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Being a Business Within a Business:
Alice Held, Scottsdale, AZ
Early in my career, my real estate company emphasized that we are independent contractors, not employees. With that emphasis, I honestly felt more independent and mentally, and then physically, created my own business within a business. We are in control of how many hours we will work, how much this business of real estate means to us, where and how far we want to go. Success is totally dependent on our mindset, drive, and our smarts. Smarts can be learned. Mindset and drive must be developed. The tools are out there to be grasped and implemented.
Acquiring these tools means a budget. Software such as QuickBooks will help us manage our budgets. Business plans that our fearless real estate leaders are promoting at the conventions and seminars will help implement the budget and guide us through the process of being an entrepreneur. In essence, that is what we are. Without that mindset, we are employees.
Time spent working on your business is a high priority and will pay for itself exponentially.
Technology is changing the way we do business, and more than ever before, will help us focus in our business plan. At the next convention, or through your realtor publications, explore the many business plans that instructors have put forth for you. The RS Council lists a few in their recent publication.
Make a plan - a roadmap, of where you would like to be financially at the end of this year, at the end of 3 years, and at the end of 5 years. Look over what you've done for the past year. Are you happy with the results? Are there tech tools that you'd feel would enhance your business? Factor them in your '99 plans. In this case, the old adage, "It takes money to make money", is truly fact. You WILL make money using the new products on the market, such as the digital cameras of which I've spoken. Include training cost and time for either you or your assistant. You will become more efficient and organized implementing a contact management program that is the backbone and core of your business.
Constant education and learning is critical during this technology transition as doing business in real estate morphs into another dimension. That means when you travel, you really need a laptop to stay connected. Cell phones, pagers, are necessary to stay connected as well. View conventions and seminars as a necessary means to learn what's new and to network and exchange ideas with other agents. We are entering a very exciting time. Real estate will never be the same. There is no going back, or even staying the same.
More than ever in one's real estate career - it is necessary to see ourselves as a business within a business to help us get to where we plan to go.
Alice Held, CRS
RE/MAX Excalibur
PO Box 6244, Scottsdale, AZ USA 85261
(800) 863-2971 Toll Free
(602) 951-1010 Office
(602) 922-5377 Fax
Alice Held () is a Buyer's Agent located in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
A Certified Relocation Specialist with an innovative relocation program.
http://www.come2az.com/
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