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Jason Boon, Sascha Smithett, Robert Matheson and more, Sharpening your focus for 2012


Sharpen your focus

After a year of freakish natural disasters around the globe, tough financial times due to Europe’s debt crisis and political wrangling closer to home, it is no surprise many are looking to close the door very firmly on 2011 and warmly embrace 2012. Real Estate Academy (REA) asked some of Australia’s top real estate agents what was on their focus list for this year, and it makes for inspirational reading.

Jason Boon, Richardson & Wrench

The easiest way to make a big difference is to watch the small stuff, Mr Boon said, like turning up each day, being present and doing all the simple things that bring results.

“Our focus will be to grow our market share and make sure that each and every one of our clients receives the best service and advice in relation to their property needs, and become clients for life who generate referrals and great word of mouth which will set us apart from our competitors,” Mr Boon said.

And the new dad has also re-evaluated his time away from the office. “I will be aiming to find a balance in my life that enables me to spend more time with my family, whilst still providing outstanding service to my clients.”

Sascha Smithett, Ray White

Ms Smithett said while she still gets a buzz from negotiating sales and closing deals after 13 years in the industry, she realised she often left no time for herself so has set her top goal as balance.

“I started 2012 in Bali at a yoga/meditation retreat implementing some calm after a hectic year, including 36 hours of silence,” she said.

Ms Smithett has set her ideal week, including a date night with her partner, and pre-booked holidays for the year as recharge breaks and rewards, but knows she will need to delegate more to her personal assistant to make all this happen.

“I believe implementing and adhering to what seems so basic will create an enjoyable, stress-free and successful 2012.” On a professional level, she aims to qualify at the Ray White Elite Performer level for the sixth consecutive time and spend more time nurturing the property management team.

Robert Matheson, LJ Hooker

“I have decided that 2012 is the year that I’m just going to do it and focus on the basics,” Mr Matheson said.

He has reviewed how many appraisals and listings he needs to do each month, week and day and set himself up with daily accountability sheets, top prospect books for buyers and sellers, a clean database and new business and personal plans.

Personally, Mr Matheson has committed to more time at home and at least one night together with his wife without interruptions every month.

“Nothing is going to get in my way. 2012 offers me so many opportunities; I just need to go and get them and not wait for them to come to me,” he said.

Andrew Keleher, Jellis Craig

Minimum standards form the basis for Mr Keleher’s goals this year, including what is and isn’t negotiable, what he won’t comprise on in running his business and the way clients are treated.

“Our team will work off check lists, be accountable and go over and above every time for clients. I won’t compromise when advising a client on what I really think they should do for fear of losing the business. Clients just want the truth and great advice, and I will give it,” he said.

While anticipating a tough year ahead, Mr Keleher said he was excited about the prospect of growing market share and building the best team in his new business.

Danny Grant, Ray White

Mr Grant has decided 2012 is the year he will achieve a good work/life balance. “I want to be in my girls' life, not part of it. Whilst I want to demonstrate to my girls the importance of hard work, my greatest achievement in life will be to raise two beautiful, happy and successful ladies,” he explained.

Professionally, Mr Grant’s focus is on running a profitable business that is customer focused and sells properties efficiently for premium prices. This will happen while he maintains an auction clearance rate above 90 per cent with less than 30 days on the market. He also wants to keep his top 10 status for Ray White NSW and top agent in his office, plus reach the top five in NSW by year end.

“2012 will be about enjoying time with my family, sharing success with my clients and running a profitable business,” he said.

Julie Ormston, One Agency

Excited by what surfaced when reviewing 2011, Ms Ormston said she had a great year in sales but knew she was wearing too many hats.

“Now I’ve discovered that I get my real kicks from listing and selling and training both myself and others. My passion for sales is back and so is my mojo! With a new and exciting brand, great coaching, good systems and strategies behind me, I feel really well equipped to focus again on my sales career and to achieve my goals for 2012,” she said.

These goals include earning $800,000, making the top 20 team in WA, earning the master salesperson award, taking Fridays off, making clients feel valued and loving her family.

Damien Said, Century 21

Mr Said expects the shifting market that affected both real estate agents and their clients in 2011 to continue into 2012. His team’s goal is to build strong relationships with vendors by providing the best service and market information to empower them to make informed and timely decisions.

“We are also focused on creating strong relationships with our buyers, giving them the confidence to make the purchase decision knowing they are receiving the most comprehensive and honest information available,” he said.

Renee Hardman, LJ Hooker

Last year was particularly challenging for Ms Hardman, so she is looking forward to 2012 being more positive for her personally.

“I am feeling like I have turned a corner. My goals are to get down and do what I am good at and love - that is to sell Mandurah real estate!” she said. To achieve this goal, Ms Hardman will be focusing on customer service, pricing property correctly, marketing herself and properties she is selling, plus spreading positivity in her marketplace.

“I feel if you don't have the passion and belief in what you do then you may as well take a break or a permanent holiday.”

So, what is on your focus list for 2012?


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Sharpen your focus