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Improving efficiency: conquer all the tasks on your to-do list
A+ Agent

Improving efficiency: conquer all the tasks on your to-do list

The fast-paced, multi-tasking demands of a real estate agent’s work often mean endless to-do lists and not enough hours in the day to get it all done. But there are a few great techniques and tips that you can try during your busiest days (which is, really, every day) to improve your productivity and finally cross off all the urgent tasks on your agenda.

Set daily goals and priorities

Give your day a sense of purpose by setting a goal or multiple daily goals to achieve. Prioritize tasks that are more urgent and must be completed today. You might want to add other tasks to your list that are more ongoing but would be nice to cross off once you have completed your priorities

Respect your biorhythm

Part of the benefit of being a real estate agent is a degree of flexibility in your work schedule. If you feel most productive in the afternoon and evening, you can concentrate on making these your ‘office hours’ instead of forcing yourself to be a morning person if you like sleeping in. Same goes for early birds that work best at the crack of dawn but tuck into bed early.

Utilize car time

Real estate agents spend plenty of time in their cars driving to and from appointments. But don’t think of it as a wasted block off your calendar. Use this time effectively: dictate notes like to-do lists and ideas to promote your business. Return calls to customers or vendors. Listen to audio books and podcasts that can help you develop your skills as a real estate agent. But regardless of how long your to-do list is, remember that safety on the road is top priority.

Compartmentalize phone and email time

A lot of a real estate agent’s work occurs by email and over the phone. But these methods of communication can easily be distractions from the task you have at hand whenever you hear your phone ring or see a new email in your inbox. If you’ve got a pressing deadline or urgent task, set yourself a timer for 20 or 30 minutes, during which you’ll put your phone on silent, close your email inbox and work distraction-free. When the buzzer goes off, you can check your emails and return calls in a timely manner.

Take breaks

It’s easy to get burnt out when you’re working non-stop. Not only that, but taking frequent breaks has been shown to improve your productivity and creativity as well as preventing neck and eye strain. It’s yet another argument for using a timer to remind yourself to take short breaks. We like the Tomato Timer, which uses the Pomodoro method of 25-minute work sessions followed by 5-minute breaks.

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