In Issue 08 of Elite Agent we had six experts provide their top tips for 2016 in our special feature 30 top business boosting ideas. Here are the top five from Virginia Brookes of Resolver Recruitment.
Success means different things to different people. We all start climbing the career ladder on the same first step and focus on a different outcome that we use as a measuring stick to take us to where we want to be.
Knowing how to climb the career ladder to success can be a confusing path to navigate. The team at Resolver are often asked by clients and candidates alike what we would suggest they do to help them get a pay increase in their next role, achieve a promotion or grow their team to take the business to the next level. Here are a few simple takeaway ideas that Resolver recommends to help set you on the path for success in 2016.
Plan ahead
They say a goal without a plan is just a wish. You wouldn’t set out on a road trip without a map, so why set out on your career journey without a plan for where you want to end up?
Start with the end in mind and decide what your desired long-term outcome is. How do you get there? Sit down with pen and paper, write down all the steps and possible obstacles and then string it all together into long-term goals (that is, one, three and five-year plans) then short-term goals (30, 60 and 90 days).
These goals should be reassessed regularly to ensure that you are on track to reach your end goal. You should also look at what training or mentors you might need to help on your journey to get to where you want to be.
Crunch the numbers
Everything is measurable and KPIs are often set to measure the process. KPIs need to be built around the process of achieving an outcome; for most companies the outcome will be to drive profitability. Some ideas around what KPIs to set could be client retention, conversion of appraisals to listings/managements, dollar value per transaction, days on market, number of leads, customer satisfaction rating or average sales per year.
Go the extra mile
Put your hand up to work on Saturday if you want to learn more about open homes and working auctions. Offer to attend an appraisal with the new guy and share your knowledge; answer the over flow of reception calls if reception is busy or enrol to do your Certificate of Registration or license so you can take on more responsibility. These are all small things but they don’t go unnoticed.
If you’re looking for a promotion or to gain more skills, go the extra mile and help out beyond what is expected in your role. By doing this you will show your commitment to the business and willingness to do what it takes to get to where you want to be.
Don’t stop learning
Ongoing training stops yourself and your staff standing still and becoming complacent. Continuing to develop skills keeps you up to date with industry changes, brings awareness of new technology and new systems, and allows you to see gaps and areas of weakness within yourself and the business that need more attention.
One of the key questions candidates ask us is about the training that the potential employer provides. Clients who offer continued professional development tend to look more attractive to the type of driven and motivated employees that everyone wants in their business.
Network
It is all about who you know; by keeping those doors open you never know where an opportunity may lead. A prime example of this is that 45 per cent of Resolver’s business in September came from referrals. That is a priceless source of business we have been able to nurture and tap into as a result of maintaining relationships within our previous employers and colleagues in the real estate industry, sponsoring industry events, attending networking functions and belonging to industry-specific bodies.
If you want to discuss how to set your career or business on the path for success in 2016, either through the hire of new staff or by showing you how to work in your dream role, then get in touch with one of our experienced and qualified recruiters today; we are here to help ensure that your next hire or move is a successful one.
Virginia Brookes is the Director of Resolver Recruitment and Temp Talent; Resolver Recruitment is a specialist Agency securing permanent staff for the Real Estate and Property Industries www.resolverrecruitment.com.au. Temp Talent is a specialist Temporary Agency securing part time, casual and contract staff for the Real Estate and Property industries. www.temptalent.com.au
