Get Focused on Lead Generation

As a successful real estate agent, you have more on your plate than the average person, especially if you lead a successful team. Every day you deal with myriad closing details, new listing presentations, managing fragile egos and constant interruptions from texts, emails, and calls. We can't forget lead generation, the lifeblood of top agents. And, of course, we have to throw in family and personal obligations.It's easy to get distracted when you're being pulled in so many directions. You may not be clear about your priorities or could be one of those people who are reactive... trying to address every situation as it arises.The key to success for top real estate agents is focus. The ability to block out distractions and stay focused on what's most important is what separates the good from the great.Having worked with the country's top agents, Espresso Agent has identified five strategies to help you stay focused on what's important:

1. Stick to a strict schedule.

The best schedules are those built around what is most important to reach your goals. To the degree possible, every day should have the same structure, an example of which might be:

• Creating a morning routine built around quiet time or meditation.
• Setting aside a dedicated time for lead generation.
• Building in time for the administrative details that can bog you down if left unchecked.
• Adhering to a strict quitting time each day.

2. Be clear about your goals.

We need to know what motivates us. The clearer your goals, the easier it is to stay focused on what's important. If it's lead generation, how many calls will you make each morning? It also helps to have an accountability partner, someone who knows your goals and is responsible for keeping you on task.

3. Share your expectations

Everyone in your universe should know what you expect of them. If you run a team, there should be no question about goals and expectations. The same strategy is true with your vendor partners-attorneys, escrow officers, inspectors-everyone should know how you want things handled during every transaction. Finally, your family needs to be clear about what you need from them to ensure your success. They need to know the time of day when you cannot be interrupted. Conversely, you need to stick to any promises you've made with regard to family time.

4. Have clear customer service standards

Your clients should be clear about how you operate, how you handle problems and what they can expect from you and your team under any situation. Above all, if you promise something, make sure you deliver. Keep them in the loop at all times; people, and customers, in particular, do not like surprises.

5. Shut it down

Technology is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. Email, in particular, can kill focus and productivity. Schedule specific times during the day to check and send emails. In fact, you may want to use your out-of-office assistant to alert people to your email schedule and give them the option to call or text if there is something urgent. And by all means, turn social media off. We are all, on some level, addicted to the affirmation we get from social media messages, likes, etc. If you have to be on social media, make it brief and during non-work hours to minimize distractions.Our attention spans are under assault. When it's time to focus, say, on lead generation, are you prepared to defend yourself against this assault? Use these strategies to limit distractions so you can stay focused on the things that matter most.