Photo by by annarfay
In my previous blog post, I wrote about running into the wind. I’m going one step further today. Please read this entire blog post because it has some very valuable business advice for you. It will be worth your time! To read part one of this post, click here!
Here goes…
In my early stages of training for the upcoming marathon, I didn’t have many problems. My long runs were rather short and the preparation required was minimal. This is different now. My long runs are 12 or more miles and preparation is extremely important. I would go one step further and say that preparation is critical.
For example, this week I’m going to run 15 miles. I started preparing for this long run last week. Here are some of the things I did to prepare:
1. I plan my weekly daily training schedule so that I can have a rest day immediately before.
2. I usually push myself hard one one of the shorter runs so that my long run pace "feels" easier.
3. Three days before the long run, I change my food intake. I want to eat the foods that will help me vs. hurt me.
4. I take certain supplements throughout the week.
5. I’m proactive about pain management. This includes blisters and chaffing.
6. I charge all of my battery powered electronic gadgets including watch, Ipod and cell phone.
7. I take water and Gatorade with me in a special running belt.
8. I make sure that I have the proper running attire available for the long run.
All of this for a measly two or three hour run. Seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Basically I’m planning a long run about one week in advance. I imagine that this will get easier as I continue to run longer distances and my body adapts. Right now, it isn’t easy.
Now to apply this to business….
What are you preparing your business for?
What is coming in the future?
Are you paying attention?
Most real estate agents got blind sided by the real estate market bubble. Nobody was looking forward. Nobody took the time to prepare for the change in the market. Today, everyone is struggling. There is nothing we can do about this now, except for fight. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, day by day. We can also use this as a tremendous learning opportunity for the future. What lessons has this recession and market bubble taught you? I’ll share some of the lessons I learned in my next blog post. (Add your name in the box on the top right hand side of my blog and it will automatically be emailed to you. You don’t want to miss it. The lessons are good.)
However, I believe the biggest mistake everyone made was NOT preparing for the market bubble. If this is true, what are we NOT preparing for right now? We should always be preparing for what is coming our way, just like I’m preparing for my long run each week.
What do you think is going to happen in the real estate market next year?
What can you do right now to capitalize on this?
Lets not make the exact same mistake again when the market rebounds. Lets prepare for the massive opportunity that is headed our way. Missing the market rebound would be like kicked in the ribs after you’ve already had the air knocked out of you.
Over the last few months, I’ve been doing many things to prepare for a real estate rebound. I want my business to be in perfect position to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead. I do not want to be behind the 8 ball. If you’re paying attention to what I’m doing, you might be able to see this as an outsider. You can learn a lot through observation, if you’re paying attention.
Start preparing now or you’ll suffer BIG time.
