The Fundamentals of Time Management for a REALTOR®

Each day there are tasks that need to be done. There are also tasks that can get done but aren’t necessarily necessary. Prioritizing your day is a great way to work smarter, not harder. The Eisenhower Matrix helps you to make decisions about certain tasks so you can work as efficiently as possible. This matrix features four categories: do first, schedule, delegate, and don’t do. The top of the matrix has two characteristics: urgent, and less urgent. The left side of the matrix also has two characteristics: important, less important. Tasks that are important and urgent should be done first. Tasks that are important and less urgent can be scheduled for another time. Tasks that are less important, but still urgent can be delegated. Simply don’t do the tasks that day that are less important and less urgent.

Booking every minute of every day is a recipe for disaster especially when dealing with a variety of clients. Not only will it wear you down quickly, it doesn’t allow for any change in plans or unforeseen events. Again, prioritizing is very beneficial, but allow your schedule to be flexible. This makes it easier to account for a change of plans and new opportunities. It is important to be sure to determine what activities are income-producing and which activities could be busywork. 

Time blocking has proven to be an effective time management strategy. It’s as simple as it sounds. Instead of trying to accomplish a variety of things in a random, disorganized way, set a block of time and focus on one task, and complete it. This added level of focus can be centered on your most important tasks, making you more thorough and at the end of the day, more productive. A good example of this is setting aside a concentrated block of time for prospecting and follow-ups. Having a time block helps with focusing those efforts and producing-better outcomes. 

By nature, your brain can only focus on one activity for an hour or so. Once you reach this point in time, your actual productivity drops tremendously. In order to counteract this effect, set an alarm to remind you to stand up and take a break for a few minutes. Instead of trying to trudge through and finish a task, these quick, regular breaks can end up saving you time and make you more effective.

These are only a few fundamentals of time management. Implementing them can allow you to get more done in less time. As a knowledgeable, professional REALTOR® you can provide the highest level of service to your clients when your schedule is organized and efficient.