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Happy New Year and other Random Thoughts

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 0225085927

Last year was a crazy busy year...business sort of took off in January and didn't really slow until late fall.  

I had visions of time off during the holidays dancing in my head.

Alas, it didn't last and the closer we got to Christmas, the busier it became.

Now, I am the first to admit in a perfect world, I would stop working at Thanksgiving and pick back up after January 1.  

I actually tried that once.  Although I loved the time off, eh, it did not work out so well when it came to volume and I paid for it dearly the next year. Instead of having a couple of months off, the net effect to my bottom line was akin to having taken more like six months off without the actual benefit of having six months off.   

Won't be doing THAT again

This past year was not only busy with actual business, but with making an effort to do a better job staying in touch with folks, as well.  26% of my business this year came from referrals from personal relationships and former clients, so you might say it is an area where I really need to maintain my focus.

Drilling down a little deeper, though, another 26% of my business came from referrals from folks who originally found me online.  And, 33% of my business this year came directly from an online source, 18% of them people who found my blog (and called me, anyway, how about that?) and 15% who called on listings who were not represented by an agent and who either wanted to sell or buy. 

Sigh.

And, of course, in this crazy busy year, what suffered the most?  

Yep, you got it.  Blogging and online efforts. 

So, on this first day of 2016, a good time for introspection, it seems I need to balance my time between real life and online life just a wee bit better. 

Since I am determined to get back in the practice of blogging regularly, what better way to start practicing than to throw this out there.

Happy New Year, my AR friends, and Best Wishes to each and every one of you for a happy, healthy, prosperous 2016. Let's rock this!

 

Oh, and most importantly, ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Comments (13)

Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Happy New Year to you too!  Referrals are the best compliment of all.  Sounds like you had a banner year.

Jan 01, 2016 02:42 AM
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Luxury Living

Congratulations on your success in 2015 and all the best for another successful and banner year in 2016!

Jan 01, 2016 02:47 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Susan,

And we wish you a very happy and successful 2016!  Cheers, R & A

Jan 01, 2016 03:13 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Susan,  My blogging slowed as well but for different reasons.  We do the very best we can with the time, tools and resources we have available.

Jan 01, 2016 03:28 AM
Ronald DiLalla
Century 21 Discovery DRE 01813824 - Anaheim, CA
No. Orange Cty Real Estate

Good morning Susan,,Thank you and the same to you and yours.

Jan 01, 2016 03:31 AM
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Susan, I have yet to break down where  our business came from in 2015 so we can best re-direct our resources for the New Year.  Your post has inspired me to do so this weekend as it is a very important aspect of our business, and thank you for taking the time to post it with us!  Happy New Year to you, as well!

Jan 01, 2016 03:32 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Susan - Happy New Year to you too. May 2016 bring you continued success, happiness and the right balance.

Jan 01, 2016 03:41 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Susan - Happy New Year to you as well, and here's to a successful and meaningful 2016. I am sure your efforts to blog more and keep in touch with past clients will benefit you throughout this new year.

Jan 01, 2016 09:17 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Susan Haughton  Wishing Happy New Year to you and your family as well! 

Jan 02, 2016 03:36 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Happy New Year, Susan!  Last year was a good year in many ways, but had some challenges too.  I'm looking forward to 2016.  I hope it is a prosperous year for you!

Jan 02, 2016 12:15 PM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Hi, Susan...I hope this year has started off with a bang for you, and it's the best one yet.

I'm hoping to get more time off this year. We'll see how that works out. 

Feb 02, 2016 08:31 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

So happy to hear about your success in 2015. I know 2016 will bring you even more business - and happiness too. You are a deserving person, Susan. 

Feb 07, 2016 01:35 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Susan,

 I loved your blog today very good insight into what keeps you on track professionally and oh the game was good one.....Happy New Year very timely for Chinese New Year!

Feb 08, 2016 06:24 AM