Coconut Coffee!
Sir Wilfred's Maui - 100% Kauai Coffee
Why? ...Because I am an "Early Bird".
I am an "Early Bird". You know what they say about the early bird... it gets the worm right? !! Well my worm is getting all of my routine done as early as possible so when the unexpected comes up... and you know it will come up, I am ready to tackle everything that comes my way without worrying about what I didn't start or finish. Many of my clients are in the Central and Eastern time zone. This allows me to provide 5 Star service early in my clients day. Why? Because I am an "Early Bird" and my clients matter.
COFFEE!
As an "Early Bird", I need my COFFEE, first thing in the morning. Like most of you, it gets my wings a flappin so I can complete my routine. The coffee in the picture above is my favorite. I found it in Whaler's Village Maui, way back in 2001. Sir Wilfred's has many varieties and flavors. We tried many including Kona Coffee, Vanilla flavor and and Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coffee. Yum! But my overall favorite is found in the picture above. Coconut Coffee. It is the perfect strength with a slight hint of coconut. I don't get tired of the flavor of this coffee.
For those interested, Sir Wilfred's has a storefront in Lahaina Town on the main street.
Routine
I came from corporate America. I managed offices and was in outside sales most of my career. Every day was a routine. Time management courses and Franklin planners were the norm. (Do they still have those?) I took a few years off after leaving my last position. But because I was used to having a daily routine, picking it up again was very easy.
My routine starts around 5:00 am with (wait for it...) a cup of coffee! I get right on my phone and check messages. Next is the computer and I check my emails. After this I check for new listings and I do this several times a day. With our low inventory we need to make sure we are not missing that one home our client is looking for.
Calendar - Tech - Synchronization
Every appointment or call I need to make goes on my calendar. I have alerts set up to remind me. The key is instant sync between my iPhone and all computers. I know when something is due and when I need to leave for an appointment. I already know how long it takes me to prepare for any type of appointment I have, so that time is also figured in. This just takes experience.
Mixing the Mundane & the Energizing
Part of my daily routine is taking my mundane tasks and throwing in something that energizes me. Mundane tasks are there to provide World Class Service to your client. I always remember how important my client is and the mundane task is usually much easier to get done knowing this.
Also, take a break and think about something other than work every two hours. I go and garden or look at pictures or videos of Tristan. I also have a screen saver with an escape or get-away picture so I see this when I am not in an application.
Isn't it great to have that prepared answer when you call your client? Or, if your client calls you first, don't you want to have that answer ready for them?
Another reason why I am an "Early Bird" and need my coffee!!
Teamwork Is Essential
I have a secret weapon. I always tell this to my new clients. My husband, though not an agent, is there to help me with many tasks that free me up to take care of clients and network with service providers and other fantastic REALTORs®. We collaborate with photography and marketing. Rick works on my website. I don't mess with that! He will even answer my phone if I am not near the phone. As my partner, he is a great sounding board and it helps to have someone you thoroughly trust to be able to talk with.
I also have another agent at work - we help each other and share an office.
Don't Forget Your Family & Friends
My Little Miracle
We always have to remember why we are doing what we do. I personally get completely energized when I see my little miracle Tristan. He is approaching his "terrible two's" and we can see it!
His parents both work on Sunday so we have the honor to be with him. I so look forward to this time. As you know, sometimes we have to work with clients. My husband always enjoys being with Boo-Boo if that is necessary. One thing we always do as a family is have Sunday dinner together and I hope we can do this for many more years.
When I am feeling a little blue, I will think of Tristan and the sun comes out and shines bright.
Recap
- I am an "Early Bird"
- I gotta have my Coffee!
- Routine --> phone messages - email - MLS - new listings
- Calendar --> alerts - sync across all platforms
- Mix the Mundane and the Energizing
- Teamwork is essential
- Don't ever forget your "Little Miracle" no matter what that is for you personally!
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Learn more about me at:
This is Grant Schneider 's challenge entry October - Time Management is not a time management issue
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