We were admonished in comments this week that we get paid for doin’ and not so much just tryin’. With 2.5 DFTs this week, technically, I’m not getting paid for either.
I’m a gal with a lot going on, with more plans in my pocket than is attractive to carry. Every night, I make my ‘to-do’ list for the next day, and the next day, the things that produce money and are in-process business are the first things that get done. And then at the end of those items, I’m usually out of day.
So stuff gets rolled over onto the next day’s list, and before you know it, you’ve got four years of projects scribbled on the back of a post-it in a shorthand even you can barely decipher.
I know where I want to be, I can point at it, describe it, have a fairly good idea how to get there. It’s going to take a radical shift in my business and the way I approach it. But how do you sustain an existing business while trying to get all this other monkey business going?
I know, I know. Approach it the same way you eat an elephant: on a tortilla with a side of nachos.
Somehow, I’m doing a lot of trying and not so much doing when it comes to getting where I want to be. It’s difficult to paradigm-shift and still maintain the things I absolutely know will support myself and my family.
But somehow, I’ve got to get there.
Somehow.
BawldGuy Talking
May 29, 2008 at 11:07 pm
First of all you’re not wearing the big red S enough. 🙂
Seems to me your MO is more efficient than 98% of the agents out there. You’re doing what makes you money and brings in new biz. If you’re dissatisfied with the results, I’d be curious as to what you’re doing now not yielding sufficient results, and what’s on the back of your post-it notes.
My impression after meeting you and having our short conversation was of a young woman with an intense work ethic, and monster intelligence. My money’s on you.
If you think I might add something or need a sounding board, I’m always available. Of course, I’ll probably have to stand in line.
Matthew Rathbun
May 30, 2008 at 6:31 am
You’re already light years ahead, if you can point to where you want to be. So many of the agents I get to coach have no idea what they want to do tomorrow. Write a plan and a mission and work it!
Bill Lublin
May 30, 2008 at 7:00 am
Kelley – I’m already in line behind two guys who stole my thunder by telling you the truth. All I can add is my belief that if you know where you want to go you’re already half way there.
Put on the ruby slippers, then click your heels together three times and repeat……
Matt Thomson
May 30, 2008 at 9:02 am
If you get a chance to attend a “Quantum Leap” seminar in your area, go! It’s put on by the leaders of Keller Williams, but has nothing to do with our company. It’s 2 days of very practical, very pertinent information on how to balance your life, set priorities, and really truly focus on the 20% of activities that will get you the money while allowing you to keep your sanity and devote your time where you want to.
If you can’t locate the seminars, and are interested, let me know and I’ll find one in your area for you.
ines
May 30, 2008 at 9:57 am
I know exactly how you feel Super Housechick. Here’s my day – 3 kids, the home, a husband, property management, real estate business, blog (I’ve reduced my sleep time by 2 hours knowing I’m young and can do it) but…….
I’ve had a vision of where I want to be…..always have done that since I was a child. I have made major changes and keep making them on a daily basis. I know it’s difficult to make changes but they are crucial for moving ahead. Focus ahead, visualize and you will be able to accomplish all those things in the list that make you money and then some……….that’s why you are Super Housechick! 😉
Ken Smith
May 30, 2008 at 10:34 am
If you have a vision of where you want to be you are well on your way. Take small steps and remember that you need to maintain your current business. Adding new ideas is great, but there really isn’t a reason to remove a profitable part of your business. At the very least you can bring someone else on to handle that part of your business. I found hiring buyers agents frees up a lot of time to focus on other areas of your business and life.
Jonathan Dalton
May 30, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I want a monkey.
Aside from that, I need to get better at prioritizing. The money producing activities still are at the top of the list but even they sometimes get shuffled back in the hustle and bustle of things.
Too hectic and probably all my fault. Too many buyers, not enough decisions.
Screw it. I just want a monkey.
Scott P. Rogers
May 31, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Ditto! 100% — other than the years of projects being on my blackberry, not on the back of a post-it. 🙂
I see it as a “maintenance” vs. “growth” issue. I spend all of my time on maintaining my business (and growing it in small, incremental ways), but I never have time to devote to the big changes.
I have toyed around with the idea of dedicating 2 days each month to the “big growth” tasks. After being out of town for a day, I’m always able to catch back up, so if I had an “out of town” day twice a month for this purpose, I think I would still be able to keep up with the maintenance tasks.
Eric Blackwell
June 1, 2008 at 7:16 am
@Kelly– errr…SuperHouseChick…as BawldGuy noted, I think you are ahead of the pack. I think often times we ALL feel as you do (read: overwhelm). Only so much can be done in a day.
@Ken– Your quote is money…
“Take small steps and remember that you need to maintain your current business. Adding new ideas is great, but there really isn’t a reason to remove a profitable part of your business.”
Well said…
Best;
Eric
Eric Blackwell
June 1, 2008 at 7:18 am
An additional note…doing some serious commenting on several blogs has been on my ‘to do’ list for almost a month…finally getting to check it off…quiet Sunday mornings are great for that. I have been reading, but just never had time to respond.
I guess everything has a time and place.
Kelley Koehler
June 1, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Bill – ruby slippers? might not match my cape. but I like the way you think.
BawldGuy – I’ve got enough plans for several alternate careers on the back of those post-its. Someday, I’ll get those put into action.
And every one else, thanks for the encouragement and empathy. I’m short 2 days a week from broker school, and am just keeping my head above water for the next few weeks until it’s all over.
And JD – at least I have two monkeys. You have none.