Do you feel like you are working harder for less money?

Does it feel like every deal takes more and more time?

If so, you are not alone, and you are correct in both. We are working harder for less money, and, time grows shorter as each deal takes more time. Here are some ways you might be able to overcome those issues.

1. Time management. Yes, that phrase again. In a lifetime of one or many careers, we have hard the concept over and over again. But, if ever it was a critical tool, it is now. Imagine years ago you learned to be a juggler. Get to three balls in the air, and you were good. Juggle four bowling pins, and the circus hired you. Now, a juggler, just to get an audition, needs to juggle a bowling ball, a sword, a chainsaw, a lit candle and an orange, all at the same time. For the same or less pay. Do you feel like that juggler?

Managing your time will help soften that blow.

Plan your day. That's right, write it down. Use a calendar, and be sure to allow enough time for each activity. Do not overlap and leave time for personal issues, such as; do you need to go to the bank, pick up your dry cleaning, etc.

2. Avoid activities that steal time from you. Sounds simple enough, but many things in a day can cost you time. Once you are determined what needs to be done, often other people can waste your time. It is a fine line between managing your time effectively and insulting other people; but, someone stopping you to waste your time is no different than them reaching into your wallet and taking money from it. Not so easy, but once you master it, you will be more in control of your time.
3. Delegate… get some help, even from your family. Have someone else handle the mundane items, such as submitting ads, paperwork to your broker, and other issues that you must do but does not create buyers or sellers.

Given that each listing and sale takes more time to generate and close, you need to take more time to work on them, therefore using good time management skills and planning your actions will allow you to be more productive.