I remember a time when I lived from paycheck to paycheck, and I worked 60 to 90 hours a week. Much of my life was lived out of fear. Fear that I would not be able to make ends meet and provide for my growing family. I lived like this for the first twelve years of owning an appraisal business. It was at that point that I decided to make a change. My business did not transform overnight, but through hard work and consistent baby steps, I have been able to build a thriving business where I no longer work insane hours or live out of fear.
For example, I used to answer my own phones, schedule my own appointments, and update all of my clients. I no longer do that. I used to upload the reports to the clients once they were finished. I don’t do that either. I used to use a clipboard and pen and then have to reenter the information back at the office. I no longer do any of these things. They are all small, incremental changes, but added up - they make a difference.
There is a reason that I am more successful than many of my local competitors, and it is because I don’t do what they do. It is ridiculous to continue to do business the way you always have and expect to achieve different results. If you are not willing to change the model of a struggling appraisal business, then that business won’t be successful.
I encourage you to think outside the box. Change can be scary. I understand that it is difficult to try something new especially when it comes to your source of income, but I encourage you to take that next step in moving your business to the next level.
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
