Admin

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

Comments(81)

Show All Comments Sort:
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Hello Leanne Smith - This is my final entry for the January 2025 Challenge. Thank you.

AR January 2025 Challenge: Planning for Success

Jan 19, 2025 02:03 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and your fourth entry was a good summary of where you are going.

Jan 20, 2025 07:02 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Patricia and I am so glad 911 work and got there fast and you are ok.  Thank you for the final week.

 

Jan 22, 2025 10:07 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Here is my 3rd submission. You are getting great results from this challenge. I am enjoying reading all of these posts.

Jan 19, 2025 06:29 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and appreciate your third submission. 

Jan 20, 2025 06:53 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Dr. Paula and I like the A's that you are sharing with us for the contest, thank you.

 

Jan 22, 2025 10:08 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Hi Leanne, Sorry for the confusion. I have submitted a total of 2 entries for the January Challenge so far. I missed posting for the 1st week but will plan to post again next week.

Jan 21, 2025 12:50 PM
Leanne Smith

Not a problem, I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss one of your entries with so many already being submitted. Thank you for that clarification.

Jan 21, 2025 01:07 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Barbara and not a problem for Leanne Smith and me.  This is the first time I am involve with a contest.

Jan 22, 2025 10:09 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

My third post ..one more to go!!

 

https://activerain.com/droplet/Jndp

Jan 22, 2025 07:02 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Paddy and thank you for your entry for the month again and you nail it with execution is what it takes.

Jan 23, 2025 08:28 AM
Leanne Smith

Liked the AI featured photo and again this post was right on the target that being execution. Thank you.

Jan 26, 2025 07:32 AM
ROBERT THIBODEAU II
EXP REALTY - Old Orchard Beach, ME
eXp Realty Maine | Luxury Homes & Local

https://activerain.com/droplet/Jngp

My 4th post for contest.

What I'm Doing Differently in Real Estate This Year

Jan 23, 2025 12:37 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Robert and the keywords are so important and you have great information in your entry.

Jan 25, 2025 01:12 PM
Leanne Smith

Always good when people take action to up their business results. Thank you for sharing. I missed your third post and now need to search for it.

Jan 26, 2025 07:35 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!
Jan 25, 2025 01:27 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and will jump over right now to read all of them. I appreciate you keeping the posts on one comment here.

Jan 26, 2025 07:51 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Joan, I just got finish with the first one for the contest and good as always.

 

Jan 27, 2025 09:35 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Leanne, Here is my 3rd entry for the January Challenge:

https://activerain.com/droplet/Jnb7

Jan 26, 2025 04:12 AM
Leanne Smith

You along with several others will be quite successful by including "keeping" in contact with past and current clients. Congratulations on your third entry.

Jan 26, 2025 07:49 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Barbara and great entry to share with us here in the rain for this contest.

Jan 27, 2025 09:36 AM
Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp
SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties - Bourbonnais, IL
The Home Inspector With a Heart!

Plan A Plan B Thanks for hosting the challenge. hope you enjoy this one.

Jan 26, 2025 07:53 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you for this entry and thoroughly impressed with the artwork. For me my tower of books to read looks like the leaning tower of Pisa.

Jan 26, 2025 08:36 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Debe and what a plan and I think you are always a planner.  It shows all the time to us here in the Rain.

Jan 26, 2025 10:41 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

It's been a chaotic month for me - 10 days of vacation and 14 days of dealing with the flu! So, I've missed a couple of weeks, needless to day! Thank you both again for hosting. I've enjoyed reading the fantastic entries!

Here's my first one:  Implementing an Easy-As-1-2-3 Real Estate Business Plan for 2025

Jan 26, 2025 09:25 AM
Leanne Smith

I read it and was waiting for you to post on this challenge url.  I totally understand about being busy.  The last 10 days,  I have had 14 sales leads which has resulted in 3 land listings, one accepted offer, 1 house listing, and 3 future land listings.

Jan 26, 2025 09:30 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Debe and you had a busy January but sure you and Ray can relax a little next month.

 

Jan 27, 2025 09:37 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Leanne Smith I'm leaving a link to my 4th post here so it's easier to spot.  I'll put it under my other 3 as that what you requested.  Thanks Again!!  Happy 2025!

Goal #4 2025 Rolling! Rolling! Rolling Along in the Banana Boat!

