win for both you and clients.
You Matter – Make Yourself a Priority!
No one wants to work with a burnt out or unmotivated real estate agent, and all professionals have boundaries. Don’t be afraid to set some for yourself. You matter – after all, if you crumble there’s no one left to serve your clients!
Interested in making sure you always put your best face forward for clients? Maybe you should consider updating your business card with a current photo. You can take a look at our templates here!
How do you set boundaries? Share in the comments!
This post originally shared on PrinterBees' Real Estate Marketing Magazine.
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