Is a Certain ‘Syndrome’ Holding You Back?
There’s a syndrome I’ve observed in real estate, and it’s a lot more common than many would think.
In fact, there’s a good chance most of us have it to a certain extent.
But the reality is this phenomenon has the potential to hold us back. What am I talking about? Well it’s shiny object syndrome, or SOS.
And in an industry packed full of tech innovation, big promises and fresh developments, it can be a challenge to avoid.
What is SOS?
Shiny object syndrome is that tendency to get distracted by that latest, greatest tool or technological development that promises to be the magic bullet of success.
It might be a snazzy piece of software, a fresh prospecting technique or some other advancement which is touted as THE innovation which will propel our careers to the next level.
In real estate, we are inundated with the noise of bright shiny new objects each and every day.
But while these tools and innovations might assist our career, they will never replace the activities and hard work that are the foundations of success.
Now we need to double down
Yes we’ve worked hard to get to the point we’re at, but now is not the time for pats on backs or to take the foot off the accelerator.
Nope, now is the time to up the ante. We need to focus, put the pedal to the metal and double down on all the work we’ve done to get us here because we've committed too much to stop.
Now, and over the coming weeks, every call, every appointment, every connection matters. And it matters more right than at any other time of the year.
The trouble with SOS
If you find yourself asking what’s the latest, greatest thing that will help me win business, capture leads and propel my real estate career forward, then chances are you’re suffering a case of shiny object syndrome.
But here’s the thing…People sometimes get so bogged down trying to find or use that next shiny toy that they overlook or avoid doing the things that they know actually work.
Effective isn’t sexy
The reality is the things that work aren’t necessarily glamourous. They’re not that sexy and they’re not so exciting.
They are mundane everyday activities like:
Picking up the phone
Direct mail
Email and SMS
Social media
Doorknocking
Networking
They are the routine activities that we need to do relentlessly to build momentum and create success.
In contrast, bright, shiny new objects feel a little bit exciting. They’re different, new, and that makes them enticing.
But here’s the thing…that bright shiny toy is not going to help you win business.
It might help you enhance it, or save you some time, but it cannot replace doing the grunt work that actually reaps results.
Shiny distractions
Sometimes, we spend so much time seeking out that next bright, shiny object, or working out how that new shiny object works, that we get lost in the noise of shiny object syndrome.
We get distracted, waylaid, and sidetracked by the promise of a magic bullet. So now for the reality check… there is no magic bullet.
Shiny objects by themselves will never, I repeat NEVER, result in the same level of success that is achieved through solid foundations, good habits, and regular, consistent activity.
It’s about solid foundations
If you’re looking to restart, re-energise or simply step up your real estate career, it’s time to get refocused on building or shoring up the solid foundations which underpin success.
It’s about eliminating the distractions, including shiny object syndrome, and getting back to basics.
And that includes:
Knowing what you want to achieve
Setting realistic goals
Creating good habits
Undertaking consistent activity
Holding yourself accountable
This is something we cover each year at the Agents’Agency as part of our Personal Best program where every participant re-examines why they are in this game and exactly what they want to achieve over the 12 months ahead.
It’s not about shiny objects, but the proven motivators, activities, and habits that create career success.
It’s about knowing your why, knowing your what and then making the activities that allow you to reach your goals into actual habits that you undertake each and every day.
And no, some of it isn’t shiny or sexy. But it will lead you to the shiny career success that you actually want.
The only caveat, you will need to do the work.
About the Author
Manos Findikakis is the CEO of Agents’Agency, Australia’s first multi-brand real estate network, ‘the only fully integrated solution for you and your people to create an unforgettable experience.’
For all enquiries and more information on how the Agents’Agency can help you take your career to the next level, click here to get in touch.
