Special offer

Goals: a lesson in how-to

By
Real Estate Agent with Dave Woodson

I wrote this blog nearly two years ago to the day.  I wanted to revisit it and rehash it.  I wanted to give myself a refresher course. 

Your goals should contain the following 6 guidelines. 

I call it the S.M.A.R.T.Y Method.  It is still a work in progress and always being touched up.

#1 - S - Specific:  Your goals should be as specific as possible. 

How many transactions a month do you want to do?  How much money do you want to make?  How many hours a week do you want to spend working, time with kids etc?   

#2 - M - Measurable:  You need to measure your success or lack thereof to re-access your goal.

Create a spreadsheet there are several goods ones that you can download.  I am sure you can make one or someone in your office can make one for you.  Now USE IT.

#3 - A - Accountable - You need to be accountable to someone.

A goal not shared or written down is a mere wish.  Tell the world.  I am working on my goals and I putting them on my Social Consultancy Blog DaveWoodson.com for the world to see.  Now, if that is not sticking your neck out nothing is. 

I am making myself accountable to you and the whole world.

Now, making yourself accountable to the whole world may not be your cup of tea.  So, I suggest you select someone besides your spouse, unless you got that great super relationship that can take the once in a while jab that I am sure you are going to need.

#4 - R - Realistic- Your goals need to be Realistic, you can't expect to lose 100 lbs. in a month.

I know I can close 10 or more in a month, but I am also pretty sure my systems will not sustain that kind of growth.  So, I am going to build up to it.  I know I need to lose 50 lbs, but I know I can't do it in a month.  I am going to say that, but I also have a BHAG, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal, of owning a jet someday. 

#5 - T- Timely - Have a start and ending time.

I am going to use January 1st as starting time, but I am going to go back and visit my goals every couple of weeks.  My end time is going to be December 31st.  I am sure that I will be going back and reviewing every so often, I may have to change them forward, but I will not back track.  You need can make smaller goals that lead into bigger ones.  I am going to be doing that. 

Now, most of you will stop there.  As, I am sure that we have read or heard of S.M.A.R.T., but I have added "Y". 

#6 - Y- Yours - Yes, yours.  Mine. 

Take ownership of your goals.  Share them, but make sure they are yours and not what someone has thrust upon you. 

 

So, this week take the time to do your goals and follow the SMARTY system.  I am going to be and I welcome all of the comments and even a few accountability partners.  I am going to kill it this year.  I want to bring some people along with me.  My office is getting the make over that is has needed the last few years.  My next blog will be my goals for Great in 08 and how to implement your goals.

Mike Barilone
RE/MAX Legends - Lawrenceville, GA
Lawrenceville Georgia Realtor

Timely post - thanks Dave and Happy New Year!

Dec 31, 2009 03:21 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Good post, and very timely, too, as I take paper and pen to write down my goals.    Wishing you the very best in 2010!

Dec 31, 2009 03:23 AM
Diane Osowiecki
Diane O and Friends - Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN
Greater Nashville Real Estate

Now I have no excuse.  Time to get pen to paper and have it in front of me each morning when I wake up.

Dec 31, 2009 03:28 AM
Deena Cottingham
GreenApple Staging & Images, Calgary Staging & Photography - Calgary, AB
Home Stager & Photographer

Well, I hope to be a lot "SMARTY-er" this coming year! Thanks, Dave, and all the best to you for 2010.

Jan 01, 2010 04:51 AM
Dave Woodson
Dave Woodson - Chesterton, IN
Not the Average Agent

thank you all for your kind words.  I will be updating this in a couple of days to show my goals on my page

Dave

Jan 01, 2010 08:40 AM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Dave,great blog,that I will make part of my training classes(and even give you credit the FIRST time I say SMARTY) ! On #4 Realistic- I always say as you write them down your goals must be 50% believable !!! They must stretch you some !  On #6 - I might add, That ALL goals must be on a "WANT TO " basis not a "HAVE TO" basis !!! You must WANT to lose 10 lbs. not have to ! There is a difference !!! As long as you feel you "have to" do something ,you will actually begin to creatively AVOID IT !!! It's only when you "want to" will you develop WON'T POWER !!!! Have a great 2010 !!!

Jan 04, 2010 12:00 AM
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

Dave - This is a good post, especially when people make too much out the process. It's really pretty simple.

Jan 06, 2010 02:37 AM
Dave Woodson
Dave Woodson - Chesterton, IN
Not the Average Agent

Michael and Larry

thank you, have a great year and being on AR is half the battle

 

Dave

Jan 06, 2010 03:07 AM