Coaching: Launch the New Year with the Right Plan

By Brian Buffini

RISMEDIA, Jan. 8, 2007-Traveling across the country I get to meet many people at our events and I am often struck by how many have gotten caught up in a short-term mindset or approach to the business. Yes, the market may have changed and listing times are longer but this does not mean you need to spend your time worrying about whether or not you'll make it to the end of the month.

As I've said before, you can control your activities, but not the results. Relax, do your best and trust for the outcome… it's not something you can control.

If you are diligently working the Referral Systems and reaching out for
accountability, you are likely to achieve at a high performance level-despite what the market is doing.

One of the greatest things you can do for your business is create a daily, weekly and monthly plan. Without one, you can quickly find yourself flying blind. A simple, but clear plan is the surest way to prevent your business from becoming a treadmill. It helps to think like a business person rather than an employee. Remember, you are the operations, sales and marketing manager of your own corporation so examine what will make your life easier. What processes do you need to put in place to ensure a great year?
There are specific actions you can take to place yourself in a stronger position:

Write a plan-and keep it simple.

Develop rituals and routines with a long-term mindset-this will help you make the right decisions for your business.

Take the time to write down your goals-what do you want to achieve?

Examine the benefits of working on your business rather than in it.

Write out your job description.

Track your numbers.

The last point is critical. We can all get caught up in the daily grind of our business, which makes it difficult to get an accurate read on how we're really doing. Numbers allow you to be objective because they never lie. It's also the quickest way to help decision making. Inside our Coaching and training programs, we've developed a powerful tracking mechanism to help our clients see where they're going and we've found that those who consistently track are always in a stronger position.

When examining what you want to achieve this year, there are questions you can ask yourself to clarify and map direction:

What is my mission statement?

Do I have a vision for my business?

What kind of clients do I want to do business with?

What kind of service do I want to provide?

What hours am I going to work?

Being in business for yourself can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience, but there's no doubt that it can also provide you with emotional peaks and valleys. The more systems and processes you put in place, the greater your likelihood of succeeding and achieving at your best. You'll also gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing the ball is not being dropped in any area.

As you move into the New Year, don't let up on the lead-generation activities that will build a solid business. It's time to double your efforts and remember that a tightening market is a professional's market. Working by referral is about committing to the long-term. It is not a quick remedy or overnight solution; rather it's a trailing effect that will sustain your business in both up and down markets. This January, take time to examine what you want to achieve this year. It'll help you find the balance between building a great business and leading the life you want to live.

Brian Buffini is the founder and chairman of Buffini & Company. For more information, visit www.buffiniandcompany.com .

Real Estate Hot Topics

Profit Center: Real Estate Tips, Training & Events

RISMedia Solutions

RISMedia on the Go

Today's Featured Listing