The most successful real estate professionals have one thing in common: they never stop learning. Working in such a rapidly changing industry means that you, too, must continue to change. Looking to add to your technology toolbox? Learn a second language to better work with international clients? Up your social media game? If you have big ideas for continuing education, but are short on time during the week, turn to the weekend. Below are a few tips to help:
Find the right fit. Do you need a teacher to hold you accountable? Do you prefer online or in-person courses? Before signing up for a class, do your research to find the right fit and set yourself up for success. To start, scour the internet and local posting boards for continuing education opportunities. Look for courses offered online, or through local universities and continuing ed organizations. Do you know a real estate pro who has the exact skill you want to excel at? Ask them how they learned—you may be surprised.
Clear your schedule. Whether you simply plan to use two hours Saturday morning to study solo, or you’ve signed up for a one-day course on a new technology you want to implement, make sure to manage your schedule to set yourself up for success. Ask your spouse to take care of the kids’ morning routines, let your family know when you won’t be available, and take time to fully incorporate your educational goals into your schedule.
Prep. In addition to clearing your schedule, do a little preparation the day before. The night before, set up your study materials in a quiet place in the house, or make your lunch to take to that class on ramping up your online presence.
Avoid distraction. Set your phone to silent, and turn off the WiFi on your computer (if you don’t need it to study). If you’re taking an in-person course, use the few minutes before class to center yourself and rein in your focus.
Stay consistent. If you’re creating your own study schedule, try to create a consistent habit, like two hours Saturday morning, or every Sunday afternoon. This will help when planning your week, and force you to hold yourself accountable.
Make it fun. If you don’t naturally find your study subject fun, add joy by rewarding yourself. Grab coffee with a friend or colleague after that workshop is over, take a long study break walk with your pup, etc.
Make it attainable. Let’s be real: Taking on too much at once means setting yourself up for failure. While the weekend is a great time to steal a few hours for furthering your career, it’s important to also leave time for rest. Start slow and steady when it comes to scheduling time for learning, and add more as your workload permits.
Zoe Eisenberg is a contributing editor to RISMedia.
