Like good little business owners, we usually sit down and think out our business goals at the end of the year, or at the very beginning. Unfortunately, like New Years Resolutions, many get so busy just 'trying to get by' that they forget what their goals are, they forget what direction they are suppoesd to be heading and we just 'keep plugging along' certain that eventually 'if we work hard enough' we will get there (wherever that is)....
I'm here to remind you that in order to actually get there (wherever that is) you really do need to keep your goals and business plan in front of you.... Here are some basic questions to help keep you on track...
Do you have a written goal list? Are you using visual cues (photos, etc) to help inspire you?
Do you have a plan of attack? It's not enough just to know what you want, you have to figure out how you are going to get there! Knowing you want to go to New York is great, but if you live in Omaha, do you know how to get there before you get in the car? If not, you may end up in Dallas!
Have you compartmentalized your goals into smaller chunks? Looking at them as a whole can be overwhelming. If you've got a plan of attack you can break them into smaller goals which makes it far more doable. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!"
Have you created exciting rewards for yourself? For the women reading this, chances are if that is $$ then you better figure out a new reward. We rarely actualy work for the money, regardless of how much we need/want it. We will work for purses, shoes, perfume, vacations, jewelry, etc however.
Have you figured out what you'll have to give up to get there? Oh come on, you don't think you can get there without giving up something do you? We will all have to give up something - time, chocolate, shopping, dinners out, yoga - something.... are you willing to give up what you have to give up to get what you want? If not, then figure out a new goal because you probably won't achieve it!
Do you have a support system? For some this means that you need people around you who will help pick you up when you fall. For others that may mean someone you can run around yelling, "na na na na... Ha! I told you I could do it!" and proving them wrong. Depending on your personality type, one works better than the other for you. Having both is really great! (but maybe just do the dance in your head... My best motivation in this business has been my ex-boss - everytime I succeed I know she sees it and it annoys her to no end.... that pushes me harder and harder! sad, but true)
I'll ask again, How is your business doing?
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Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocate and national speaker speaks her mind about real estate and the home staging industry. In her 'no holds barred' approach, audience members find real answers to the industries pitfalls and learn how to overcome them with tried and true information and guidance. With marketing as her passion, she turned a small home based business into one of the nation's largest home staging and training facilities. She now operates as the CEO of First Impressions Home Staging & Interior ReDesign as well as an instructor for Staging And Resign and regularly speaks at the StagerList Expos and Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)'s trade events.
For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.822.2622 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
If you would like Marro's team to provide information on staging a property in the state of South Carolina, or the Greater Charleston Area, please visit www.WeStageSC.com, email marro.melissa@gmail.com or call 843.822.2622.
Melissa, these are very good questions that we all need to ask ourselves from time to time. However, I will give up anything... anything BUT chocolate to succeed!!!!!!
Sally - well, OK, I'll let you keep your chocolate!
Very good points and ones to dwell on! Yes, the 1st quarter of 2010 is coming to an end. 2009 was my best year ever and started out slamming right after Jan. 1 '09 through the holidays. I expected the same this year. It has slowed down some only because I'm comparing it to my 1st quarter in '09. Actually, it's been steady, but I could handle a lot more. I'm finding that once I bid, a lot of vacant sellers don't have, or won't part with the money to stage. They kind of have a wait and see attitude.
I have to agree with Sally and not giving up chocolate. Nope, just can't do that. Having a plan and sitting down months ahead of the new year is truly key in business. You just have to have a plan or you will not succeed in this market. Continuing your connections whether you are working with them or not is another key aspect. We are having our best year yet ;)
Melissa, Thanks for this excellent, thoughtful post. Can't believe the first quarter is almost over! Having a plan, sticking to it, & adjusting when necessary are all keys to succeeding in this market.
Great post Melissa and this year has flown by-seems faster than ever. Yes to all your questions!! My biggest change this year is the changes I made with my marketing $$$ and my greatest strength is my support system-my local professional staging buddies.