I had a job once where I worked 5 days a week, 8 hours a day and had 2 real and complete days off a week. Then I became licensed in real estate and with that came the belief that I had to be “on” 24/7. Especially in the early years, I still remember saying to our wonderful front end girl, Kathy, “The only pages I get are to bring home milk!” “One day you’ll wish that was all you had” she said.
Well until that day came, I answered every call, I ran to every showing, and I even presented offers on Christmas Eve. I was the REALTOR® that all the coaches wag their finger at. But in defense to all new REALTORS® trying to establish themselves, create a viable business, and solidify their reputation, that’s what we have to do. That’s the price we pay for success, right?
Wrong! We all need to “check out” consistently.
I called to show a property in West Vancouver and my well established, highly respected co-operating associate said very matter of factly “We don’t show our properties after 7 pm.” At first I thought he was just kidding, but he was dead serious. I jokingly said to him, “Well, I guess now that you are so established you can afford to do that.” “It has always been my business practice,” he said back, gently putting me in my place.
So let me get this straight……you can be a top producing REALTOR® and set your own hours? What a novel concept! Here are some of my suggestions on that note:
- Plan your business yearly: black out your days and weeks off first.
- Team up with an associate in your office: it doesn’t have to be for any other reason than to support each other during time off.
- When you are off……BE OFF: this means no cell, no laptop, no iPad, no MLS®. Just rest your brain.
- Make your time off part of your business policies and let your clients know about them: They’ll understand, they have time off too.
- Enjoy your day. Enjoy every moment of it.
Why is “checking out” important?
- Remember how busy we get just before a vacation? Be busy all year round.
- Showing up refreshed and energized is infectious. It makes for a great environment to work in.
- Resting your brain makes room for new and innovative ideas.
- It beats feeling burnt out.
A real estate license is not a license to be available every moment of every day. Create healthy habits for yourself and your business by “checking out” on a consistent basis.
As Walt Disney said, "A man should never neglect his family for business."
Nina says, “A man or woman should never neglect themselves for business.”
On that note, I am “checking out” to enjoy a well-deserved vacation with my family, leaving my incredible team to take care of business!
