REAL ESTATE AGENT NEWS
Where's Your Focus?
By: Sandy Geroux

An ad I recently saw from a company called Accenture features Tiger Woods preparing to make a shot from a VERY rough area.

The message is this:

What you did = 10%

What you do next = 90%

"We know what it takes to be a Tiger."

What a message! Most of us have seen how Tiger Woods focuses on the shot he's taking, no matter whether the previous shot has taken him right to the green or out into the woods (no pun intended!).

The fact is that, like Tiger Woods, no matter how good we are we can still make mistakes or be affected by outside influences that cause us to fail to reach our goals at times.

The timeframe immediately following any setback is our most critical - and potentially most dangerous. Any future success we hope to achieve depends on making the best decisions possible at that moment.

With the new year rapidly approaching, we must use this critical time - the remainder of 2008 - to review and analyze our activities, make an effective plan and then take decisive action to create the 2009 we desire.

Keep the following sound golf (and business) principles in mind as you go into year-end:

1. If you've landed in the rough, look and aim toward the green - not back at the tee! Where do you need to go? How far off are you? What strategy will help you reach it? Can you do it in one step, or do you need more than one?
2. Decide which club to use: The right tools are necessary in order to reach the green in as few strokes as possible. The right business tools are just as necessary to help you achieve your goals in the shortest time. Hone your skills, increase your knowledge, put processes and systems in place now - to ensure 2009 starts and ends the most productively and profitably.
3. Consult with your caddy: Surround yourself with business advisors and mentors who know your business, customers and market as well as (or better than) you do. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or confirmation that you're on the right track.
4. Analyze your next move before jumping: The worst thing you can do is to take a "shot in the dark" without first analyzing all the conditions surrounding it. Look for hills, valleys and curves in your way, plan the speed and strength you will need to navigate through them and take careful aim to be sure you reach your goals.
5. Keep your head down and your eye on the ball - then ensure consistent follow-through: Take action now! Begin doing the things you need to do, keep your goals in mind and in sight, and follow through on all leads. At this time of year, many people are simply "coasting," justifying their inactivity by telling themselves (and anyone else who will listen) that, "No one's going to buy at the holidays," or "No one else is working now - why should I?" That's exactly why you should! The others have forgotten that people buy and sell products at ALL times of the year! If fewer people are out there selling at any particular time, a GREAT opportunity arises for those willing to put time and effort into their sales activities and capture those buyers who will buy then.