By Bob Corcoran

If you’re looking to make this a more productive year, you’re in the right place. Keep reading.

There’s nothing worse than feeling that your wheels just aren’t fully on the ground for the kind of traction you need in today’s real estate market. My 20-plus years of coaching and helping real estate agents have taught me that it all begins with taking control of your time.

And more specifically, it starts with an ideal work week. A week that keeps you on track to do the kinds of things that you do best and that land money in the bank. In short, a work week that puts you in control of your life.

Over the years, I’ve met far too many agents who are obviously not in control. Their lives are scattered like loose papers on a windy day. One reason I consult and coach is because it’s extraordinarily gratifying to help people regain their lives and actually enjoy work and life. I always glow when my clients thank me for me helping them get their lives back.

Here are a few tips to help you create your ideal work week to make 2011 a year to remember:

1. Focus on what makes money. Far too many agents get sidetracked in the hustle and bustle of business and end up doing things that simply don’t make sense for them to be doing. I always tell my clients to focus on the four tasks that actually make them money: listing, prospecting, selling and negotiating. Everything else is time and money wasted. I’ve calculated that my average client is worth $1,868 an hour. Would you pay someone that wage to answer the phone or file papers? Stay focused!
2. Identify and squash time-wasters. True, as I said in number one, you shouldn’t be wasting time filing. But you also need to identify other time-wasting activity. For example, paperwork. Think of the state Ohio — Only Handle It Once. File it, act on it or toss it so that you don’t get buried in it. And be careful not to get sidetracked with unexpected phone calls. Set aside specific times to do your phone calling.
3. Have goals. Those two simple words have the power to change lives. It sounds so simple, but most times when I meet with new clients and ask to see their goals, they swallow hard and loud and then give me a blank look. Not having a goal is like a runner not having a finish line or a golfer without a hole. Make goals measurable, attainable and most of all, noticeable – hang them where you’ll see them daily.
4. Create accountability. Finally, you can develop the best weekly work plan in the world with the best money-making activities a human can imagine, but if you don’t have accountability to get the tasks done, you might as well flush it down the toilet. Get team members together regularly for the sole purpose of holding each other accountable for getting key items done.

I have a sample Ideal Weekly Schedule that I’m happy to share free of charge. Simply e-mail me at Bob@CorcoranCoaching.com and I’ll e-mail it to you so you can use it as a guideline to develop your own weekly schedule.

And let me hear from you. What’s going on in your world with your work week? Do you feel like you’ve gained traction in your work life? Do you have any examples you’d like to share? Please send any comments or questions you have to www.facebook.com/CorcoranCoaching.

Bob Corcoran is a nationally recognized speaker and author who is founder and president of Corcoran Consulting Inc. (CorcoranCoaching.com, 800.957.8353), an international consulting and coaching company that specializes in performance coaching and the implementation of sound business systems into the residential or commercial broker or agent’s existing practice. Sign up today for your complimentary business consultation: CorcoranCoaching.com/bpw.php.

Copyright 2011 Agent Publishing LLC