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Six Tips to Help Shift You to Higher Productivity

by Joeann Fossland

Do you work a lot, yet produce less than you think you should for all that hard work? In the real estate business, you only get paid for the results produced. You don't get paid for showing up or for getting ready. The difference between the very successful and the wannabees is the effective use of time.

During their first year, new agents often spend lots of time on those activities that primarily give them experience and sometimes, teaches them what NOT to do. The habits and activities that are needed to learn the business are often different than those needed to be wildly profitable.

Experienced, successful agents prioritize and focus on the activities that are the highest and best use of their time. They practice habits that support creating results, rather than getting ready or being busy. They delegate to others the tasks that aren't their strength or best use of their time. Busy doesn't necessarily mean productive.

As I coach my clients in their business planning, I ask them to review each week, "What's working?" "What isn't working." This gives us the clues to leverage their actions and priorities into the more lucrative payoffs. You can get some great insights by asking these same two questions about your recent business. Perhaps, taking the time frame since the beginning of the year and making two lists, one for each question. Then consider ways you can take what is already working and do more of that! Next consider what isn't working and stop doing those things.

Remember, if you keep doing what you are doing, you'll keep getting what you are getting. It may be that something isn't working because your natural skills are weak in that area, such as follow up or paperwork. If you are committed to success this year, you must stop doing what you don't do well and find a way to do more of what brings forth your talents

A few tips to help you shift to higher productivity:

Focus: Begin each day by identifying your 3 top priorities for the day (in line with your goals). Write these down or keep them in front of you all day.

Delegate and Outsource: What are you doing that can be outsourced? "If you don't have an assistant, you are an assistant." Perhaps a virtual assistant is the answer. You can learn more at revanetwork.com.

Peak Your Performance: If your weekly schedule includes at least 1 Peak Performance Day, you'll focus 80 percent of your time and energy on the dollar-productive activities that day and find yourself accomplishing more.

Create Boundaries: Stop letting other people determine your priorities. Don't let people interrupt you. I know this is hard for many of you, but let the phone go to voicemail when you are doing something that is one of your top 3 priorities for the day.

Don't Work with Jerks: If you don't respect yourself and your time, others probably won't show you respect either. Fire the energy drainers, the people who don't fit your perfect client profile, the unreasonable sellers, and the people who do not respect you and your boundaries -- these are people who suck energy and time.

Invest Only in the Technology You Need: You do not need it all, but you do need all the tools that will save you time and money. Develop a budget each year and stick to it.

If you can even free two hours a week in shifting to more productive activities, you'll find it will make a big difference. Use those hours to be more obvious: invite past clients to breakfast, or go to a networking event. Connect face to face with more people and you will do more business. Most of all, have some fun each day. People want to do business with people who are fun to be around, not needy salespeople!

Published: May 15, 2006

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

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Joeann Fossland ePRO, GRI, MCC, PMN, SRS is a dynamic speaker and business coach. Co-creator of THE REAL ESTATE GAME® and NoBloggerLeftBehind.com, she provides coaching solutions to enhance your effectiveness and life balance. You can subscribe to her free weekly tips, attend free monthly tele-seminars, and find out about classes delivered by email and personal coaching by visiting Joeann.com or email her at .

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