21 TRUTHS FOR NEW AGENTS – DAY 4
It’s Good Friday and most of the time it’s a day off for me. Trouble is, I feel like I have had several days off lately so I’m still working as I get the motivation. I did get out for a 4 mile walk along a river and it was a very nice diversion. You should find something like that to do. It goes along with the 3 Truths today.
Truth No. 10 – Establish a work schedule for yourself. If you don’t, everyone else will. I cringe when I see an agent posting they are ‘available 24/7’. To me, it means they are so desperate for business they are afraid to let the phone go unanswered, even at 11 pm. Now, have I ever answered the phone late when a client calls? Sure but it’s not normal for me to do that unless there are special circumstances. Things like a closing tomorrow or a problem that has to be tended to on a final walkthrough but it’s rare. My mom used to say no telephone after 9 pm and I think that might still be a good rule.
Truth No. 11 – You have to manage your energy ruthlessly. Some talk about time management. That’s a crock. You can’t manage time. It is going to move on, with or without your help. You can however manage your energy. Energy is a renewable resource and you can run out if you’re not careful. This goes along with Truth No. 10 in setting your schedule.
I believe in a day off every 7 days. I have chosen Saturday because on Sunday I’m volunteering at church, choosing to show houses and in general, it’s just not a restful day. When you’re just starting out you may find you have to work everyday to get things done but you can be creative in your time off. A pastor of mine shared something I thought was really smart. He said at the launch of a new church, it’s hard to find a day he could take off so he decided to take Noon Tuesday to Noon Wednesday as his day off. 24 hours in a row, a evening for date night with his wife and a quiet morning to rest and reflect but still could deal with urgent and planned work, 7 days a week.
Truth No. 12 – You have to list to last. That is an old saying. I’ve heard it since I started in this business and I’m sure it’s true. Listings give you leverage. Your buyers will come to you. Sign calls, internet leads, and open houses can be a great source of buyers. Listings give you market share people can see. Your sign in the yard is the best advertisement for other sellers looking to list.
Focus on listings and the other things will follow. Most online leads you pay for will be for buyers who are an unknown quantity. Are the capable of getting a loan? Are they motivated? It’s a lot more work dealing with buyers too. I can handle 10 listings a lot easier than 10 buyers. It also gives you more control over your schedule. You decide when to meet or call your sellers, show to the random buyer that comes in or you can refer out the buyers you don’t want to work with. It’s all about choosing where you spend your energy and time as to what you end up with. Choose wisely.
That’s enough for today. Check back for the next post tomorrow. We’ll keep going but I want to offer something extra to you in this ‘interesting’ time.
If you’re struggling and need to talk to someone, I’m here and I’ll talk with you.
I mean it.
If you want to schedule a 30-minute call you can click on this link. It will take you to a calendar where you can request a 30-minute time block. I’ll accept and we’ll get on zoom to talk face to face.
It’s free and it might just help if you’re stuck. No strings, no pitch, just someone to listen and maybe get you unstuck.
I’m here if you want to reach out.
I hope you will.
Thanks for listening,
Jerry Robertson
678-616-1578 Direct Line