It's the end of the year. We're all about to finish up our last few days of work and are looking forward to a summer full of sunshine, family, friends, Frosé, and naps...don't forget the naps.
As we hit the New Year, it's a time when many of us start thinking about our resolutions for the year ahead. Your list might include big-ticket items like moving away, travelling the world, or changing careers.
Speaking of careers, this year is the perfect time to take stock of yours and set some firm, measurable goals that you can actually stick to.
Here are five workplace goals, courtesy of our Director Virginia Brookes, for the New Year. Here's to your best work year ever!
1. Put a plan in motion
You wouldn't go on a road trip without Google Maps, so why set out on your career path without a clear plan of where you want to end up?
Virginia says you should start your career with an end in mind, and think about what your long-term outcome is.
"Sit down with pen and paper and dump all the steps and possible obstacles and then string it all together into long-term goals (ie. 1, 3 and 5 year plan) then short-term goals (ie. 30, 60 and 90 days) these goals should be tracked and reassessed regularly to ensure that you are on track to reach your end goal.
"Also look at what training or mentors you might need to help on your journey to get to where you want to be," she says.
2. Crunch the numbers
Numbers don't need to be boring!
"Everything is measurable and KPI’s are often set to measure the process. KPI’s need to be built around the process of achieving an outcome and for most companies the outcome will be to drive profitability.
"Some ideas around what KPI’s to set could be; client retention, conversion of appraisals to listings/management, the dollar value per transaction, days on market, number of leads, customer satisfaction rating or average sales per year."
3. Go the extra mile
If you want to learn more about the industry, the only way is to get stuck in and volunteer to work extra hours, says Virginia.
"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 overflow of reception calls if reception is busy, enrol to do your certificate of registration or license so you can take on more responsibility," she said.
"These are all small things but they don’t go unnoticed, if you’re looking for a promotion or to gain more skills put your hand up 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."
4. Keep learning
After all, you're never too old to learn something new.
"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 technology changes and new systems, allows you to see gaps and areas of weakness within yourself and the business that need more attention.
"One of the key question’s candidates ask us is what training does the potential employer provide, clients that offer continued professional development tend to look more attractive to the type of driven and motivate employees that everyone want in their business," Virginia said.
5. Network, network, network!
In real estate, it really is all about who you know, so it's important to keep putting yourself out there - you never know where an opportunity may lead.
"Loads of leads and repeat business can come from referrals; this is a priceless source of business you can nurture and tap into through maintaining relationships with previous employers/colleagues in the real estate industry, attending industry events and networking functions, and being a member of industry-specific bodies," Virginia said.