Happy New Year!!!
One of the first things that agents should do to kick-start 2011 is to take stock of where they are right now and take full responsibility for their current circumstances (both the good and the bad).
2010 is gone. History! Over! Kaput! And so is 2009, 2008, 2007, etc…
Whilst it’s extremely important to look back at the fond memories and moments that should be treasured and savoured for a long, long time to come (maybe even a lifetime), it’s also very important to embrace the lessons you’ve learned during the last 12 months and harness this knowledge and these experiences to make 2011 a great year.
When reflecting on 2010, look back and think of 5 lessons you’ve learnt from last year. Are there 5 things you could’ve done better? Are there some innovations you could’ve adopted?
As you move forward into 2011, it’s important to embrace the fact that things are changing very, very rapidly and you should become part of the change and at the very least be flowing with the tide.
What are 5 things you can change in 2011 that will have a major impact on your success?
1. Mindset and willingness to embrace change.
2. Attitude and level of Passion & Enthusiasm.
3. Improved Physical/Emotional fitness = More energetic.
4. Knowledge and Skill.
5. Adopt an effective online marketing strategy (Build Your Profile & Market Share)
If you really do want to make some changes throughout 2011, then it’s important to understand that change normally takes place at 3 main stages at any point in our lives.
Shock, Re-Invention and Anticipation
Firstly, we are forced to change our behaviour through ‘Shock’ to avoid pain or loss. This is one of the biggest motivating factors for change BUT it’s normally the most ineffective change because we tend to make knee jerk reactions or decisions based on what our competitors are doing. It’s the sheep mentality and won’t create a significant point of difference in your marketplace. It’s merely playing catch-up and is seen as a ‘me-too’ approach to marketing.
Secondly, there is the ‘Re-invention’ phase of change which is normally adopted once we hit a wall and realise that a change is necessary. This change is normally done by one of the leaders of a pack of businesses and the changes are normally adopted by learning from one of the innovators within the industry.
The third type of change is the most exciting. It’s what’s called ‘Anticipation’. This is the space occupied by the innovators. They are normally miles ahead of their competitors and are always at the forefront of change. They don’t always get things right but the innovators have a passion for wanting to create a real point of difference and almost loath the idea of following the crowd.
If you want to discover how to become more passionate, more enthusiastic and more energetic then becoming an innovator within your marketplace could be just thing to set your new year on fire.
Why change?
Embracing change is critical to sustaining a long, successful career. In fact, change is the only real constant in business and there are lots of examples of businesses who didn’t adapt who are now gone or are struggling.
You may have heard this said before, but the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over again and expecting a different result, yet many agents are setting out to do the same things in 2011 that they did last year and even some are still using the same strategies that they did back in the 80′s and 90′s and wonder why they aren’t getting the same results.
Real estate agent marketing is starting to look very much the same throughout our industry ( major portals, signboards, brochures, just listed flyers, FREE Market Opinions, window displays and print media). Any dissimilarities are becoming hard to pinpoint by consumers and a lot of Listing Presentations are now becoming ‘commission shoot outs’ to secure listings.
2011 is the time to embrace change and create a real point of difference in your marketplace.
The choice is yours. You can look to Re-Invent or become an innovator within your marketplace and ‘Anticipate’ change OR alternatively you can do nothing and be a spectator.
Warning: If you do decide to sit back, then you’ll not only miss out on a golden opportunity to jump ahead of your competitors but unfortunately out of necessity to survive and remain relevant, you’ll find that a change based on ‘Shock’ will be inevitable.
Make a decision to join the Innovators, Anticipators or Re-inventors of the industry and embrace change faster in 2011. I promise, if you do, it will be the best decision you’ll ever make for you and your agency/career.
Are you open to change or do you tend to resist it? Or maybe you have a question about real estate innovation? If so please feel welcome to post your thoughts or questions in the comments section below.
PS: Both in nature and in business, we should always be learning and growing otherwise we wither and die PLUS it’s also important to learn from your experiences and ensure that you don’t get bitten by the same dog twice.
Have a great 2011.
Warm regards
Greg Vincent
