YOU MADE IT! CROSS THE FINISH LINE!!

I realized the secret to success is finishing!
And not just finishing, but finishing strong!
            - Eric Thomas
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There it is.  The finish line. The goal, the ribbon, the tape. Call it whatever you want, it's what we've been working toward for the past five weeks. You're so close you can see it, you can feel it. You can almost taste victory. 

tmasJust a few more steps and you'll be able to say "I did it!" Let's get those steps behind us!

_____DAY ONE  This week is all about wrapping up, closing  evaluating, and looking ahead, ​past the finish line.​ Today, review all of the tasks you were assigned. Did you reach all you old leads and see if they are still viable? Have you talked with all of your current sellers and buyers? Have you completed each and every task assigned? If not, make a plan to finish this week.
Then, organize all the additions to your database. Make a note of who you spoke to or wrote emails or notes to - make a note of what you did over the past 5 weeks. If you don't make a note of it now, you won't remember!!! Create a list of "wins" you accomplished. How many did you speak to? How many notes did you write? How many emails did you send? How many lumpy mails did you mail or deliver? How many potential clients did you meet with? How many contracts did you get?

____DAY TWO Today, you'll be making a marketing plan for the next two or three weeks. Look at the list of potential emails I've created for you under Resources: Fun Holiday/Winter email ideas. Send one out this week, one out next week, and one out the week after Christmas. You can create all three as a draft email NOW so you don't have to worry about it through the holidays. Set up your mailing list, save the email as a draft, then all you have to do when the time is right is hit the send button.

_____DAY THREE  One more set of calls to make. This time, call at least 7 vendors you've used this year and thank them for the work they've done, wish them a Merry Christmas and remind them that you're always available to help their best clients when they might be looking to buy or sell. This can be a little awkward because obviously they work with more than one agent. But try this dialogue: "Listen, Bill. I know you work with a lot of agents, and I know you can't send me all your referrals. But I feel like we've developed a pretty trusting relationship here - I send virtually all of my clients to you for ________. All I'm asking is that you keep me in mind if you have a great client you can refer to me, like I refer mine to you. Fair enough?"

_____DAY FOUR Start preparing for 2018. You're already a little behind. I would suggest that you begin thinking about four things between now and the end of the year. 1. Develop a budget. You've got  to know what it's going to cost you to run your business or you'll simply spend until the money runs out. Take into account advertising and web expenses, association and brokerage dues, car and clothing expense, and any additional marketing you will do. 2. Where will the money come from? You need to break down your current business to determine what percentage is listings and what percentage is buyers. Do you anticipate that will remain the same? What is your ideal client and where are you most likely to get them from? How will you put yourself in front of them? 3. What steps will you take to reach your goals? Here's a hint: look back over the past five weeks of tasks. It included notes, calls, gifts, open houses, and several other marketing ideas. Good place to start.

We'll be helping you tackle these questions with classes in January. I did want you to get thinking about it today.

_____DAY FIVE Guess what!! You broke the tape. You crossed the finish line. YOU'RE DONE! Take some time today for yourself. Go to lunch with a friend, to dinner with your spouse or significant other. Get a pedicure or hang out with friends. Maybe even take in a movie with someone important to you.
This isn't just a reward. It's a requirement. Studies have shown how important it is to take some down time. It recharges your batteries and rejuvenates your spirits. If you've worked as hard the past five weeks as I think you have, you deserve it! Good Job!