What is the most difficult challenge that REALTORS face?
Prospecting -- no
Continuing education -- nah
Following up -- well maybe, but nope...
BALANCE -- yes. Balancing work, family, life -- is the most difficult challenge we face. While this challenge is also faced by many other professions, I believe it is more troubling for real estate professionals. Our 'normal' business cycles are such that our traditional busy times run spring and summer -- also the busy times for families, friends and other activities. This is an important, but at times an elusive goal.
There are a large number of self help items out there to help us keep our lifes in balance. The best ones are those that have us first prioritize, then stick to the priorities-- FAMILY & FRIENDS & community.
I try to set up a schedule, then keep to it. Let's face it -- the only people that need a home in an emergency are the victims of fire, floods or earthquakes. So do we really need to race from a family function to show a property? No we don't. When you schedule an appointment -- keep it. So schedule time with your family and friends -- and keep the appointment . I know it sounds funny, but think about it.
You would not cancel a showing to go to a ball game would you? Well then why should you cancel an outing with family or friends at a ball game to show a property. Someone calling at the last minute to see a property means one thing -- a lack of planning on their part. Does a lack of planning on their part turn into a sense of urgency on my part? The argument could be what about your duties to your client? I argue that we can keep our duties to our clients by being honest with people-- they want to see a property now you tell them you have another committment and work out a mutually acceptable time. I have had this work most of the time (98%). When it doesn't I find another agent to show it. Of course I request a referral. So I take a chance that I will be out some income, but at the end of the day I gain much more.
The easiest way to keep balance is to keep focused on balance. This is also the most difficult thing to do because in real estate we are constantly stomping our brushfires. I believe that keeping focused on balance, in the end, is the most rewarding gift we can give ourselves in the new year.
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