AWARENESS -- YOUR BUSINESS IS A MANIFESTATION OF HOW YOU THINK
How do we take a step back and look at our business in a way that makes us more aware of what's going on, so we can grow the business? Many of us in real estate have a dream of running our own business and being our own boss -- That's our "North Star." Your business is a manifestation of how you think and more specifically, it's a manifestation of your own self-image. Becoming aware of this concept is the first step toward developing a growth mindset versus a survival mindset where our own contentment holds us back.
MANAGED -- WHY YOU MUST CONSCIOUSLY MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS
As an example of this concept, think about how you treat new agents who join your business versus how you treat past clients. Is your language different when you talk about these different -- but equally important -- aspects of your business? A change in your language can be a defensive manifestation of one of your weak spots! Example: Do you light up when you talk about new agents and become more gruff when talking about past clients? Consciously managing your business like this can help you find areas where you have a "fixed" mindset versus a "growth" mindset. This is why it's important to find a mastermind group, a coach or a partner to work through this with you.
HUMANIZE -- WHY A MANAGED BUSINESS IS MORE HUMANIZED
Would you treat any of your clients or peers badly if you realized you were doing it? Pause to ask yourself about the Golden Rule, "Am I treating people the way I want to be treated?" We all have the capacity to empathize, but we default away from that. Why do we do this? Because we become comfortable in the fixed mindset of survival. To step out of this mindset in your business, "cheat toward the human" by giving while expecting nothing in return. Try regularly giving an anonymous gift to see how empowering that is!
GROWTH MINDSET -- YOU MIGHT BE STUCK CONTRACTING
There's a danger in the mindset that you have to do X number of transactions. This mindset can block out humanity and prevent you from considering a new vision or a new way of doing business. When you fixate on transactions, you don't see the big shift that's happening right now. A growth mindset in business means being open to change and growth.
OBSERVE -- HOW YOUR BUSINESS PRODUCES RESULTS
Observe your own business to see what's working correctly for you. In other words, what's producing results? If you're a rookie and don't have enough of a track record to answer this question yet, observe a top producer to see what they're doing that produces results. What you will usually find when you observe someone successful is that they are following a systematic approach. What is the routine -- the systematic approach -- of the person getting the results you want? If you are a high producer and you're getting results but haven't ever analyzed your systematic approach, observe what you do now so you can get a handle on it.
MEMORIALIZE -- MIND MAP OUT YOUR PROCESS
Sit down and mind map out your systems and processes. Even if you are following someone else's system, you have to begin to memorialize what it is that you're doing. Mind map out your process for different modules, such as Marketing, Conversion, Closing, Past Client/Community Follow-up and Expansion. You can't become a manager of these processes unless you're memorializing them! Mind-mapping your process into a flow chart allows you to identify areas where you can make your business better.
CALENDAR -- BLOCK THE TIME TO DO THE TASKS
Once you mind map your process, what do you have? A system that you can follow every time! Once you have the systems, though, you have to calendar them. Put your boots on and go to work. You must block the time to do the tasks. If you calendar time for your health and fitness, or your hobbies, why wouldn't you calendar time for your marketing as an example? Calendar your time like it's a job in order to build discipline into your system.
LEVERAGE -- DELEGATE YOUR MICRO TASKS
You can start to leverage your system to your advantage now by delegating your micro tasks. Look back at your mind map and analyze how to best spend your time. Who is helping with your social media posts? Who is helping to develop your marketing pieces? Are you doing it all? If the answer is yes, then it's time to start delegating! Utilize independent contractors to take care of your micro tasks and watch your business grow.