Three easy tasks you should complete each week

In real estate, time is a valuable asset.

You probably feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything you need to get done. So, why should you take another hour out of your busy week to put something else on your plate?

Adam Fridman, founder of MeetAdvisors and Mabbly, recommends taking just one hour a week to complete three tasks that he believes will help boost your business. He believes that setting aside just 60 minutes a week for the list below can truly make a difference.

1. Call a client. Email is great. Everyone who’s in business feels as though they live on email. Most of us are attached to it night and day. But there is real value in picking up the phone. And in less than 15 minutes every week, you can call a client. When you do, though, don’t call with an agenda. Just call to check in. Ask open-ended questions such as, “How are we doing at meeting your needs?” or “What can we be doing better for you?” What you hear will be better than any analytics or customer survey. And don’t underestimate the value in having your clients and customers hear from the boss. It means something and will help build lasting relationships which are the lifeblood of any business.
2. Read the trades. The real estate industry has a plethora of websites and printed materials covering the market. Take 20 minutes a week and nose through it. It’s not that you’ll unlock some secret key to your business. But it’s nonetheless important to know what’s going on in real estate, such as who are the key players, what are people talking about, who is doing what? As a leader of real estate, and a potential leader in the industry, you should know. And you can find out quickly and easily.
3. Close your door. One of the few things every entrepreneur agrees on is that the demands of leading a business can be crushing. And while there is value in having a literal open door at work–close it for 15 minutes a week. When you do, don’t check your email, don’t read reports or prepare for a meeting. Turn your chair around and stare at the wall or out the window. Make it a point to not think about the laundry list of things on your to-do list. Clear your head. The chances are good that, when you do, you’ll be more focused and think more clearly when your attention returns to your business. Slowing down for a few minutes will also allow from some organic, creative thinking–there’s a reason people have inspiration moments in the shower.

“If you plan it right, dividing just one hour a week between reading industry news, calling a client and unplugging can deeply improve your leadership and decision-making. Those are the building-blocks of good being a great entrepreneur. Nearly everyone who’s serious about being a better business leader can find those 60 minutes in their workweek,” said Fridman.