Let’s Get Organized: Time Blocking as a Real Estate Agent
To many of us, the idea of making our own schedules or being our own boss is a dream come true!
While having the freedom to make our own work schedules can be freeing, with it comes the responsibility of being accountable for how you’re spending your time. If you’re new to real estate, this newfound freedom can easily become overwhelming as you scratch your head and wonder how to productively fill your days.
This is why time-blocking is an essential method of managing time for new agents! So, what exactly is time-blocking and how can you start practicing it? Keep reading to learn more…
What is Time-Blocking?
Time blocking is exactly what the name suggests: blocking off periods of time during your workday for accomplishing essential tasks for the growth of your business.
As a real estate agent, your job is to sell homes. When you’re starting out if you don’t yet have clients to sell to/for, how are you supposed to begin earning your commission?
This is where time-blocking comes in. Time-blocking ensures that you make time in your day to perform tasks like…
- Reaching out to potential clients
- Growing a social media following
- Engaging with a community either online or in-person
- Answering emails
And other marketing tasks. If you don’t set aside time for these more tedious tasks, it’s easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about the journey ahead of you. Now that you know what time-blocking is, let’s get organized! Here are some tips for implementing this strategy into your schedule…
Let’s Get Organized with a Set Schedule
Before you start filling your schedule up with tasks, an essential step of time-blocking is deciding your work hours.
As a self-employed individual, setting a schedule is an essential part of keeping a healthy work-life balance. Keep in mind that in the beginning, you may need to be available at a moment’s notice and available for more hours out of the day. That being said, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have hard limits on certain times for availability.
For example, many real estate agents put their phones away after 8:00 PM. They designate this as their time to be with their family or for alone time. Whatever your limits are, make sure you factor these into your time-blocking routine. Knowing which hours you won’t be available is a great way to make use of the hours that you will be available!
Make Time for Client Interactions First
Your interactions with your potential clients or even clients that you already have should be the very first tasks that you add to your schedule when time-blocking.
Client interactions could be face-to-face, for example, grabbing a cup of coffee or meeting at the office. Or, they could be as simple as making a phone call or setting up a Zoom meeting. Work with your clients to figure out a time to meet or connect that works for them and plan all of your other activities to revolve around these appointments.
If you’ve already made connections with some clients, add showings to the schedule first! When you are great about making appointments and sticking to them with clients or potential clients, your dedication to them will show and they’ll be much more likely to work with you in the future or recommend you to their network.
Make a Plan for How You Want to Market Your Services
Some new agents prefer social media marketing while others prefer networking in person. Take a look at your personality type as well as your goals for yourself as a professional to decide which marketing methods work the best for you.
If you decided to move forward with social media marketing, set a chunk of time aside for building up your online presence. For example, set aside three hours out of the day for following potential clients, engaging with their content, and uploading content that will make you stand out.
If you want to focus more on face-to-face interactions, try to find any community events that you can market your services at. Or, spend some time driving around and looking for “for sale by owner” signs and leaving your business card with the owner.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to set plenty of time aside for marketing, especially when you’re starting out.
Use a Time-Tracking Tool
When you’re in the zone, it’s easy to lose track of time.
It’s important to not only plan for time slots but to follow through with them. A simple way to keep yourself on track is with a time-tracking tool.
A time-tracking tool will help you eliminate distractions that may have hindered your ability to see the task through to completion. Also, it helps you balance out each of your tasks so you don’t get hung up on one.
There are a variety of time-tracking apps with varying features. So, take some time to research them and choose your favorite!
Are You Ready to Get Organized?
Starting a business can be overwhelming.
Your first concern is the service you’re trying to sell. In your case, this is real estate. Before you can even get in front of a client, you’ll need to attract clients.
An essential step of attracting clients and landing them is taking time to network and reach out. Without time-blocking, it’s easy to get distracted or discouraged and fall short of your goals, leaving you stressed about earning a commission.
Time-tracking allows you to plan your day out and set yourself up for success professionally. As a new agent, it’s a crucial method for growth!
Trying to sell a property? We have the tools for you! Reach out today to learn more about our real estate marketing tools!