Looking back on what I had planned to achieve my first couple of years in the real estate business, I'd say that I'm pretty much on track unit-wise, but short dollar-wise. As with any business, I have a plan, I review that plan monthly, and adjust my projections based on how I'm trending.
My first year figured to be rough, as I competed against established agents for leads, learned the business, and sold a few homes. I finished with 5 sales after struggling and selling nothing for the first 6 months.
This year I'm projecting to close around 12 to 14 transactions; not great, but solid...steady. That's what I'm looking for; good, solid growth, while I build a strong, loyal customer base. I'm not looking for the one-time big score, or the sexy deal; just give me steady business, and a full pipeline.
Over the past couple of years I've gotten acquainted with some pretty high powered agents. Some have a phenomenal grasp of their business, and are constantly adjusting to stay ahead of the newest trend. Others lack this business acumen, and have fallen on tough times. I've learned an equal amount from both.
I've learned that 99% of the marketing you pay for is crap. I've learned that open houses give you free, tangible, quality results. I've learned that having someone see your face on a shopping cart isn't nearly as effective as having them see you in person. I've learned that the good times don't last long, so you better market for the bad times. I've learned that you have to control your growth, or you will rapidly grow out of control.
I read an article once on how NASA developed the very first pen that would write in a Zero-G atmosphere; creating a separate department, putting in hundreds of man hours, and reviewing countless prototypes. After a couple of years, and millions of dollars, they finally did it!
The Russians? They used pencils!
The Rookie
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment