As December came and went (in like a lamb and out like a lion) I find myself asking, What Happened!? As most other REALTORS know, the beginning of December marks that break-off point of getting one last deal in before the end of the year. Before we know it that month has surpassed us and for many, that one last deal never happened. In fact, personally, that 'one last deal' mentality came much sooner than December. It was more like late September early November when I was hoping to at least get one or two more transactions in before the end of the year. It seemed as though the holiday slow-down came much sooner then previous years.

No doubt last year sped past most of us. And now all of the sudden I find myself working on next years (this years) business plan. Wait a minute, did I ever finish my 2010 business plan?? That question, although meant as a comic relief from reality, may explain why my 2010 year in real estate was not as good as 2009. 2009 you say? Yes, believe it or not 2009 was my best year ever, producing nearly twice as much as my previous "best year" and over a million in production compared to this year...I mean, 2010. I believe the reason this happened is due to several key elements, elements that I will certainly be including in my 2011 plan. Especially since I just realized I missed a particularly high company club level (and any future chance of a certain niche business) by a mere couple thousand dollars in earnings. Ggrrr. 

First, my entire attitude was very positive right from the beginning of '09. I recently signed on with a large and very reputable well known builder. It seemed that being busy with that builder kept me focused on other work and drumming up more business. So bottom line, stay positive!
 
In addition to my recent client I had actually set a few goals. My biggest goal was to address and work each and every lead i received, regardless of the quality or how busy I was. In the past when I have been doing well I would often say that I dont really need any additional business and I would be fine without that lead. Thats probably the worst thing to do in sales because one minute we may be working hard, and the next, twiddling our thumbs. The key is to never stop looking and networking for the next client.

Aside from several other goals and objectives that I am implementing into my business plan one stands out on top. This particular goal, or should I say my 'core purpose', has always been there, especially in '09, but never really addressed on paper for constant review. It is to always put the client first, ahead of myself or my potential commission dollars. My clients are going through one of the biggest decisions of their lives and they have entrusted me to help them through it. If this isn't a sign of trust and respect I dont know what is. And by taking advantage of this trust, to simply earn a buck, would not allow me to be in this business for the long haul.

So, if your looking to buy or sell a home in the Quad Cities, make sure to chose a REALTOR who treats their job as a business; one who strategically lays out the fundamentals to be successful in their career, and most importantly, one who will work for YOU and not themselves.

If you have any further ideas or suggestions on goal setting please dont hesitate to leave a comment.