Real Estate is a high energy, fast passed, be-on-your-toes kind of business. It's easy to be so busy working transactions, prospecting, marketing and pleasing clients that we don't even notice that we're in burnout mode.  Burnout doesn't just occur suddenly, like flipping off a light switch. It's more like the gradual power drain of a dimmer switch. Taking the steps necessary to keep the power on high is important, because lets' face it: You're no good to the transaction or to your clients when you're operating in burnout mode.

1.  Create Personal Time

Find balance by scheduling time for yourself. Pick a time each week for activities you enjoy; be it lunch with friends every Wednesday, Yoga on Tuesday mornings, or playing golf on Friday afternoons. Put it on your calendar as if it were a listing appointment. You wouldn't miss a listing appointment, would you?

 2. Be in Charge of your Calendar

Don't let your clients have free reign over your day by letting them pick the appointment times. It's not a sign of good service to be available "whenever". Most clients wonder if you have any other business besides them. Present them with two options and let them make the choice.

3. Schedule your Work Week

Set aside specific time to do the things that must be done in order to keep the business moving smoothly. Schedule time each week to write cards, to do your finances, to review files etc. By setting aside specific times you'll know if someone wants to see homes Monday morning at 9:00 A.M. that it won't work, because Monday mornings are set aside for administrative work.

4.  Create Policies

Decide what you will do, how you will do things and when you'll do things. For example: I only work with clients. I will not meet strangers in front of listings to show them homes. If someone calls to see a listing, I'll ask if they're already working with an agent and explain that I'd like to initially meet them at the office and go over my buyers' program with them.

5. Teach your Clients how you work

Let your clients know up front how you work, when you'll return calls, how late you'll show homes etc. Let them know that you have professional policies and explain what they are. Tell them what they can expect from you, as well as what you expect from them. Most clients will appreciate and respect your boundaries.

6. Use Systems

A great way to leverage your time and energy is to use automated tools such as a website, drip marketing, automated feedback systems and online newsletter campaigns. These systems will work while you focus on valuable tasks and quality clients.

7.  Team Up

Find a colleague you respect and set up a mutual back-up system to fill in for each other's home inspections, showings, or vacations. Going on vacation isn't very relaxing if you get 10 phone calls a day, have to coordinate appointments and check your email. You can compensate each other by repaying in hours of time, paying an fee, or do a commission sharing scenario.

8. Organize your Workspace

Don't waste precious time searching for a client's file, scrambling to throw together a listing presentation, or looking for that inspection report. It's more enjoyable to work in a pleasant and organized space. Organize your desk area so everything has its place and keep  plenty of stock on hand. Set aside time each week to go over your space, buying extra printer ink, stocking up on fax cover pages and cleaning out your in-box (see tip #3).

9.  Be in Charge of the Electronic Leash

While computers, cell phones, and PDAs are useful tools that can enhance your efficiency, many times we let them run us ragged. Only answer your cell phone when you're available to take calls. Decide how often you'll check your emails (you don't need to answer them as soon as they come in). Prioritize what calls and emails need immediate response and what can wait until later. One of my colleague's voicemail promises that he'll return all calls within 3 minutes. Why set yourself up for that kind of stress?

10.  Hire Help

You can't be an expert in everything. Focus on what you do best and hire out the rest. I know agents who bake their own cookies for open houses, create their own flyers, design their own web sites and craft their clients' closing gifts. There are so many services out there to help make our job easier. Focus on your area of expertise and let the other professional do their job to support you.

By implementing just a few of these tips you'll be on the road to stress reduction. By taking charge, creating balance and saving time, you'll gain control of your business and better enjoy your career.

Here is one more tip. My gift to you:

11.  Have Fun

Sandy Nelson
Realtor®
www.SandyNelsonRealEstate.com