'Tis the season to be working on our 2009 business plans! 
In real estate, it's a numbers game. If you have tracked your number of transactions, average commission per transaction, conversion rates, % of contracts that close, etc., then you can do the math and determine how many transactions you need to achieve the income you need. Then, you can calculate how many contacts you need to create the number of appointments you need to create the successful closings you need, and so forth. Not really rocket science, but most Realtors I know don't like to spend so much time behind a calculator!
I wonder if we have been over-thinking it?
A while back I noticed a great business plan in the comments on another post, and I wrote it down because I liked it so much. I wanted to make sure to include it in my plan for 2009. Now I wonder, do we really need anything else?
World's Best Uncomplicated Business Plan for 2009
1. Make a little more money
2. Spend a little less money
3. Put a little more money aside
4. Say a little prayer of gratitude that you lived to see another day!
Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.
No matter how grand or modest your real estate dreams may be, you can turn to me in confidence. Give me a call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you!
Janna Rankin Scharf AB, GRI, CSP, CNS, CLHMS 208.651.9700
Oh man! I just spent 2 days in Business Planning this week and all I needed was your Blog entry! :)
I would like to add...approach each day, transaction, client, co-broke, associate, lender, customer with a positive attitude,...you would be amazed at the results! Every prosperous wish for an outstanding 09 !
I have the same plan. I think most Americans feel the same way now. I am just thankful that I still have it good. I have a home, job, and loving family.
Great plan....prayer is an important part of our business plan. And the simplier the better........
Hi Janna;
Great plan for 2009, I wish you all the best of luck..................
Good advice/plan! he ha..Hope it works for you, and me next year!
This really irritates me! I literally spend hours building the plan each year. I review it frequently and even took a class to improve it. All I really had to do was read your post. What was I thinking?
Your 2009 Business Plan sums it up nicely. Now all we have to do is implement it.
Simple is always best. You left one thing out, the one thing.
Scott Barr - Don't leave me hanging here! What one thing am I missing??????????
Michael - You know it brother! We all KNOW what to do, but so few actually do it!
Melody - Phew, you had me worried for a minute. I'm glad I didn't REALLY irritate you, I don't think I could stand to be on one more doodoo list!
Kristin - I hope so too!
Anthony - Thank you!
Julie - How right you are. Actually, prayer is an important part of EVERYTHING!
Carol - The other day I was counting my blessings and writing them down for good measure. Afterwards, I realized that not ONE single material thing that money could buy was on my list!
Sally & David - Thank you, and best wishes to you, too. Attitude is key. How fortunate we are to live in this wonderful country where we are free to choose how we will react to circumstances beyond our control!
Scott Leaf - I know! I've been pondering and planning for weeks now! Who knew it could be so simple?!
Keep it simple, I love it! With all the time we agonize and stress out over things, the business plan shouldn't be one of them.
Yes, it's time for the business plan - I've calculated and started The Plan. What I always find out is sometimes what you think is bringing you the most business really is not. Just goes to show, get it on paper!
Janna,
I have many philosophies in life, and when it comes to business, I always hold fast to KISS...
K - Keep
I - It
S - Simple
S - Stupid
Can't go wrong!
Have a great holiday!
Maryellen
Janna: Great place to start, but I'm one of those freaks that needs to see exactly what I need to do to get that little extra money.
The "plan" you created is really not a plan. It's the beginning of a brainstorming session. I would put each of the items you created in a circle in the middle of a page. Then write down everything yo can do to reach that goal.
Because without specifics, without focus and without accountability a plan is but a dream.
I would recommend the process that OPRAH recommends : www.BusinessAndMarketingPlan.com
And you're bound to find good resources at http://www.TheResourceQueen.com/businessplans.html
Maria - Of course I know that the World's Best Uncomplicated Business Plan isn't really a plan! It is the end result I will achieve by implementing my actual business plan.
My business plan goes something like this:
If a Client cancels or postpones, celebrate that little 4-hour vacation!
Jim - I LOVE it! That isn't necessarily my PLAN, but it is often the reality of my life! Thanks for stopping by!
I love your plan and wrote a post about business plan for 2010 and included you and this post.