It's easy to write-off the month of December as a non-business month. After all, it's the end of the year, Christmas, Hanukkah, school vacations, holiday parties, skiing, caroling, shopping, family time. There's just so much to do - who has time for business?
This is a prevailing attitude, but it's dangerous and unnecessary.
December can be a very productive month, and it's just begun.
It's easy to make excuses and decide that people will be so preoccupied with holiday preparations that no business decisions can be made. However, I know many builders and Realtors who have one of their best sales months of the year in December.
Nothing has changed except the calender and our perception if we allow December to be a lazy, unproductive month. People are out shopping for gifts and parties anyway. Why not let them buy a gift for themselves and their families - a new home to live in. Some people can still be in their new home by Christmas if they hurry.
Whatever your sales goals for 2008 have been, wouldn't you like to add another sales or two to that total before January?
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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, sales tips, insights, or strategies, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my other blog homesalesinsights.com. © Steve Hoffacker, 2008. All Rights Reserved.
Steve~ You are right. December is as good a time as any to sell! A few this month would really be GREAT!
I am busy and hope to get a couple of thing under contract this month! No time for shopping -- oh well, I'll just have to depend on Santa Claus this year!
Steve, I share your view. That's why I'm launching "100 Days to Change". I invite you to join our group and share your insights with all of us.
Paul
Steve - I'd like to add as many sales before January as I can...! :)
Vickie,
You're right, and you're just the person to get this done. Go for it. :)
Steve
Joan,
Don't you think a sale would look as good as anything else sitting under your tree? :)
Steve
Paul,
Thank you. I'll look into it. When, where? For which 100 days? :)
Steve
Debi,
I'd like for you to also. Start with one. That's a great beginning. :)
Steve
Steve, great advice! I doubt that anyone has made enough money that they can afford to take a month off, because that will generally translate into at least another month with no income as well!
Tony & Darcy,
Excellent point. That second down month is often not factored into the equation. :)
Steve
Don't want to loose the flow of the business. Keep going strong
Couldn't agree with you more, Steve. I am determined to get at least two more deals together before the end of the month. Not sure where they're going to come from, but I know they will appear. If there's one thing I've learned over the past year it is the importance of holding on to that positive attitude both professionally and personally no matter what. Keep believing...
David,
Absolutely. Business as usual with a big year-end push. :)
Steve
Peggy,
Great. Hold onto that thought and be open to all possibilities. :)
Steve
Personally I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I have a handful of clients who are trying to beat the limit increase in FHA.
Steve, I made the decision awhile back to adjust my goals to fit the market and my particular needs and when I did things started to change in a positive way. December has already shaped upo to be at least 75% better than my best effort in 2008. Great post. Never give up, but keep your eye on making sure the goals you set are attainable andf realistic. Which sometimes means moveing things around a little.
Thanks
Bo
Ellie,
That is great. Show us how it's done. :)
Steve
Bo,
Agreed. If goals are too lofty we may make some progress but might also get discouraged along the way. :)
Steve
We have added 2 sales in December and are preparing for a good January by reviewing our website, marketing materials, training, procedures, etc.
Ryan,
Excellent. Glad to hear it and happy that you shared it. :)
Steve
Steve, I like so many others are trying to get that last short sale to close by the 15th. That should make the bank happy to, this way the banks don't have to carry it over into 2009...
While December doesn't usually stack up as one of my best months, I've been fortunate to have quite a few closings in December over the years. However, I do take that extra time to clean up files, make up buyer and seller packs, and all the other "busy" stuff that I don't have time to do during the year.
Paul,
Good luck getting them closed so that you and the banks acan have a good month. :)
Steve
Craig,
December is usually a good month to squeeze in some planning and cleaning time. :)
Steve
Steve - I'm going for at least 7 more before year end! Might be a little late to some of those parties and events, but I'll be a lot happier when I sit down with the tax man in February!
Karen,
I'm rooting for ya. Go for it. You can party later. :)
Steve
Hi Steve
I have found December can be a very productive month if you focus on business.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Lou,
It absolutely can. Thanks for adding your experience. :)
Steve