3 Tips To Save Time and Make Money
The days are getting longer, which means there is more time to get things done. Right?
If that’s the case, then why is your to do list, not getting any shorter?
Part of life is coming to terms with the fact that you’re never going to get it all done. It’s about getting the right things done, and learning some tricks to squeeze a few more things in.
Here are my 3 favorite tips that make all the difference:
- A contractor lock box: These will change your life, especially if you carry a lot of listings. Listings are great, because you are more in control of the schedule, but they still take a lot of time. On average, I have 8 contractors come through a property before it goes on the market. That’s a lot of scheduling! Contractor boxes (the ones with the combination access) are a live saver. This allows contractors to come and go as they please, without me spending hours waiting around. *Note: I only use this for contractors that I know and trust. The rule is: if I would not allow them in my own house unattended, I will not allow them to be in a client’s house unattended.
- A working database: Without a database, you don’t have a business. My database includes all of my clients so that I can market to them, stay in touch, etc. But it also includes agents that I have worked with over the years. You never know when that relationship will come in handy. It also has all of my contractors and vendors. It provides a structure to my day, allows me to be pro active rather than reactive, and lets me easily schedule appointments on the fly because I have everyone’s contact information right where I need it.
- The ability to say no: It’s not always, fun, but sometimes it has to happen so that you can say yes to what really matters. No to watching that extra hour of TV so that you can get up and go to the gym in the morning. No to that time wasting meeting (that you didn’t want to attend anyway) so that you can say yes to meeting with a client. You get the idea. The busier we get, the more opportunities we have, but not all opportunities are created equal. Saying no, is just as important as saying yes.
No matter what you get done in a day, take a moment at the end of it to celebrate your accomplishments. As long as you moved forward, even 1/2 a step, it was a good day.
Signup to receive Nicole's blog posts via email weekly:
Other Posts
What Happens When You Don’t Take Action On Your Goals
Hint: Nothing is not the correct answer. Actual answer: The Universe takes over and decides to help. I’ve been meaning to ask for and hire more support in my business for a while now. I have a million reasons why I haven’t done it. Apparently the Universe got tired of it being on my to…
Read More
It’s Okay To Take Time Off
Tomorrow is the 4th. This is your reminder – it’s okay to take time off. Just because technology allows us to work anytime, anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do, is to do nothing productive at all. Enjoy the day and be present. To your success! Nicole
Read More
Warning! Comparison Monster Coming Your Way
July 1st is next Tuesday, and you know what that means… Your in box is about to be flooded with emails about being 1/2 way through the year asking if you’re on track with your goals. And right about the same time, you’ll see agents posting on social media about how they just closed another…
Read More
Breathe – It’s a Contact Sport
Summer officially starts today! I live for the long days, spur of the moment dinners on the deck with friends, the warm weather, and relaxed vibe. Summer also brings its own special juggling act of navigating a shifting market, and clients that are not as focused on real estate. Side note – the market ALWAYS…
Read More
What If Everything is An Experiment?
I’ll admit it, I’m not great at asking for help. Even when I know I need it. There are a variety of reason I struggle with asking: I’m busy and taking a step back to asses what I can outsource feels like one more task I don’t have time for. The task is something I’m…
Read More
Don’t Believe The Hype
Does the market make you want to hide out? I’ve had SEVERAL calls from agents recently with clients that are putting them through the wringer. Whether it’s sellers not accepting offers, buyers taking forever to make decisions, or clients doing the exact opposite of what you thought they were going to do – managing your…
Read More
The #1 Reason Clients Don’t Choose You
Don Miguel Ruiz said it best in his book – The 4 Agreements: Don’t Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions Communicate with others as clearly as you can This one agreement can completely transform your life Beautifully said. Assumptions are the #1 reason your clients don’t choose you. As agents we assume many…
Read More
Letter to My Younger Self
Today is my birthday. For me, birthdays are a beautiful mix of celebration, anticipation and reflection. This post is dedicated to reflections. Things I wish I could tell my younger self. Imposter syndrome is normal! You’ve spent so much time doubting yourself. Feeling like everyone else knows what they are doing while you’re still trying…
Read More
Managing the Adrenaline / Emotional Roller Coaster of Real Estate
Closings, getting mutual on a contract, receiving a referral – there are lots of wins in real estate. Each one brings a shot of adrenaline that feels amazing. However, those moments are often short lived, with a lot of space in between. If you aren’t careful that space can fill with self doubt, insecurity or…
Read More
Why Proving Yourself Is A Bad Idea
I competed on a listing this week that I didn’t get. It was a great one too – awesome house, great clients. It was one I really wanted. When I got done pouting I took a few minutes to ask myself, ‘where did it go wrong’? Our first appointment was amazing! The second one, not…
Read More