Not sure how to Prioritize, check out these easy methods!
Are you moving the needle in your real estate business in the direction that you want? Do you have days where you seem to be doing a lot, but you're not making any progress in the direction of your dreams? It's quite possible that your answer lies in HOW you're prioritizing things.
To make the needle move in our businesses, you need to be prioritizing tasks based upon your individual values and our desired goals. That may be a certain number of listings, a certain number of transactions, a desired income goal, or even other business accomplishment goals, ie. how many clients that you've helped get their first home. After that, you'll be able to analyze tasks and reframe what needs to be a priority and what isn't so important. Let's take a look at some different ways to prioritize your tasks at hand.
"Are We Having Fun Yet?" Spreadsheet
One simple way to prioritize is to make a vertical list of your tasks. Then to the right of that column, do 3 columns after each task. Label each column:
Column 1 - Does it Make Me Money
Column 2 - Is it Necessary
Column 3 - Is it Fun
Go through your tasks one by one and place a checkmark in each column that applies to that task. You can start with whatever you'd like, it's your show. For me, I like to start with tasks that have 3 checkmarks after them. If it makes me money, is necessary, and is fun, that's a win!
Eisenhower Matrix
Another common way to prioritize is by using the Eisenhower Matrix. Many large companies utilize this method, but even if you're a single agent, you can benefit from using it. Instead of 3 categories, you'll do a matrix with 4 categories. (You could actually set this up in a spreadsheet format too by naming columns with the quadrant names.) You can basically set up a quadrant box with 4 squares in it. Name each quadrant as follows:
Quadrant 1 - High Importance and High Urgency
Quadrant 2 - High Importance and Low Urgency
Quadrant 3 - Low Importance and High Urgency
Quadrant 4 - Low Importance and Low Urgency
Again, take your list of tasks and place each task in a corresponding quadrant. Start with the Important and Urgent quadrant and work down the list.
Impact Effort Grid
A third way to prioritize could also be by utilizing an Impact Effort Grid. This method is similar to the Eisenhower Matrix by using quadrants, but depending on the business goals, the perspective is a little different. In this version, you would set up a quadrant box with 4 squares in it as well (your grid). The names in each of these quadrants are more directed towards the impact made and effort required to complete each task though. They are as follows:
Quadrant 1 - High Impact and Low Effort
Quadrant 2 - High Impact and High Effort
Quadrant 3 - Low Impact and Low Effort
Quadrant 4 - Low Impact and High Effort
Just as before, you'll plot each task within the quadrants, starting in Quadrant 1 and then working your way through each quadrant.
For any of these styles, you could also use a whiteboard and utilize them for regular daily items that come on your to-do list. It'll help you to constantly have a reminder of what to do next in order to push you to your desired goals. So, what are you waiting for? Go get those priorities in place and start feeling more accomplished today!
Keep Shining On ~ Your Real Estate Coach,
Amanda
