How you manage your time in your real estate business is critical to your success.

You’ve seen and heard it said, sometimes by a blustery, boss-like character in a classic black and white movie who shouts “TIME IS MONEY!” While this statement over the years has been personified in the form of the overbearing cheapskate boss, actually no words are more true, especially when it comes to business.

The good news about being in business for yourself is that you have the entire day to do whatever it is you want. The bad news is: You have the entire day to do whatever it is you want. There’s some serious truth to both of those statements. Even in real estate, as a contractor there is no one to tell you that you HAVE to be somewhere at a certain time, or that you HAVE to hit the daily goals you set for yourself…those aspects are entirely up to you and your own motivation.

But it takes more than just motivation to achieve your professional goals…it also takes organization. Organization is most effective when you learn how to productively manage your time. Real estate agents new to the business may find they seemingly have all the time in the world for lead generation and training. Many who have not set a regular, time blocked work schedule find themselves behind the figurative 8-ball once they begin to get homes into escrow. Suddenly they are thrown into a whirlpool of showings, paperwork, inspections, counter offers, etc. and their marketing time goes right out the window. Of course, once those escrows close, they find themselves back at square one without any other potential business on the radar. Time blocking can help agents continually achieve their goals by setting a daily, disciplined work routine that includes marketing and lead generation every day, as well as making sure they’ve fit in all of their training and client obligations as well.

Lead Generate FIRST!

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why? Because it provides you with the nutrients and energy to get you up and going. The same goes with lead generation. Getting into the habit of performing your lead generation activities at the start of your business day will build your confidence in your efforts and yes, actually generate business for you. Agents who put their lead generation off until later in the day typically find it a more difficult to complete. Do it first, and you’ll feel better for the rest of the day.

Consistency is key!

Setting your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule ahead of time helps you to structure your business in a way that helps you track your levels of success. Being consistent in these efforts is not unlike your daily physical workout…The more consistent you are, the better your results.

In his book The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, Gary Keller puts it best:

Meditate and Pray – Spiritual Energy
Exercise and Eat – Physical Energy
Hug, Kiss and Laugh – Emotional Energy
Plan and Calendar – Mental Energy
Lead Generate – Business Energy

All before 11am!