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ActiveRain’s January 2025 Challenge: Planning for Success

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

"Plan your work for today and every day,

then work your plan."
— Margaret Thatcher

For many real estate professionals, the word plan may not be met with excitement, but it is essential for achieving success. Each New Year brings fresh opportunities to grow your business. Following the November Gratitude Challenge, which encouraged us to pause and reflect on our blessings, this January challenge, courtesy of Will Hamm  and myself invites you to pause, reflect, and share your strategic plans for success in 2025.

What planning actions are you taking this month to ensure a thriving business in the year ahead?
You might focus on key areas such as:

  1. Marketing
  2. Sales
  3. Client Loyalty
  4. Innovation
  5. Leadership/Management
  6. Financials

Reflect on what worked well in 2024 and what you plan to change or improve for 2025. Perhaps social media boosted your business, or you’re introducing a new product or service to address revenue fluctuations. Share your insights to inspire others! 

If you are retired, we want to hear from you too. We know you all have plans for the New Year. We'd love to hear what they are.

Challenge Details:

  • Duration: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025 (ends at midnight PST).
  • Goal: Share your 2025 planning actions, experiences, and ideas.

Criteria for Participation:

  1. Weekly Posts:
    Submit one planning post per week (up to 4 total).
    Each post earns 500 points.
    If you submit multiple posts in one week, only one will be credited.
  2. Word Count: Each post must be a minimum of 250 words and include specific details. Share a goal, strategy, or experience from 2024, successful or not, that is influencing your plans for 2025.
  3. Include a Graphic: Add at least one photo or graphic to illustrate your message. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!

How to Submit Your Entries:

  1. Post Links in Comments: Paste the links to all of your posts in a single comment below.
  2. Adding More Posts: If you can’t edit your original comment, simply reply to it with the additional links.

Points

  • Bonus Points: All points will be awarded in early February 2025 after the challenge closes.
  • Timeline: Challenge ends January 31, 2025, at midnight PST.

Get Started!

Share your plans, inspire your peers, and kick off 2025 with purpose. Let’s make this a year of growth, innovation, and success for all of us!

Happy New Year, and happy planning! 

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith
Show All Comments Sort:
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

This is my only entry for this challenge. Thank you for hosting.

Jan 05, 2025 08:35 AM
Leanne Smith

Outstanding entry and thank you. I believe it will have many individuals rethinking time.

Jan 05, 2025 10:18 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Aura, You are so interesting and it shows in all your blogs that you share with us always in the Rain, I wish I got to read three more entries from you.

 

 

Jan 05, 2025 11:15 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Leanne Smith and Will Hamm 

Here is my second entry. My original entry does not have an edit option to make an add on with this second entry link:

2025 Planning for Success: Strength & Courage

Jan 06, 2025 06:48 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and thoroughly enjoyed your refreshed outlook on life.

Jan 06, 2025 07:04 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Patricia and you pick two great works for your blog to share with us. Trail and error is a good way to discovering so much, Thank God Thomas Edison kept trying.

Jan 06, 2025 08:09 AM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Thank you for hosting this month's challenge, Here's my first entry:

 

Jan-25 Challenge sell more Homes In Sun City Grand in Surprise, AZ 🌟 

 

Jan 06, 2025 04:32 PM
Leanne Smith

Good evening Scott Schulte and thank you for your first entry. You goal or challenge seems well on the way to being successful.

Jan 06, 2025 08:23 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Leanne Smith and Will Hamm, for sharing such valuable insights on planning for success in the New Year! Your challenge encourages reflection and growth, which are vital as we gear up for 2025.

Here’s my 1st entry: Navigating Market Trends: A Roadmap for 2025 Success - See https://activerain.com/droplet/Jm7x

Jan 07, 2025 05:12 AM
Peter Mohylsky,
PMI. Destin - Inlet Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Happy new years and yes technology is grand.  It is lost a full time job learning how to use effectively new technology. 

Jan 07, 2025 05:32 AM
Leanne Smith

I agree about the learning curve with new technology. Thank you.

Jan 07, 2025 06:22 AM
ROBERT THIBODEAU II
EXP REALTY - Old Orchard Beach, ME
eXp Realty Maine | Luxury Homes & Local

 How to Choose the Right Real Estate Partnets in Maine. 2025     https://activerain.com/droplet/JmnY

Jan 07, 2025 10:49 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Robert and this is a great entry to the contest for January.  We can all learn from each other here.

Jan 07, 2025 01:44 PM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Jan 09, 2025 03:55 AM
Leanne Smith

Great message, outstanding photos and we must be the change if we want things to change.

Jan 09, 2025 12:56 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Scott and thank you for your post for 2025 and I like break free and think differently.  Good Job.

Jan 09, 2025 06:27 AM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

What a great challenge, thank you, Leanne & Will! Here is my entry:

                      https://activerain.com/droplet/Jmtw

Jan 09, 2025 06:07 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Marney and what a great plan to share with us here in the Rain.  I am sure 2025 will be a great year for you!

