And a few things to add to your list as well!
Happy New Year! How is your 2023 to-do list going so far?
Whether you’re already back in the office or sitting back waiting for the spring market to heat up, there is no doubt that you’ve been inundated with pressures to a build business plan, increase your sales, grow your brand, lose some weight or start/stop/do more/do less of whatever it is.
It’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed, but we’re here for you with what to prioritize and what not to.
What to clear from your to-do list
Here are a few things that you might want to erase from that to-do list, simply because they aren’t worth doing (no matter what that super-charming and persistent salesperson has been telling you!)
1. Don’t waste time and money building a custom website
If you love and have proven that you have the long-term commitment, budget, time and systems to invest in online leads, then a custom site might pay off in the long run. But spending your precious time building a custom website for your sales business, or worse, paying someone to do this for you is so 2008.
Unfortunately, most agents that attempt to create an online space for themselves from scratch end up spending way too much, never finishing the project, and failing at everything from SEO to IDX integration.
2. Don’t pay a brokerage that isn’t giving you what you need
I hear it all the time, “I’m at XY brokerage but I hate their branding/don’t understand their tools/feel like I’m on my own.”
Stop.
You’re paying desk fees, a split, a franchise fee, and possibly even transaction management, insurance and marketing fees to hang your license. Are you getting your money’s worth? Are you using the resources you’re investing in? Do you feel like you’re a part of something and belong?
You should be able to answer yes to most or even all of these questions, or you might not be at the right agency for you.
3. Don’t keep buying new CRMs thinking they are going to sell real estate for you
This is such a distraction. I don’t care how sophisticated your new CRM promises to be, or how much you’re paying for it, it’s going to take a lot of time to set up. It’s going to take a lot of time to learn how to use it. And it’s still not going to be a magic wand that you wave that brings business to you.
Sure, there are a ton of bright and shiny, AI-based, automated promises that are so tempting, but there is not a CRM on the planet that replaces you.
At the end of the day, it’s your work, your time, your heart and your passion for helping your clients. Stop trying to find it and just dig in. Track your efforts and activities, calculate your ROI on everything you do, and focus on the things that repeatedly pay off.
What to add to your to-do list
Ok, that’s a few things to remove from your to-do list. If you know me at all, or if you’ve been reading my RealTrends series for the last few months, you know that I love to leave you with a few positives and action items. So, here you go:
Do keep focusing on your people
Be a resource, solve problems, be the hero or even just the amazing supporting character in someone’s story.
Do tell the truth
It’s not ever the right time for everyone to buy or sell property, but it’s always the right time for someone.
Do decide who you are going to be this year, and go for it
Are you going to increase your business, focus on your brand recognition, become a healthier/happier you or all of the above?
I believe in you, and I cannot wait to see what you do with the rest of your 2023.
Stacie Staub is the Co-Founder and CEO of West + Main Homes.
