Let's not make it so complicated! It is a back to basics time! You can tap into the magic of 3 to focus your actions and produce better results. Here is a simple technique I use with my coaching clients that results in increased effectiveness.

Does this sound familiar:

Does your day starts with a long list of To-Do items, some carried over, some new, but lots and lots of items? Is it really more than you are going to get done today? Most agents have a crazy and undifferentiated list of actions they think they could or should be doing. The problem is that lack of prioritization. Then they make choices that don't have the juiciest payoffs!

1. Identify the 3 Most Important Activities

Each morning, determine which 3 activities will bring the biggest payoff. This isn't usually the squeakiest wheels, even though you may need to take care of some of these too! Think of your long term or yearly goals. What actions are most aligned with getting you to where you want to be in the big picture.?

Now, write these 3 on a post-it note to carry with you all day. Every time you complete something, look at the post-it and take action on the next thing on your list.

Base your prioritizing on what you can do today to raise your personal and business success. Perhaps prospecting for an hour or planning your marketing for the month are items that will generate future business to keep your pipeline full. You may need to take a class or buy a new software or hardware.

If you want, when you complete all 3, you can intentionally pick 3 more, but never have more than 3 at one time.

2. The 3 Next Clients

Each week, look over all your possible prospects and determine which 3 are the most likely to move into action. Then focus on helping these 3 move forward.

Let go of trying to serve everyone at the same time. We have a tendency to try to move everyone along or not doing a good job and making sure no one falls through the cracks. Be intentional and focused. By narrowing that focus to the next 3 and consciously brainstorming as to how to move them forward, your effectiveness will increase.

3. The 3 Lowest Hanging Fruit

What 3 people would be the best to call today? Think about those 20 percent of your sphere that are responsible for 80 percent of your referrals.

What strategic partner or business person can refer clients to? Or maybe contact a new business person if they are a fit for your target markets and set up a lunch or meeting to talk about mutual referring. The cosmic dust you stir up when you refer usually comes back at you!

Keep it simple. There are opportunities in today's market. They are just dressed in different clothes than last year! Focus on what, instead of just getting the busy work done. Wouldn't you rather be productive than busy? I know you would! Get out your post-its now and choose your three!

Published: April 3, 2008

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Joeann Fossland GRI, LTG, MCC is a dynamic speaker and business coach. Creator of THE REAL ESTATE GAMETM, she provides coaching solutions enhance your effectiveness and life balance. You can subscribe to her free monthly newsletter, attend free monthly telephone seminars, and find out about classes delivered by email and personal coaching by visiting JoeAnn.com or e-mail her at .