Jan 09, 2025 06:21 AM
Leanne Smith

Overcoming challenges is in the human spirit. I believe you will have a most successful year in 2025.  Thank you for sharing your first entry in this month's challenge.

Jan 09, 2025 01:00 PM
ROBERT THIBODEAU II
EXP REALTY - Old Orchard Beach, ME
eXp Realty Maine | Luxury Homes & Local

How to Set Up a Social Media and Blog Campaign for 2025 Using ChatGPT

                      https://activerain.com/droplet/Jmwm

Enjoy and feel free to use material. Challenge #2

Robert

Follow me on Instagram

@maineluxurylistings.com

Jan 09, 2025 09:22 AM
Leanne Smith

Your second entry is very proactive and generous. Giving those tips as to tools can assist and support ActiveRain members.

Jan 09, 2025 01:04 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Robert and thank you for sharing another great blog for us here in the Rain.  Learning and sharing with each other works.

Jan 09, 2025 03:31 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Thank you for the challenge Leanne Smith  and Will Hamm here is 

#1 Past, present, and future clients stay connected 

Jan 09, 2025 12:29 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Hannah and you rock and thank you for your entries in this month contest.  I love to be at some of your events!!!

Jan 09, 2025 03:36 PM
Leanne Smith

Your  tapped into the often untapped pool of potential listings, sales and referrals. What a way to start your first entry into this challenge. Thank you.

Jan 09, 2025 01:16 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Here my first 2 posts in the challenge:

Entry 1 

Entry 2 

Jan 09, 2025 12:31 PM
Will Hamm

Hello  Dorie Hello Dorie and that is what I like about contest and learning what others do in the Rain to make them the Pros they are.  

Jan 09, 2025 03:26 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

I read both of your entries and good advice for both seasoned and new agents. When I read your posts, I often sense your energy in your written words. Thank you for your postings to this challenge.

Jan 09, 2025 01:22 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne and Will - while I am sure your Excel worksheet will capture my sub-comment, I am sharing it here as well as multi-post challenges can have a habit of running amok.  Thank you both for co-hosting.  And here is that sub-comment:

 

 

Michael Jacobs

Leanne Smith and Will Hamm - I hoped to participate in this month's challenge with one entry so I had one semi-prepared in draft status.  However, it changed in focus this week.  I may submit a second submission, but for now here is my challenge post: The Pondering Path of Planning.

Jan 10, 2025 04:33 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

My first entry for the January challenge:

Priority Plans for the New Year

Jan 11, 2025 10:44 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Roy and I hope this surgery will take care of the problem.  I only had surgery twice now, all within the last 4 years, both time it corrected the problem.  Thank you for for entry

Jan 11, 2025 10:57 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors
Jan 12, 2025 05:16 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Thomas and Larry Kendall and Ninja Selling is something that we could all learn from.  Learning from entries is a good think here.

 

Jan 12, 2025 08:56 AM
Leanne Smith

Your posting revealed some resources for ActiveRain members as well as some very important lessons in real estate and in life. Thank you.

Jan 12, 2025 11:26 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Leanne Smith - attached is Part 3 for the January 2025 Challenge Planning for Success.

January 2025 Challenge: Finding Courage

Jan 13, 2025 10:46 PM
Leanne Smith

Your third entry should be read by our ActiveRain members as your self-awareness and self-reflection is to be commended.  Thank you for sharing this insightful posting.

Jan 14, 2025 06:15 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Patricia and you have a great blogs for this month to share with us here in the Rain.  Can not wait for next blogs on this suggested.

Jan 14, 2025 08:45 AM
Scott Schulte
Scott Schulte LLC - Phoenix, AZ

Good Morning, Here's number 3, a little more on the serious side (maybe)

🌟 5 New Ways to Grant Yourself Grace 2025 🌸💖

Jan 14, 2025 06:48 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Scott and thank you for your entry in the Rain for this month.  It is very interesting to see your points.  Thank you.

Jan 14, 2025 08:43 AM
Leanne Smith

Just left your third entry, thank you and a lot of depth in your written words.

Jan 14, 2025 10:33 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Here's my 1st Post for the January Challenge: https://activerain.com/blogsview/5875828/host-informational-seminars-as-one-of-my-marketing-strategies-for-2025

Jan 14, 2025 10:21 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning Barbara Michaluk and just read your post. Thank you and I believe this intentional goal will propel you to even greater success in 2025.

Jan 14, 2025 10:34 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

my second post for teh January 2025!!

Second Post of January Challenge

Jan 15, 2025 08:02 PM
Leanne Smith

Thanks so much for the second posting and I believe you shared what stops most people from taking action.

Jan 16, 2025 06:51 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Paddy and I like that you have Don quote in here and he is so right.  Good Job on your blog.

 

Jan 16, 2025 10:13 AM