Jan 26, 2025 12:21 PM
Leanne Smith

Your posting reminded me of the children's book "The Little Red Engine." You keep going and going much like the Energizer Bunny. Thank you for your entry.

Jan 26, 2025 12:23 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Anna Banana and thank you for this entry for this month.  Always interesting what we come up with to do.

 

Jan 27, 2025 09:33 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Here is my 4th and final post for this outstanding challenge.

Jan 27, 2025 04:41 PM
Leanne Smith

Your fourth word "nourish" is  required to ensure abundance. Thank you for this final entry and the kind words.

Jan 28, 2025 07:31 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Dr. Paula and another great entry for this month contest.  Always great to see your blogs.

Jan 28, 2025 09:17 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - San Diego, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services
Will Hamm

Hello Thomas and thank you for sharing your entries with us here in the Rain..  All interesting one.

 

Jan 31, 2025 08:53 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning and I have read all of your words of wisdom. Thank you for outstanding entries.

Feb 01, 2025 03:42 AM
Rocky Dickerson
Realty One Group - Las Vegas, NV
Superior Service!

Thanks for a great challenge to begin the new year with!  My post for this is located at:  https://activerain.com/blogsview/5874623/begin-with-the-end-in-mind---january-2025-challenge 

Jan 29, 2025 02:51 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Rocky and thank you for your entry for here in the Rain.  Love the way you broke it down.

 

Jan 30, 2025 11:29 AM
Leanne Smith

You are welcome for the challenge and I suggest others should read this. Possibly Carol Williams or Kathy Streib will feature this post. 

Jan 31, 2025 07:44 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
Jan 30, 2025 11:30 PM
Leanne Smith

I have read all of your four postings and the last one puts a ribbon and bow around all four. Thank you for your participation.

Jan 31, 2025 07:40 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Paddy and thank you for all four of your entry for the month.  Make it a great day.

 

Jan 31, 2025 08:52 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Hi Leanne, below are all my entiries, including the final entry dated 1/31  for the AR January 2025 Planning for Success :

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5877941/planning-for-success---january-2025-challenge

 

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5876426/ar-january-2025-challenge--planning-for-success

 

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5875751/january-2025-challenge--finding-courage

 

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5874662/2025-planning-for-success--strength---courage

 

Jan 31, 2025 08:39 AM
Will Hamm

Good Morning Hannah and thank you for all your entries.  today being the last day I am trying to respond to everyone

 

Jan 31, 2025 08:51 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning and my thanks as well for all of your four entries. All have been read.

Feb 01, 2025 03:43 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Jan 31, 2025 02:57 PM
Will Hamm

Hello Kathy and thank you for your blogs to share with us on the last day of January.  Thank you also for mention me as a host also.

Jan 31, 2025 03:02 PM
Leanne Smith

Good morning and like Will Hamm I also appreciate all of your postings. I too appreciate the mention.

Feb 01, 2025 03:56 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Thank you guys, for being such amazing hosts in this month's challenge! Here is a final post to hopefully help members knock it out of the park in 2025!

Putting the Final Touches on Your 2025 Business Blueprint - Thrive in 2025

Jan 31, 2025 08:36 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you for those very kind words. I hope I have not missed any posts. I will be sending you an excel sheet later this morning as I do my final review of the posts.

Feb 01, 2025 04:01 AM
Will Hamm

Hello Debe and always love to see what your entry is to share with us here in the Rain.  Thank You

 

Feb 01, 2025 09:42 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
Jan 31, 2025 11:52 PM
Leanne Smith

Well just caught up on all of your four postings. As I mentioned in you first post "crystal ball," I applaud your crystal clear clarity. Thank you for all four blog postings and very well done.

Feb 01, 2025 04:14 AM
Will Hamm

Hello and wow all 4 are so interesting to see and learn from you.  Thank you for sharing

 

Feb 01, 2025 09:42 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

My thanks to all who participated in this January AR challenge. There were over 80 entries with the sharing of incredible insight and wisdom. My thanks as well to Will Hamm for co-hosting this challenge.  Looking forward to February challenge.

Feb 01, 2025 07:04 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello All you Rainer that share so many great blogs  with Leanne Smith and Me to start out January contest with us.  Hope the rest of the year is great for you all and you "PLANTED lots of seed for a GREAT HARVEST this year.

 

Feb 01, 2025 09:44 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes they did share amazing blogs, so much to gain from their efforts.

Feb 01, 2025 01:42 PM