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Building your business plan

By
Services for Real Estate Pros

To be successful in any business you must have a business plan, and our industry is no exception. There are four key areas I would challenge you to consider:

1. Vision

 A forward looking written statement as to where you want to be. For example sit down at the kitchen table with your significant other and decide how much money you want to make in the next 12 months. The keyword being want not will make. MLK shared his "I have a dream" speech and JFK challenged the country to be the first on the moon. Your vision should be equally as challenging.

2. A written business plan:

 Unfortunately most of us spend more time planning our vacation then we do our business. If we know our visison then a business plan is just working it backwards and detailing the activities that we must do to make our vision happen. Write the activities down, that way you have a better chance to succeed. Build in a system of accountability, ask someone maybe your boss to hold you accountable for the targets that you set for yourself. Accountability is a powerful tool that allows us all to reach our potential.

3. Manage Change

 The world is always changing and the individuals that not only realize this but use it to their advantage will turn change in to opportunity. The Internet is part of that change, you reading or writing a Blog is great testimony to you grasping change. Are you signed up at Linkedin, Face Book or My Space?

4. Customer Focus

 This sets you a part from your peers and your competition. WOW every potential customer like they are your last customer. Kill them with service, and they will treat you well EVEN if they are not buying immediately. They will be so impressed that they will refer you to their social network and eventually may even buy from you.

Keith Goodman
Keith Goodman - Merced, CA

Craig, that is some awesome information. I specialize in Email and Internet Marketing. I would love to share some ideas with you. Email me when you get the chance at keith.goodman@att.net Thanks, Keith

Nov 19, 2008 04:04 AM
Monica Downs
Re/Max Unlimited of Lexington TN - Lexington, TN

thanks it makes a diffrence when you focus!!!

Nov 19, 2008 04:06 AM
Matthew Naumann
Exit Realty Charleston Group - Goose Creek, SC
Goose Creek, SC Real Estate Agent

I think no. 4 is more important than ever in a our current economy.  I believe we need to take customer service to the next level, to ensure are clients will win when the buy or when they sell in this market.

Nov 19, 2008 04:11 AM
Nicole Weidauer
Keller Williams Greater Seattle - Shoreline, WA

This is a great list of things to work on when setting up our 2009 business plan- without a business plan you are just working on the fly. That is no way to run a business or get anywhere. You don't go on a trip without directions, so why would you go about your business without a plan or course to take?!

Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer

The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle

Nov 19, 2008 04:12 AM
Steve Laird
Anderson Real Estate Sales - Chico, CA
Steve Sells Chico Real Estate

Good Ideas!  Have a game plan and plan your path, how your going to get there.

Nov 19, 2008 04:55 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Craig, great information! The key is to get it down on paper. Thanks for the reminder.

Nov 19, 2008 06:45 AM
Anonymous
Martha

Way to go, more reasons why I admire you!

Nov 19, 2008 10:19 AM
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