Yesterday during the SBS Podcast, Bill Harney shared a tip that has propelled his growth over the past few years. Bill took over his dad’s real estate advisory practice many years ago. For the past few years, they’ve grown 40–50 percent per year. Today, he has 16 employees and the business is thriving.
When Scott and I asked him the most important characteristic that has helped him grow, Bill replied, “focus.”
Bill went on to explain that the real estate industry is plagued with “shiny object syndrome.” Real estate agents are always looking for the next big thing, he said. But Bill has stayed focused, refusing to pursue every new opportunity that comes his way. We pointed out that arguably the most successful agent in the real estate world is Gary Williams, the founder of Keller Williams. Gary wrote a book called “The One Thing,” which is all about focus.
Real estate agents aren’t the only people plagued with shiny object syndrome. Entrepreneurs suffer from this disease as much as anyone. But Bill was spot on: The ability to focus to do a few things instead of dozens—to knock out the one thing that’s most important—that is the critical skill for entrepreneurs.
Learn from Bill and Gary. Focus gives us the power to achieve our goals. Are you clear on the most important thing to do each day?
SBS Idea of the Day: Intentionally plan your day today, making sure you are clear on the one thing you must do today that will most advance you toward your goals. Then do the same tomorrow and every day that follows, reviewing your “one thing” at the beginning and end of each day.
