One of my favorite concepts is the idea of taking care of "Future Me." If you're not familiar with it, it's all about doing things today not because you want to but because "Future You" will be so grateful.
One example? When I go to bed at night, I like to put a fresh can of seltzer on my bedside table. That way, if I wake up thirsty in the night or first thing in the morning, it's ready and waiting for me and I don't have to get up to find it.
Another? No matter how tired I am, I never leave the kitchen a mess after dinner. I always make time to finish the dishes and clean the counters so that it's ready for the next day. It's a non-negotiable for me, and I'm always happy to walk into a clean space in the morning.
There are lots of ways to think ahead and save "Future You" some trouble:
Get gas on the way home instead of stopping in the morning (when you're already running late).
Pack your lunch the night before so you're not tempted to grab takeout at lunchtime.
Buy birthday and holiday gifts throughout the year rather than frantically trying to shop for and wrap everything in a two- or three-week window.
Keep a supply of greeting cards, stationery and stamps in your desk so you can simplify and streamline the task of sending handwritten notes consistently.
Declutter your space on a regular basis so that you're not digging out from under too much stuff later.
Many of us operate from a place of instant gratification:
I don't feel like doing that right now.
I'll get around to it later.
I'm too tired / busy to handle that.
However, when you make decisions based on what will be of the most benefit for Future You, you set yourself up for easier days ahead. This is true of personal daily or weekly habits (think meal prep or choosing your clothing the night before a big day) and of professional development and business building.
How to set 'Future You' up for real estate success
Here are 50 proactive steps a real estate agent can take today to set their future selves up for success:
Networking and relationship-building
Establish a referral network by connecting with mortgage brokers, contractors, and home inspectors.
Host a monthly networking event for local professionals and homeowners.
Send thank-you notes to past clients and ask for referrals.
Attend community events to increase visibility and build local connections.
Collaborate with other agents on non-competitive listings to expand your reach.
Stay connected with local businesses to cross-promote services.
Join professional organizations like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for networking and resources.
Personal branding and marketing
Update and optimize your personal website with testimonials and listings.
Start a real estate blog to showcase expertise and attract organic traffic.
Create video tours of listings and share them on social media.
Build a presence on platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
Design and distribute branded merchandise like pens or notepads.
Use geotargeted ads to reach potential clients in specific neighborhoods.
Regularly update your Google Business Profile to boost local SEO.
Client management
Set up an email automation system to keep in touch with clients.
Create a first-time buyer’s guide as a free resource for leads.
Develop a post-sale follow-up strategy to maintain relationships.
Start offering free market analyses to homeowners considering selling.
Keep detailed notes on each client’s preferences and milestones.
Skill development
Take courses on negotiation tactics to improve deal-making.
Get certified in luxury real estate or other niche markets.
Attend a workshop on public speaking to become better at hosting events.
Stay updated on market trends and legal requirements through webinars.
Learn basic skills in home staging and photography to enhance listings.
Technology and tools
Invest in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
Use data analytics tools to understand market trends and client behaviors.
Explore drone photography to offer unique property visuals.
Set up virtual reality tours for out-of-town clients.
Leverage AI tools to improve marketing copy and streamline processes.
Community involvement
Sponsor a local sports team or charity event.
Volunteer with organizations focused on housing and community development.
Start a scholarship fund for local students.
Offer free real estate workshops for first-time buyers or sellers.
Engage in neighborhood improvement projects to enhance community appeal.
Financial planning
Save a percentage of each commission for future investments.
Set up a fund for future marketing expenses.
Start investing in rental properties to diversify income.
Work with a financial advisor to plan for market fluctuations.
Content creation
Develop a local market report and distribute it monthly.
Create a home maintenance checklist for current homeowners.
Write an eBook on how to sell a home in your area.
Start a podcast about real estate trends and tips.
Team and collaboration
Hire an assistant to manage administrative tasks, freeing up your time.
Partner with local photographers and videographers to elevate your listings.
Collaborate with other agents to host a multi-listing open house event.
Time management
Block time for daily lead generation activities.
Implement a system to track progress on long-term goals.
Create a weekly habit of reviewing successes and areas for improvement.
Professionalism and reputation
Collect and showcase client reviews on multiple platforms.
Develop Mission, Vision and Values statements that build trust and set you apart.
Here's the good news: You don't have to do all of these all the time. Pick and choose the ones that would have the biggest impact on your business and on your mood. What would make you more efficient? What tasks do you dread the most? What tasks do you enjoy the most? Think about how implementing any of these ahead-of-time actions would impact the way you feel and plug in the ones that would have the biggest and most positive effect.
Plant seeds today that you can harvest in the months and years ahead. Taking these steps consistently will help you build a strong, sustainable business and position you for long-term success in the real estate industry.
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