Your vision for 2001 will determine the scope of the game you play. Know yourself and your values. What will it take for you to feel 2001 was the best year ever?

Vince Lombardi said ”Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing!” Here are more game-winning strategies for the Real Estate Game.

1. Games have rules, and rules change

In 2001, knowing the new rules of the real estate game is of critical importance. The rules have changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Everyone should do a reality check at least yearly, especially if you have been in business for a while. You must determine if you are playing by the most current set of rules. Research and development, á la big business, will allow you to shift your plays based on the new rules.

Knowing the new rules allows you to create strategies to leverage your strengths and uniqueness so you can play your best game. What do you do best or what new offerings fit your way of doing business and give you an edge? Who are the 20% of the people that will be responsible for 80% of your business? Don’t get caught up in trying to make plays that you don’t have the strengths for. Play your best game and create a game plan that will ensure success because it is one that suits your skills.

2. A game is usually won by the one with the best game plan

George Allen head coach for the Washington Redskins in the 70's said, "Winning can be defined as the science of being totally prepared."

Developing strategies are part of the overall game plan. Have you defined your business plan and vision or are you going to let this year’s game be determined by the outside forces?

If you do not have a game plan, check out The Awesome Year 2001 Plan or simply put in writing what you would feel is a great plan. The person with a written plan outperforms the person who has no plan or keeps one in his or her head!

Don’t play a small game. Rarely does doing just a little better than last year really get your juices flowing. Play a game worth playing and one that will really excite you and challenge you. A challenge is more fun and even if you just accomplish 75% of something that was a big stretch (like doubling your production), it is probably more than would have been accomplished if you had a smaller, more easily attainable goal.

3. A game can be watched from the stands or played on the field

Are you going to be a player or a spectator this year? Are you going to be planning your plays, watching others model it, or are you willing to get dirty?

Gabriel Heatter said,” Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch life from the side lines. For those who play the game, an hour may be a year, a single day’s work an achievement for eternity”

Action is what playing is all about and even bad action is better than no action. You’ll learn and improve from all actions you take and stirring up the cosmic dust by being in action ups the energy around you to do more to increase that attractiveness.

4. A game has cheerleaders and a coach

Surround yourself with others who are committed to your success. I find many people in real estate would rather complain with others about how bad it is than encourage others to stretch and expand their limits. Go for it! You want people in your life each day who see you bigger than you see yourself and who are pulling for you to win! Turn your family into cheerleaders by sharing your goals with them and creating a benefit of something like a vacation together when certain goals are met. Don’t you think they’ll be cheering on your prospecting and listening for leads for you if they know they are going to get to go to Disneyland?

A coach sees the big picture from the sidelines. The coach can see holes in the defense or where your best opportunity for the long shot is. While you can do it yourself, if you take a look, most of the winners have coaches they can count on to keep them on track and focused. A mastermind group, our manager or another colleague who is also committed to success could all serve this purpose or you might want to hire a coach who specializes in the real estate field. Real Estate Coach is a site that has more information about coaches as well as some teleconferences (some free and some for fee) that are specific to our business.

5. A game has a winner

How will you know if you have won? Maybe being #1 is what you are after or maybe there are other measures that are more important to you. Your game is your call.

Philosopher John Ruskin noticed,” The proof of a thing’s being right is that it has power over the heart; that it excites us, wins us, or helps us.”

This takes us back to your game plan. What are your standards for yourself? Are you playing the game to the best of your potential? Are you having fun? Be the best that you can be. That's when you know you have won The Real Estate Game!

Published: January 29, 2001

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Joeann Fossland ePRO, GRI, MCC, PMN, SRS is a dynamic, international speaker and business coach. She personally coaches a small number of extraordinary agents who want to leverage their production results and have a life they love! She was recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Real Estate in 2008 by Stephan Swanapoel. Subscribe to her free Tuesday Tips, attend Fossland's Forums, free monthly tele-seminars, and find out about classes delivered by email and personal coaching by visiting Joeann.com or email her at . You can also connect at Facebook and Twitter.