by Danny Griffin
In this real estate agent coaching tip, we’re going to discuss how to make the most of your marketing plan and avoid the trap of instant gratification.
Step 1: Planning Cure
Step one of establishing a more successful real estate business, as previously discussed, is to establish a written strategic marketing plan. Now even though the thought of business planning conjures up images of being locked in a cold, dark basement under the watchful eye of Big Brother; we’ve cured that pain with a simple, free, mind mapping software, so that planning can actually be fun! (Get it now at Xmind.net)
Step 2: USP
Step 2 of that simple plan is to establish a believable but aggressive Unique Selling Proposition, so that you set yourself apart from the “also-ran” crowd that seems to make the same claim making it virtually impossible for the public to make any differentiations.
Did You Complete 1+2
Now even though there’s a lot more to marketing than those steps, we seem to be facing a serious case of business A.D.D. that we better cure first. It’s hard enough to sit still and take 5 minutes to download FREE planning software and then actually figure out how to hit enter to start a topic like Marketing and then hit the tab key to branch off into the key points. Are you with me?
It’s NOT The Overnight Delivery Business
So now that you’re there…you’re there now, right; if not this tip opens up a trap door and you have to start it again. If you did the work, then you get to the next phase of your own Amazing Race. Unfortunately this might be the hardest lesson yet. It’s the acceptance that a good plan or even a great one, especially in real estate, is not, I repeat NOT designed to give you instant, overnight results…we’ll leave that to the FedEx/UPS battle! Sure you might get leads rolling in, but they need qualification and long term follow up.
The Tortoise is Boss
If you’re not willing to work hard at cultivating those leads, then you’re no better than the farmer who plants seeds and walks away without watering them, only to lose them to the heat and the weeds. So it’s critical to stick with all steps of the plan over a long term period. Yes that means 2-3 years of executing, measuring and refining the smallest of details. So remember, let’s leave instant gratification for the delusional and start executing a simple plan relentlessly over time. The patient real estate tortoise who has a consistent plan, definitely beats the hare in this business!
About the Author Danny Griffin
-Danny is a top producing real estate agent and coach. He is the founder of The Griffin Realty Group, The Realty Classroom and Free Thinking Tools.
So do you focus on a plan each week or do you blow with the wind and hope it works? I know I’ve done both over the course of my career and I prefer the stability of a plan!
This is the toughest lesson of all. Thanks for being willing to tackle it. Stick to it is such a tough message to…..what were we talking about ?
Grant the hurdle is actually transforming ourselves into a patient executor of the plan…it really starts with the question, “who must we become to be that person.” In the beginning we fight to stick to the plan, but eventually it becomes an irresistible “good habit.” Keep up the great work my friend!