by Deborah Collins
History has taught us that anytime there is a shift in the economy or a life-altering experience, good can come of it. It is sometimes that ‘boot’ that we need to get us to do something we’ve been putting off or to make a change that we were not able to make on our own. Change is not easy, but it is usually good. As it pertains to work and the new working-from-home business model, I think there are 10 things that you can do to help you succeed.
1. DESIGNATE A SEPARATE WORK AREA.
Whether this is a corner in your bedroom, a space in your closet, or your garage, it is very important to have a place that is all yours and off-limits to anyone else. I’ve often made a desk of two sawhorses with an old door laid over it. It makes a large work area with room for your computer, printer, and phone. My garage has doubled as an office many times and I loved the privacy and space it gave me.
2. CLEAR THE CLUTTER & CLEAR YOUR MIND.
Declutter your work area. Clutter can keep you stuck and disorganized. Clearing your desk will help you keep your mind clear and focused. Only keep the file(s) that you are working on in front of you. Put piles of unfinished tasks out of your line of vision. I can’t think straight when I see piles of laundry, bills to be paid, junk mail, or lots of paperwork stacked up all around me. Do your best to keep your environment free of anxiety-provoking visuals.
3. TAKE THE NEXT RIGHT ACTION.
Before I go to bed, I organize my desk. I write down the five things that I need to accomplish the next day. Then, I rate them in order of their ease or difficulty in accomplishing.
I always begin with the most difficult task and I don’t move on to the next item on the list until that first task is done. We tend to do the easy things first and suddenly the day is over, and our energy is depleted, or a family need pops up and the most important thing did not get done. This can leave you feeling anxious and frustrated. If you tackle the hardest thing first, you will have more brainpower and energy and it will be easier to accomplish.
4. LOOK YOUR BEST.
It is easy to let our hygiene go when we are working from home. If we take the time to dress as though we are going to the office or a meeting, we will be amazed at how much better we will feel. When you look good, you will be more inclined to accept or initiate a Zoom call. Emulate your favorite newscaster. You can wear PJs and slippers from the waist down. This extends to making sure the background image on your video call is also looking good.
5. MAKE A PLAN.
As a real estate broker with my own company, it is up to me to create income. This entails getting new business. It is my experience that writing down the names of at least five people to contact every day is a good number (10 is even better!). At the end of each day, I clear my desk and I write down the names of the five to ten people I will contact tomorrow and what I’m hoping to accomplish. Sometimes I’m asking for something and sometimes I’m offering something and sometimes my calls are just to check in and wish them well and inquire about their family (without asking for anything). Rather than a phone call, it might be an email or a notecard. People always appreciate a nice note in the mail.
6. RAISE YOUR VIBRATION.
These are challenging times. There is a lot of uncertainty and financial stress which can be debilitating (and very counter-productive). During the pandemic lockdown, I would listen to motivational speakers on YouTube like Abraham Hicks, Brene Brown, Kute Blackson, and others. We may not be able to control what is happening around us, but we can control our attitude. As Steve Chandler suggests in his book “Re-Invent Yourself,” take some “LSD” – Laugh, Sing, Dance – every day. Have a dance-off with your kids. Maybe you have a pet that can lift your spirit if you are feeling down. Once you’ve changed your energy and focus, make another call on your contact list. Notice the result. Your tone will be lighter, more positive and, the person you called, most likely, will appreciate the interaction and feel enriched by you.
7. DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.
Once you make that call, let go of the outcome, and don’t take it personally if they do not accept what you are selling. I had lunch with a prospect who said he was going to list his shopping center for sale with me. I was so excited. When I got back to my office, I sent him an email and a listing agreement. He never responded, and he never returned any of my calls. It was as if that lunch never happened. I felt terrible and I still don’t know what happened. However, I realized it was out of my control and it didn’t change who I was or the value that I would have brought to the situation. I had to let it go and move on to the next prospect.
8. BRING VALUE TO THE PEOPLE YOU ENCOUNTER.
The most successful businesses solve a problem. Be a good listener and understand what a client's objectives are. You can't exceed expectations if you don't know what they are. Always do more than you are paid to do and the referrals and repeat business will come.
9. GET SOLVENT.
Let’s face it, the commercial real estate business can be tough and sometimes there is a long period between deals. According to a survey from Bankrate, only 40% of Americans could pay an unexpected $1,000 expense, such as an emergency room visit or car repair, with their savings. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to live below our means. Don’t fall for that short-term hit of retail therapy. Cash is king. There’s no feeling as good as having money in the bank. It is a comfort and a source of strength. If you are living beyond your means, cut back immediately.
10. KNOW YOUR WHY.
Working from home was so that I could be close to my horses. I did not want to go to an office and watch them on the nanny cam and pay someone else to take care of them. Put a picture of your kids or your pets on your desk or monitor and a picture of you doing what you love to do or aspire to do where you can see it daily so you can remember your “why.” Focus on your list of the five things you’ve written down to accomplish for that day and then do the next right action to achieve your goals. Do your best and the universe will do the rest. All is well.
Doing the 10 things I listed above will help you stay balanced and improve your business and personal life. Just stay in the day and know that all is well.
Connect with Deborah
FB: @devora93066
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