New to the industry or a seasoned vet, time management and time blocking is an ongoing issue for Realtors and so many who are self-employed.
We get stuck wondering things like, “what should I post today, what colors should I use, who should I call and who shouldn’t I call?”. When you’re unsure what to do, it’s hard to move forward.
The good news is, you can easily bring order to the chaos by identifying your non-negotiable activities, and the must-dos, and go from there.
In this post, I’ll define your 5 key activities and provide 3 executable suggestions. I hope that this will give you a roadmap so you can get started with a new time block and create productivity and profitability in your real estate career!
What is the perfect time block for Realtors?
Time blocking: The act of creating a specific time to say yes to particular activities and BLOCK OUT all other activities.
In other words: Identifying and prioritizing tasks, the things that actually move the needle, and saying no to the distraction that is commonly easier than the actual task.
The added benefit is that when you prioritize the most important things first, you often find that you have more time for other things and peace of mind because the priorities have been handled.
Component #1 – Identify your 20%
All time is not created equal. 20% of what we do should create 80% of our results .
This is a crucial component because when we have short days and days that are full of distractions and unexpected interruptions, this component allows us to take care of the most important details and never again feel the feeling of “ I didn’t get anything done!”.
Many people who are new to time-blocking start out on the right track but then get stuck because they don’t know what to prioritize.
And then they wind up time-blocking but making time for the wrong things!
The key to identifying your 20% is studying how others in your industry, that are considered successful, are spending their time.
To get started here, let’s think about what 3 items that will move the needle in your business, daily.
Component #2 – Focus on redlight vs. green light time
Redlight time is before your customers are available and again after your customers are available. Greenlight time is your clients facing productive time.
For most in the real estate industry, redlight time is before 8 am and after 7 pm Monday- Friday.
If you’ve spent hours in the middle of greenlight time completing activities that are actually redlight activities, doing things, but something still feels off – like you’re not getting anything done- this is likely the piece that’s missing.
Without this, you can plan on being in the busyness vs. the business and still not create momentum.
What can you do?
A really useful technique for implementing redlight and greenlight time focus is to set a timer, identifying when to start and end certain activities.
You can use your phone or any digital calendar system like; google or outlook to set reminders and interrupters to stay on track.
Component #3 -Learn to say NO and turn off notifications
In order to focus on any one thing, you must say no to other things. This means you need to turn off notifications and common distractions.
It is really okay to say NO. The more comfortable you become with your no’s the more likely you are to stay on track and hit your goals.
Here’s where you’ll really start to feel in control and on purpose!
Of course, this comes along with a new mindset and a little understanding with those who you love that may be common offenders. Consider having a real conversation with those in your inner circle to create a new expectation.
The best way to get your people on your team and focus are:
- Success goals
- Then success payouts
- Then, clarity- in order for us to enjoy x y, and z we have to first do a b, and c.
Once you’re all on the same page, you will be on your way to successful focus!
Putting it All Together for Your Perfect Timeblock
There you have it! The 3 components of your perfect time block!
It may sound like a lot, but like most things practice makes perfect. Just focus on identifying your 20%. This will help you set up your redlight and greenlight time and then create boundaries toward success.
What’s next? Follow me on my YouTube channel @sherryswiftcoaching and watch my video on time-blocking.
If you need help getting started, my YouTube channel will not only help with this topic but with so many other Performance based topics! I can’t wait to be a resource!
Click here to subscribe and follow! Don’t forget to turn on Notifications! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZHrnLPIpICdRUf7lFdPyg
