If you ask experts who have really made something of their lives and careers, many of the same bits of advice will come up. Most certainly, you’ll hear the importance of time management.
With all that success entails, no matter what job market you’re in, the to-do list of tasks is never-ending. As a real estate agent, you know this is true. Selling and purchasing real estate is an around-the-clock job.
Find ways to get more done in a day, while also penciling in a break or two, with these five tips for better time management.
1. Schedule out your day
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Make a game plan for every day. There are two ways you can do this effectively. Whether you do this the night before, or the morning of, plan your day according to what needs to be done and how long it should take to do it.
Putting the least appealing tasks first on your list helps to end your day on a better, more successful note. Often, the most dreaded task is the easiest to procrastinate. Don’t forget to pencil in time for eating, family and rest — you know, the basic necessities of life.
2. Eliminate social marketing distractions
Most real estate agents will use social media and deal apps as a way to spread the word about their services.
But there is a limit to the revenue you can create via social media when you drift into surfing the web and mindlessly thumbing through Instagram. Remain mindful of your social media activity for the most efficient use of your time.
Eliminate social platforms that aren’t bringing in any leads. If Twitter isn’t your strong suite, then reallocate your time to more profitable avenues.
3. Set your hours
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Working as a real estate agent, especially an independent agent, allows for a lot of flexibility in your schedule.
Many failed agents were too flexible with their schedules and didn’t allow for enough consistent time on the clock to truly build a successful business.
If you set aside your work hours, and commit to them, you’ll be more likely to see the growth you have always wanted to achieve.
4. Remember to check in on your personal life
At some point in their career, usually the very beginning, agents feel the urgency to be on the clock 24/7.
Even in a long career of selling homes, there are times when this is a necessity; however, one of the most ignored productivity tips out there is to turn off your work brain and check into your personal life regularly.
Checking in on your personal life reminds you just why you work so hard. This regular inspiration will help you to push through long work hours and stressful transactions.
Just as you would schedule out client meetings and set work hours, give your personal life equal importance. Though that may look like two hours out of the day compared to nine work hours, schedule it in and make it count.
Get on a good sleeping schedule so you can wake up early. Meal plan, and prep for the week. Schedule time for family and important personal relationships. Getting a healthy break from work on a regular basis will keep you from burning out later.
5. Delegate when you are able
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As a real estate agent, you have an endless to-do list of truly productive tasks. So when you feel like there is too much for one agent to handle, delegate.
Whether you have an assistant, you partner with a brokerage or ask for a personal favor, trusting someone else to get a job done can be a huge help. When you are able, outsource projects like marketing, staging, cleaning and other tasks qualified professionals can perform.
Most productivity tips are common sense, not magic. Studies have shown that there are no incredible hacks waiting there to discover.
It comes down to you and how you choose to live and work. Sometimes that means uncomfortable sacrifices. It may be a simple matter of organization. Either way, you can take full control of your time with a goal and a plan to get there.
Jackson Cooper is a writer and real estate enthusiast at Jensen and Company. Follow Jensen & Company on Twitter or Facebook.
