10 Tips for Success

In my reading time, I came across some things that made me thing about some things, I believe we may all know, but sometimes overlook.  It really goes back to the KISS rule.  We try to perfect what we are doing, tweaking this and that, when really it is all about getting back to the basics.  Here are 10 Forgotten Essentials. 

1. You can't ever know enough. It's never to late to learn. Experienced real estate and salespeople share their valuable, and hard-won knowledge.  I was once told early in my sales career that if you thought you didn't need the sales meeting, then the sales meeting needed you!  I believe what was meant by that statment is, we can always learn more and sharing is important!  This has suck with me all my life. 

2. You only have 15 seconds to sell yourself. First impressions will stick.  Know your audience for the type of presentation.  Dress for where you are going, overdressing can be as bad as underdressing.  If you are meeting a farmer in a suit, you may not get your desired results!

3. Some deals will fall apart. How many times must we come to the end of a real estate or sales transaction, only to find out the buyer, seller or client may not have been who they said they were?  You can't always figure out who is 'for real.'  If buyers can't seem to make a commitment, it may be time to cut your losses and refer them to another associate hopefully for a referral fee. But, be honest about it.

4. Don't confuse experience with skill.  Just because someone has been around awhile, doesn't mean you should copy everything they do. Pick a handful of top performers in the market you chosen and use them as models.

5. You're selling yourself as much as the home.  Whoa, what a concept.  We all sell ourselves everyday no matter what our sales position or professional career.  Just, as an entrepreneur, you answer to yourself.  So, try to find an organization that will help you with skilled training, on the basics and new marketing trends.  If you don't have a good real estate company, ask me, I can help you.

6. Find a mentor. There's always someone out there who will be willing to share what they know and if they have common interest with you, will be willing to mentor you, no matter what your age!  You could mentor each other. Seek mentors who have demonstrated credibility in their business and where their location provides regular face time.

7. A transaction is made up of hundreds of details, you can't afford to forget any of them.  Develop a series of simple forms and checklists that will assist in outlining every step of a transaction, real estate or otherwise.  This will show professionalism and organization.  It can also save you time in the long run.

8. Don't overspend on technology you won't use.  As a entrepreneur, I have to stop myself and ask the basic question, "Do I really need this piece of technology to make my job better?"  Sometimes this is hard, because as a techie, I can rationalize almost any piece of technology! (ha ha!)  However, be cautious and determine if this will make you money, not drain your precious financial resources.  Sometimes, waiting a little while will provide an opportunity for the product to go on sale or just by the mere fact that is it technology will cause a price reduction.

9. Don't work without a business plan. How many times have we heard, "People don't plan to fail, they fail to Plan."  Define your goals, set your plan, and put it into motion. But that's not the end, you must read your goals often (daily/weekly), review them monthly and refine them periodically.   As an entrepreneur one of your first goals it to plan time for yourself and your family.  If you don't put vacations and time off into your schedule first, you won't get them in and you will get tired and frustrated.  Take time away for refreshing and rebuilding.

10. Sometimes you have to say "no."  I recently had a very nice real estate listing where I wanted to build my real estate presence. I spent hours of my own time cleaning up the home, pulling weeds, trimming trees, etc... staged the home and even reduced my earnings, just to get the listing.  All to have the seller give my earnings to the buyers agent in bonuses and special incentives.  I guess you can say that I realized that sometimes you just need to say "no".  Your time is valuable and managing your time efficiently and sticking to your schedule is important, even if it means you say 'no' to have time away with your family. 

If you take these tips to heart, you will be better for it!  What are your thoughts?