2020 was an unconventional year, to say the least. But as we enter 2021, many people are ready for a fresh start and a new beginning. They’re ready to put the obstacles and challenges of 2020 behind them and head into 2021 with a sense of purpose, focus, and next-level success. Maybe 2021 is the year you move from being an agent to being a broker. Maybe it’s the year you finish your online classes and finally take the step into real estate for the first time. Wherever you are in the real estate journey, consider these seven ways to get ready to be the best version of yourself in 2021:
Revisit Your Business Plan
A wise person once said if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. If it’s been a while since you’ve checked in on your business plan, the end of December and beginning of January is a great time to do it. Take some time to look at the strategies and goals you set for yourself for 2020 and readjust them if necessary. Consider all of the things you’ve done and learned this year and use them to modify your business plan to help you be more successful in 2021. You should revise your business plan every year to help you grow into a more intentional and productive agent.
Crunch The Numbers
Whether 2020 was a great year for you financially or you struggled a bit, crunching numbers and diving into the analytics of your business is one of the best ways to get started for the new year. Take a close look at how much you spent on advertising, marketing, technology, transportation, and other aspects of your business. Look carefully at how much money you made last year, and set specific goals to reach more people, sell more property, and make more money. Don’t forget to look at the little things, such as money spent on fancy coffees, business lunches, and travel. These costs add up and can significantly impact how much money you’re making.
If you want to make significantly more in 2021, it may mean shifting your focus and your niche. Maybe you want to venture out and work with more luxury and clients and properties. Maybe you want to jump to commercial real estate. Take the time to crunch the numbers and look carefully at the money you’ve made versus the money you’ve spent so that you can go into 2021 with a solid financial plan.
Set Realistic Goals
Most successful real estate agents and brokers are familiar with goal-setting. Real estate professionals tend to be dreamers and doers, goal setters, hard workers, planners, and hustlers. You may have goals in mind for the new year, but there is power in writing them down. Put some time aside to have an engaging and active goal-setting session. Look carefully at what you wanted to accomplish last year and how you made it happen. Don’t be afraid to set big goals. The most important part of goal setting is creating realistic action steps to make them happen. Let a few trusted people in your inner circle know about your goal so they can help to keep you accountable.
Invest In Continued Education
One of the most exciting parts of creating a business plan for the new year is deciding where you are going to invest your money. Top agents and brokers consistently put continued education in their budget. This means setting money aside for workshops, online classes, seminars, conferences, and other educational events. The more you know about the industry, the profession, and your specific locations, the better you’ll be able to serve your clients. What licenses or certificates could you earn that would help you do your job more effectively? What classes could you take to help more people and make more money? Continuing education is what sets the top performing agents apart from everyone else.
Brush Up On Technology
Another way to get ready for 2021 is to look into different apps and technology that will make your job easier and more productive in the new year. What communication, organization, planning, and budgeting resources could you use to save you time and money this year? Take a careful look at which areas of your business you’re spending the most time in and research different technology options to help you automate them. Learn more about digital marketing and how you can use technology to build your brand and increase your network.
Take a look at these apps and podcasts that could make 2021 a more innovative and productive year for your real estate business.
Do A Profile Makeover
If you were to search your name or brokerage online, what would you find? Are your website and social media information up-to-date? Before you jump into a new year of digital marketing, make sure that all of your profiles and website are user-friendly and up-to-date. Take some time to ensure consistency across all of your platforms, and update your profiles with any new information that potential clients may find useful. Consider getting a fresh round of headshots done, ordering new business cards, or giving your website a virtual facelift.
Find A Mentor
In real estate, success is often based not on what you know but on who you know. Growing an extensive network of professionals is critical to an agent’s success. One of the best things you can do for your professional growth is find a mentor. Surrounding yourself with people who have been in the business longer than you, have made more money than you, and have reached higher levels of success than you can be the best thing for your business. Seek out a successful real estate agent or broker that you trust and ask them to mentor you. Even if you’ve been in the business for a while, there are always new things to learn.
If you’ve learned a lot the last couple of years, consider mentoring a new agent. Pay attention to those in your sphere of influence and offer help and guidance when appropriate.
Get Ready For 2021
The new year is alive with growth opportunities, and Mbition wants to help equip you with everything you need to take advantage of them. Check out these online courses that will help set you up for success in 2021.
