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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I need to be a creature of habit. In others words, things I need to do daily, I have to do in the same order at the same time each day. And I need to do them first thing in the morning before phones start ringing.

Jan 21, 2016 08:33 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I start with sort of ''miracle morning'' and move to emails, calls, appointments. I check and post in networks when I wait for something/someone ( instagram, FB, Twitter, LI ~ 10-20 minutes for each/day) and finish day with AR. 

Jan 21, 2016 06:25 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Good morning Peter. you can't manage time. You can time block tho . . . There is a lot of good information on this subject in "The One Thing" by Gary Keller.

Jan 21, 2016 05:10 PM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

For many time blocking works, for others like myself a prioritized daily task list is the answer.

Jan 21, 2016 09:51 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Start with a prioritized 'To-Do' list. Focus on that are refuse diversions unless an emergency.

Jan 21, 2016 09:50 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Make a list.

Check it twice.

Follow the list!

Jan 21, 2016 09:23 PM
Rainer
74,457
Michael Scruggs
UTR Texas-Realtors - Houston, TX
ABR, CNE, TAHS

Peter, I would go back to your business plan you created and stick to the plan.  That should help you manage your time and meet your specify business goals. It is a problem I struggle with also.  I wish you well.

Jan 21, 2016 08:57 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,636
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I time block..always has worked for me.

Jan 21, 2016 08:52 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I like to split my day in have, start by checking messages, emails and returning those in need. Write my block and check my favorites. Usually on the road for my first appointment most often 9am. I try to schedule my appointments in a circe where i dont chris cross or go back to areas i was already at. I try to wrap up my morning appointments by noon. I schedule a lunch where not only can i eat, catch up on messages, offers or such. I can add in any apointments and head out for the afternoon. 

Jan 21, 2016 08:31 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Peter. If I have it on my calender, I do it. I start my day with social media at 4 AM for two hours, then my workout, breakfast and then look out world, I'm ready.

Jan 21, 2016 05:09 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Try time blocking and reading The One Thing..making toooo long a list will find you accomplishing less. If you feel you are being distracted...pay attention to what and when the distractions interrupt your goals for the day and then look for specific remedies.

Jan 21, 2016 04:36 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Peter, there is no such thing as time management.

We all have the same 24 hours, once spent, it's gone forever.

The ONLY thing you can do is manage your TASKS. 

Task management should be your focus.

AND. to manage tasks you need to be able to PRIORITIZE.

I use task management tools like TRELLO.com to co-ordinate tasks within my workspace of collaborators.

However, there is a MAJOR discipline and mental focus required to prevent mission creep. 

Be honest with yourself or you will find yourself falsely believing focusing on busywork is beneficial.

Then, commit to putting things away (done) as opposed to putting things down(come back to it). Unfinished tasks and projects will drain your energy just by their presense.

Jan 21, 2016 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Always do what you hate first..

Jan 21, 2016 09:24 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Plan out your typical day in pencil. Time block in 30 minute sections.  Be flexible and if  you need to make changes that is ok.  Like Gary Keller says you can erase and replace.  Good luck.

Jan 21, 2016 09:14 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Very old school and extremely low tech -- I write a daily to do list.  

Jan 21, 2016 09:09 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Time blocking is as close as you can get in this business! And be prepared for rapid adjustments!

Jan 21, 2016 09:05 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Priority 

Jan 21, 2016 08:49 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I took a course once called "More Time", and it was basically how to use a Franklin Planner (they had their own), and reducing short term goals into an action plan.  I am a total time management slob, but when I used this, it really worked well. 

Jan 22, 2016 11:01 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Make a plan in writing and do your best to stay with it

Jan 22, 2016 08:41 AM
Rainer
2,390
Dianne Dunn
Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors - Marietta, GA
Buyer's Agent Specialist for Metro Atlanta Area

Hi Peter! 

What a great question! Getting a handle on the day early on is the best way to ensure a productive day! I've found that keeping my calender online so it syncs with all my devices has helped me tremendously in that area! When I get up in the morning, my phone has a list waiting for me right there on my home screen, listing all my appointments and tasks for that day. I literally schedule everything in my Google calendar... not just appointments but also reminders for follow up calls and mail outs, birthdays and anniversaries and personal commitments. Plus, this all syncs with my CRM, too! So notes/appointments/follow ups I add on there show up on my phone, computer, tablet, etc! No more leaving the planner at home for me, since I'm never without my phone at least! This may not work for everyone, but it definitely has for me, so thought I'd share!

Blessings,

Dianne Dunn
Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors

Jan 22, 2016 08:27 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

A To Do list with priority A B C may help.

Jan 22, 2016 06:20 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

First two hours of the day is allocated to social media. Then I reach over to the phone for more wholesome interaction. Afternoon is always scheduled for face to face. I always end the day with social media...especially, FB.

Jan 22, 2016 03:50 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Time blocking is my secret with good systems in place. I handle the problems of the day after I am fully awake and firing on all cylinders and get these out of the way. Then on to the other tasks to complete.

Jan 22, 2016 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
32,051
Amelia Robinette
NoVa House and Home - Frankly Realty - Falls Church, VA
Education, Innovation, Service

time blocking works great for me.

i always create a time block for unexpected/new urgent items. usually in the middle of the day. if nothing comes up, then i use if for other stuff or just take a little time for relaxing, throw in a load of laundry, walk the dog, whatever.

Jan 22, 2016 03:26 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Peter,

We have an A list for the most important tasks, and then move on to B and C. We also have stretch breaks.  A

Jan 22, 2016 02:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

That's really tough to do in this business.  I know some agents that only work 9-5, M-F.  They're successful too!  I would never have that kind of discipline.  

No two days are the same and I''m not great at organization, but I try to block off an hour a day for this, and hour a day for that.  It doesn't always work though.  

Jan 22, 2016 12:45 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am a list driven person.  My entire day is written on a 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. I go to the appointment and check it off the list. I complete a task or project and check it off the list. It works for me.

Jan 22, 2016 12:05 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I start my day around 5:30am or so, and spend two hours doing email, updating emailable leads, checking Facebook, ActiveRain, etc. Then I take care of personal stuff (dog walking, running, showering,store) and from 10am on, I take care of whatever appointments I have, and/or whatever my priority must-dos are.

The key for me is putting everything on the calendar.

Jan 21, 2016 11:16 PM
Ambassador
2,178,553
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Prioritize, Schedule and Avoid Distractions. Set time limits for non-essential activities... such as non-business oriented social media, etc.     

Jan 21, 2016 10:44 PM