How to Be More Productive as a Real Estate Professional

Productivity can seem quite elusive at times – particularly in today’s busy real estate landscape where distractions seem to pop up at every turn. But with a plan, you can dramatically improve your productivity and get more done.

5 Tips for Greater Productivity

Productivity can be defined as getting more done with fewer resources in less time. As Tony Robbins puts it, “It’s getting the results you want with less time and effort. When you’re trying to understand how to be productive, what you’re really seeking is a way to achieve your goals while having time to spend on what matters.”

As a real estate professional who is constantly tending to dozens of different fires, here are a few steps you can take to increase productivity daily:

1. Perfect Your Morning Routine

It may sound overly simplified, but a good morning routine is one of the biggest secrets to a productive day. If you’re currently rolling out of bed and casually waltzing into your workday, you’re missing a huge opportunity to increase output.

A good morning routine is intentional, specific, and documented. It consists of several different tasks that are designed to set you up for the rest of the day. This may include prayer/meditation, breakfast, exercise, and journaling/planning.

2. Keep Files Organized

As a real estate professional, you have a paper trail that’s a mile long. If you’re still trying to manage it with physical documents, folders, and filing cabinets, you’re not doing a good job of setting yourself up for success.

In 2021, the easiest way to stay organized (and secure) is by using a cloud storage solution that lets you access your files anywhere from any device. Most cloud drives – such as Google Drive – have free options that are more than adequate. However, you can also find premium options with larger storage capacities and additional features.

3. Optimize Your Office

Your office is the heartbeat of your business. Make sure you have a workspace that’s properly optimized to your needs. This includes your physical needs.

Office ergonomics is more than a buzzword. It’s something that actually impacts your health, focus, and productivity. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend investing in a standing desk. (You can see how they work on BTOD.com’s LinkedIn page.) This allows you to seamlessly transition from sitting to standing – enhancing circulation and keeping you energized. 

4. Follow the 80/20 Rule

You’ve probably heard of the 80/20 Rule before. It’s based on the idea that 80 percent of your results stem from just 20 percent of your actions. In order to be productive, you must find a way to focus on doing the 20 percent. Everything else can be eliminated, delegated, or outsourced. 

Speaking of outsourcing, this is one of the keys to successfully scaling yourself. As you grow your business, you’ll learn which tasks fall into the 20 percent bucket and which ones don’t. Anything that does not require your direct involvement should be handed off to someone else. Figure out how much your time is worth hourly and then offload anything that can be hired out at a cheaper rate.

5. Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to get so focused on work-related tasks and processes that we forget about the importance of taking care of ourselves. But truth be told, sometimes proper self-care is actually the best thing you can do for your performance and output. Here are some suggestions:

• Take frequent breaks throughout the day.

• Exercise daily (get at least 30 minutes of cardio per day).

• Eliminate fast food and as much processed foods from your diet as possible. Replace with lots of water, lean meat, fresh fruits and veggies, and other natural items.

• Get a minimum of seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Try your best to fall asleep and wake at the same time each day.

As you care for your body, you’ll notice that you have more energy. This will translate into greater efficiency and productivity. 

Get More Done With Fewer Resources

Most people get into real estate with the expectation of flexibility. Yes, the work can be challenging and lucrative, but there’s a desire to work less and spend more time on the things that matter (like family and hobbies). 

By implementing some of these tips and strategies, you’ll be able to do just that.