If you’re serious about starting a business, here’s your first to-do: Stop spinning your wheels and start asking yourself the hard stuff.

Too many people get stuck in “idea mode” and never take a minute to think about what they really want, what they’re willing to risk, and whether the timing even makes sense. That’s how dreams turn into disasters.

Here are a few questions to start with:

Why do I actually want to do this?

Is it about freedom, money and purpose, or are you just sick of your job and ready to try something new?

What does success look like to me?

Is it full-time income? A side hustle? A scalable empire? Pick a lane and stick with it.

What’s my real-life situation right now?

Do you have savings? Support? Bills you can’t ignore? All this stuff matters so factor it in.

Who’s counting on me financially?

If your family depends on your income, you can’t afford to ignore the math. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your entrepreneurial dreams either. 

Do I know how to find my first customers?

The “build it and they will come” approach rarely works in business, so be sure to put some time into this part of the planning process. 

The good news is that you don’t have to know everything upfront, but you do need to start asking the right questions. That’s how real businesses get built. 

Start where you are, be honest with yourself and take the next step.

Getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for some structure, support and real-world advice (minus the fluff), check out my courses First-Time Entrepreneurship: Your Complete Success Roadmap and Unleash Your Profits: The Strategic Business Plan Guide.

Developed for first-time entrepreneurs, these resources are all about helping you move forward with a plan that works. Not sure what type of business you want to start? Figure it out in 30 minutes or less with my FREE 5-page, interactive PDF. Click here to download.

Starting a business is hard enough. Don’t make it harder by believing things that simply aren’t true. Based on my experience interviewing dozens of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, here are four myths that trip people up before they even get their businesses started (and why you should ignore them): 

MYTH #1: You need a ton of money to launch.

No, you don’t. You need resourcefulness. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs started small and stayed scrappy. It’s called bootstrapping. The lower your overhead, the more control you keep.

MYTH #2: Your idea has to be totally original.

Quite the contrary. In fact, many times it’s actually better to jump on a well-beaten path instead of trying to carve out a brand new niche. Think of it this way: you’re trying to solve a problem in a way your audience values. That could mean doing something better, faster, or with more care than the next person. Don’t overcomplicate it. 

MYTH #3: You’ll have to work 24/7.

I mean, you can if you want to. A business will take up as much time as you give it, but that doesn’t mean you have to burn out. Set boundaries. Take breaks. You’re in this for the long haul. 

MYTH #4: You have to quit your day job first.

As many entrepreneurs who came before you have already proven, you can build a business while you’re still employed. Then when the business is stable, you make your move.

The bottom line here is not to let fear disguised as “conventional wisdom” slow your roll. Most people giving advice aren’t in the arena with you. Listen selectively, trust your gut and get moving.

Getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for some structure, support and real-world advice (minus the fluff), check out my courses First-Time Entrepreneurship: Your Complete Success Roadmap and Unleash Your Profits: The Strategic Business Plan Guide.

Developed for first-time entrepreneurs, these resources are all about helping you move forward with a plan that works. Not sure what type of business you want to start? Figure it out in 30 minutes or less with my FREE 5-page, interactive PDF. Click here to download.

In the fast-paced business world, time is your most valuable asset. But what if you could reclaim
hours each week, boost your productivity, and finally strike that elusive work-life balance? Taken from
my online course Fast-Track Your Real Estate Career with a Personalized Business
Plan, here are four actionable productivity hacks that will help you accomplish more – and with less
stress and more freedom.

1. Leverage the Power of Delegation (and Smart Swaps). Feeling bogged down by tasks that
aren't your core expertise? Virtual assistants, administrative support, even specialized marketing
help can free up significant time. Can't swing the cost? Explore "task trading" with another professional.
Maybe they excel at social media while you're a closing wizard – a win-win!

2. Beat the Deadline Monster. Early Bird Gets the (Closed) Deal: Imagine the relief of finishing
that crucial listing presentation or request for quotation days before it's due. Finishing projects early isn't just about avoiding stress; it gives you breathing room for unexpected issues and allows you to approach the final stages with a clear mind.

3. Know When to Say "Recharge." Burnout is real, and it's a productivity killer. Recognize your
limits. When the pressure mounts, schedule short breaks – a walk, a workout, a coffee with a
friend. Investing in your well-being directly translates to better performance and longevity in the
business.

4. Conquer the Chaos with an End-of-Day Power-Up. Spend the last 15 minutes of your
workday prepping for tomorrow. Lay out files, organize your to-do list and leave your workplace
tidy. This small investment of time sets you up for a focused and productive start the next day.

Want to rise above the noise and become the go-to real estate agent in your market? Understanding
your competition isn't just smart business – it's your secret weapon!

Here are six ways to analyze your rivals and position yourself for success:

1. Get to know your neighbors: Who are your five closest direct competitors? Identifying them is
   the first step to understanding their local footprint.
2. Spot the sideline players: Don't forget your indirect competitors. Who else is vying for your
   potential clients' attention, even if their services are different than yours?
3. Track their trajectory: Are your competitors' businesses growing, stagnant or shrinking? This
   gives you valuable insight into their market appeal and potential vulnerabilities.
4. Become a marketing Sherlock Holmes: What can you learn from their operations and
   advertising efforts? Analyze their strategies to identify what does and doesn’t resonate.
5. Uncover their Achilles Heel: What are their weaknesses from a client's perspective? More
   importantly, what are their strengths that you need to be aware of?
6. Think about how you can stand out: What can you do differently? And, how does your unique approach, service or expertise stand out from theirs? This is your key to attracting your ideal clients.

***Here's a bonus tip: Start a "competitor file" and collect their ads, brochures, and pricing. Regularly review this information to stay ahead of their moves!